The Queen's Gift

After the customary court assembly ended, Ailaria took Hua Qiang by the hand and left first.

She had no desire to waste time dawdling with a bunch of old men and women.

For a moment, the hall fell silent.

Everyone looked to the Queen, waiting for the next matter on the agenda.

"Everyone, I intend to lead the entire kingdom in pledging allegiance to Young Master Hua Qiang. Discuss it!"

Beneath the crystal dome of the Elven Hall, the luminous vines that had bloomed unfading for a thousand years suddenly flickered violently, as if they had sensed the abrupt shift in the air.

The Elf Queen, Elamari, had silver-white hair cascading over her shoulders. The words she had just spoken still echoed through the hall, like a boulder cast into still waters.

"Your Majesty! Please reconsider!"

Oak Elder, seated first on the left, abruptly rose with his vinewood cane in hand. The bark-like wrinkles on his face trembled with agitation.

"Hua Qiang is merely a rising human power, and he is not even twenty yet.

Our Elf Kingdom has been passed down for ten thousand years. How can we bow beneath another?"

His voice carried the authority accumulated through the ages, instantly igniting the emotions of the opposition.

"Yes, yes, Your Majesty, you must not!"

"Your Majesty, please think twice!"

But Thorn Elder on the right sneered, her shrill voice slicing through the hall.

"You old Oak fool, you truly forget the pain once the scar heals.

The Great Elder colluded with the Evil Spirit Dynasty and nearly overturned our Elf Kingdom. If Hua Qiang's Divine Weapon had not descended from the heavens to support us,

our Ancient Tree Forest would have long since been devoured by the Shadow Creatures."

"Our royal power would have changed dynasties too. Would you