The Elf Journey In The Western Fantasy World-Chapter 54: The Price of Passage

There was no choice but to accept it.

The lessons taught by those who came before—lessons written in blood—had made one thing clear: the Nubilian Union was indeed the best and most stable route through the border.

And so, the Nubilian Union’s high fees became that much more "reasonable."

Illiya shared everything he knew with his companions, and in return, he was met with a lot of shocked expressions.

None of them could believe that a major nation could behave with such shamelessness.

Among them, the most visibly shaken was the young master of the Taeharin family, someone who had clearly never experienced the darker side of the world.

"No way? As far as I know, the Nubilian Union is quite wealthy. One of my family’s biggest sources of income is their orders. How could such a rich nation stoop to something so... so coercive?" Eoryun’s voice faltered near the end, falling into an awkward silence.

He seemed to remember that the Nubilian Union was their golden customer and hastily substituted his words with something less blunt.

Illiya, who knew a bit about the Taeharin family’s circumstances, gave the young master a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, hoping to offer some comfort through the gesture.

"It’s not entirely the Nubilian Union’s fault. It’s because the Border is the only passage to the Dragon Race, the Sky Race, and the Demon Race. These three races must use the Border if they want to maintain contact with the outside world. While a race might survive through self-sufficiency, thriving and progressing requires communication with the rest of the world."

Still unwilling to accept this, Eoryun retorted, "But is the Nubilian Union the only access point to the Border? We can’t let this kind of bad precedent continue!"

Then, as if struck by an idea, his eyes suddenly lit up. "Wait—if I can find another way to access the Border, wouldn’t I become rich?"

This time, Illiya genuinely felt a surge of something like fond pity for the young master. He didn’t mock the naive remark—he merely gave Eoryun’s shoulder another gentle pat.

How could someone be so innocent?

"You’re not the first one to think of that," said Drow, who usually had little presence in the group. "There were people before who thought the same. They believed the Nubilian Union’s fees were outrageous and wanted to find another route into the Border."

"Did they succeed?" Eoryun asked eagerly.

Drow didn’t look at him. Instead, he slowly lifted his gaze toward the city gates bustling with people, his tone turning odd, as though reminiscing.

"No. Their bloody failure became a warning to everyone else. The location controlled by the Nubilian Union is the safest route into the Border. Unless someone has a death wish, no one tries passing through the unstable zones. Just look at the flow of people going in and out."

After that long explanation, Drwo once again returned to his usual quiet self, withdrawing his presence until it was barely noticeable.

Although Eoryun had lived in the mainland all his life, he still knew how dangerous the Border was.

Crossing it was always a gamble.

After hearing Drow’s explanation, he no longer felt like questioning the high fees.

In the end, everyone was just trying to survive. If you could make it out alive, why gamble everything?

Illiya stopped pondering the pointless injustices and strode confidently at the front to lead the way.

Their goal was clear—enter the city ahead and find an inn to rest.

When it came time to pay the entrance fee, even the elves, a race known for never lacking money, couldn’t help but twitch their brows.

It wasn’t about the money. It was the feeling of being scammed that stung.

"Out of sight, out of mind"—that was the unspoken agreement among Illiya’s group.

As long as they didn’t look at the exact amount they paid, they wouldn’t feel the pain.

Life was simply too cruel, so they chose self-deception.

They weren’t the only ones feeling this way.

Everyone who opted to stay at an inn instead of camping out shared the same sentiment.

After paying the entry fee, even complete strangers exchanged glances of mutual suffering.

In their eyes, you could read the same message.

"So I’m not the only sucker here."

Suddenly... it felt oddly comforting!

Once inside, Illiya and his group were greeted by a scene of bustling prosperity.

They saw all kinds of races, mingling together in harmony as though they were one big family.

Everyone wore a smile.

This didn’t feel like a city built on cold hard commerce.

It felt more like a utopia.

There was no discrimination here.

Regardless of your status—noble or commoner—the people of the city treated everyone the same.

"Suddenly doesn’t feel like a rip-off anymore," Seoryun said with a sigh of wonder.

From birth, he had been designated the crown prince, and his life had always been a tangle of politics and calculated approaches.

The treachery of nobles, the lies of allies—only with the friends he’d grown up with could he find a moment of peace.

But the Nubilian Union gave him a different kind of experience.

A world of true equality—it was wonderful beyond words.

The king sheds a tear.

Illiya couldn’t have agreed more.

The days Illiya spent in the royal capital of Areuseon Kingdom were the most excruciating of his life.

Nobles truly were the most annoying existence in the world—every single word they uttered came layered with hidden meanings.

One misstep, and a person could easily fall into a trap.

It was truly too difficult for an elf.

"This atmosphere really reeks of wealth," Illiya muttered, thinking again about the exorbitant entrance fee he had paid to get into the city, which caused another pang in his heart.

"You’re absolutely right," Darius responded with equal grief.

Even though he hadn’t paid the fee himself.

"Hey, hey! Have either of you considered my feelings while saying all that?" Eoryun shouted indignantly from the side. "I’m the one who bled the most money, okay?"