Annan did not consider it a betrayal.
The Foreign Races Edict might have been useful in the Southlands, where Ratfolk infiltration ran deep. But farther north, the Rat Plague was less severe. Or perhaps the edict had never worked at all. The destruction of the Northern Frontier proved it: those who sold out humanity were not the Foreign Races, but humans themselves.
Elves had their agility, Dwarves their forging, Orcs their strength, and other races their own gifts. Humans should have worked with them, not fought alone under the threat of the Ratfolk.
Annan was simply protecting the Empire in his own way—
So he supported repealing the Foreign Races Edict. Better yet, Dragons should be allowed to enter and leave the City-States freely.
"We don't need compensation."
"I think you do. An apology isn't nearly enough..." Annan tilted his head and lowered his voice. "I remember you demanded compensation too. Now's the time to tell them how the Elves were persecuted in the Rikaner Kingdom. And the more you gain, the higher your standing in the Elven Royal Court."
"...Thank you." The blue-haired elf sincerely appreciated Annan's advice.
"You never thanked me when you helped me." Annan's smile held a trace of unease. He worried that the Elf Mentor might scoop him up and fuss over him regardless of where they were...
Fortunately, the Elf Mentor no longer seemed anxious now that he was back among his people. Annan hid his disappointment and, while the Elves were focused on the Magic Film, brought up his territory.
"Your territory?"
"Mm. A Floating City called Gemstone City. I've nearly gathered enough mountain copper. Next comes the Mage Tower... Would you like to come?"
The blue-haired elf's tone turned teasing. "Are you trying to recruit an Envoy of the Elven Royal Court?"