Chapter 53: The Martial Arts Courtship

Chapter 53: The Martial Arts Courtship

If humans were truly to use their numbers against the Elven Race, Airael had no good way to counter it.

So many people, just standing still, would exhaust many Elven Soldiers as they pressed forward to fight.

Thus, if humans really intended to take action, she couldn’t just sit idly by and needed to make some arrangements.

“It seems, Your Majesty, you already have a method in mind.”

Linis looked at Airael and said.

“The specifics haven’t been determined yet, but I do have a rough idea.”

“Well then, I won’t need to worry too much. The affairs of the Elven Race can be left in Your Majesty’s capable hands, and I can focus on the matters pertaining to the temple.”

Linis’s words left Airael surprised.

It seemed Linis was implying she intended to withdraw.

“Your Majesty, you have grown up; my help is no longer as vital to you. What you need to do next is continuously prove your abilities to those who still doubt you.”

“I understand.”

Airael nodded firmly.

She knew that Linis was doing this for her own good.

Linis had great influence in the Elven Race.

If Linis remained, many of the accomplishments, no matter how much Airael had achieved, would still be credited to her.

Only by stepping back would Linis allow Airael to receive all the glory she rightly earned.

“Then I shall take my leave.”

Linis smiled, slightly bowing as she departed.

Airael watched her leave and then turned her gaze out the window towards the horizon.

No matter what the future held, she was determined to make her stand.

—

After the Elven Lords swore loyalty to Airael, the strength of the Elven Race became unprecedentedly concentrated following its decline.

Based on the expertise of each territory, Airael assigned roles accordingly.

For instance, Mason in Menas City remained in charge of foreign trade.

However, the Elven Race’s trade with the outside world had changed significantly now.

Previously, Airael could only effectively control trade on the royal city side; now she could oversee trade for the entire Elven Race.

This would further assist Airael in balancing the overall finances of the Elven Race.

She aimed to prevent too much gold from flowing into the human market.

Instead, she allowed expenditures to slightly exceed income, creating a small trade deficit.

This way, humans could earn gold from trading with the Elves, but not too much—just enough to keep them hooked.

Of course, trade was only one aspect.

Airael was more focused on increasing internal productivity within the Elven Race.

By gaining a larger controllable population, Airael naturally initiated a division of labor within the Elven Race.

She encouraged more Elven populace to engage in industrial labor, thus enhancing the overall productivity of the Elven Race.

In short, it was all about vigorously developing industry.

After all, it takes hard work to build a nation.

As Airael boldly promoted the growth of the Elven Race, as she expected, humans had set their sights on her.

Before, she was seen as a mere decorative figure; now, she was essential to those human nations.

Successfully marrying a powerful Elven queen would greatly benefit their countries.

Hence, various nations sent envoys to inquire about the agreements made previously.

Though they posed their inquiries, everyone understood the underlying message.

Surely, Your Majesty could not simply disregard the agreement of years past; that would be a breach of trust.

Especially during the time when the queen had just assumed power.

“Your Majesty, that’s how things stand.”

The Elven Race’s foreign minister, Bolk, reported after briefing on his initial discussions with various human diplomats, then bowed his head.

“They truly won’t budge an inch!”

Airael chuckled in response.

“Your Majesty, your charm is simply too great for them,” Bolk complimented, subtly buttering her up during his explanation.

“My charm is indeed considerable, but they must have the capacity to handle it,” Airael said, her beautiful eyes narrowing dangerously.

“Your Majesty!”

Noticing Airael’s ominous tone, Bolk quickly interjected.

“Now is not the time for impulsiveness. Not to mention we are at a disadvantage, we shouldn’t engage in conflict with the humans right now. You know, many of our raw materials for factories come from them.”

“Bolk, I understand what you’re saying, rest assured, I am not that impulsive. You might have misunderstood my words earlier.”

“Then Your Majesty, what do you mean?”

Bolk asked, puzzled.

“Bolk, how about we host a martial arts contest for courtship?”

“A martial arts contest for courtship? What does that mean?”

“Since they wish to marry me, they should prove their abilities in a contest.”

“Your Majesty, you mean you would fulfill the agreement and marry a human?”

Bolk frowned as he asked.

His thoughts had already shifted away from the idea of a contest.

For him, the strategy of courtship was less significant; what was important was Airael’s intentions.

This could severely impact the diplomatic policies being formulated by the foreign ministry.

“I didn’t say that; I only mentioned that those with ability are qualified to marry me.”

Airael smiled, a hint of cunning in her expression.

This approach should provoke infighting among the humans.

After all, every nation wanted to marry her.

“I see.”

Bolk nodded.

Airael continued, “Bolk, inform those human diplomats to gather the outstanding young men from their nations after they return and select the very best to participate in the ultimate test I will host.”

“Understood!”

Bolk accepted the command and departed.

Once Bolk was gone, Airael let her mind wander, recalling Arthur.

He must have known her identity by now, and after realizing this, what would he do?

Airael felt a sense of anticipation for how he would respond.

In the Machia Republic, within Arthur’s territory.

Recently, the entire area felt rather gloomy.

Such a situation was very unusual.

Since Arthur arrived, he had implemented quite open-minded policies that brought vitality and energy to the place.

However, with Arthur’s mood swinging wildly of late, the entire territory had grown tense.

The citizens naturally held a deep respect for their lord, especially during his unpredictable moments; they dared not cause trouble.

Arthur’s bad mood had its reasons, of course.

This began with the news of various nations sending diplomats to the Elven Race.

As the human elite took action, all sorts of rumors began circulating back in their respective countries.

The thought of losing his wife to someone else was enough to keep Arthur from remaining calm.