Chapter 39: The Confrontation Between Airael and Mason

Chapter 39: The Confrontation Between Airael and Mason

“Expressing our stance? What do we need to express?”

Although Mason was already well aware of the situation, he pretended to be clueless and continued to ask.

“Do you truly and sincerely pledge your loyalty to me and acknowledge me as your Queen?”

At this moment, Airael’s mood improved significantly, and she no longer used that somewhat cringeworthy self-reference.

“You are now our Queen.”

Mason declared.

“Then if I ordered you to commit suicide, would you do it?”

Airael asked innocently.

“Your Majesty, the lives of elves are precious; you cannot casually take the life of an elf, especially one who is loyal to you,” Mason replied staunchly.

Upon hearing this, Airael glanced at Linis.

The reason these Elven Lords were so audacious was precisely because of this point.

Linis seemed indifferent, observing her surroundings and looking as though it had nothing to do with her.

She believed that formulating such a law initially was not a mistake.

It is only that the current situation was different from what it once was.

Airael returned her gaze to Mason and said, “Sir Mason, you are correct. The lives of elves are indeed precious, and we should cherish each and every one.

Since that’s the case, let me ask you a question, shall we?”

“Please proceed.”

“Imagine, on the sea, an elven ship encounters a sea monster’s attack, and the elves aboard are in grave danger. As the Lord, you happen to be nearby. It is your duty to save them, but the monster is incredibly powerful. If you send troops to fight it, you can defeat the monster but at a great cost—more lives lost.

So, what would you do?”

Airael’s question hit Mason like a ton of bricks, and the other Elven Lords were also pondering their answers.

Because Airael might soon ask them too.

Mason furrowed his brows, contemplating the question posed by Airael.

If he rescues them, it would require more sacrifices, which isn’t cost-effective.

After all, those soldiers are also elves, and their lives are precious too.

But if he chooses not to rescue them, he just claimed that elves’ lives are valuable, and furthermore, as their Lord, it is his responsibility—he would be slapping his own face.

Quickly, Linis grasped the deep meaning of the question.

This question could be said to have no correct choice.

Whether he saves them or not, given the premise, Mason has already lost.

Thinking of this, Linis shot a glance at Airael.

It seems her understanding of the Queen’s wisdom was still insufficient!

“So, have you thought of an answer? The wise and intelligent Sir Mason.”

“Your Majesty, this question has no correct answer at all.”

“How can there be no correct answer?”

Airael shook her head in denial.

“If there is, then please tell me what I should do, Your Majesty.”

“The correct answer is that if it were me, I would defeat that powerful sea monster without incurring too great a cost.”

Airael replied.

Clearly, the key to her question was not the answer itself.

Rather, she aimed to express a viewpoint.

That is, I am powerful; the elves follow me, and I can protect them. Following you, you cannot protect them at all.

“It seems Your Majesty is quite confident in your own strength.”

Mason’s expression changed immediately, but then he normalized and said.

Although Airael had been quite intimidating, upon getting used to it, he realized that it wasn’t as terrifying as it seemed. As long as he overcame his psychological barriers, they merely needed to adjust to Airael’s momentum.

After all, all the Elven Lords present were heroes in their own right.

“In comparison to you all, I am indeed very confident in my strength.”

“Your Majesty, what you’re doing has no benefit for the Elven Race.”

“How do you know it has no benefit for the Elven Race?”

“Doing that would once again plunge the Elven Race into the vortex of war, and in war, the Elven Race would slowly perish.”

Mason said with a face full of sorrow.

“Are we just going to sit here quietly and ignore the war? Sir Mason, explain to me how you would account for the events of three hundred years ago?”

“There will never be a second Alexander on the continent.”

With no way to respond, Mason shifted the topic.

“We cannot say that for sure, Sir Mason. Perhaps it won’t be long before a new Alexander appears on the continent. When that time comes, how should we respond? Just sit and wait?

Or are you really suggesting that I should be sent over to formally marry a human? Don’t you fear that humans will use that as an excuse to consume our Elven Race?”

Airael’s powerful outburst rendered the Elven Lords momentarily dazed.

It shattered the beautiful dream they had woven for themselves.

Even though the Elven Race had secluded themselves and no longer involved themselves in continental affairs,

the continent had no plans to let the Elven Race off the hook.

Because the Elven Race possessed enormous wealth.

They had every reason to believe that, as the once-mighty rulers of the world, the Elven Race, even in decline, still held vast treasures.

In fact, it was true.

Whether it be gold, jewels, or magical knowledge, the Elven Race had it all.

Moreover, in certain aspects, they surpassed the continent in many ways.

This made the Elven Race valuable to conquer, prompting many to seek to conquer them.

“Your Majesty, you may not be wrong, but we also have confidence and the ability to protect our territory and our people.”

Mason emphasized.

“I do not deny that you have confidence; it’s just that capability is another matter.”

Airael mocked.

“Your Majesty, are you looking down on us?!”

In an instant, the male Elven Lords showed their dissatisfaction towards Airael.

“I am not looking down on you; I am merely stating facts. The world is constantly changing, just like the Magical Energy Cannons I showed you. The revolution of weapons has begun. It’s not just the Elven Race, the continent too is innovating. Their new weapons are not any weaker than ours, and in addition, they have many advantages that we lack.

Yet even so, you all continue to adhere to the old ways without making progress. With such an approach, what capability do you have to protect your territory and people?”

Mason found himself at a loss for words.

He had heard of the happenings on the continent before.

However, hearing it so bluntly from Airael today made it seem like they were indeed foolish.

He remained silent while Airael continued, “Therefore, you do not have that capability, while I am different. I will bring change to the Elven Race and let it bloom anew!”