Twenty minutes later, the officials had finished speaking. Their views fell into two camps:
The Construction Department, which needed a stable environment to develop, urged caution. Those who stood to benefit from war favored sending support.
They were much like Free City's Moderate Faction and Radical Faction.
Whichever side they took, they genuinely wanted what was best for Free City, not to line their own pockets.
It must be nice to be young, Reynaldo thought. He had once been like them, full of ideals and passion. He simply hadn't had the right soil for his dreams to bloom.
Creak—
The doors of the Council Chamber opened. Femi and the other Legion Commanders rose first, placing their hands over their hearts.
"Let me introduce Biross. She served as a Commander under Lilith, commander of the Demon Lord's Sixth Legion. She has left the darkness behind and joined Free City."
Peterson, an advisor seated at the very back, glanced around and suddenly began clapping hard. "I've heard of Lady Biross! She earned a fearsome reputation in the Sixth Legion. As expected of Lord Annan—with Biross here, we have hope!"
The officials joined the applause, giving Biross a warm welcome.
Annan gave Peterson an approving look, then led Biross to a seat beside Eldest Sister and Olmedo. "Please, continue."
Youth also meant efficiency. They had already discussed most of what mattered: the Cautious Faction wanted to wait and see, while the Radical Faction wanted to send troops at once. Overall, the radicals outnumbered the cautious.
Some hoped a string of victories would build Free City's reputation and boost trade. Young Warriors, meanwhile, longed for Merit.
Annan turned to the Six-Armed Snake Demon. "What do you think, Biross?"
Dozens of eyes turned toward her. Biross remained composed. She needed to earn Annan Reeves's trust,