‘The Elves are a bit ridiculous.’
‘They even seem… a bit delusional.’
For a moment, Aililan couldn’t understand their way of thinking. A queen of her standing would actually do such a thing, and even consider ‘offering herself’?
However, after thinking about it carefully, she felt relieved.
Despite Terili holding the title of Queen, her actual control over the Elves was extremely limited. She couldn’t even produce a truly powerful royal army.
Elves had long lifespans. Without highly centralized power and high-pressure rule, various factions would inevitably form underneath, gradually hollowing out the royal authority.
As long as the race as a whole remained strong, the monarchy becoming a mere symbol was not necessarily unacceptable.
But the problem was — power corrupts the heart.
Would those who controlled vast amounts of wealth and power be willing to let even a tiny bit of interest slip through their fingers?
No.
It was just like the fear in certain countries of another world — internal reform was often more terrifying than external threats.
—
On the way back.
“Renata, have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepare a detailed report on the Elves for me later.”
“Those fellows — they can’t be pushed too hard, or they won’t take the bait.”
“As you wish, Lady Saintess.”
The so-called diplomacy —
It was all about the balance of tension and relaxation.
Not only did one need bargaining chips, but one also had to let the other party see the benefits, though they could not be given all at once.
One had to keep them dangling while leading them forward.
Next day.
Aililan continued to handle government affairs.
Eleanorice helped organize a lot of materials, most of which were policy documents currently being advanced.
She was like a student, working hard to learn everything.
“Saintess Aililan, why have you set aside these materials submitted by the Special Action Task Force?”
“It is not setting them aside, but delaying them,” Aililan said calmly. “We must advance according to a plan.”
“I… don’t understand.”
“Use your head.”
Aililan glanced at her. “The Special Action Task Force consists entirely of light cavalry, yet those who sabotage government decrees always manage to hide in advance.”
“What does that tell you?”
“It means that not only are the lower-level nobles causing trouble, but there are even civilians acting as informants.”
“If you want me to carry out a large-scale purge now, are you trying to trigger a grassroots uprising?”
Eleanorice was stunned. “Then… what is the point of the task force?”
“Symbolism.”
“It is a symbol of the Saintess’s will — a deterrent against the high nobility.”
“I still don’t understand…”
Aililan sighed. “One move from the high nobility has more destructive power than 100 small actions from the minor nobility.”
“How on earth were you raised as a princess?”
Eleanorice felt a bit wronged. “The Elders said that we are children of nature. We must be close to nature, and learn to be tolerant and kind…”
“…”
“Your Elders are truly wonderful.”
Aililan’s tone was thick with hidden meaning.
She didn’t actually mind teaching her.
The problem with the Elves was that the upper structure had already rotted.
The more Eleanorice learned, the more painful it would become for her.
In fact, once she attempted to change the status quo, it would likely trigger internal strife.
And that —
Might not necessarily be a bad thing.
—
Afternoon.
“Today we will stop here.”
“Ah? All right.”
After dismissing Eleanorice, Aililan took a carriage directly to the military camp outside the City.
There, the truly core secrets were kept.
The army was generally stationed outside the City to avoid unnecessary risks.
If a change occurred within the army, it would be a disaster if it happened inside the City walls.
“Saintess, you have arrived?”
Gareyas, dressed in armor, came forward to greet her.
“Since you are in armor, there is no need for such formalities.”
“Thank you, Saintess.”
“I am not here for anything major today,” Aililan said indifferently. “Bring out all the soldiers. I want to see the results of their training.”
“Ah? So suddenly?”
“What, do you need to rehearse in advance?”
“I wouldn’t dare. Please wait a moment.”
Soon, the sound of horns echoed through the camp.
Soldiers began to assemble.
The sound of clamor rose and fell.
Aililan did not speak; she simply took out a sandglass.
Time slipped away bit by bit.
The officers present felt their hearts rise into their throats.
One cycle of the sandglass was 30 minutes.
After three flips — 1.5 hours later — the soldiers were finally all assembled.
A total of 45,000 men.
Aililan’s expression gradually darkened.
Gareyas looked a bit embarrassed. “Saintess, you came so suddenly… some were on rotation, some were in training, and some were studying. They couldn’t respond immediately…”
Aililan waved her hand. “I am not blaming you.”
“Saintess — “
“Let me finish.”
She looked around at everyone.
“First of all, I want to praise you.”
“The gap between the Church Army and the Noble Army has narrowed significantly.”
“This is your achievement.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
But in the next moment —
“However.”
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
“The coordination between the various levels of officers is still not enough.”
“I just saw soldiers who couldn’t find their commanders, and commanders who couldn’t organize their units in a timely manner.”
“If this were an enemy attack, it would be a fatal problem.”
No one dared to speak.
“Of course, I also bear responsibility.”
Aililan’s tone softened slightly. “I have put too much energy into government affairs lately, neglecting the construction of the army.”
This was already giving them plenty of face.
If this were another world — with fewer than 50,000 men taking more than 1 hour to complete a mobilization — every officer would likely be held accountable.
But it was different here.
Standards could not be applied uniformly.
“I will give you some suggestions.”
“Please instruct us, Saintess.”
“Regarding internal coordination, you are more professional than I am, so I will not say much.”
Aililan took a deep breath.
Compared to before, this army could be said to have undergone a complete transformation.
But —
It was still far from enough.