In the following days, the Prince-Electors arrived in Brunswick one after another. Some of them had no interest in the High Elves, and some even wished for the demise of the High Elves. However, the presence of Tygris was still significant in the Old World. Regardless of whether the Prince-Electors liked the Supreme Grandmaster, they all attended the Imperial Council upon invitation.

Two days before the Imperial Council was to convene, Emperor Carl Franz decided to gather his staunch supporters for a small meeting.

Among those in attendance were the Emperor himself, Standard Bearer Ludwig-Schwarzhammer, Marshal Kurt Heilberg, Justice Church Archbishop "The Resolute" Vicma, Grand Duke of Avey Territory and Toscan Prince-Elector Umberto Corleone, Grand Duke of Oster Territory and Wolfen Prince-Elector Vamil von Rukov, and Great Alchemist Biersaze Gaert.

These individuals were die-hard supporters of Carl Franz, among whom the relationship between Prince-Elector Umberto and the Emperor's family was profound. Vamil, even more closely tied to the Emperor, was the former Grand Tutor of the Oster Territory's Bull Knight Order. After the Prince-Elector family line became extinct, former Emperor Luitpold appointed Vamil as the Grand Duke of Oster Territory and the new Wolfen Prince-Elector.

During Emperor Carl Franz's eventual narrow victory over Boris Todbringer, it was Vamil Prince-Elector's persistent efforts that persuaded the other three Prince-Electors to switch their support, leading to Emperor Carl's eventual narrow victory.

The iron triangle of the Imperial Royal Family consisted of the Emperor, Marshal Rick, and the Royal Chief Grand Wizard. However, as had always been the case, Emperor Carl Franz showed more respect than reliance on the current Royal Chief Grand Wizard Sernus German. He preferred to trust and rely on the Great Alchemist Biersaze Gaert, whom he had personally promoted.

Biersaze Gaert was not only powerful in magic and outstanding in strength and logic but, in the Emperor's view, the Great Alchemist possessed the most valuable quality—loyalty. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Loyalty is indeed invaluable. The Emperor himself was constantly troubled by the endless internal conflicts within his army and the Imperial Court. Carl Franz deeply understood that everyone had their demands and interests, especially the nobles, who were both loyal citizens of the Empire and members of different families. Nobles constantly sought more land and ranks. Mages only considered their experiments and means to secure more funding, and even the Archbishops of the major Churches had aspirations to proselytize and build more temples.

As the Emperor of the Empire, listening to various opinions, arbitrating various disputes, and balancing major forces had always consumed a lot of Carl Franz's energy. He knew why some supplies and military funds suffered from transport losses and why some supplies "disappeared," but he was powerless. He could only ensure the main figures were not problematic, which was already a significant achievement.

Yet, these issues were not seen in Gaert. He seemed to consider only the Emperor and humanity. Apart from the desire all Mages shared to become the Royal Chief Grand Wizard and enhance their strength, Gaert was left with only loyalty. He even wrote a small golden booklet, circulating it among the Alchemy Academy for everyone to read and learn.

At some unknown point, morning lessons, prayers, and reciting holy words had become routine at the Alchemy Academy. The Alchemists shouted "for the emperor" and "for the holy Terra" louder than anyone, bringing comfort to the Emperor with each shout.

Loyalty indeed~

The Emperor looked around the entire Imperial Court, pondering back and forth, and still felt Gaert was the most loyal.

The Emperor, upon researching ancient texts, learned that "holy Terra" meant "sacred land" in ancient language. He felt no misgivings in his heart. Was he not the heir of Charlemagne's sacred legacy from the mountains to the sea?

The small circle gathered together, eating and discussing the topics related to Tygris.

Lord Tygris had two major proposals and one minor, additional suggestion during his visit to the Empire.

The royal palace stood majestic and grand. Since Emperor Leopold, the Franz Friedrich Clan had resided here. The superior animal-skin-paved wooden floors were a testament to the palace artisans' superb craftsmanship. The luxurious and grand workmanship decorated every corner of the rooms, with black furniture adorned with golden filigree patterns of real gold inlays.

The dining table was set with various delicacies from the Old World, including peppered beef stew from Avey Territory, Lake God Cheese from the Brittania Kakasong Duchy, roasted bear paws from Kislev, blueberry jam cake from the High Elves, and honey cinnamon whole grain bread meticulously prepared by a Half-Elf chef from Mut Territory. Of course, fresh vegetables from the fertile farm estates near Brunswick were indispensable.

The beverage was "Kopi Luwak" from the Tiriel Kingdom, priced at one hundred gold marks for a small jar.

"Lord Tygris brought two proposals, the first being the hope for the Empire to unite. Savior Ludwig taught us that a united empire is far stronger than a divided one," Carl Franz began, "Now, with Egil dead, Norsca's combat strength is much weaker. We need to concentrate our forces to help Hawk Territory address threats from the Central Mountain Range and the Beastman Tribe in Drakwald Forest."