Chapter 84: Dream of Domination
Linis nodded.
These matters didn’t need Airael to specifically bring them up; she was already on top of things.
Seeing this, Airael continued, “Moreover, we must manage the impact this situation causes very well at the Life Temple. This will be a slow process of change, and if we can’t control it, the Elven Race will truly descend into chaos.”
“Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will keep a close eye on this matter moving forward.”
Linis responded earnestly.
This was indeed a matter where even the smallest mistake could not be overlooked.
It involved the order and faith of their Elven people.
“With you saying that, Linis, I feel at ease. In fact, I think things might not be as bad as we imagine. After all, aren’t there many Elves who wish for their own child but cannot have one?”
Airael chuckled, her demeanor lightening.
She looked down at her own belly.
Just like her.
While much of this yearning might stem from her past life’s impact, regardless, she had already become a mother.
Although the father of her child had been “cast aside” by her, it still didn’t equate to a complete family.
Airael had contemplated bringing Arthur over.
After all, she and Arthur were technically betrothed.
However, doing so would inevitably place Arthur in a very precarious position.
For Arthur’s status was not recognized by certain individuals.
Moreover, Arthur had his own aspirations. With that in mind, she would let him go his own way.
She hoped he could reach the same heights as she had.
“Life for the Elven Race is indeed becoming quite monotonous.”
While Airael was lost in thought, Linis sighed after a brief moment of contemplation.
“For the Elven Race, transitioning from being one to a pair is not an easy feat, let alone the hellishly difficult issue of reproduction that follows. This makes every Elven couple yearn for a child born from love, which they see as a divine blessing.”
“So, our actions seem rather excessive, don’t they?”
“Not exactly excessive, because in a way, Your Majesty, you also represent the will of the divine.”
“Alas—!”
Even though Linis had already mentioned the concept of divine right to her before, Airael sensed that Linis’s meaning this time felt somewhat different than before.
“Your Majesty, when your strength feels like it can no longer increase, you might consider visiting the Treant Tribe again.”
Linis didn’t elaborate, merely stating this.
“I understand.”
Airael didn’t press for more information and nodded in agreement.
She knew that whatever Linis deemed important for her to know, she would make sure she did.
And whatever Linis thought was not for her ears, she wouldn’t divulge.
For example, after she ascended to the Hero rank, she could return to Avalon to continuously grow stronger under the World Tree’s influence.
Previously, she had no idea there was such a thing.
This was more beneficial than harmful for her.
Otherwise, she might have developed some lofty ambitions.
Once there was nothing more to discuss on this topic, Linis shifted to another.
“Your Majesty, let’s talk about Domiya.”
“Linis, is there something you wish to say?”
“Domiya is an exceptionally talented Mage, and she is also one of Your Majesty’s very loyal supporters.
You can extend considerable support to Domiya, but I hope you will also find the right balance.
Your every action impacts the fate of the entire Elven Race, and not just the Elven Race.”
“Are you referring to the research funding matter?”
Airael felt a bit displeased.
Partly because she thought Linis was meddling a bit too much; after all, she didn’t have the power to intervene in such matters anymore.
Though this may seem cold-hearted, such is the nature of royal power struggles.
Even if Airael understood this herself, she couldn’t help but overthink things.
Secondly, she felt she hadn’t done anything wrong.
Without focusing on research, how could the Elven Race progress in the future?
If they didn’t advance, and didn’t let Elves remain at the forefront of the world, then with the current state of the Elven Race, they would soon be eradicated.
Airael didn’t want to end up in isolation.
“Yes and no.”
Noticing Airael’s change in expression, Linis revealed an almost undetectable wry smile.
“What do you mean?”
Airael was puzzled.
“Your Majesty, I’ve realized the importance of research through Domiya’s recent achievements. We must indeed prioritize research and arm our soldiers to strengthen our military power against foreign threats.”
Airael nodded, still confused.
Because it didn’t seem like Linis was dismissing her perspective.
“However, a country, a race, isn’t just about research and military might; lately, Your Majesty, you’ve placed too much emphasis on them.”
Thinking of the enormous funds Airael had allocated to Domiya, Linis couldn’t help but shake her head.
“I think I should focus on them; only if we are strong can we protect our territory from invasion.”
“Your Majesty, perhaps you haven’t grasped my point yet.”
Airael looked at her, waiting for her explanation.
“Research and military do indeed require attention, but you need to be aware of their weight compared to other areas.
I know you also care about the development of other aspects, like education and infrastructure.
However, your investments in these areas pale in comparison to what you allocate to research and military. Do you realize what will happen if this continues?”
Under Linis’s scrutiny, Airael couldn’t help but shiver.
If things continued like this, the Elven Race would slowly morph into a nation focused solely on research and military.
The various Elven Lords might end up engaging in an arms race.
While this would significantly boost the Elven Race’s research levels in the short term, it posed a massive security risk.
Moreover, if the mainland caught wind of this, it could lead the Elven Race to face external threats.
All in all, this couldn’t be considered a good thing.
At that moment, Airael understood that governing a nation was truly no easy feat.
It was completely impossible to achieve all-encompassing solutions with one decision.
“I get it now, Linis, but I’ve already made a promise to Teacher Domiya regarding this matter, and I can’t go back on it.”
Airael displayed a bittersweet smile.
After all, she was a queen; how could she take back her words?
Not to mention it was a commitment to her own teacher.
Additionally, Airael didn’t actually regret making this decision.
Because her inclination still leaned towards strengthening military power.
Who hasn’t shared a dream of domination?
