Due to their unique status, half-elves get along well with various races; humans, dwarves, half-elves, etc., can all become friends with half-elves, although they particularly dislike half-beastmen. However, the latter has basically become extinct on the continent.
"I’ve long admired Mr. Laine’s name. I’ve always heard about your active presence during my years in Nord." The half-elf began with a long string of compliments, but Laine wasn’t buying it: "Speak plainly, Mr. Estelle."
The smile on the half-elf’s face froze.
His excellent appearance brought by his bloodline has always been his asset in human society.
"Please speak plainly, Mr. Half-Elf," Teresa also prompted, not knowing why, the female sorcerer felt this person’s appearance was somewhat bothersome.
"Yes, please speak plainly, Mr. Estelle. We knights prefer direct approaches. If you have a request, just say it; I have things to do afterward." Laine was not interested in procrastination.
"It’s : Mr. Laine, I’m employed by the Imperial Merchant Mats. Mr. Mats’ caravan is currently stuck in this town, and we want to depart soon for Mijordenhaven to find an opportunity to go to sea, but we can’t meet the lord. I heard that Mr. Laine is acquainted with Lord Villarld. Could you introduce us?" Estelle realized Laine wasn’t joking and straightforwardly stated his purpose.
The half-elf spoke gently and elegantly, his handsome appearance easily made people feel warm and welcoming.
"An introduction, is it..." Laine rubbed his chin, falling into thought.
According to yesterday’s news from Oliver, as the half-elf said, several caravans are now trapped in Kaltenhaven. Due to the Northern Barbarians’ large-scale troop movements and sea monsters’ appearances, Kaltenhaven’s port will definitely not be able to set sail anytime soon, and consequently, the path northward is also definitely impassable.
The merchants are left with the option of Nord Kingdom’s largest southern port, Mijordenhaven.
However, the road from Kaltenhaven to Mijordenhaven is not safe, and it requires crossing two mountains, Hodalen Mountain and Scavell Mountain, which are quite dangerous, as mentioned earlier. Official source is novel[f]ire.net
If Laine guessed correctly, the merchants might want to pay for Villarld to send troops to protect them.
The expression of the Kingdom Knights’ frown was caught by the half-elf, and Estelle thought Laine was hinting at something, so he slowed his tone here, even somewhat condescending: "Rest assured, Mr. Laine, there will certainly be a reward afterward."
"That’s not what I meant," Laine raised his hand to indicate that wasn’t his intention; he wouldn’t exploit someone for a few coins.
He was considering traveling together because he and Teresa might also go to Mijordenhaven.
Teresa stood beside Laine with her magic staff; she didn’t have much of a relationship with Villarld and didn’t want to intervene in these matters. For some reason, her usually advantageous Caster status wasn’t useful for Villarld.
"There is a banquet tonight," said Laine slowly after a while.
"Yes, at six-thirty tonight, Lord Villarld will hold a banquet at his home. My suggestion is that if Mr. Mats plans to contact the lord, then figuring out how to participate in this banquet might be a more ideal result," Laine said. "Due to some matters, it’s inconvenient for me to directly appear, but I can tell you that unless something unexpected happens, I also plan to head south, so let’s stay in touch."
"I will faithfully convey this to Mr. Mats." The news that Laine might also head south was the best Estelle had heard in days. Even so, the half-elf maintained his gentle demeanor, crossed his arms, raised his chin to indicate he understood, and then bowed.
Having said that, the half-elf left directly without further greetings.
"Let’s go to the pier and have a look," Laine shrugged and smiled at Teresa: "Quite a handsome half-elf, isn’t he?"
"Yes, indeed. His attitude is somewhat arrogant, but it’s not particularly off-putting." The female sorcerer held her magic staff and followed. Although the half-elf’s attitude was slightly arrogant and detached, it didn’t incite disgust, rather it felt was just the way such people interacted.
"That’s the racial talent of half-elves. Half-elves naturally have an aura that makes them approachable. This power comes from their elven bloodline, while their human bloodline easily gains our acceptance, so despite their slight arrogance, we don’t easily feel resentment," Laine nodded.
This is the racial talent of half-elves. These hybrids naturally have a high charm factor, allowing them to often navigate between major forces as envoys, winning favor from both sides. Their handsome, pretty appearance and mature, graceful etiquette make them very welcome in upper society banquets and courts.
Half-elves are unlike true elves, as high elves regard humans as "uncivilized monkeys". Half-elves just feel that their blood is slightly nobler, so their speech carries some arrogance. This means little to humans, as class contempt chains far exceed the little arrogance of half-elves.
"Yes, many nobles like to have a half-elf lover, but the outcome is that when they are elderly, the half-elf remains very youthful." Teresa knew of many such situations, and Councillors Jialan always appeared at various upper-class soirées.