Chapter 258 - 9.31: The Family I Wanted (Elduin)
Chapter 258 - 9.31: The Family I Wanted (Elduin)
A century and a half had passed since their marriage. The Elven Kingdom was at its golden age for a long time. King Elduin passed down the throne when he reached the age of one hundred to his second son, the new king, King Elrand Wynforest, and the golden age continued for another century.
Meanwhile, the former Elven King Elduin was now 171 years old. Unlike his past self, when he was proud and powerful, King Elduin was now old and cranky. Usually, an elf could live up to 200 years old. But perhaps, because he worked too hard when he was young, it took a toll on his health.
At the age of 171, Elduin was on his deathbed. He clenched his wife's hand tightly, refused to let go. "Big Ero, I don't think I can live any longer. Will you follow me to the afterlife? I don't want to get separated from you. I want to be with you forever, Big Ero…"
Erolith was now 172 years old, but he looked better than Elduin. Probably because of the essence of the earth, or maybe because he simply lived a more leisure life compared to his husband. Erolith kissed Elduin's cheek gently.
"I will never leave you, Elduin. If you leave me first, then I will follow you soon, do not worry," Erolith said.
Elduin stared at Erolith's eyes, his wrinkly fingers tried to touch Erolith's chest to feel his heart, and after he could feel the heartbeat of his loved one, Elduin smiled full of satisfaction. "Big Ero, at least, in this life, we got married and have kids. I am more than fulfilled."
"Please don't make me wait too long, okay? I feel empty without you," Elduin said.
Erolith caressed Elduin's head and replied. "I will never leave you alone, Elduin. Go rest first. I will follow soon."
[Pupa: Ding! Elduin's Fatemeter increases to 100%. Congratulations host! May you have a good love life with the Master of this world!]
Elduin put up his last smile before closing his eyes. Slowly, his soul dissipated from his body and disappeared into thin air. Erolith kissed Elduin's lips for the last time.
[Pupa, do you think I've given him a good life?]
[Pupa: Yes, Elduin is very much satisfied. Although at first, he hates that you had a baby with Urduk/Maroch, but he cares more about your happiness. He is happy as long as you are happy. And slowly, he can accept Merrath in his life as his stepson.]
[I'm glad then. He is such a hardworking king. I don't want to disappoint him.]
[Pupa: You did a great job.]
[How is the Breakmeter?]
[Pupa: Still stuck in 99%. I think it is a problem with Urduk. He is still in Marduk Lake currently.]
[… then I will visit him. I can feel that my body cannot last any longer in this world also. At least, I want to visit him once to tell him about his son.]
Erolith called his sons. "Merrath, Erland, come here."
Merrath and Erland opened the door to see their King Father for the last time. Erland was now the Elven King, while Merrath decided to be a General and a scholar. They were living harmoniously despite Merrath status as half elf-beast.
Erolith smiled at his sons, but it was evident that he was tired already. He said, "Erland, Merrath, your King Father has left us behind, and I might follow him soon. So… Erland," Erolith looked at his second son and said, "Please take care of the Elven Kingdom after we are gone. You are the pillar of the elves. I trust you."
"… yes, Papa…" Erland said he tried to hold his tears, but the emotional Erland always expressed his feeling openly.
"Do not be sad, Erland. There is always time for goodbye," Erolith said. Then he glanced at his first son. "Merrath, follow me."
Erolith used his magic to cover Elduin's body with vines and leaves, then he brought Elduin with him. "Erland, I will take your King Father to the Sacred Tree now, where we all live as part of the Sacred Tree."
Erland watched his Papa went with Merrath to the Sacred Tree with his King Father's corpse.
Erolith opened the secret door of Sacred Tree with Merrath following behind. They were greeted immediately by Elleneth. Elleneth smiled with nostalgia when she saw his Master got old in this world and brought his soulmate to the Sacred Tree. "I can see that Elduin had a wonderful life. His corpse is shining bright in my eyes."
Erolith had a thin smile on his face and gave out Elduin's corpse to Elleneth, "Please give Elduin a proper burial of an Elven King, Elleneth."
"But of course!" Elleneth nodded and used her magic. The vines around them started moving and engulfed Elduin's corpse. Elduin was swallowed by the Sacred Tree, and there was a sign of a name placated near the Altar.
'Elduin Wynforest, the youngest king of Elven Kingdom. The loyal lover of his Big Ero.'
Erolith chuckled at the placate. "I suppose that is what he wants me to see, right?"
"Yes!" Elleneth nodded. She then glanced at Merrath, who was standing silently behind Erolith. "Is it time, Master?" she asked.
"Yes, Elleneth, please teleport me to Marduk Lake with Merrath. I want him to see his father," Erolith said.
Merrath, who was silent the whole time, finally reacted strongly. "My father?!" he was surprised when he heard father. Because his Papa didn't like it when he asked about his real father.
"Yes, Merrath, you will see your father soon."
"Hm… okay then, you two will automatically return after an hour," Elleneth used her magic. In a flash, Erolith and Merrath disappeared from the Sacred Tree.
Elleneth was alone again inside the Sacred Tree. She looked at the placate… or more like the tombstone of Elduin Wynforest. She smiled bitterly. "I hope Master Yunyu can meet with Master Han Ye soon. It hurts seeing them like this…"