"I…" Zach started saying after taking a moment or two to think about it. But the Emperor interrupted him before he could continue.
"You are the only one who can assume this position, Zacharia. Out of everyone, whether it be from the Empire or the Steppes, you are the only one who has shed their skin like a lizard. You are not just someone from the Empire, a traitor, or affiliated with any other sides. Your ties to the Empire are as solid as your ties to the Steppes.
"It is the one solution that everyone can agree with without too much fuss." The Emperor glanced at Maura, the nobles of the east and the central region, and the representatives of the people. Zach followed his gaze. All of them nodded along with the Emperor's words.
