After much effort, the imperial provinces eventually reached a loose alliance, whereby they remained autonomous in peacetime, but all Prince-Electors would unite against a large-scale Chaos invasion.

This outcome did not surprise the Emperor, as half of the imperial provinces were already directly threatened by Chaos. He merely needed to apply some pressure and rely on the support of the High Elves to secure approval.

Regarding the Bright Council, the Emperor knew it was unfeasible, so he simply didn't mention it.

Instead, Emperor Carl proposed supporting the Satusha pirate Airenas-Salt Water Hatred in her raids against the Norsca and Northern Barbarians along the coast. This notorious pirate planned continuous raids against the Northern Barbarians to fulfill her vengeance and the will of the Sea God Manannan.

Airenas bore immense hatred towards the Norsca people, vowing that her revenge would only cease once all Norsca people were dead.

This resonated greatly with the Imperial people, especially those in the Northern Empire. Provinces like Nord, Oster, and even Midland had suffered pirate raids from the Northern Barbarians for years. Two millennia later, reconciliation with the barbarians was forever impossible for the Imperial people, leaving only eternal blood feuds. Although the Nord people still occasionally traded with the Norsca people, when it came to fighting, neither side held back, both wishing the other extinct.

Even territories not directly threatened by barbarian pirates hated Chaos as Imperial people. Whether male or female, any pirate combating the barbarians was deemed good. If a few more barbarian tribes met their doom incidentally, the Prince-Electors might even award a knighthood.

After some discussion, the Prince-Electors designated several coastal ports with military presence for Airenas to resupply, also granting this Satusha pirate a license.

"It seems the Emperor opposes the Bright Council issue." Surya sat beside Laine, and the female knight whispered, "Lord Tygris initially intended to propose it, but the Emperor did not bring it up in the council."

"I wouldn't bring it up either." Laine sensed Tygris seeking his help with his gaze, but he just shook his head. "Such matters must be addressed by Emperor Carl of the Empire, and if I spoke up, I might be considered a traitor."

"Pfft, isn't that a bit much?" Surya couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"I'm not joking." Laine said seriously, "Humans are humans; elves are elves... We might form alliances, but ultimately we are two different peoples. Dwarves and humans can cooperate seamlessly on the battlefield, while elves and humans… face difficulties. At least at this stage, we can't achieve it. I'm accepted by the entire Empire precisely because I'm human, right?"

"That's true." Surya pondered the context. The female knight understood that the Empire was a nation with human supremacy. Despite its efforts in diversity, the main reason Laine earned the Empire's respect and his fame spread was his humanity.

The Imperial Council continued, turning to mundane topics like territorial disputes and bickering among the Prince-Electors. Many northern Prince-Electors owed substantial sums to their southern counterparts. Boris Prince-Elector proposed organizing a military force from Calon Castle to clear the Drakwald Forest. The Duke of Stier, Anderson, routinely "begged," requesting help from fellow Prince-Electors for Stier's starving commoners. Hawk and Ostmark Territories expressed their inability to assist, but Avey Territory voluntarily offered some grain support, with the condition that Stier establish a Free People Corps to serve in Avey.

Then, Emperor Carl Franz introduced Laine to the Prince-Electors, suddenly stating that, as Prince Rick, he would enter into an alliance with Count Laine. They would become strategic partners in the future, continuing to implement and deepen the human alliance between the Empire and Brittania, making significant contributions to humanity's great future.

Under the spotlight and playing to Laine's expectations, Laine smiled freely and signed his name on the "Mutual Aid" pact, albeit slightly surprised.

Seeing this, Boris Prince-Elector promptly proposed trade agreements and a defensive alliance with Laine, to which Laine readily agreed. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The day-long Imperial Council concluded as a result.

As night fell, Brunswick was brilliantly lit, with countless stars shining above. The Justice Cathedral was always bustling, filled with pilgrims year-round. As the Winter Festival approached, the Imperial capital became densely populated.

Laine, dressed in noble attire, and Tygris, wearing a High Elf Mage Robe, appeared inside the Justice Church Cathedral. Pretending to tour the Justice Cathedral, they chatted intermittently.

"Why didn't you bring up the Bright Council?" Tygris's expression remained calm. He declined Justice Archbishop Vikma's offer of a guided tour, explaining that he had visited before and brought Laine to see it this time.

"Because it's unnecessary." Laine gazed at one side of the wall inside the massive hall.

The wall was covered with countless family crests.

These crests represented military honors and memorials, signifying countless heroes who sacrificed their lives to defend the Empire, wrapping themselves in horsehide. Their deeds and greatness would earn eternal respect from everyone.