Kaelan nodded.
"Yes." He walked toward the large map hanging on the wall before pointing toward the empire's western frontier. "The Western Phoenix has troubled us for decades. Our forces constantly skirmish with the Desmont Bandits. The situation grows worse every year." He calmly continued. "A full-scale war may erupt at any moment. We already spend enormous amounts of manpower and resources maintaining that frontier."
He turned back toward the Emperor.
"If we grant the Western Phoenix to Kiara and Arceus… Your Majesty solves two problems simultaneously."
The Emperor remained silent.
Kaelan continued explaining.
"We retain Miss Kiara. And… our greatest headache becomes hers. The Desmont Bandits become her responsibility."
Several ministers thoughtfully nodded. It was certainly an attractive proposal.
Before anyone else could respond, however, the Grand Secretariat slowly rose from his seat.
"I disagree."
Everyone looked toward him.
