Chapter 21: The Diplomatic Turmoil

Chapter 21: The Diplomatic Turmoil

In the Royal Palace, inside Airael’s bedroom.

Airael was playing with Anna while listening to Hela’s report about her mission.

Anna lay in her crib, her tiny hands reaching out to catch Airael’s teasing fingers on her cheek. However, Airael was not going to let her catch her that easily; otherwise, the game would lose its fun as she kept dodging Anna’s attempts.

The feeling of something so close yet unattainable was igniting the little one’s competitive spirit, and she flopped around in her crib.

One, two, three times…

After waving her hands countless times without success, Anna’s little mouth puckered, on the verge of tears.

At that moment, Airael, who had been watching Anna’s antics, hurriedly extended her hand.

With the opportunity presented, Anna eagerly grasped Airael’s arm, and the frown was instantly transformed into a glowing smile, looking very pleased.

Just then, Hela finished reporting her tasks.

Noticing the joy radiating from Anna in the crib, a smile crept onto her face as well.

“So, they need a week to prepare the fleet?”

Airael allowed Anna to hold her hand and remarked, “According to him, that’s their fastest speed.”

“That’s alright; we can use this time to get everything we need ready.”

“What do we need to prepare, Your Majesty?”

Hela asked in confusion.

At this point, she didn’t know much about the matter.

“I have already asked Domiya to prepare some things. As for you, Hela, your next task is to arrange funds and the escort team.”

“The funds are not an issue. But Your Majesty, who do you think should lead the escort team?”

Airael pondered for a moment and replied, “Let’s have Sally and Iis each lead a team. Iis will command a squad of fifty Royal Palace Guards, and Sally will lead a regular force of a thousand.”

Having two such teams dispatched was certainly part of her strategy.

Iis leading the Royal Palace Guards would provide a solid show of support for Rolt.

After all, Rolt was the ambassador sent by her, the Elven Queen, to the continent, and appearances matter.

Sally personally leading a thousand troops would be the true protective force for the fleet.

With a hero like Sally backing them up, combined with the official Elven background, no one would dare to cause trouble for this fleet.

“Understood!”

For her, Hela’s thought was simple: she would follow whatever Airael instructed.

Assembling a large fleet was not a trivial matter, especially when it involved a delegation sent by Airael, the Elven Queen.

Soon, the news spread within the Elven community.

Once it circulated there, word quickly reached the continent as well.

The continental nations were left somewhat bewildered by the sudden Elven mission.

Although they had maintained trade relations over the years, there had never been any diplomatic exchanges.

Especially for the dominant human nations, their relationship with the Elves was quite delicate.

Thus, it raised suspicions about whether the Elves had a deeper purpose behind their sudden mission.

For instance, were they trying to assess the strength of the various human nations to determine whether they could still suppress the Elven Race and enforce the agreements made long ago?

All prominent factions on the continent had their own speculations.

As for the smaller factions, they merely mentioned it in passing after meals before facing their own survival challenges.

This matter was too distant for them.

Regardless, the impending Elven delegation was met with expressions of welcome from all sides.

Especially among the human nations, they wished to probe the Elves’ intentions.

In a tavern within Menas City, upon hearing the news that the Elves were sending a delegation to the continent, Shadow instinctively felt that something was off.

The situation on the continent was indeed very delicate.

Although the war had paused for now, all nations were actively preparing for combat, reinforcing their borders, especially after the incident with the Georgia Kingdom. Nobody knew when the next round of war would arrive.

But they certainly didn’t want to be caught off guard like the Georgia Kingdom had been by the Dwarves.

While the advanced weaponry of the Dwarves played a role, a comprehensive analysis afterward revealed that the Georgia Kingdom itself had major issues.

Having enjoyed peace for many years, the sudden war, especially with an advanced-weapon-wielding army like the Dwarves, left them utterly unprepared.

Thus, the Dwarves’ offensive became quite convenient.

However, due to insufficient intelligence, no matter how much Shadow racked his brains, he couldn’t put together a coherent picture.

Ultimately, Shadow decided to abandon thought on the matter.

He hadn’t come to the Elven Race for this; he still had his own agenda.

Just then, there was a knock at his door.

“Sir, are you in there?”

Immediately following was Hank’s voice from outside.

On this trip to the Elven Race, he brought Hank along as he had wished.

The thought was simple; the Elven Race represented a new map for him, and Hank was essentially his novice guide.

“Come in.”

Shadow glanced at the door and replied.

In the next moment, the door swung open, and Hank entered, spotting Shadow sitting on the sofa inside the room.

“Let’s sit and discuss whatever it is.”

Hank sat down across from Shadow and then asked, “Sir, when do we start our operation?”

“No rush; you’re not very familiar with this place. Acting rashly will only expose us and put us in a tricky situation.”

Hank nodded.

Indeed, while he knew some Elves here, the connections were not deep.

He didn’t have much insight into this place.

The most he knew was about Menas City; he had little knowledge of other locations, and there was much more to the Elven Race than just this city.

Still, he was worried about Lady Ailia.

If Lady Ailia was truly trapped by the Elves, then delaying their action would only lead to more suffering for her.

“You shouldn’t worry too much; Miss Ailia should be safe. Besides, we can’t be certain she is still with the Elves; she might have just been passing through.”

Seeing Hank’s concern, Shadow offered reassurance.

“I hope that’s the case.”

Hank replied quietly.

He certainly didn’t want to see Lady Ailia trapped by the Elves.

Not only would it be painful for her, but it would also hinder their rescue efforts.

After all, they were amidst unfamiliar territory—the Elven Race’s domain.