With trembling hands, I took a picture book and flipped through it.
“Oh, good taste, ‘The Elf Princess and the Seven Orcs’ is the best seller at the exhibition” Rolanna laughed, and at the same time started to explain the plot to me.
The content of the book goes something like this:
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful elf princess. After her mother died, her father married a new queen.
Stepmother through the magic mirror learns that the princess is the most beautiful elf in the world. She was jealous of the princess’ beauty, so she found her men to kidnap the princess and threw her into the depths of the forest to fend for herself.
The lost princess was tired and fell asleep by the roadside.
Seven strong orcs found the princess.
The monstrous orcs tied the struggling princess and took her into their cave.
Ten pages of material not suitable for children are omitted here.
The cruel queen through the magic mirror learned that the princess was still alive, she disguised herself and with poison apples went into the forest.
As a result, the queen was also captured by the orcs.
Another ten pages of material not suitable for children are omitted here.
Celebrations, Celebrations.
“Celebration your mother!” I was so angry that I slammed the book to the ground.
“By the way, the author of this book is that prosecutor at the trial. Drawing manga is her side occupation.”
“Is it her? I’m gonna tear that woman! This is a complete distortion of facts!”My anger almost overflowed this small office.
Could this kind of thing be released? This country’s control of speech and publication is too lax. If I were this country’s lord, I would have definitely put the author of such work in prison.
“Please Calm down, there are worse.” Rolanna patted me on the shoulder and out of nowhere pulled out picture books with more worse covers. “They are all hardcore.”
“What kind of messy books are these!” I thumped on the ground.
“As long as you orcs appear on any scene, it’s going to be R-rated.” Rolanna Shrugged.
“Does it mean that our very existence is R-rated?” I became a little desperate.
“Naturally, orcs are the kind that conquers any intelligent species, from queen to princess to civilian women–”
“Enough, enough, I’ve already heard it before! I have said that we are a civilized race! We wouldn’t do that kind of thing!”
“Unfortunately, in the eyes of the most elves, you orcs are such a race. What these picture books show is the inherent impression of elves towards the orcs.”
“How could this be…” I froze with my mouth wide open.
Although I heard that the elves who were sworn enemies in the past demonized us orcs in various folklores and writings, I didn’t expect that it would be twisted to this extent!
“So you should understand that if you don’t change the impression of orcs in the eyes of our elves, it’s simply impossible for the elves to accept peace talks with orc tribes.” Rolanna began to guide me, “Do you understand where you stand now? The so-called civilizing, frankly speaking, is an opportunity to change the elves’ impression of the orcs. You can now say that you are the emissary of your tribe. If you give up this unique opportunity, what will happen to your tribe? I don’t need to say it, right?”
“Ah…”
She seems to be right.
Once the war starts, my tribe would be in grave danger.
I could help thinking of my friends, relatives, children of the tribe, the old chief who treated me well, and the comrades who had shared life and death with me…
Is this the only way?…
“So now, what is your answer?” Rolanna stood in front of me again and looked down at me.
“…All right.” After a silence, I reluctantly compromised. “But first tell me why you are so enthusiastic about this matter?”
“Didn’t I say that? Because I am a pacifist.” she gave a harmless, loving smile.
“Truth?”
“There are not many opportunities to train an arrogant orc, isn’t it exciting!?” She finally showed a sincere sinister smile.
“You really don’t have any good intentions…” I looked at her with disgust.
“Well, after all the great effort I spent to get you a chance. Would it be too much to let me have a little fun?” she smiled broadly, “I am the Dean of the Central Academy. Now that you have agreed to enroll, you should remember that from now on you have become my student. Ah! I don’t know your name yet?”
“Brock, first-class warrior of Bloodaxe clan, Brock,” I said with a snort.
“Then, welcome to my academy, student Brock,” she said with a smile.
“Hmm” I answered in a deep voice.
“The student’s answer shouldn’t be like this. Isn’t there a school in your civilized tribe?” she said teasingly.
“Yes, ma’am” I responded helplessly.
“Good” She nodded with satisfaction.
For the sake of my people, I have to bear the humiliation.
(TN: Just a little spoiler, the real reason for Rolanna helping Brock will be in chapter-15 )