Chapter 31: Casual Talk, Part 2

"This isn't about politics!" Ethan began confidently. "It's about the environment. If poor living conditions persist, people will naturally opt not to reproduce. It's basic biology."

"Oh? Do you have any insights, Sir Ethan?" Saberi asked curiously.

What insights could Ethan offer? He knew that if the environment was unfavorable, even animals would choose not to reproduce. It's a fundamental rule of nature. But discussing this with Saberi was pointless since neither of them were policymakers. Even if they were, they'd probably make similar decisions to the duke's because perspectives change with one's position. From a commoner's viewpoint, solving basic issues like improving living standards is crucial. But from a ruler's perspective, achieving their goals swiftly is often the priority.

"Captain Saberi, this isn't the kind of topic we should be discussing," Ethan said, steering the conversation away.

"You're right," Saberi laughed. "So, do you want to go back or stay here and chat?"

"Let's chat," Ethan said, taking a tactical sip of his coffee to hide his embarrassment.

"Haha!" Saberi laughed heartily, understanding Ethan's reluctance to return to his room. He didn't push further but instead said, "We have time. How about I share some stories from my travels over the years?"

"I'd be honored!"

Saberi thought for a moment before starting. "I remember the first place I visited was a place called Palan Island. It's located at the northwestern tip of the Aeldoria continent. You know, Maro City is at the southeastern corner. Starting from Viren Port, you have to sail around the entire continent to get there. The journey is long and dangerous, but I was determined because I heard it was the homeland of the elves. I had to see it for myself. After years of sailing, I found Palan Island and met many long-eared elves there."

Saberi paused, clearly reminiscing. "The male elves were all slick and pretty, quite repulsive really. But the female elves... their skin was smoother than water, their beauty... (here Saberi went on with three thousand adjectives)..."

Seeing Saberi go on about the female elves, Ethan finally couldn't take it anymore and interrupted him. "Alright, Captain Saberi, I get it. The elves are beautiful."

"Uh..." Saberi, caught off guard, looked like he'd swallowed a fly. He stood there for a moment before saying, "Sir Ethan, you really don't appreciate a good story. Just saying they're beautiful doesn't capture the essence of their beauty. Their waists are like..."

Seeing Saberi about to start again, Ethan glared at him.

Noticing the change in Ethan's demeanor, Saberi stopped and changed the subject. "Where was I? Right, I had landed on the island. I was there just to explore, so I didn't bring much cargo or offer much to the elves. But despite that, they warmly welcomed me and invited me to their bonfire night. You wouldn't believe it, their bonfire night is actually a beauty contest. It's a unique way they choose their mates. All eligible elf women dress up and participate, and interested men stand behind the women they fancy. If more than two men stand behind a woman, they duel for her."

Ethan smiled knowingly. "I bet with your personality, you participated. How did it go?"

"Hehe," Saberi chuckled. "You guessed right. They enthusiastically invited me... Hey, what's with that look?"

Ethan gave Saberi a disdainful look, half-lidded eyes showing his skepticism.

"It's true!" Saberi insisted. "I wasn't shamelessly forcing my way in. All the elves present can testify. I chose the most beautiful woman there. You should've seen how many men were behind her. It was like a line stretching farther than my voyage. But that didn't scare me. With my superior skills and unwavering determination, I defeated one elf after another and won the beauty's heart."

Ethan, known for his strong will and bravado, couldn't help but admire Saberi's confidence but found it hard to believe. With a sigh, he said, "Be honest."

"Alright," Saberi admitted with an embarrassed smile. "Those elves are indeed formidable magicians. They beat me up pretty badly."

"Haha!" Ethan laughed heartily.

"But!" Saberi's tone turned triumphant again. "In the end, a beautiful elf goddess took pity on me, perhaps moved by my determination. She chose me, and we spent a wonderful night together."

"Really?"

"Absolutely! I swear it."

Ethan's interest was piqued. "So, what happened after that?"

"After that?" Saberi's expression turned pained. "There was no after. I woke up the next day back on my ship, drifting at sea. If not for the ring she gave me, I'd have thought it was all a dream. I tried desperately to return to Palan Island but never found it again. Every time I got close, a thick fog would rise, making navigation impossible. Running low on supplies, I had to abandon the search. When I told my cousins about it, they were intrigued. My cousin Newborn immediately set out to find the island."

"Newborn Lawson?" Ethan exclaimed.

In a small place like Maro, nearly everyone knew Newborn. He was the first to establish trade with the elves. The rule that humans could only visit the elven island once didn't apply to him. By selling elf-blessed weapons, he amassed wealth and was even granted a hereditary baron title.

"I knew you'd be surprised," Saberi said, smiling bitterly. "He connected with the elves and expanded his business to the imperial capital. An elf-blessed sword could sell for thousands of gold coins."

Ethan nodded. "Indeed, I've been wanting to ask him to bless my Champion's Blade."

"If you get the chance, you should visit," Saberi suggested. "But whatever you do, don't let my niece find out. The elf goddesses aren't to be taken lightly."

Ethan chuckled. "What are you thinking about all day? If I ever visit, it'll be to bless my sword, nothing more."

"Humph! You accuse me of fantasizing, but you're the one taking action all day long," Saberi retorted with a playful smile. "But I believe you. You're a responsible man."

This optimized translation preserves the conversational flow and humor, making it engaging for an American audience.