The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

As his father's response remained ambiguous, Desmond, a portly young man with a hint of defiance in his eyes, muttered his protest under his breath. However, he quickly spun around, his face transforming into a deceitful smile reminiscent of cunning traders. With calculated composure, he replied, "Thank you, father. Please excuse me."

"En," came his father's curt reply.

Lowering his head to hide his disappointment, Desmond turned on his heel and left the room, his steps accompanied by the gentle swish of Shelty, a young elf maid, following close at his side. The faint scent of lavender wafted through the air as they made their exit.

...

Upon entering his chamber, the stout boy flung the bottle onto the plush mattress, his expression darkening as he stared at himself in the ornate mirror. Taking a seat at the table, positioned strategically to face the reflective surface, he couldn't contain the surge of anger any longer. "The hell with 'en'! You want me to be your guinea pig?

Screw you!" His words reverberated through the room, punctuated by the resounding thud of his fist slamming against the table. The impact cracked the polished wood, leaving a small but noticeable hole in its wake.

Observing this, Shelty, initially filled with fear, was now overwhelmed by astonishment. She couldn't fathom why her young master chose to vent his frustrations in private, speaking ill of his father and cursing him from behind closed doors. The confusion lingered in her mind as she watched the corpulent boy grind his teeth in anger, his gaze fixated upon the discarded bottle.

The bottle, of moderate size and easily fitting within one hand, held a viscous green liquid within. Its color matched the potion that had caused the boy to hesitate, refraining from consuming it immediately. Desmond picked up the bottle, his worried demeanor apparent as he scrutinized its contents.

Coincidentally, Shelty stood before him at that moment, presenting an opportunity. Her heart raced with trepidation as her young master beckoned her over, reclaiming his seat and placing the bottle on the table.

Terror gripped the maid as she witnessed the intensity in Desmond's eyes. Trembling, she stammered, "I'm... so... sorry, young master... I remember your father assigned me another task. Please excuse me."

Having received her response, Shelty wisely chose not to linger for a reply and hastened toward the exit, her hurried footsteps echoing against the chamber's stone floor.

*Thump*

"Ouch."

Suddenly, she stumbled backward, colliding with an unexpected obstacle. Bewilderment washed over her as she realized that the path to the door, which should have led her to safety, was now obstructed by freshly risen earth. A musty smell filled the air, accompanied by the soft rustling of displaced soil.

When Shelty saw this horrifying sight, comprehension and shock clashed within her. Gradually, she turned around in fear, only to find her young master approaching with a disgustingly twisted smile etched across his face. "No! Young master, please..." Her plea escaped her lips in a desperate whisper as she used both hands to crawl toward the earthen door.

Her complexion paled as if she had glimpsed a ghostly apparition, and tears streamed down her thin, anguished face. She frantically scratched at the earthen barrier, her beautiful nails scuffing and breaking in her helpless frenzy.

...

Meanwhile, in a realm far from the domain of the human race, a land of exquisite fertility sprawled before the eyes. Verdant plants flourished abundantly, their growth even encroaching upon the main road, while towering trees loomed larger than any found in human territories. The land seemed to be draped in a delicate mist, lending an aura of mystery that intertwined with its breathtaking beauty.

Within the nearest forest, a majestic dwelling stood, resembling a regal palace known in the human world. However, this extraordinary house was uniquely integrated with a colossal tree serving as its protective canopy. No longer deserving the title of a mere house, its size rivaled that of a castle, and its expansive courtyard could easily accommodate five hundred people simultaneously.

Surrounding it, a collection of dwellings shared the same concept, albeit on a smaller scale. Some were nestled within the trees, while others ingeniously dug into the earth or constructed their homes high above the ground. This amalgamation of houses formed a bustling town, albeit one that defied the organized and orderly nature of human cities.

Instead, its charm lay in its haphazard arrangement, appearing simultaneously chaotic, yet harmonious and elegant.

As Shelty's gaze swept over the enchanting city, she noticed the curious sight of peculiar beasts ambling alongside the town's inhabitants on the clean, vine-laden streets. From a distance, the city resembled a leaf-covered dome, a testament to the artistry of nature's canopy.

Though the giant trees had grown randomly, their sturdy trunks unintentionally formed a protective barrier akin to towering walls, safeguarding the hidden splendor of the city.

Amidst the lively throng of people traversing the main road, some were armed with swords and arrows, their determined strides intermingling with those who rode astride the peculiar beasts.

The inhabitants of this peculiar city bore little resemblance to humans, with their unique features setting them apart. Some possessed elongated ears that extended far beyond what was typical, while others displayed brownish skin yet retained normal-sized ears.

The average denizen here possessed an unusually slender frame, with women boasting petite breasts, and their towering height defying the norms of the human world. Despite their unconventional physiques, nearly everyone in this realm could be considered strikingly handsome or breathtakingly beautiful by human standards.

Their fair, alabaster skin accentuated their allure, while their graceful, slender hips further added to their captivating appeal. Curiously, though, interactions lacked flirtation or teasing among them, and no amorous glances were exchanged. Instead, a warm, familial spirit permeated the air as they greeted one another, as if each resident were part of an extended kinship.

Yet, this familial treatment was exclusive to those with fair skin.

Whenever an individual with longer ears than their peers strolled along the streets, others would bow respectfully before resuming their journey. Conversely, those with tanned skin were met with disdainful gazes, as if they were objects of scorn.

...

Within one of the opulent chambers, reminiscent of a royal palace, sat a regal figure. This person possessed elongated, slender ears, their height towering above others, while their visage exuded remarkable beauty. The room bore an air of a throne room, evident from the grandeur surrounding the individual seated upon the ornate throne chair.

Such was their breathtaking countenance that individuals from outside this territory would struggle to discern their gender. However, the garments adorning this person indicated an exalted position, as the occupants of the room regarded them with utmost respect.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. I bring a message from the esteemed elders," spoke a man, clad in an elegant suit of armor, embellished with shards of emerald-green glass. He knelt before the throne, his sword secured to his hip, while his helmet, previously worn, now rested in his right hand.

Adhering to the region's traditions, the helmet had been removed, for facing the king without doing so would be seen as an act of disrespect, both toward the divine and the king's own personhood, akin to disregarding their very face.