Alejandra didn't back down from Conrad, rather she met his eyes as she listened to formulate her reply. 

"You were chosen because old men are getting sick of constantly bitching at each other. You practically represent children with how divided we are. I was called on to represent my home and our related lands to foreigners. I AM you, just on a smaller scale." she put her hands on her hips. "You're here for more than to just bitch like the rest of those old men, Conrad. You're supposed to be representing us as the Midlands, not acting like a child and throwing away valuable opportunities..." she ran her hand through her hair.

"I get that you don't want to fight his war, but do you really think the Gauls would stop there? Any number of champions could give those Gauls pause. What if they try to invade Albany through our lands if Albany's champion beats theirs? They'll think us weaker and ripe for the taking." she rubbed her eyes. "Sure, maybe getting involved in the Champion face-off would make us targets, but either way, we could be involved. Why not be proactive and show them how mighty we are?" she asked in frustration. 

"Regardless...being stuck under your thumb all night hasn't given me the chance to present Columbus' gifts to the King and Queen in thanks for their invitation." she looked back at Conrad and closed her opinion: "You make valid points. But I still think you made the wrong decision in not discussing this with the other delegates. What if they do choose a champion, but a demand two as an accurate representation of The Land of A Thousand Kings? They choose their strongest and then one from our represented area? You know St. Louis can be cutthroat. It would weaken us tremendously, if for the sake of them posturing to show their dominance. And you put yourself into a spot since you waived the ability to have any choice in the decision making of our Champion. You'll let the "book King" choose one instead. You had the upper hand, Conrad..." now her fear was apparent.