Chapter 310: The Challenges of the Earth Union
When Inafay heard they were going to meet at the Adobe Retreat, she had hoped for a quick peaceful resolution and feared extended negotiations. Instead, the challenges had been nothing like she expected.
The Prince of Pebbles had thrown out a list of random demands that ranged from "build a bridge" to "carry large stones in a circle." She had no idea what to make of any of them and they were mostly still hanging in the air. His only sensible request had been for someone to defeat a stubborn incursion monster - Kai had been dispatched to that task as their local expert.
By contrast, the Princess of Quakes seemed less combative in person, despite her challenges being literally combat. Once the Prince of Pebbles had run off on his own errands, the rest of them retired to one of the outer chambers of the Adobe Retreat, which was more comfortable physically if not politically. Since many of the others weren't comfortable with local politics, Inafay took the point position sitting in a chair opposite the princess.
"So... three duels," Inafay said. "I'm not clear what you expect this to prove."
"Everyone knows the Frontier elites have superior power," the Princess of Quakes said from behind her fan. "But we're not trying to challenge you, just pursue our own agendas. If you want us to follow your guidance, you need to show that you can actually teach us something."
It was a weak argument that only worked because of her position, so Inafay had to smile through it. "Fine then. What are your conditions?"
"The Frontier's advantage is that it can combine different powers. The first duel will be against one of our best, using only elemental powers."
"That's not a problem, Orotaisin can-"
"Not someone from the Elemental Nations." The Princess of Quakes looked to be using her fan to hide a smirk. "An outsider new to them. Are you truly advancing our capabilities, or are you merely exploiting them for your own gain?"