Chapter 206 Human council. (3) Madame Rose.

Words : 1131 Updated : Oct 3rd, 2025

"and now," lilla said after a moment, her gray eyes scanning the table, "that we are all on the same page, i have a proposition to make." she allowed a slight smile to grace her lips, though her tone remained as measured and composed as ever. the captains and politicians leaned in slightly with their curiosity piqued. one of the destroyer captains cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "a proposition, holy maiden? if i may ask, what exactly do you have in mind?" lilla gestured to the hologram of the oceanic planet, the shimmering blue sphere spinning slowly above the table. "the oceanic world represents an opportunity. it is strategically valuable, not only for its resources but also for its location. however, its history has made it a target of interest for powerful factions." "the tier 3 beast, the mysterious sale to a ghost company, and the massacre of the cruiser all suggest that someone intended to destabilize the region." discover exclusive tales on empire one of the politicians frowned. "and yet, after all that, the planet is still unclaimed. if someone went to such lengths, why have they abandoned it now?" "perhaps they haven't," lilla replied, her tone steady. the younger destroyer captain, still bristling slightly from his earlier exchange with the holographic politician, leaned forward. "and what is your suggestion, holy maiden? do you want us to take the planet by force?" lilla shook her head. "not by force, no. at least, not yet. instead, we must claim the planet with purpose. we must secure it not just militarily but also economically. establishing our foothold there will send a clear message to the galaxy." "humanity is no longer a fragmented race of outcasts. we are organized. we are determined. and we are not afraid to take what we need to survive." the room buzzed with murmurs of agreement, but one of the holographic politicians raised a hand. "forgive me, holy maiden," he began, his tone cautious, "but wouldn't claiming the planet outright invite retaliation from whoever orchestrated these events? if they placed the tier 3 beast there, surely they could launch other... less conventional attacks." "that is why we must act swiftly and decisively," lilla replied. "our allies have already shown their ability to defend our holdings. the hive minds have intercepted every pirate, mercenary, and rogue force sent to attack us. their assistance will ensure that no outside force can disrupt our plans on the oceanic world." the mention of the hive minds caused a ripple of unease across the room. another destroyer captain, older and more gritty, frowned deeply. "with all due respect, holy maiden, relying on the hive minds is... risky. they're unpredictable, and their motives are unknown. if we grow too dependent on their protection, it could lead to disaster." lilla nodded slightly, acknowledging his concern. "you're right to be cautious. the hive minds are not allies in the traditional sense. they are a force of nature, and we must never forget that." "however, their interests align with ours, and we would be fools not to use this window of opportunity to strengthen ourselves." the room fell silent again as her words hung in the air. even as a hologram, the force of her personality was palpable. her stern, wrinkled face was framed by a luxurious mane of red hair, and she leaned on her iconic holographic cane, which flickered faintly with a regal golden hue. despite her age, her voice carried the authority of a battlefield general and the sharp wit of a seasoned diplomat. for a moment, there was an awkward silence, as if the entire room held its breath. "hold on, madame rose!" lilla exclaimed, standing up from her seat in alarm. her usual composure gave way to genuine concern. "please don't exert yourself! you have to take care of your health!" madame rose turned her holographic glare toward lilla, her cane pointing accusingly at the younger woman. "oh, shut it, you too, girl! i'm healthier than the brains of these bastards, which are clearly full of shit!" her cane swung dramatically toward one of the politicians and one of the destroyer captains, who both looked down in shame, unable to meet her eyes. the council chamber was deadly silent now, no one daring to interrupt madame rose. madame rose, after all, was more than just an older stateswoman. she was a living legend. as the founder of the human council of ten, she had been instrumental in shaping the fledgling human empire after their liberation. her personal wealth rivaled that of the galaxy's lesser nobles, and her contributions to the empire's budget accounted for nearly 50% of its total funding. but even more than her influence and wealth, she carried a secret few in the council knew: she was lilla's adoptive grandmother, a relationship that granted her immense sway even over the holy maiden herself. though this fact was kept from the general populace, those within the council knew better than to challenge madame rose's authority. madame rose huffed loudly, as if daring anyone to object. "now, where were we?" she said with her tone dripping with sarcasm. "ah yes, the part where you're all acting like a bunch of spineless fools. let me make this very clear: lilla will be going to meet the angel." "but, madame rose—!" one of the politicians shouted, only to be cut off by the sharp tap of her cane against the holographic floor. "don't you 'but' me, you miserable idiot!" madame rose snapped. "you lot seem to forget that humanity didn't claw its way out of slavery by cowering in fear! yes, it's dangerous. yes, it could be a trap. but sitting on our asses and doing nothing is far more dangerous. or do you all intend to keep hiding behind lilla's skirts forever?" the captain she had pointed at earlier flinched as if physically struck. madame rose continued with her voice rising with passion. "the angel is awake. and if you all had half a brain between you, you'd realize that means something is about to happen. something big. he's not calling for lilla out of boredom; there's a reason, and she's going to find out what it is. do i make myself clear?" the council chamber was silent, the weight of her words pressing down on everyone like a physical force. lilla, still standing, let out a soft sigh and smiled faintly. "madame rose, please don't scare them too much," she said gently with her tone affectionate. "hmph, if they're scared, they deserve it," madame rose muttered, though the corners of her mouth twitched as if suppressing a grin.

Chapter 206 Human council. (3) Madame Rose.

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