"What if the other faction wished to do it to advance both worlds? It would be beneficial if the other world could utilize the resources of the other and vice versa. We have been living like this for centuries. And I am thinking of opening up Edin to other worlds. Do you agree?" the Emperor continued to ask for her point of view, now making the Royal Ministers look at each other in confusion.
One of them, the eldest it seemed, spoke up, "Forgive our interference, your Imperial Highness. But the Emperor seemed to be asking difficult and complicated political questions to an ordinary person from the outside world. And a woman at that."
However, King Adamos seemed to get interested as he leaned forward with his feet spread apart.
"I know. But allow her to speak," the Emperor dismissed him. "I just wished to know how a human from another realm judges."
With the Emperor's answer, the Royal Ministers seemed to get where he was coming from.
And so does Evie. At first, she wanted to run away. She was already lifting her skirt, ready to leave after a quick excuse. Her surroundings seemed to be spinning at that moment.
Cold sweat was already forming on her forehead. But she still gave her answer, mindlessly.
"I cannot stand for everyone on our side of the world. But my personal opinion is this - I disagree, Your Imperial Highness," Evie blurted out, creating an uproar from the Royal Ministers.
No one dared to blatantly disagree with the Great Emperor!
But he insisted, "Let her speak."
So Evie explained her point while she was still conscious. "It could be true. But those resources might endanger the already built-in system of the other world. Who knows how much each would be needing?"
"Edinians are not greedy. And we will scrutinize the countries that we will communicate with."
"You will never know, your Imperial Highness. Greed can creep into any heart no matter how pure it is. Edin and other countries alike. There are already enough wars and deaths in the world."
"And you think Edin would add to that?"
"Yes," Evie answered at once, making the Royal Ministers' jaw drop in horror.
"I mean Edin is way more sophisticated than the most technologically advanced country on our part of the earth. Once the other countries knew about this -"
Evie was supposed to speak more. But she saw that the Royal Ministers were already looking grimly at her, even the duchess.
So she pressed her lips together, before uttering, "That is all, Your Imperial Highness."
There was complete silence after that before the Emperor commented, "You are a brilliant young woman, Lady Evie," he addressed her, making Evie bow down in gratitude, hoping it is already enough for them to leave the room.
"You sounded just like the King," he smiled before tilting to King Adamos, who was gazing at Evie intently. "I have no plans to open Edin to other realms. But hearing another being from another world say that deepened my resolve to keep Edin this way."
To conclude the meeting, the Emperor stood up, making everyone kneel on the ground, except for the King, who just stood up and bowed down to him.
He faced the Royal Ministers and announced, "I have made my conclusion."
An invisible drum seemed to beat as every heart started pulsating wildly.
"Indeed, it was an odd phenomenon for strangers to be in the Kingdom of Edin. However, seeing that the humans have nothing with them except their genuine appreciation of our land and respect for our differences, I don't see any problem if they would stay in Edin. That is, if they decide to do so. However, you will be heavily guarded just in case this leads to something catastrophic. I hope you don't mind," the Emperor announced before glancing at Evie and Joyce.
"Thank you for your mercy and benevolence, Your Imperial Highness," they both bowed down to him in response.
"I will take my leave now. I will entrust this matter to His Majesty. May His dominion prevail for all eternity," he then extended his hand to King Adamos who made a formal bow to him.
"May His dominion prevail for all eternity," all the Royal Ministers bowed down in unison.
Like lightning, Evie lifted her skirt and fled to the nearest dressing room.
—--------------------------------
Honesty has power that very few people can handle.