While Julia and Ross were having their asses handed to them, a trivial but crucial problem was rising in the heart of the empire.
...
With the advent of peace comes numerous matters — some inconsequential and some very important.
People's focus tends to shift to other things when the things keeping them focused change or become trivial.
Since Alexander put a barrier around the empire's borders and the reemergence of exploration missions, people have begun to focus on resource and power acquisition.
The powerful families focused their efforts in exploring and laying claim to newly discovered regions and their resources — they had to prepare for the new generation.
Change was here, and the sooner they embraced what was coming, the better it was for them. The visionaries could see the direction their universe was heading towards in the years that would follow.
At the same time, other groups were concerned about another issue — the three council heads — or at least that was what they were meant to be.
Since Lady Zara was removed from her position due to reasons only a few people were aware of, there had been no discussion about her replacement.
Some people had been raising waves about this imbalance of power and how it was affecting the one-horned race. They were not feeling represented and this had to change.
Naturally, this was not a concern for most folks, but with a few whispers here and there, there would always be those who would follow, even if they had no tangible reason.
As the concerns grew, it eventually caught the attention of the two remaining leaders and the broad council.
The two leaders knew it was an inside case with their very own council members raising these concerns while hiding behind the masses.
It wasn't really a concern for the two leaders as they knew the true master of the universe. Gone was the time when they feared getting removed from their positions.
Regardless, the issue had to be addressed. A day was set for a general meeting where these concerns would be addressed and a new member of the three-head-council would be selected.
Gathered in the largest council room on Planet Titan, the figures of all those who were important enough to make decisions on humanity's behalf were seated.
"Okay people, let's get to business." Lord Basso said. "You summoned the two of us, what is the issue?"
While the two heads were aware of the noise being raised throughout the empire, they were more focused on their cultivation and grasping of their unique laws.
They knew this was the machinations of the very people seated in this chamber. However, as vassals of Alexander, they saw all this as pointless.
"Since the beginning of the universal calamity…" One of the key figures — a one-horned — in the crowd began.
They went on about how humanity came together and eventually worked out their differences until they finally settled on a three-head council.
"In recent times, however, things have changed. When Lady Zara was removed from her position, it was our understanding that a new head would be selected.
"But the times were chaotic, as such, the issue was put on hold. But that isn't the case anymore."
"Precisely," Another took over. "People of the one-horned race are beginning to question why they don't have a representative among the 'three'."
"You make it sound like we're different." Basso sneered. "Just get straight to the point and propose who you want the third seat to go to."
"We'll get to that…"
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed, making Basso and Jaseph narrow their eyes. It felt like they were being led into this situation.
"After many months of talking and taking into consideration what the people want, this council has decided that you two are no longer fit to lead us."
"What?!"
The exclamation didn't come from the leaders but from other members of the council. This was news to them as well.
When they heard the council met and talked, many already knew only a group of members were behind this.
"Since when was this decided? And why wasn't I made aware?" Lucas -- Julia's father -- asked in outrage.
Looking around, he noticed many others being clueless. However, the number of clueless people was on the lower side — they were in the minority.
'Haha.' Lucas shook his head with a chuckle. 'These morons. They couldn't keep their greed for power in check. Now that things are looking good again, their desires are coming out.'
Lord Basso and Jaseph remained silent as the murmurs grew more and more out of control.
"Enough!"
A command from Jaseph shut down all arguments. Their positions were being threatened, but they were still in charge.
"On what grounds was this decision made?" Jaseph asked calmly. "We may have been voted into this position, but our merits speak for themselves."
"That's exactly what we mean." The one-horned leading the charge smiled. "You two have been silent and barely acted since Lady Zara was removed.
"Times have changed and so must this council. We need leaders who will lead us through this new era, make decisions that will benefit us all and not just an elite few."
Everyone knew what the man was talking about.
Jaseph couldn't help but sigh. He looked over to his partner and could see the same expression on his face.
This entire situation was ridiculous. As soon as void creatures were no longer a major threat, humans turned on themselves.
'Do we inform Alexander?' Jaseph messaged Basso through their vassal connection.
'No. We both know Alex can see all this happening in real-time. This is something we can deal with ourselves.'
"I assume you guys already have candidates to replace us?" Basso asked.
"Naturally…" The reply came confidently. "The people have chosen three candidates with strong merits who have done nothing but give their all for humanity."
"Hahaha…" Basso suddenly began laughing, catching the man off guard.
"Lord Basso…?"
"Right. I apologize for my behaviour." Basso chuckled softly. "So the best you could come up with to replace us instead of proposing the third member is what? Their contributions to humanity?
"If that's what you're pushing for, then we all know who should be leading us, no?"
No name had to be mentioned — they all knew.