"Good."
Elashia immediately entered the proper state.
"This meeting is somewhat hurried, so let's discuss the most important matters."
"Good."
Both instantly adopted serious expressions.
Elashia chose to speak first.
"First, facing the imminent Undead Calamity, both our countries are already operating at their limits. I know that although the Iron Empire is indeed powerful now, its financial situation is already in deficit."
Elashia paused, then continued:
"So we won't ask the Iron Empire to provide us with any economic aid, but we need to disclose our financial situations to each other. We can provide assistance to you at appropriate times to utilize human resources to the fullest."
The Iron Empress took over.
"You mean—you think Elasia can help the Iron Empire."
Quite the role reversal.
"Yes, that's what I think."
Elashia answered with certainty.
"Very well, I will have all of the Iron Empire's financial information conveyed to you through Candice."
Although Elasia's national power currently had a huge gap compared to the Iron Empire, the Iron Empress knew Elashia was serious.
Moreover, she had long learned from Candice that Elashia didn't care about the Elasia Empire itself.
So as an ally, the Iron Empress had no reason to doubt Elashia.
"Then, I request that the Iron Empire send a group of young people to Elasia each year to receive education at the Elasia Royal Magic Academy. You must also send magic users to serve as foreign professors to teach spells and develop new magic."
After hearing Elashia's words, a hint of a smile appeared on Alexandra's previously serious face.
"From your tone, I thought you were going to demand something from me."
Resuming her serious expression, Alexandra continued: "Rest assured, I would have requested this from you even if you hadn't mentioned it. Facing the Undead Calamity, we must utilize human resources to the fullest."
"I've also heard from Candice about your disclosure of all the spells Elasia has preserved for thousands of years. Soon we will also disclose all the spells of the Iron Empire since its founding."
Elashia nodded, then continued: "There's one last, most important matter..."
As Elashia organized her thoughts and prepared to continue, Alexandra intercepted.
"I know what you want to say. You want to rescue the Holy Kingdom, right?"
Elashia retracted the words she was about to say.
Indeed, nothing could be hidden from this woman.
Whether for humanity's survival or for Elashia's childhood friend Ileina, the Holy Kingdom must be rescued as soon as possible.
Elashia didn't speak, only nodded.
Alexandra also nodded and said:
"I've had this plan for a long time. Now with our two countries cooperating, once the Iron Empire's new army is trained, we can immediately dispatch troops to the Holy Kingdom for rescue operations."
Elashia added: "At that time, we will definitely provide food supplies. The Iron Empire only needs to provide people and troops."
"Good."
Elashia thought for a moment, feeling there was nothing else that needed to be discussed, and said: "Those are all my requests for now. I have nothing else to say."
The Iron Empress smiled.
"Good, I'll instruct Candice to get you a magical communication device to communicate with me at any time."
Elashia nodded.
"Then, that concludes our official business~"
Alexandra revealed a playful smile again, but beneath her eyes lurked a hint of expectation and seriousness.
"What am I in your eyes?"
The Iron Empress's sudden question caught Elashia off guard.
What is Alexandra in my eyes?
Alexandra, the Iron Empress, one of her favorite characters in the game, a powerful and reliable ally, and... now her adopted mother.
In the game, only when "Elashia" chose the human route could she form a bond with her. In the undead route, their interaction was nothing but battle after battle.
The reason why Elashia and many players liked the Iron Empress so much was not only because she was powerful and reliable but also because of a strong sense of contrast in her character.
It was a contrast that Elashia didn't know how to express.
The decisive and dominant Iron Empress would often concern herself with matters like "Did you have a good day today?" or "Don't overwork yourself" when interacting with the protagonist.
How to put it—a character whose color scheme and personality made everyone think she was a "bad woman," yet who cared meticulously about every detail concerning herself. This strong contrast captured the hearts of many players.
To the extent that whenever the Iron Empress appeared in game videos, a flood of comments would fly across the screen—"Mom!"
She truly liked her too.
But she had only just met her now.
She really didn't know how to face her.
Lying to this woman was certainly not a wise move; she would probably be seen through in an instant.
The awkward silence continued, with both Candice and Alexandra looking at her, making her somewhat nervous.
Oh well, it's not like she would harm me!
Elashia began to speak.