1080 Potential Troubles

The elves integrated into the human empire without major issues. There were issues here and there, mainly cultural.

The elves were stupefied by the attention they suddenly got. Humans started building fan clubs, cheer groups, and more. They felt like objects in the zoo and that was the biggest challenge they faced.

Thankfully, after some cultural exchanges organized by the imperial media, people treated them as another sub-group within the larger family.

The common people had no idea that these beautiful, slender, and seemingly peace-loving elves were in fact pretty combative and had six whole celestial rankers.

But from the friendly duels, the military concluded their own assessments of the elves.

These elves had no problem sacrificing their own for a victory in a duel. They hated losing. But even more worrying, they'd pay any price to come out on top—even sacrificing their own teammates.

If Varian didn't exist and the elves managed to escape the ruins by themselves, then they'd have enslaved humans at best and slaughtered them at worst.

Because that's the kind of world they lived in for the past thousands of years—a brutal, unforgiving life with an unending struggle against the wild beasts in the ruins.

So, the Emperor's decision to incorporate the elves was controversial among the military bigwigs, to put it mildly.

Varian never restricted them from voicing their opinions, even if it was completely against his.

So, one of the two biggest military officials of the Empire, Grand Admiral Bali, prepared for a lengthy debate in the council today. He started discussion even in a meeting room before the council began.

"These elves are dangerous! They can backstab us at any moment. Their numbers are low but the amount of powerhouses they have is ridiculous! They have more than thirty Sovereigns! That's right, Tha—Tee." Bali slammed the table and said.

Prime Minister Irene seated across him from the round table shook her head. "They are learning our language, trying to assimilate into our culture. Why are you so sure that they will turn hostile?"

As it was her job, she knew exactly what the elves did in human society and what ripple effects they were creating. So far though, it was a net positive.

"It's called vigilance! Having a powerful enemy infiltrate your civilization is very dangerous. They can influence our society, learn our secrets and rebel at the most critical moment." Bali stood up from his seat and looked at the remaining members across the round table.

Taking a deep breath, he said. "Are you all forgetting the horrors of abyssals so soon? It's not even been a year! We can't trust aliens just like that! At least put them on probation for a few years and study their society!"

His words caused everyone to take another look at the situation. They thought he was completely opposed to their induction but a few years of learning their culture and assessing the risks didn't sound so bad. No matter what, it didn't sound safe to just introduce a new race into their society just like that.

Chief of Staff Kevin, nodded lightly. "I agree with him on this point. Even though the elves seem eager to build relationships with us, we must assess the potential risks they could pass and wait for a while. Any large-scale integration should be put off for a while."

With the two highest military officials of the Empire on one side, the decision was heavily titled to their side.

Irene turned to Chief Counsellor Vanhoff.

The old man shook his head. "They have some very…harsh laws for some weird actions—cutting down some trees, not following the etiquette, eating too fast—you'd get a few decades of imprisonment at best and a death sentence at worst.

We need to modify the existing laws or codify another set of laws for them to function here. When an elf is working in the empire, which laws should they be dealt with? Killing another elf for honor is normal in their law but is considered a homicide in ours.

We need to take our time to study and reach for a solution. At least a half-year."

Vanhoff, a peak level 9, was considered fair and impartial. Even though he hinted at faster assimilation compared to others, he too pushed it back.

With 3-1, the situation did seem hopeless.

Still, Irene turned to the final person in the room.

Royal Secretary, Blue Flash, Alison.

Everyone in the room was the highest authority in their fields, only below the Emperor and the Queens.

But strictly speaking, the four of them were half-step lower than Alison.

Alison exhaled deeply and placed a pillow on the table. Then she buried her face in the pillow.

"R-Royal Secretary?"

"I didn't sign up for this shit! I'm told I should assist the Emperor. But the Emperor skips meetings, ignores paperwork, delegates most of the work to me, and disappears for days without any warning.

He said he'll return soon and just disappeared saying he found others, what others? He didn't even explain and just disappeared!

I already called up all the leading scientists to meet him and then I had to tell them it's canceled! Dammit! Are you the Emperor or am I the Emperor?"

"…"

"…"

"…"

Irene, Bali, and Kevin looked at each other, speechless.

Vanhoff shrugged. "She used to be the vice head of Earth's Athena group while simultaneously being the Blue Flash for Shadow Guardians. She'll be alright."

Alison raised her head abruptly and nearly pulled the beard of the old man. "Can't you just at least be depressed in peace?"

Vanhoff chuckled merrily. "I'll quote no one else than our very Emperor. Peace is the luxury of the strong.' So, no, you can't be depressed."

With a frustrated groan, Alison stared up at the ceiling. Then she hung her head and whispered. "Sorry. I was just frustrated I couldn't go to Kyle's early graduation…not that I attended anything important for him, I guess I am just good for work and not as a mother."

Irene patted her lightly. "Maybe you could've asked the Queens for help that day. They learn things fast and would've saved you a few hours."

"The Queens…" Alison had a weird expression.