"As we enter the forest, please proceed with caution. The forest is sensitive to the corruption—Vermis, as you humans call it." the General warned.
"Is it really okay for us to visit like this? The other elves might react like Eirlia upon seeing us—especially to me, who has the Vermis," I asked out of worry.
"Even if they show signs of denigration, they don't have any other choice but to oblige by my order. After all, this is for the sake of the empire and our duties as guardians. This is the sole reason for our existence," he explained.
I can't help but think about the other opinions of the Elves. Existing only to protect this empire without regarding each other's needs and wants doesn't sit right with me. Elves aren't artificial intelligence programmed only to safeguard this empire, but they can make their own choices and have feelings like humans.