Chapter 363: A Legacy of Shadows

**Thelma Zane’s POV** The council meeting dragged on endlessly, with the ministers divided in their opinions. Each person stubbornly clung to their stance, and no one could persuade the other. The arguments stretched from morning until evening without reaching a conclusion. The matter at hand was delicate—how to handle the divided elven race, our long-standing neighbors, without jeopardizing our own position. It was a sensitive issue that required caution and meticulous deliberation. Despite all the heated debates, it was clear that everyone was weighing the situation from a perspective of cost versus benefit. Ultimately, safeguarding our clan’s interests took precedence over aiding another race. As the evening fell, the council adjourned temporarily. We were granted a short respite before reconvening for an overnight session. Cage, the elf emissary, had been granted temporary lodging within the palace. Though framed as hospitality, it was also a measure of surveillance. He