The Gray mansion, while small on the outside, was expansive on the inside. Although nothing much had changed for the family, there were a few more rooms and a newly created basement that Alexander turned into his working area.
Equipped with gadgets found nowhere in the universe, and run by the most powerful AI system the universe had ever seen, the basement was a world of its own. It came with a training facility, a smart library, a dedicated office space for meetings and more.
Alexander's clothes changed into a simple white shirt to present a modicum of officiality to the meeting that was about to take place. As soon as he took his seat at his desk, Xex brought up the meeting screen attached to the wall ahead of him, showing the faces of the hundreds of Council members.
Without wasting time, he focused on Lord Malcolm, leaning back in his chair and supporting his chin with his left hand. "Alright, let's get this over with. Lord Malcolm, please present your petition to the house."
"Thank you, Lord Alexander."
Alex showed no particular reaction, and his expression remained calm and collected. Whether Lord Malcolm's petition pissed him off or not could not be determined by any of them.
"While the rules and regulations are clearly stated in the Universal Accord Commission guide to territorial claims, the forceful and sudden eviction of my forces, The Arkheons of Valemont, is questionable."
"..."
A few among the Council members swallowed imperceptibly, hoping Malcolm's words did not offend Alexander. Others wore sour expressions and cared little about what Alexander thought. Regardless, the family head of the Valemonts did not hold back.
"For a twenty-seven-year-old boy to have the power of an Immortal..." Lord Malcolm intentionally dragged his words.
"Get to the point, Lord Malcolm." Alexander was not in the mood for play on words. "I don't have all day."
"It is not my desire to offend you, Lord Alexander." Malcolm was swift to express, afraid he was stepping out of line.
"We crossed that line when you questioned the authenticity behind Ross's claim, Lord Malcolm. Stop wasting time." Alexander glared at the family head coldly.
Of course, he wasn't furious. If anything, he was just disappointed, knowing what was coming. His words, however, caused many among the council to swallow nervously. However, they were experienced enough to hide their expressions behind curious stares and thoughtful expressions.
"Right..." Lord Malcolm nodded, taking a moment to consider his words. "I believe Lord Ross did not use his own strength to claim the galactic cluster. You, Lord Alexander, clearly stated that you would not get involved, and my colleagues and I..."
Suddenly, many of the Council members' expressions changed. Being dragged into this was not in their plans. But they could not say a word until Lord Malcolm was finished.
"My colleagues and I thought it included every aspect of your power, Lord Alexander. We know you have those who draw strength from you, and that strength cannot be considered their own.
"I think... No, I believe using that connection seizes from the people their chance at playing fair." Lord Malcolm ended, releasing an anxious sigh. It took a lot of courage on his part to say all that.
"Hence, why you brought up such a proposal." Alexander nodded, seemingly considering the Councilman's words as he skimmed through the files.
"Yes, Lord Alexander."
After a heavy silence settled in the meeting space, many among the Council wondered what Alexander was thinking. Lord Baltor, in particular, was very interested in what Alexander had to say. After all, this was the chance he was waiting for.
Alexander might be the most powerful being in their universe, but he knew in his heart. No, many among the Council members knew Alexander had a good heart. Regardless of what happened, they believed Alexander wouldn't go too far.
This was what they were betting on.
"So you want me to drive out the Starbane forces because you believe they are not capable of managing a territory that size." Alexander emphasised the word 'believe', his eyes staring right into Malcolm's.
Impressively, the Valemont family head stood his ground, returning the gaze in equal fervour. He had to show his resolve or everything could fall apart. With a curt nod, he replied.
"Yes."
Alexander softened his gaze a bit, taking back his glaring eyes. Focusing on the entire screen, he addressed the Council.
"Lord Valemont's words do make a bit of sense." His words sparked a bit of excitement in their eyes. However, just as fast as it came, it disappeared, replaced with confused frowns. "But his proposal is fundamentally flawed."
"Flawed?"
A few among the Council echoed.
"Yes, flawed," Alexander affirmed calmly. "You believe the strength Ross possesses is not his own. It's because you're measuring him with the metrics you've known your whole lives."
"..."
"Just because you can't do something doesn't mean others can't." Alexander smiled suggestively, instinctively making some of the Council members dread the words that were yet to come.
"I never said I can't make someone as talented as I am, now did I? Did I say I can't train someone to grow as fast as possible? Did I ever say I can't make the impossible possible?"
"!!"
With every word that left his lips, Malcolm's expression and a few others turned sour as they felt their hearts sink. Whether his words were valid or not, it did not matter. Alexander was never going to acknowledge Malcolm's silly claims.
It didn't make sense, and it had no grounds for consideration. This entire meeting was a farce in and of itself. The true agenda was only about to begin. Unfortunately, this meant Malcolm would have to deal with his loss.
"Regardless, Lord Alexander." Lord Baltor grinned softly. He wasn't about to let this slip by. "It means you're helping your companions gain an unfair advantage over the others. How do you hope for us to compete?"
"Then answer me this, Lord Baltor," Alexander directed his focus to the man's face. "How much of your family's resources have you shared with the people in your region? How many hunters have you turned down when they needed your help? Don't you dare cry foul play with me."
"..."
The man had to take a step back. Alexander was correct; however, it also made his agenda even more plausible. With a hidden smile behind his slightly anxious expression, he added.
"I acknowledge I overstepped with my words, Lord Alexander." Lord Baltor gave a slight nod as an apology. "But with how things have turned, our colleague here feels cheated."
"There are many more galactic clusters out there," Alex replied swiftly, already seeing the proposal coming. "There's no reason for Lord Malcolm to remain fixated on one territory; now is there?" He directed his gaze to Malcolm, who could only stare back.
"Per the regulations described in the UAC guidelines, Ross's claim is valid. Of course, you are free to take it back if you can." Alexander added.
Lord Malcolm knew Alexander was right. He knew he was grasping at straws here, but he couldn't help himself. That galactic cluster was something he truly wanted. After all, it was one of the closest regions to the Empire.
The universe might be a lot more explorable than before, but it did not mean the dangers were over. There were monsters out there; monsters they could not hope to face, at least not yet.
"If I may, Lord Alexander," Lord Baltor raised once more. "I think we can all agree that the universe is not a fair place, and that it's normal to have a few outliers here and there. However, when the outliers are extreme, a vast chasm is created. This can create feelings of resentment, disillusionment and disappointment."
"What are you trying to say, Lord Baltor?" Basso chipped in, squinting his eyes.
"I'm saying..." The man paused to build a bit of tension, and an almost imperceptible smile emerged at the corner of his lips. "... that to avoid these sentiments, it's best if we allow those who want to go their separate way to leave... No one wants to feel cheated, especially when they see no way out."
"..."
Not surprisingly, the Council members did not show any signs of extreme shock. They knew this was coming for some time now. Baltor had simply capitalised on Malcolm's misfortune to push what the majority wanted. Slowly, everyone's attention focused on Alexander, hoping to see how he would react to the suggestion.
Alexander sat calmly in his seat, staring back at the hundreds of faces that stared back at him. While no official declarations were made, the Council had come to unequivocally see Alexander as the topmost person with the highest authority within the Empire.
If Lord Baltor's suggestion were to come to play, Alexander would have to give his say-so. After all, the first attempt was thwarted by his vassals. With breaths held in anticipation, everyone calmly waited for Alexander to speak.
"We should let them go their separate ways, huh?" Alexander finally replied, making some of the Councilmen swallow nervously. "Would that mean those people would be responsible for everything about themselves?"
"Exactly," Baltor replied almost too quickly. "They can't expect help from the Empire when they want to do their own thing."
"Indeed," one of Baltor's supporters jumped in to add. "Of course, claims on territories would still need to be registered with the UAC to prevent future issues."
Another second of silence that felt like an eternity for them passed before Alexander responded. Turning his focus to Malcolm's face, he asked, "What do you think, Lord Malcolm? Would something like this appease you?"
"I-I think so, Lord Alexander."