Reborn as the Last van Ambrose

Húwáng received Grim and Ruxi in his private study.

Grim sat across from the Fox King, with Ruxi positioned where she could observe both men’s expressions during what promised to be a delicate discussion.

"The council session was eventful, if nothing else" Húwáng began carefully, pouring tea in between sentences."I assume you’re curious about the deliberations."

"I am," Grim replied, accepting the offered cup while studying the king’s expression for clues about the outcome. "Though I suspect the results were mixed given the time required for discussion."

"Indeed," Húwáng confirmed. "The elders are divided. Three support comprehensive evaluation before any approval, five favor conditional approval with appropriate safeguards, and one requests additional information before making final decisions."

Ruxi leaned forward with obvious concern. "What kind of evaluation are they considering?"

"That remains to be determined," her father replied. "The council will reconvene in five days to establish specific criteria and procedures."

Grim considered this information while sipping his tea. The political mathematics weren’t encouraging—while a majority seemed inclined toward eventual approval, the lack of consensus meant extended uncertainty and potential for the situation to deteriorate.

"Elder Míngzhì led the opposition?" he asked.

"As expected," Húwáng confirmed. "Though his arguments were more sophisticated than simple prejudice against humans. He raised legitimate concerns about precedent and long-term implications that resonated with several other elders."

"And what concerns specifically?"

"That approving your integration would inevitably lead to pressure for additional human access to our realm," the king explained. "Míngzhì believes successful integration of one human will create expectations and demands that could compromise our autonomy."