The city gates were huge. They covered a large area and allowed various goods and services to pass through.

Seeing those massive gates, anyone would have been in awe and kept looking.

"Wow! Are those the city gates? People say they were massive, but I never thought they were this huge. So, when are we passing through them? And what about the procedure to check our identity?"

Kolvar asked as he looked out of the window.

He was the one who was chosen to occupy the carriage with Layla because of his severe injuries.

Usually, the elf was much more dignified than this, and he kept his words to himself to not overwhelm the others with this excitement.

But at heart, he was very much a kid, which was evident in his excitement at the tiniest thing.

"It takes a long time and procedure to check things here. If we talk about our party, with everyone combined, it might take days before we can enter.

And that is only if they don't try to cause unnecessary trouble for us because we are from Duke Lockhart's family. Some people do not like nobles."

Layla informed Kolvar, but his enthusiasm looked a little damped by her words.

"Is that so? Then, how are we going to enter? And where are we going to stay in the meantime? We don't have enough supplies left to last out here for a few days. Will we have to go hunting? Or will someone sneak in and get us food?"

Kolvar's mind baked up theories about how he and his fellow elves would survive in the wild while their identities were confirmed.

"Huh! Who said that we will be entering the city from here?"

Layla asked, and the teenage elf looked even more confused.

"We are not entering from here? But isn't this the only entry to the city open to the general public? Won't we get in trouble for using another passage to get inside?"

Kolvar asked in a confused voice as he took in Layla's words. Layla did not blame him because he had difficulty thinking about what was happening.

"Don't worry too much about it all. I have a way to take you all that does not involve going through this path. Just wait and watch."

Layla assured, and they passively walked past the city gate.

Their caravan was large, with many carts and people. But since they were not approaching the city, no one checked them all.

"What is going on here?"

"Are we not entering the city? I thought that was where we would be heading?"

"Oh no! Did the queen make a mistake? Will we all be sold off at an auction to the humans?"

People had wild imaginations as they continued gossiping about where they were being led.

The more time passed without an answer, the more these people began to panic until one could not take it anymore, and he ended up asking his question aloud.

"Where are you taking us? The city gate is back there. Are you trying to trick us after all this time?"

The man asked in a terrified voice as he and the others stopped to look at Layla and Mary.

Layla kept calm when she opened her carriage gate and looked out.

"Queen Elf, do you have a problem while traveling with us? Do you also think that I am trying to trick you?"'

Layla asked the elf queen first, and the female looked as passive as ever.

"No, I know that you are not trying to trick us, so I don't have any problem following after you. I apologize for any question my foolish companions are asking as well. They are too young for all this, so they can't recognize your goodwill.

*Sigh* This makes me worried about the time after I die and a new leader having to take over. It will be tough to lead them all."

The old elf queen spoke, and most people immediately looked at her with a concerned look.

"Queen Elm, please don't say these words. You will live a long life and remain our queen for much longer."

Siduri stepped forward and grabbed the elf queen's hand in her own. Her voice was subdued, but it rang strong.

The elves were unwilling to take any answer other than the one they wanted.

But the old elf queen did not have it and decided to let it be known.

"Death comes for all living creatures bound by the laws of this world, and I am no exception. I have long lives past my prime, and it will soon be time for someone else to take over.

However, I want the new leader to take their place in peace without worrying about our constant safety. That was why I agreed to this deal and asked you to pack and come here.

Little Lady Layla, I will leave these people in your hands. Please, take care of us and do not hesitate to use us."

None of her subordinates cut the elf queen's words.

Everyone looked slightly emotional as they heard the elf queen's words for their future. They all knew the elf queen would have to be replaced one day, but no one wanted that day to come.

"Your heartfelt words and tears are fine, but you might want to save them later. We have finally reached our destination - the back entry to the village specifically for our Ducal household."

Mary broke the heavy air with her words.

She knew how heavy the atmosphere had gotten, but she did not care to rectify it in any shape or form.

Instead, she was more focused on leading these people to where they needed to go, which meant inside the duchy.

"Halt! Please show your identification and your purpose of being here. We will convey your message to the appropriate party and get you an entry permit.'

The guard asked before Mary stepped up to him. She flashed her disturbing smile at the guard.