The more fatal issue is that Hilvanian is also a part of Stier Territory. At the end of the Vampire War, Duke Stier Martin led the human army into the Battle of Helvfen where they annihilated Manfred von Castain and his Undead Army, killed the last Vampire Count Manfred, and burned all the Vampire Castles in Hilvanian to the ground. From then on, Hilvanian is incorporated into Stier Territory.

However, Hilvanian seems more of a burden than a gift. This dead land has no grass growing on it, countless undead creatures roam the cursed land, the dead never find peace. Stier Territory has been forced to form a large number of border troops and sentries because every ten days or so, scattered undead creatures would attack the border.

An impoverished region forced to maintain a massive border army, the financial strain nearly bankrupts Stier Territory.

Anderson, this Prince-Elector, is truly a good man. At first, he favored Boris Todbringer, but when Emperor Carl found him and promised food aid to Stier Territory, the Prince-Elector who deeply loved his people sold his vote to Emperor Carl without hesitation, just to prevent his people from starving.

Laine felt that this issue revealed two truths: first, Prince-Elector Anderson genuinely loved his people; second, Rick Territory is rich, while Stier Territory is indeed poor.

The Imperial Council convenes, initially starting with a speech from the Emperor himself. He recounts the Empire's glorious history and the assistance the High Elves provided during the Great Holy War. Afterwards, Supreme Grandmaster Tygris from the Hos White Tower Mage Council of Safuri Kingdom picks up the topic, expressing his concerns about the Chaos Forces to the princes.

If the Empire cannot resist the southern invasion of northern Chaos, then the Chaos Domain will continue to expand. The land will keep deteriorating and mutating, the world is irreversibly being gradually eroded by Chaos. Since the Great Holy War, the number of Chaos Cultists in the Old World has been steadily increasing.

The Empire needs to unite to face the threat of Chaos. Tygris proposes that Emperor Carl Franz, being an excellent general and politician, should unite all the powers of the Prince-Electors to jointly resist Chaos when a massive Chaos Invasion occurs, rather than fighting independently.

Laine found a seat at the back of the Imperial Council. This time, he is visiting the Empire in an unofficial private capacity. He does not represent Brittania or the Holy Grail Knight Order; he can only represent himself, so Laine can only listen to the proceedings.

Tygris's proposal threw the Imperial Council into a dispute.

"Lord Tygris, we respect you. Savior Ludwig once taught us that a united Empire is far stronger than a divided one. History has seen the great Empire split numerous times, but we always firmly believe we are Imperial people." Beikafen Prince-Elector, Ostmark Alliance Speaker Hetwig spoke first, unabashedly addressing Tygris: "However, Elves should not meddle in Imperial internal affairs. How we choose to ally is our own business."

"Elves will not intervene in Imperial internal affairs, but Elves also face the threat of Chaos. We come with sincere intentions to remind our human friends, not to offend," Tygris calmly replied.

"Then this matter should be an internal Imperial meeting. I don't understand why Lord Tygris, do you come specifically to the Imperial Council to endorse Franz?" Boris Prince-Elector said gruffly, his one eye glaring at Tygris, then at the silent Emperor Carl Franz: "Is Our Majesty trying to tell us he has a High Elf ally and wants us Prince-Electors to obediently comply, or else have a meteor crash on our heads?"

"I mean no such thing, Boris…" The Emperor immediately argued: "What I mean is, High Elves are willing to help the Empire, but they hope the Empire can stay united…"

"Only High Elves can defeat Chaos? I don't FNNDP!" Talabeheim Prince-Elector Helmut Feuerbach outspokenly declared: "High Elves still think they're the masters of the world? They must be dreaming!"

"…" Tygris is not particularly adept at verbal communication. Facing the aggressive Prince-Electors, the Supreme Grandmaster struggles to find the right words. If too sharp, this alliance would crumble; if too humble, it would not suit the High Elves' style.

"Calm down, everyone. We are discussing views and suggestions, not forcing anyone's hand. Please speak freely, but refrain from escalating to racial or personal attacks," the Emperor spoke.

Tygris's suggestion aligns with the Emperor's interests. Since taking office, Emperor Carl Franz has tried to strengthen the Emperor's authority and centralize power. For now, due to his outstanding military talent and political strategy, the Prince-Electors have temporarily set aside prejudices to work together. However, the Emperor's orders struggle to reach beyond Rick Territory, and Prince-Electors only execute orders that benefit (or at least do not harm) their interests.

Yet this is already much better than before.

"Indeed, perhaps letting the Emperor unite us against Chaos is more beneficial, or maybe the High Elves will provide as much support as they can in resisting Chaos Forces. But what about other issues? The undead of Hilvanian, the Green Skin in Evil Land, and countless Beastman Tribes in the forest, will the High Elves help us with these?" Duke Anderson of Stier Territory said with concern: "If we cannot protect ourselves, then how can we unite to resist Chaos Forces?"

Anderson's movements were a bit intense, tilting his fur coat and revealing patches on the wool shirt beneath.

"Agreed." Umberto Corleone, Duke Avey and Toscan Prince-Elector, raised his hand.

"Seconded." Helmut Feuerbach, Duke Talabeck and Talabeheim Prince-Elector, raised his hand.

Gian Bernardino, Brescia Prince-Elector and Duke of Weisen, hesitated for a moment. The young prince, under a courtier's hint, also raised his hand: "I second."

The Emperor and Tygris frowned.

Why do these Prince-Electors from certain provinces all second the motion?

Because they do not have to face the threat of Chaos directly. In their view, a Chaos Invasion would not strike them first, hence their lack of interest in uniting. Instead, they each have their own considerations.

Everyone is aware of the threat of Chaos, but understanding it is one thing; facing it when Chaos reaches the doorstep is another. Humans, or rather mortals, repeatedly enact the tragedy of history. Until they truly feel the crisis, not until the pressing moment, most mortals are busy considering their own interests.

Forgotten pain once healed! The Emperor could only sigh. Humans are forgetful creatures. High Elves have long lifespans, Dwarfs have the Book of Hatred, but humans lack these virtues. Since the disappearance of Savior Ludwig, the Prince-Electors have become satisfied with autonomy, closing doors to live their own lives.

"Everyone! Only when Chaos's claws are knocking on the palace gate will you awake from your dreams?" At this moment, Boris Prince-Elector spoke up, the remaining eye burning with anger: "You are each satisfied with your rule, are you even Imperial people?!"

"The Empire must unite!" Baron Hawk and Hesige Prince-Elector Edbrand Ruedenhoff also shouted: "For Charlemagne, for the Empire!"

"Long live the Empire! The Empire is eternal!" Emperor Carl Franz rose, his thirty-something face bearing holy wrath. The Emperor rose from behind his seat: "Enough, if you feel this suffices, then vote now! Tell me, subjects of the Empire! Is it to unify or split and be defeated one by one? I, the Emperor of the Empire, Carl Franz Friedrich await your answers! Don't forget the scars left by Chaos Claws on the Empire lands, they quietly watch you now!"

"Start voting!"

The Prince-Electors were subdued by the Emperor's thunderous words; they lowered their heads like defeated roosters and used quill pens to write down their opinions.

Fourteen pieces of vellum (Elder Mut has no right to participate in Imperial internal affairs) were delivered to Archbishop Vikma of the Justice Church.

"Eight votes in favor! Two abstentions, four votes against!"

"On behalf of Charlemagne and the God of Justice, I hereby declare the alliance formed!"