**Chapter 76: Show Me the Money!**
Elia and Duke Kreimans had been at each other’s throats for ages.
This time, they had really hit a nerve, so Elia was tough as nails.
Duke Kreimans, on the other hand, was not about to back down either.
His standing in the empire was far above that of a mere nominal princess.
Plus, with Elia holding all the economic power and keeping his people on a tight leash, he was missing out on quite a bit of profit. He was just itching for a chance to let off some steam against Elia.
As the two locked horns, a noble by the name of Winifred stood up to mediate.
“Your Highness the Princess, Duke Kreimans, the conflict between you two actually comes from the younger generation’s squabbles. How about we let the youngsters settle it directly?”
Kreimans turned to him and asked, “And what do you mean by that?”
“I believe that the disputes at the ceremony should naturally be resolved in a ceremonial manner. Let’s have both sides enter the Spirit Trials Tower, and whoever completes the challenges better can deal with the other.”
Kreimans nodded. “That’s indeed a fair proposal. What do you think, Your Highness?”
“Absolutely, yes!”
“Fair!”
Many nobles chimed in, agreeing.
After all, this was a traditional affair, where youths who didn’t get along or were in fierce competition often settled their scores this way.
However, this seemingly reasonable suggestion had serious favoritism written all over it.
One side was made up of adults, while the other was just a bunch of teenage girls—where’s the fairness in that?
Elia looked at the crowd and noticed only a handful weren’t throwing their hats in the ring. She couldn’t help but chuckle, “Looks like quite a few people aren’t concerned about the nobles’ dignity anymore.”
She turned to Xu Xiaofeng and asked, “Did you figure it out?”
Xu Xiaofeng nodded, “Got it.”
She understood that Elia’s situation wasn’t great at all.
“Do you have any suggestions?”
Xu Xiaofeng thought for a moment and gestured towards Wright, “What’s that guy’s strength?”
“Bronze Level.”
“That’s no problem.”
Though Xu Xiaofeng couldn’t directly gauge that young lord’s exact level, she could tell he wasn’t too far above her.
In other words, if they fought, she could definitely break through his defenses. And as long as she could do that, they were good to go.
Besides, it was a tower-climbing competition, and this tower had a special balancing mechanism.
Heh, just wait until you see the true power of the Bronze Emperor!
Below bronze, I’m unbeatable; above bronze, it’s one for one!
Elia’s sister was my precious ally; I’d better protect her!
“Are you a mage or a swordsman? Do you need equipment?”
“Uh… I guess I’m a swordsman?”
Hmm, swordsman—no problem; a magic swordsman is still a swordsman.
And she could switch to mage anytime she wanted since casting spells didn’t require any special gear.
“A swordsman, huh…”
Elia was slightly taken aback by this answer. From any angle, this little sister didn’t look like someone who had practiced swordplay.
“What kind of swordsmanship do you practice? Who taught you?”
“The Jadeite Ten Swords. I… self-taught.”
Uh-huh, a skill grabbed off the street and self-taught in two hours.
Hearing that name, Elia’s earlier unease melted away.
Come to think of it, she had also practiced the Jadeite Ten Swords at that age.
Truly my sister!
Elia turned back to the nobles, having shared a close whispered conversation with Xu Xiaofeng that the rest of them were none the wiser to.
“Ha ha, regarding this proposal, I agree. However, given that some people disregard the honor and reputation of the nobles, I believe we need a written agreement to prevent anyone from going back on their word afterward.”
At this, Kreimans smirked.
Isn’t this just peachy? After all, the other party was royalty, and if royalty decides to wiggle their way out, what can he do about it?
He exchanged a sly glance with Winifred, both wearing triumphant grins.
Let’s be real—his son Wright was a top dog among the young people of this generation. Not only did he overshadow his peers in strength, but he also had real combat experience. Competing with a little kid was pure bullying!
Even if the Spirit Trials had special rules, that little kid might just freak out the moment he stepped inside!
“May I ask what kind of agreement your Highness wishes to establish?”
Elia waved her hand for paper and ink: “What Winifred mentioned earlier was incorrect; this isn’t just a conflict of the younger generation, but also… our little games, Duke Kreimans. What do you think?”
“You’re absolutely right, Your Highness.”
“Good, then I propose a wager. If I win, you and all your followers will have to kneel and apologize.”
“Well, if Wright wins, you’ll have to hold a celebration exclusively for him.”
Of course, he couldn’t say anything ridiculous about having the princess kneel; changing it to a solo celebration for his son would boost his family’s honor and still put the princess in a tight spot—that was more than enough.
“Sounds good. Also, there’s a mine not far from Emerald City under the Kreimans’ name. If I win, it goes to me.”
“Uh…” The previous wager was all about honor—this one was cutting into the meat.
But it was worth it!
“Well, I need you, Your Highness, to reduce the taxes of my territory by five percent.”
He was getting ready to cheat the national treasury, but didn’t want to go overboard since, ultimately, the next emperor would be his superior.
This little percentage wasn’t too much; with some shady backdoor deals, they could scrape by.
Although this five percent couldn’t compare to the mine’s profits, the two sides were already unequal.
Whatever, it’s not like he could lose.
Of course, he whispered this detail so that other nobles wouldn’t catch wind of it; otherwise, he’d be done for.
In response, Elia just smirked disdainfully. This was just one of the reasons she looked down on Duke Kreimans.
He only dared to sneak around like a petty thief; even if he was being wicked, it was the act of a small-minded person.
She signaled Amelia to take notes, then turned to Xu Xiaofeng and asked, “Do you have any demands?”
Xu Xiaofeng thought for a long time and finally nodded.
She didn’t know what the duke had up his sleeve; even if she did, there was nothing she could take from him. And as for fame and honor—those were utterly useless to her.
So, only the most straightforward option remained.
She extended five fingers: “More money!”
“Uh…” Elia was momentarily stunned. “Ha, that’s quite straightforward.”
Kreimans was also caught off guard, then couldn’t help but chuckle, “Pfft, ha ha ha, kids will be kids. So, how much are you looking to wager?”
Xu Xiaofeng extended five fingers again.
“Five hundred gold coins?”
Xu Xiaofeng shook her head.
“Then five thousand?”
That was indeed a pile of money for a kid to spend.
But Xu Xiaofeng still shook her head.
“Don’t tell me it’s fifty thousand?”
Now, that was a hefty sum.
“Ugh.” Xu Xiaofeng finally couldn’t hold back anymore and spoke up, “It’s five hundred thousand.”
“What? Five hundred thousand?!!”
“Are you kidding me? The prices you’re tossing out are more like child’s play. At my age, I don’t even bother with that!”
