Chapter 76: Difficult Choices

Chapter 76: Difficult Choices

Karina’s thoughts were unknown to Arthur, who was entangled in a multitude of matters at the moment.

It occupied more than half of his mind.

Not only did he want to clinch the top spot in the upcoming selection contest, but he also wanted to protect Ailia.

He needed to strengthen his power, becoming capable of safeguarding Ailia and their daughter, Anna.

His life wasn’t just about him anymore.

With Ailia in the picture, and now Anna as well.

Both were the closest people to him.

Under these two significant matters, he had little room to focus on anything else.

Let alone the fact that Karina had been performing well.

She was only gathering information related to Arthur and hadn’t overstepped any boundaries.

In the Elven Royal Palace, within Airael’s office.

That morning, Airael was as usual, busy with her work.

Suddenly, she paused and asked her companion Celia, “The selection contest is about to start, right?”

Celia, fully aware of what Airael was referring to, replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, the contest will begin in two days.”

Airael fell into silence afterward.

Celia didn’t say anything more either.

Truth be told, Arthur’s involvement had disrupted Airael’s plans for the event.

If Arthur were to secure first place, what should she do?

Should she proceed as planned, or let things unfold naturally, leading her and Arthur to be irrevocably linked?

While the latter sounded beautiful, every situation has its two sides.

By uniting with Arthur as the Elven Queen, they would inevitably find themselves in the spotlight.

Airael was fine.

She had fulfilled the contract made with humanity and had no moral issues there.

If humans came to steal her away, she had confidence in her ability to resist.

Arthur, however, was different.

His power in the human world was quite weak.

Although marrying her would help him gain significant influence, it would take time for that influence to translate into real power.

What if certain people didn’t give Arthur that time?

At that point, even if she wanted to help Arthur, it might be beyond her reach.

Arthur’s roots were in the Machia Kingdom.

Between them lay not only a vast ocean but also the Nick Kingdom.

Compared to that, the ocean was nothing to her.

Mork might not have given her a clear answer, but his intentions were obvious.

With Mork’s support, combined with the ever-growing navy and air force of the Elven Race, dominating the seas wouldn’t be just a dream.

However, these plans wouldn’t hold on land.

While they could deploy air troops, the navy could only operate at sea.

And just relying on the air force wouldn’t be enough against humans.

Let alone the fact that human technology, spurred on by Dwarven innovations, was progressing.

But if she stuck to the original plan…

Then it would mean hurting Arthur again and turning him into a laughingstock.

Since the day Arthur raised this issue, Airael had mulled over it more than once.

Yet, each time, she couldn’t figure out what to do best.

Every choice had its advantages and disadvantages that Airael needed to carefully weigh.

Arthur, you really have presented me with a conundrum!

In the end, Airael couldn’t help but smile wryly.

Just then, she resolved in her heart.

She would seek out Arthur again that afternoon.

If he troubled her, it wouldn’t be wrong for her to gather some joy from him too.

Putting aside her swirling thoughts, Airael redirected her focus back to dealing with state affairs.

Meanwhile, as the selection contest approached, the participants grew increasingly anxious.

Having spent some days among the Elven Race, they were adapting to this new environment.

Now, everything was ready; they just needed a favorable wind to set sail.

Once the contest began, they would showcase their skills on the battlefield.

Among them, Arthur and Crown harbored thoughts distinct from the others.

Time swiftly moved to the afternoon.

Airael arrived at the familiar inn.

Easily entering Arthur’s room, she watched him remove his cloak and smiled, asking, “Arthur, did you miss me in the past couple of days?”

“I did.”

Arthur honestly replied.

Of course, he missed her. In fact, he thought about her every moment.

Looking into Arthur’s sincere eyes made Airael’s heart heavy as she said, “Though I wanted to find you, please understand. As Queen, I’m not always free.”

“I understand, Ailia.”

Arthur was equally touched.

Now, as a lord, even if it was just a small territory, he bore a new responsibility.

As the owner of a territory, enjoying its benefits meant taking on worthwhile responsibilities; that’s what made a good lord.

The two shared a gaze.

True feelings reflected in their eyes.

At that moment, Airael didn’t need to actively seek joy.

Because she was already very happy.

“Thank you, Arthur!”

Airael stepped into Arthur’s embrace.

Arthur wrapped his arms tightly around her.

Outside, Karina observed Celia and Aurora stationed at the door once more.

She inwardly sighed, thinking: Well! After a couple of relatively normal days, things are about to get abnormal again.

And the selection contest was about to begin!

Karina felt a twinge of worry for her mistress.

Although she had her own motives, she had strongly identified with her role as Arthur’s maid.

Otherwise, she couldn’t perform her duties well at all.

Inside the room, the two embraced, and sparks quickly flew.

Arthur lifted Airael in a sweeping motion and placed her on the bed.

Airael wrapped her arms around Arthur’s neck, pulling him down on top of her.

Looking at Arthur, Airael suddenly regained a hint of rationality and asked, “Arthur, are you truly ready to face everything ahead?”

Hearing this question, Arthur’s eyes also regained a glimmer of clarity as he replied, “Ailia, I’m ready. My presence here is the best proof.”

“But that means you’ll be in great danger.”

Concern appeared in Airael’s eyes.

“For you, I’m not afraid!” Arthur’s gaze was filled with nothing but determination.

Airael fully understood Arthur’s intentions now.

She didn’t say anything further, leaning in to kiss Arthur’s lips.

Arthur gradually transitioned from passive to active, allowing Airael, that beautiful flower, to bloom on the bed.

In that instant, Airael’s whole being found immense satisfaction, even feeling a sense of fulfillment in life.