Chapter 30: The Decennial Council: A New Chairman Rises

Under the azure sky, a magnificent floating island hovered serenely, like a secluded paradise. Upon this island stood a resplendent courtyard.

Crafted primarily from premium white marble, meticulously sculpted, it exuded an unparalleled nobility.

Every inch of the courtyard was blanketed in a kaleidoscope of flowers, their vibrant petals swaying gently in the breeze, releasing an intoxicating fragrance.

Lush green grass, like a soft emerald carpet, instilled a sense of vibrant vitality. Towering trees, verdant and robust, with abundant foliage, imbued the entire space with a refreshing aura.

The courtyard’s layout was meticulously arranged, grand in scale yet intricate in detail, serving as the office of the World United Council.

On ordinary days, only essential working members from various constituent nations resided here. However, every decade, this place would host a grand assembly.

The member nations of the World United Council would gather to collectively adjust—or rather, squabble over—the global situation and the conflicts between different races.

Currently, there were only four member nations: the Dragon Race, Elves, Dwarves, and Humans.

This wasn’t to say other races didn’t exist, such as the emerging Orcs, but they had not yet earned the right to sit at the table.

First, they needed to overturn an era before they could speak.

While ninety percent of the time was spent in heated debate, the remaining ten percent genuinely involved problem-solving. After all, it provided a channel for the high-ranking officials of various races to communicate, preventing certain races from remaining estranged for millennia.

This was particularly true for the Dwarves and Elves.

If these two races continued to harbor grudges, minor disputes could accumulate over millennia and erupt like active volcanoes.

At the Council, at least the Humans and Dragons could observe from the sidelines, offering suggestions and mediating disputes.

Such as now.

“Hey, old hag! Are you Elves idiots? We were minding our own business mining, and you came over complaining about us destroying nature, disturbing the ore spirits. What’s wrong with you? That mine was originally bought by us Dwarves!”

“Oh my, such a boorish groundhog. After evolving for so many years, your language system remains so crude and ugly. Heh, well, it makes sense. Those who only know how to wield hammers certainly wouldn’t understand complex concepts like ecological balance. It must be difficult for the Elves who tried to explain it to you.”

“Bullshit! Don’t try to sicken me with your wordplay! Is that what you call explaining? You even resorted to violence!”

“It was merely self-defense. Everyone knows Dwarves are the most volatile. It goes without saying that you were the ones who got physical.”

“You…”

“Heh…”

The volatile Dwarf King and the elegant Elf Queen, Lyra, once again commenced their decennial friendly interaction. They invariably exchanged opinions thoroughly on various issues, engaging in lively discussions, ultimately maintaining their respective stances, and then picking up great hammers or casting spells with their hands.

Conversely, the Humans, who had truly succeeded the Dwarf Empire as the continent’s overlords, and the Dragon Race, whose rear had been ‘stolen’ by the Elves, sat amicably sipping tea and chatting.

“Old Patriarch, should we separate them now?”

At the four-sided table, a middle-aged man in his fifties, wearing an ornate crown and a gold-embroidered royal robe, quietly asked the Old Patriarch, who sat beside him with closed eyes, seemingly on the verge of sleep.

The Old Patriarch suddenly opened his eyes, blinking twice to regain his alertness, then looked at the Human beside him.

Currently, humanity had not achieved internal unification. Though they once had, it dissolved into civil war after merely a millennium. Now, hundreds of scattered Human nations dotted the continent.

The World United Council was established when the Human United Empire still existed. At that time, the Emperor who ruled ninety percent of humanity participated.

Though the United Empire was now dust in the annals of history, the Council seat had been reserved for the Human race.

Every decade, Humans needed to elect a representative to attend. However, after the empire’s fragmentation, the various splintered nations each claimed to be the legitimate inheritors of humanity.

Thus, the Old Patriarch, along with the Elves and Dwarves, conferred and decided to use the Sword of Kings, the symbol of imperial authority from the Human United Empire, as the credential for participation.

The original Sword of Kings was a hereditary blade of the imperial family, but it had been destroyed during the imperial civil war.

So, with the Dragon Race providing reforging materials, the Dwarves undertaking the smithing, and the Elves enchanting it with magic, a new Sword of Kings, completely untouched by Human hands yet representing the true lineage of humanity, was born.

It was so hard that even Dragons could not easily destroy it. The magic it contained astonished even Elves, and its perfect structure was cherished by Dwarves.

Then, the United Council, led by the Old Dragon, summoned the leaders of the great powers that had splintered from the empire. Before them, they plunged the sword into Human territory and declared that in ten years, the king who possessed this sword would represent all of humanity in discussing the continent’s future with the other races.

After that, the Human side became quite lively. Every ten years, humanity would change representatives, each from a different nation.

This continued until the last fifty years.

This middle-aged man was attending the Council for the second time. The three preceding times, though represented by another elder, that elder was his father. Both were emperors of the same Human empire.

The Old Patriarch foresaw that this middle-aged man would participate in at least five more Council meetings.

From his very first appearance at the Council, the Old Patriarch understood that this man was a highly capable monarch. He consistently posed questions without offering opinions, yet each inquiry struck directly at the heart of the matter, with varying focuses depending on the interlocutor.

Despite inheriting the experience and knowledge of the old emperor, this middle-aged emperor did not blindly adhere to the past. Instead, he actively sought to understand the true meaning of the Council and what it could achieve.

‘He will achieve feats no less than those wise kings and overlords whose names are etched in history,’ the Old Patriarch concluded.

However…

‘Heh heh, clever little imp, even trying to ride on my coattails. Taking the lead requires true ability.’

In his Human form, the Old Patriarch spoke candidly: “There’s no definitive conclusion to this matter. Separating them briefly will only lead to further arguments. What are your thoughts? Please, speak freely. I, this old dragon, don’t like to play games, but I do enjoy hearing the opinions of young people.”

With that, the Old Patriarch clapped the table and called out, “Hey, hey, hey, you two, stop arguing. Lyra, Rigardu, grant this old dragon some face and pause for a moment. Promen has a good idea regarding your dispute.”

The loud thud on the table instantly silenced the arguments between Elf Queen Lyra and Dwarf King Rigardu. Even Lyra, being junior to the Old Patriarch and given the Dragon Race’s influence, extended them this courtesy.

Their gazes, both Elf and Dwarf, converged on the Human Emperor.

They were curious to hear what good idea this emperor, who had been so reticent ten years prior, now possessed.

Suddenly put on the spot, Promen gave a wry smile. Yet, it was both a challenge and an opportunity.

He first addressed the Old Dragon: “You flatter me. I do have some thoughts, but whether they are good ideas will require your two esteemed references.”

Elf Queen Lyra and Dwarf King Rigardu remained silent, waiting patiently.

Promen knew that regaining humanity’s voice in the Council, lost since the dissolution of the United Empire, depended entirely on his next words.

“The primary focus of your disagreement lies in the conflict between ore extraction and the survival of the ore spirits. That is to say, Your Majesty Lyra, as long as the ore spirits can continue to thrive peacefully in their homes, you would not object to the Dwarves’ mining activities, correct?”

Elf Queen Lyra smiled and nodded: “Naturally.”

Promen turned to the Dwarf King and asked, “And you, as long as the ore production is not diminished by the presence of the ore spirits, that would suffice, would it not?”

“Of course!” the Dwarf King declared boisterously.

Promen stated, “This matter is not difficult to resolve. The habitats of the ore spirits do not prohibit ore extraction, merely excessive extraction. Henceforth, during mining operations, it would only be necessary to ensure the quantity extracted each time, without damaging the mine’s ecosystem.”

“That’s too finicky!” the Dwarf King grumbled. “Wouldn’t our production plummet? Especially since that mine was legally bought by us!”

Promen nodded. “That is true. Therefore, any ore production shortfall caused by the ore spirits will be covered by the Human race.”

“Hmm?” The Dwarf King eyed Promen suspiciously. “You’ll provide it to us for free?”

“Of course not.” Promen shook his head decisively, then continued, “The Human race is numerous and vast, controlling many mines. However, there has been little trade between us Dwarves. I can take the lead in organizing a market for ore trade between Humans and Dwarves. This would ensure a continuous supply of ore to the Dwarves.”

The Dwarf King huffed, “It’s our mine to begin with! Why should we buy from you Humans instead of extracting it ourselves? Wouldn’t I be losing out significantly?”

“Business isn’t calculated that way.” Promen turned to Elf Queen Lyra. “Your Majesty, would you concede on this matter? For instance, by relocating the ore spirits?”

Elf Queen Lyra narrowed her eyes. “Of course, we can. Elves are not like some barbaric races. However, the relocation costs and subsequent compensation for the spirits must be fully covered.”

Promen looked back at the Dwarf King. “So, would you accept my proposal or Her Majesty’s proposal?”

The Dwarf King’s temper flared. He slammed his hammer onto the table with a clang and shouted, “I accept neither!”

“Cough, cough!” the Old Patriarch cleared his throat. “The discussion isn’t over yet. Don’t throw your hammer on the table; that’s an antique I brought.”

The Dwarf King pouted, picking up his hammer.

Promen, unfazed, calmly stated, “If you accept neither, then the Elves will continue to interfere with the Dwarves’ mining operations. Your ore production will only decrease further, and you won’t be able to replenish it elsewhere. Of course, we never underestimate the dignity of the Dwarf race, but a more intense confrontation will not solve the problem; it will only cause the Dwarves greater losses. Is it worth it?”

The Dwarf King narrowed his eyes and asked, “‘You’? Are you and the Elves colluding against the Dwarves?”

“Of course not. The Council is a whole, and we are also a whole. Since we are seated at this table, we are here to negotiate a result that all races can accept. If, instead, meaningless wars arise from this place, what then is its value?”

Meeting the Dwarf King’s intimidating gaze, Promen smiled. “You lose nothing. Ore spirits and veins are complementary; as long as the ore spirits remain, the ore will regenerate after a period of time. The long-term ore yield obtained by Dwarves will certainly be much greater than a single, exhaustive extraction.”

“If you engage in trade with the Human race, I, in the name of the Arren Empire—no, the Arren Kingdom—promise you that the price of ore will always remain within a fair and just range. The transportation costs will be entirely borne by the kingdom. All you need to do is open a market.”

“And if any Human engages in fraudulent activities during this period, the Arren Kingdom will spare no effort to ensure they provide you with an explanation and compensation. Of course, you are also free to accept Her Majesty’s suggestion; that is your right.”

Promen’s nation, among Humans, used the title of Empire to assert its status, but it could not use this designation at the Council.

This was because the Council implicitly understood ‘Empire’ to refer solely to the Human United Empire. Previously, a kingdom had attempted to use the title of Empire at the Council, only to be directly rebuffed with, ‘How does your empire compare to the Human United Empire?’

The meeting room fell silent. The Dwarf King eyed Promen for a long moment before asking, “I didn’t realize you were such a kind fellow.”

Promen shook his head. “Of course not. Being able to trade with the Dwarves is already the greatest benefit the kingdom can gain. I feel immensely honored.”

The Dwarf King leaned back abruptly in his chair, declaring, “I accept your proposal. The Elves are not being fair.”

Elf Queen Lyra shrugged, having long anticipated this outcome. She spoke, “I accept as well. However, the sustainable mining of ore here must be supervised by Elves, and the extraction quantities and spirit living areas must also be designated by us. Otherwise, I don’t believe these short-sighted Dwarves will honestly abide by the rules.”

Before the Dwarf King could erupt, Promen interjected, “That is natural. However, I hope that the designation of extraction quantities and spirit living areas can be entrusted to the Dragon Race.”

The Old Patriarch’s vertical dragon pupils flickered towards Promen. He knew this young man wouldn’t let him remain idly out of it.

Promen respectfully addressed the Old Patriarch, “Old Patriarch, I implore you to allow the Earth Dragon lineage to assist us in reasonably planning the various mines. Only the impartial Dragon Race can ensure fairness and justice. Of course, the employment fee will be jointly paid by our three parties. Is that acceptable?”

The Dwarf King and Elf Queen pondered for a moment, exchanged glances, then disdainfully looked away from each other before nodding.

Employing the Dragon Race was the only acceptable outcome for them. The Dwarves could not trust the Elves’ designations, and the Elves did not trust the Dwarves’ designations. As for Humans, they were simply too unprofessional.

“Very well,” the Old Patriarch slowly conceded.

“Thank you for your assistance.” Promen then continued, “As for supervision, it is certainly necessary. However, I hope this supervisory body will be jointly staffed by all four of us…”

“The Dragon Race will not participate in supervision,” the Old Patriarch interrupted. “Our clan has a limited number of dragons.”

Promen seemed to have anticipated the Old Patriarch’s answer and immediately said, “That is, of course, understandable. However, as it involves multi-party supervision, there will be issues that are difficult to adjudicate. I hope the Dragon Race will hold the power of adjudication and judgment.”

The Old Patriarch paused for a few seconds before replying, “Very well.”

Elf Queen Lyra and the Dwarf King also spoke, “We accept this proposal.”

Promen added, “I also hope that a charter for this matter can be established directly within the Council to facilitate future sustainable mining and reduce similar conflicts.”

“Agreed.”

Thus, this session of the Council concluded with the signing of a new continental management treaty, presided over by a Human Emperor.

****

Afterward, the Old Patriarch watched Promen, staring until Promen’s scalp tingled, before finally shifting his gaze to Elf Queen Lyra and the Dwarf King. “I, this old dragon, have been the Council Chairman for a long time now. This position should rightfully be rotated among us. The Elves and Dwarves have both served already. And the Human Race hasn’t held the Council Chair for thousands of years.”

“I believe this young man, Promen, is very capable and impartial. Therefore, I would like to nominate him as the Council Chairman. What are your thoughts?”

The primary task of the Council Chairman was to mediate conflicts between the various races, preventing wars from erupting among Council members.

The power of this position was neither great nor small; it depended on one’s methods and backing.

Promen was stunned and immediately shook his head. “My qualifications are still shallow. How can I take on the chairman’s position? Please choose someone else.”

Elf Queen Lyra rested her chin on her hand, chuckling, “I think it’s an excellent idea. Your mediation just now was superb. I cast my vote for you too.”

Gazes fixed on her perfect features, Promen, though momentarily enchanted, quickly regained his composure and still wished to refuse. Just then, the Dwarf King spoke up, grumbling under Elf Queen Lyra’s ‘I’ll kill you’ glare:

“It’s good. At least this way I won’t have to argue with that old hag every time. The Old Patriarch is truly lazy.”

The Old Patriarch shrugged. “I’m such an old man; it’s better to let you young people take charge. Promen, don’t decline. We don’t have abstention votes here. If you truly don’t want it, then in ten years, give these two a big surprise, haha. Just don’t mess with this old man.”

“You jest,” Promen replied with a wry smile, then his expression turned solemn. “I understand. Since I have been entrusted with such high hopes by all you seniors, I will certainly live up to the responsibilities and powers that this position entails.”

Thus, the first day of the Council drew to a close.