Chapter 41: The Incentive Challenge
“The stakes are simple. If I win, you will pledge your loyalty to me—a true loyalty, not just the superficial support you give now.”
Airael declared.
Though this method of challenging someone sounded a little unreliable, it was quite common in this world.
In a world that values strength, words alone wouldn’t suffice.
Especially with the admiration for individual prowess so strong that it transcends races.
Only the strong deserve to hold high positions.
If you lose, it simply means your opponent is more powerful; allowing them to protect the territory would surely be better than you could do.
On the other hand, victory obtained through schemes tends to lack effectiveness and can breed resentment.
Thus, while external wars might allow for cunning and trickery without anyone batting an eye, when it comes to internal matters, one should defeat their opponent uprightly, so the defeat feels justified, and they would willingly serve you in the future.
These lords are precious high-tier combatants, and combined with their die-hard followers, they form an exceptionally formidable force.
“I understand. So if we win, Your Majesty, you will give up this idea, right?”
“Exactly! If I lose to you, then it means my abilities are lacking. You can treat me as you did before. However, I don’t think that’s likely. As your queen, I will not be defeated by you.”
Airael responded, displaying a nonchalant attitude toward the battle ahead.
It felt as if the outcome was entirely in her hands.
Such excessive confidence could certainly provoke some individuals, and even a sly guy like Mason was feeling a bit fired up.
It was just so infuriating!
That haughty and condescending demeanor really made one want to drag her down from her lofty throne.
Thus, Mason had to admit that Airael’s provocation had worked.
Even if he declined at this moment, it would be pointless.
The Elven Council works on majority rule.
Moreover, if he distanced himself, and those lords got swayed by Airael, he would find himself in a dire situation.
So for Mason, it was only logical to accept Airael’s challenge and join his fellow Elven Lords in defeating her.
Glancing at his “unmotivated” teammates, Mason said to Airael:
“We accept! I hope that after our victory, you’ll keep your word, Your Majesty.”
“No idle promises from me; it’s you who mustn’t go back on your word.” Airael chuckled.
She had merely intended to test this approach but surprisingly succeeded—it should help avoid the oncoming war.
“If Your Majesty truly has the ability, we wouldn’t mind submitting to you.”
Mason suddenly said with a grin.
This new attitude caught Airael off guard.
The others in the hall were equally stunned.
Was Mason about to betray them?
Immediately, the male Elven Lords cast suspicious glances his way.
They were mainly perplexed because Mason’s earlier behavior had been so odd.
“But before that, you must demonstrate your abilities to us.”
Mason continued, unfazed under their scrutiny.
His words eased some of the doubts among the male Elven Lords.
“My abilities will earn your respect!”
Airael declared confidently.
She had regained her composure.
Acknowledging Mason’s sudden shift in stance, Airael couldn’t help but realize he was indeed crafty.
He had prepared an exit for himself, unlike the other Elven Lords who had backed themselves into a corner.
“Then I look forward to it.”
With this, Airael had achieved her goal, and there was no need for further conversation.
After setting a week for their duel, Airael dismissed the Elven Lords.
Linis remained in the great hall, and once the lords had exited, she asked Airael, “Your Majesty, while this approach won’t incur too many losses, it’s still very dangerous for you. And if you fail…”
She didn’t finish her sentence.
She trusted Airael understood well.
Airael smiled at Linis and replied, “Linis, you should know my current standings. I will not lose to them.”
Seeing Airael’s unwavering confidence, Linis felt she shouldn’t press further.
She also hoped Airael would win, reducing conflict among the Elven Race and achieving a peaceful evolution.
But that required Airael, the Elven Queen, to take a risk.
Airael’s strength was indeed formidable, and Linis admitted she couldn’t gauge her entirely.
But one mustn’t forget, too many ants can kill an elephant, and reaching the hero tier indicated their exceptional nature.
With years of accumulation in play, who didn’t hold some trump cards?
In contrast, Airael’s accumulation was comparatively less.
Much of her power had been built up over the last two years; whether she had adapted to such increasing power was uncertain.
Noticing Linis’s lingering concern for her, Airael continued cheerfully, “Instead of worrying about me, Linis, you should be more concerned about Mason and his lot. I’m afraid that in a fit of zeal, some might rush to challenge me.”
Linis looked at Airael in confusion.
Shouldn’t I be more worried about you in this situation?
Seeing her puzzlement, Airael confidently replied, “I won’t be defeated by them. Rather, they should watch that they don’t bite off more than they can chew.”
“I understand; I will bring plenty of high-level priests for observation.”
Linis nodded.
In fact, she would have taken that initiative regardless of Airael’s suggestion.
“Then let’s look forward to the important day coming in a week— a day that will surely be significant for the Elven Race!”
Airael nodded lightly, then suddenly gazed out of the great hall, sighing.
Linis followed her gaze.
She knew that the future of the Elven Race hinged on the battle ahead.
The Elven Queen, Airael, was to face six Elven Lords.
If the queen emerges victorious, she would obtain absolute dominion over the Elven Race.
Should she fail, then the Elven Race would remain in this standstill indefinitely, with no end in sight.
Airael smiled at Linis.
She understood Linis’s concerns.
But risks and opportunities coexist; this was already a favorable situation.
Still, she reaffirmed her confidence in herself.
