The Empire is more akin to a confederation system, with each province having its own independent control over military, laws, diplomacy, conscription, and finances. The Emperor is the nominal national leader, but in reality, the Emperor of the Empire can only command his own directly governed territory.

Emperor Carl Franz and his family rely on possessing the Empire's most fertile and powerful Rick Territory to maintain their position as Emperor under this Prince-Elector system, where all provinces govern themselves most of the time and only unite to convene the Imperial Diet in the face of great external threats. Otherwise, Carl Franz is merely an "equal" Prince-Elector among others.

The sole contribution of each province to the Emperor is the "Vassal Taxes," approximately 3%-4% of a province's total tax revenue. This tax is often "ignored" by the Prince-Electors, but the assertiveness of Emperor Carl Franz has resurrected this neglected tax.

"Indeed, this is necessary." Carl Franz nodded.

Why appoint Prince-Electors instead of maintaining a unified rule? Because this independence is essential for the Empire. It is well known that the Empire is surrounded by foes, and countless evils and darkness hide within its dense forests and mountains. Many Prince-Electors spend their entire tenures fighting endless "security wars," and with a moment's negligence, towns are destroyed, villages turn to ashes, and humanity will fall before the darkness.

Thus, the Empire's provinces need this independence. They must firmly control their own armies to ensure an immediate response against evil.

And when a province cannot withstand a terrifying threat, the Imperial Diet will be convened, and the Emperor will summon the Prince-Electors to unite against external enemies.

"The nobles are decayed, the officials corrupt, and the Prince-Electors endlessly squabble over their own interests. The Empire isn't always united as Emperor Charlemagne or Savior Ludwig hoped." The Emperor took a sip of coffee and continued, "It's not enough to just convince me, Laine. I understand that Lord Tygris has made significant contributions to the Empire's history, but that is no reason to compel us to obey him unconditionally."

The Emperor's implication is that the political situation of the Empire is far more complex than anyone can imagine; merely convincing Emperor Carl Franz is insufficient, as he only represents himself and the Rick Territory.

"The internal affairs and court intrigues of the High Elves are far more complex than those of humans, Your Majesty Franz. I believe Lord Tygris can handle all this." Seeing Laine silent, Surya empathetically picked up the conversation. The lady knight smiled and said, "You only need to convene the Imperial Diet."

"Convening the Imperial Diet isn't difficult. I believe the arrival of Lord Tygris will provide every Prince-Elector with a reason and an excuse to gather." Carl Franz nodded. The Emperor continued calmly, "The difficulty lies in what exactly Lord Tygris wants, or what he wants the Empire to do for the High Elves."

At this moment, Laine realized that if he didn't present some substantial "content," the conversation would go nowhere. The Emperor of the Empire had already expressed both hope and difficulties, skillfully leading the conversation with dialogue techniques and environmental pressure.

Fundamentally, Laine and Tygris needed the Empire—this greatest and most powerful human nation in the Old World—which since its establishment has faced the threat of Chaos and persisted for two thousand years. Without the Empire, perhaps Chaos would have long destroyed the world, and perhaps the green tide would have already swallowed the world.

"In the face of the threat of Chaos, everyone must unite and prepare for the next invasion. According to prophecy, the next large-scale Chaos invasion is not far off." Laine finally brought forth some substantial content.

"Coincidentally, my advisor, the Great Alchemist Biersaze Gaert, says the same." Carl Franz nodded, "My Great Alchemist tells me that perhaps the Northern Barbarians won't move south in a large scale for decades, but once they do under a Chaos Eternal Divine Chosen's lead, it will be another terrifying war comparable to the 'Great Holy War.'"

"Now the Chaos Eternal Divine Chosen has already appeared," Laine said calmly.

"Then... it's no wonder why Lord Tygris has come to the Empire," the Emperor then came to an understanding, nodding, "I will cooperate with you."

"What exactly Lord Tygris wants to discuss with Your Majesty and the Prince-Electors is none of my concern, but please trust that Lord Tygris is definitely acting for the greater good." Laine said solemnly, "Everyone in the Mortal World must face the threat of Chaos."

"Of course, I believe Lord Tygris will act for the greater good; his actions and history prove that he is a noble person. But the Elves' greater good is not the human's greater good, Lord Laine." Carl Franz set aside his seriousness and smiled again.

"The Empire's greater good is also not Brittania's greater good, Your Majesty Franz." Laine retorted, "I know what you want to do."

"Hahaha~ In that case, I think we have something to talk about. You have your stance, and I have mine. We jointly fight against evil, that's what an alliance is." The Emperor laughed heartily and didn't pursue the matter further, "Alright, I will fully support you and Tygris."

The conversation with the Emperor of the Empire made Laine feel the pressure. The Emperor before him was wise, decisive, passionate, and full of conviction. This was not Brittania, where Laine could challenge the king with his mighty strength and the divine favor of the Lake Fairy. This was the Empire, the most powerful human nation in the Old World. They never needed to watch others' faces, and precisely because they firmly blocked the Chaos from moving south, Brittania was relatively peaceful.