Chapter 2: Information About Arthur

Chapter 2: Information About Arthur

After Linis left, Airael turned her attention back to the documents on the table, swiftly scanning through their contents under the care of the returning maids.

During this process, the maids served tea and water, doing everything to keep Airael from having to move.

Although Airael read quickly, it seemed as if she hadn’t grasped much, yet the details were fully absorbed and understood by her sharp mind.

At first, she was somewhat clumsy with managing these state affairs, but after several months of practice, it became second nature.

Especially with her astonishing memory, skimming through documents was a breeze.

Although her work efficiency had significantly increased, Airael didn’t find herself with much leisure time.

Her work hours still spanned a full morning.

Once she finished the documents, she could express her own opinions.

Previously, she thought just giving a nod to the ministers’ suggestions was sufficient.

In other words, Airael had taken on more work for herself.

Though her workload had increased, Airael found joy in it.

Because now she was truly wielding power.

Before, she had merely the right to confirm or reject.

Suddenly, Airael paused, staring at a document in her hands.

This was an intelligence report.

Information concerning the continent.

Although the Elven Race had secluded themselves, they had never ceased their surveillance over the continent.

Reports were sent regularly to the elves.

As for real-time information, that was out of the question; without breakthroughs in communication devices, it could only be sent using primitive means.

For example: carrier pigeons.

Airael paid close attention to the information from the continent each time.

From these reports, she witnessed someone’s rise.

Such as a report that came earlier.

The human hero, Axi, captured Dwarf King Soron, delivering a significant defeat to the dwarves.

Though defeating the dwarf army was not solely Axi’s achievement, his performance on the battlefield was undoubtedly the most outstanding, easily drawing attention and admiration from others.

Today, Airael received news that the humans and dwarves had reached a peace agreement.

Humans would return Dwarf King Soron along with other dwarf captives, and in return, the dwarves would share their firearm technology with humans, while humans would maintain their suzerainty over the dwarves.

After reading this, Airael wasn’t sure what benefits Arthur gained from it, but it was safe to assume there would be plenty.

Although the elven spies were widespread, they weren’t quite powerful enough to gather some secrets.

She wondered how that guy’s influence had developed — had he followed the instructions she had given him back then?

Airael couldn’t help but let her imagination soar.

Then she glanced down at her rounded belly and made a decision.

Picking up her pen, Airael began to annotate the document.

She didn’t write much; just instructed the staff to pay special attention to Axi, requesting detailed information about him.

Airael didn’t think anyone below would overthink this.

Ordering the attention on a rising heroic figure was quite normal.

After finishing, a smile graced Airael’s face.

She looked forward to the upcoming information that would be sent back.

The new reports regarding Axi would surely be more detailed.

Having spent so much time together, they shared an intimate relationship, resulting in a child belonging to just the two of them.

Therefore, after being apart for so long, Airael truly missed Arthur.

Even though she left with grace, certain matters still left a deep impression on her heart.

Especially at night, lying alone in bed, though the large bed was soft and the quilt warm, there was a period where she felt quite uncomfortable.

Perhaps it was the lack of security during pregnancy, wishing the child’s father could be by her side.

Fortunately, that was just a phase that quickly passed, as Airael adjusted her feelings.

She understood her situation was quite special.

Thus, she couldn’t allow herself to wallow in it; she must bear her responsibilities.

She was the Elven Queen! She had to grow strong and couldn’t solely rely on others.

Moreover, she couldn’t consider herself just a pure woman.

Though much time had passed, she could still summon some masculine vigor.

And even if there were possibilities with Arthur, it wasn’t the right time.

So, after embracing her responsibilities, it was perfectly fine for her to be a bit indulgent today.

Besides, this matter couldn’t be entirely personal.

As mentioned earlier, the political system of the Machia Republic was different from other human kingdoms.

It was a republic.

In name, the leader of the country was elected.

Meaning, as long as you had enough influence, theoretically, you could become the leader in the next election.

Arthur already had a solid influence and, with his military accomplishments, had gained notable recognition.

Especially in the second battle, where he captured the Dwarf King, making waves among all humans.

With the aid of the Tower of the Archmage, Airael had no doubt that he could become the leader of this nation.

Of course, there would surely be some bumps along the way.

Thus, involving a human leader’s change could even stir up shifts in the world situation, so it was no exaggeration to give him proper attention.

With a sweet heart, Airael finished annotating the document and set it aside.

Perhaps as a subconscious action, she didn’t place it with the others that had been processed but kept it separate.

Then she focused her mind back on handling other documents.

After a busy morning, Airael, with her inconveniently large belly, made her way to the dining room with a crowd of maids.

In the dining room, the palace chefs had prepared meals suitable for her as a pregnant woman, specifically targeting the various stages of pregnancy and child health.

Providing ample nutrition while also tasting quite delightful.

After lunch, it was time for a nap.

However, this time, Airael didn’t fall asleep right away. She lay in bed, gently stroking her belly, her eyes vacant, clearly lost in thought.

Airael was pondering the future relationship between the elves and humans, or rather, her relationship with Arthur.

If Arthur truly managed to secure power, there would undoubtedly be interactions between them.

Especially now that the three hundred-year pact with humans had come to an end.

She was also now in real power.

Previously, humans were too embroiled in war to pay attention; now, however, the unrest on their side had finally quieted.

Although Airael and Arthur already had a child, they remained unmarried.