Maxine massaged her temples with her eyes closed while doing her best not to loose her temper. Just like she had predicted, a few of the UN members insisted that she vote for a proposition that would change a law. Specifically, it would change the consequences of a cultivator harming a non-cultivator. Are these guys stupid? Those laws are set to protect the weaker people, like them, within the Alliance from the wealthy or cultivators confident in their strength.

"We need to vote for this!" one of the UN representatives shouted at her, "It's very important for our future!"

"And why exactly do I need to vote for this?" Maxine asked angrily, "Because from my perspective, it doesn't make any sense for me to vote for it. It would literately change the punishments for killing a normal person to either paying a massive fine or be required to take on a high-risk mercenary contract without pay. That would put you at the mercy of the extremely skilled and wealthy. It's obvious that you're not insisting on this if someone else wasn't forcing you to. So, who is it that thinks they can screw with Earth's political stance? And if you were dumb enough to actually sign a contract with them to ensure my vote, you should know that it can't be enforced since you're not the representative of Earth as a whole. The most they can do is demand that you return whatever they gave you as a bribe."

"I have no idea what you are talking about," the UN representative said firmly, but she sensed through her spiritual sense that he was nervous.

"Oh? Don't tell me that you already used it?" Maxine asked in surprise and due to her irritation, she decided to remind them all of a certain law, "You could be turned into a debt slave for doing something so idiotic. Although, I doubt they would do that to you, specifically. You're far too old for it to be worth the trouble, but one of your grand children would be a different story. And I hope to god that you don't have any beautiful grand daughters. They would be prime targets for them to use as debt slaves. You would be surprised how often the 'young masters' from large clans use them as practice so that they can better pleasure their future wife." Deep down, she was disgusted that such a practice was common within the Alliance. If there had been any propositions that would eliminate such practices, I would vote for them in a heartbeat.

"I think that's enough, Ms. Levings," the UN secretary said, "But I do believe that such slavers would have no right to do that here."

"That's where you are wrong," Maxine said coldly, "The law that involves debt slaves is an Alliance spanning law that even backwater planets like Earth must adhere to and if one of my advisors is dumb enough to fall for such a trap, it's their own fault. However, I won't let an innocent suffer due to the stupidity of their elder. So if you've done something like this, I'll bail you out, but this will be the only time that I'll do it. After that, you will reap what you sow."

"It shouldn't matter since I've never taken any bribes," the UN representative in question retorted, but she could still sense his fear. So, he's being blackmailed then.

"Fine, but my stance on the matter won't change," Maxine stated firmly, "I will vote against any proposition that directly or indirectly harms anyone that lives on Earth and I will do my best to get as many benefits for Earth as a whole as possible. So if you can't give me a good reason to change my mind, I will continue with that stance."

"I'm sure the others understand that. Thankfully, we are in full agreement that we should acquire as much technology for ourselves as we can in the next Alliance assembly," the UN secretary said, "It's unfortunate that the chances of us getting anything other than agricultural technologies is dismally low."

"But you forget, Mr. Secretary," Maxine retorted, "Our scientists can still derive other technologies from what I'll be asking for. For instance, they may be able to gain some inspiration for better alternative power sources or a cheaper and ecologically friendly alternative to some of the more toxic elements that are used in manufacturing."

"Considering the differences in our technological development, that may prove to be a near impossible task," the UN secretary countered.

"Perhaps, but I think that you're severely under estimating our scientists," Maxine stated firmly, but since her patience was at it's limit, she decided it was time for her to leave, "So, are there any other topics that you need me to be present for?" Thankfully, they've figured out I don't care how each government leads their people.

"Not at the moment," the UN secretary, "Thank you for you time."

"You're welcome and have a good day, gentlemen," Maxine said as she ended her video call. She felt like screaming in frustration. Three hours. Three FUCKING hours where I had to argue and shoot down each of their 'ideas' to get Earth more power. Those idiots don't realize just how insignificant Earth actually is. If it wasn't for the fact that we produce a luxury food, the Alliance wouldn't give a single shit about us.

Maxine turned around in her chair and saw Amanda come in with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. "I heard your shouting match with the UN and thought you would need this," Amanda walked in with a cup of hot chocolate. Just what the doctor ordered.

"Thanks," Maxine said gratefully as she took the cup of hot chocolate and began drinking it slowly. Ahh, chocolaty goodness soothes the soul.

"You definitely needed it," Amanda said with a smirk.

"Yes, I did," Maxine said in agreement as she took another sip of the hot chocolate, "I know how busy you are, and I know that you would've normally sent an assistant to deliver this. So, what was important enough to warrant this treatment?"

"There is a Avena Zeelie from the Zeelie Clan asking for you," Amanda said directly, "I told her that you were occupied with your advisors in preparation for the next Alliance assembly."

"I don't know who she is, but if she's still here, I'll go see her after finishing my hot chocolate," Maxine said calmly, "I need to be calm when I meet up with her. I don't want to offend someone that could pose a problem for Earth later."

"There is that, but I think she's here for different reason than you are thinking of," Amanda said with a knowing smile on her face. Oh?

"Are you going to fill me in or am I going to have to guess?" Maxine asked.

"She said she's here to talk to you about getting some chocolate, but I think that's just an excuse," Amanda said, "She seemed a little too eager to meet you and it would've been easier to contact a distributer to get the quantities she wants."

"So, you think she has some romantic interest in me?" Maxine asked without really being surprised and Amanda simply nodded, "It took those clans long enough to figure things out."

"Indeed," Amanda said, but she added, "But I also heard a rumor that there is a man that you're actually interested in. Any truth to that?"

"Yes, there is," Maxine answered honestly, "He fits my preferences almost perfectly, but there in lies the problem. No one should be able to fit my preferences that closely. It's like someone crafted him out of nothing after watching me for years. Don't get me wrong, being around him is a dream come true, but at the same time, I'm afraid that he's been acting this whole time."

"Stop lying to yourself," Amanda told Maxine.

"What do you mean?" Maxine asked.

"I've known you for a long time and I can tell when you're lying," Amanda stated calmly, "But about what specifically, I have no idea. You'll have to figure that one out on your own."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Perhaps, I should talk to Madam Neshan about it," Maxine said to herself and saw the look of confusion on Amanda's face, "She's like a therapist, but for cultivators."

"Yes, you should definitely talk to her whenever you can," Amanda agreed.

"Anyways, thanks for the hot chocolate," Maxine said as she finished off the hot chocolate, "Now, I'll go see what Ms. Zeelie wants."

"Alright, I'll talk to you later then," Amanda said before both of them left the small room and went different directions.

Maxine made her way to the ground floor and spotted a very young, blonde woman. She looked like she could barely contain her excitement when she saw Maxine. Please, god. I don't need another stalker in the form of a persistent fangirl. Just let her be a lesbian that I can scare away by brutally rejecting her.

"Hi, I'm Avena!" Avena Zeelie said excitedly, "I can't believe I'm actually talking to you!" Avena squealed in excitement immediately after she finished speaking. Fuck! She is a fangirl.

"Is there any particular reason that you wanted to talk with me?" Maxine asked cautiously.

"Do you want to join the Guardian Mothers?" Avena Zeelie asked. They just want cheap and easily accessible potions. I won't fall for that shit.

"No," Maxine said coldly, "I tried to work with the Guardian Mothers once before. Our talks ended poorly."

"I'm know and we're very sorry about that!" Avena Zeelie said apologetically.

"Does it look like I care about that?" Maxine asked coldly.

"No," Avena Zeelie said with a downcast expression, "Isn't there anything we can do to change your mind?"

"Even if there was, I have no intention of making extra potions," Maxine said firmly, "You can go to the Kavros clan's auction house on my world like everyone else."

"But those potions are so expensive!" Avena Zeelie complained.

"That's because my potions possess a high level of purity and that purity increases the efficacy of my potions tremendously," Maxine retorted, "I thought that much was common knowledge."

"It is, but it doesn't cost you that much to make them," Avena Zeelie said, "You have such a high profit margin that you could easily show some charity."

"I'm sorry, but my charity is reserved for my people," Maxine countered, "I have to take care of my own people before I concern myself with others." And I have to do even that anonymously. Otherwise, my fellow earthlings might get lazy or demand that I give them more.

"I... understand," Avena Zeelie said in a downcast tone before looking at the ground.

"But, I will help if their lives are in danger," Maxine said gently, "I don't want to see any child suffer and die when I can do something about it. But you must let me examine them first hand so that I can see if I can even help them." I may be kind, but I'm not stupid. It would make it too easy for someone to scam a potion off of me with some crocodile tears.

"Thank you!" Avena Zeelie said gratefully, "I'll let the other members know about this."

"Just don't have them go overboard," Maxine cautioned, "If you take advantage of my kindness, I may change my mind."

"Yes, I understand," Avena Zeelie said happily and she seemed to squirm in place for a few moments.

"What is it?" Maxine asked.

"Um, could you give me your autograph?" Avena Zeelie asked hopefully.

"Just this once," Maxine said with a sigh.

"Thanks," Avena Zeelie said excitedly as she thrust a picture of Maxine singing forward. Maxine swiftly signed her name on it and returned it to her. Avena Zeelie proceeded to hug it to her chest.

"If that's all, I have to meet up with someone," Maxine said.

"Is it with Vellus Callaran and Emily Herst?" Avena Zeelie asked.

"Have you been following me?" Maxine asked suspiciously. Fucking fangirls are just as bad as stalkers.

"Everyone knows who you've been spending time with," Avena Zeelie replied.

"You mean those jealous fools are spreading rumors around," Maxine retorted, "Let me guess, it's about me and Emily having frequent threesomes with Vellus?"

"Threesomes?" Avena Zeelie asked in confusion, but a moment later, she blushed fiercely, "Oh, no. Nothing quite like that. But you're right. They are spreading rumors that you've slept with him and that you prefer men that are not whole. I don't believe it, though."

"I would appreciate it if you reminded them that my personal life is none of their business," Maxine said calmly, "And it should be clear to them that spreading such rumors says more about them than me."

"I agree!" Avena Zeelie said instantly.

"Now, I best get going," Maxine said and created an arch, "Perhaps, we can talk another day." Hopefully after you've matured significantly.

"Bye!" Avena Zeelie said happily just as Maxine walked through the arch. She looked around the park, but didn't see either Emily or Vellus. Oh, I must've gotten here ahead of them. I can just wait around for them.

While Maxine waited, she sat down on a nearby bench looked around calmly. She frowned as she looked to the side when she thought she saw something familiar out of the corner of her eye. In the next moment, however, she had to stop herself from acting impulsively. Thirty feet away were the men that had raped Orianna and killed her baby in the other timeline. I know they're not the same people, but I can't help it. I want to rip them apart.

She forced her gaze off of them and saw five women with a few small children nearby those five men. Yes, they have families and turned out to be good people in this timeline. The turn of events that lead them to becoming evil men didn't happen in this timeline. Now, I just need to take a few deep breaths to calm myself. That's it. In and out.

"Maxine? What's wrong?" Emily asked with concern.

"Remember my dreams?" Maxine asked, "Let's just say those men did some very horrible things in them." It's a good thing that we talked about the code word for my 'prophetic visions' was before this shit happened.

"To you?" Emily asked worriedly.

"Yes," Maxine answered, "You know which ones that I'm talking about. I've had to remind myself that those men are not the same as the one's that I saw."

"Thank goodness, you didn't attack them," Emily exclaimed before hugging Maxine.

"Did I miss something?" Vellus Callaran asked as he wheeled towards them.

"Yes, but I'm not comfortable with sharing what just yet," Maxine said as Emily released her from the hug and sat beside her. Hell, I'll probably never tell him. It's too dangerous. Prophets are treated very well, but they have very few freedoms. A comfortable cage is still a cage afterall.

"That's fine," Vellus Callaran said in an understanding tone, "So, what are we going to do today?"

"For now, we're just going for a relaxing walk," Maxine said, "It's a little ritual of mine after I talk with my political advisors. They can offer sagacious advice, but sometimes, they act like complete fools. It tests my patience to the limits."

"Just focus on the moments that they give you sagacious advice," Vellus Callaran offered.

"Sadly, that's becoming less and less frequent as of late," Maxine complained, "They're being manipulated by offworld powers. I may just tell them that they're out of the job if they keep this up."

"That's your choice," Vellus Callaran said.

"That it is," Emily agreed.

"Now, let's stop talking about this and get to our walk," Maxine stated, "Do you want me to push your wheelchair, Vellus?"

"I doubt any sane man in my situation would say no to that," Vellus Callaran said with a small smile.

"I'll take that as a yes," Maxine said as she got behind his wheelchair and began pushing it along the paved path, "So, what have you been up to today?"

"Admiring the scenery and unique architecture of your world," Vellus Callaran answered, "That massive arch for instance is a wonder. How did they construct such a landmark without the use of the more advanced technologies?"

"Careful planning and some ingenuity on the part of the engineers," Maxine answered, "I believe they cooled the outside walls with water to spread the two halves of the arch in order to install the last part."

"How clever," Vellus Callaran complimented.

"You have to be when your tech level is at the level of Earth's and build something like that," Maxine said calmly, "Still, I hope to improve our tech level, at least in the agricultural department, during the next Alliance assembly."

"Yeah, you talked about that," Emily remarked, "What do you think your chances are of succeeding?"

"More than ninety percent," Maxine replied, "Chocolate is in very high demand, afterall. They would do just about anything to improve the supply. It's too bad that coffee was labeled as a low-end narcotic and it's trade has been restricted for medicinal use outside of Earth."

"That just means more for us," Emily said happily. Yeah, you would say that. You're an avid coffee drinker. I can't stand the stuff. It just makes me feel too jittery after only one cup.

"It's more like there is more for you to drink," Maxine retorted, "You know that I prefer tea."

"Exotic teas from other planets," Emily corrected, "Some of those taste really weird."

"Some of them are an acquired taste, but the rest are absolutely divine," Maxine replied, "What's your opinion on that matter, Vellus? Coffee or tea?"

"I like the drink called Coca Cola," Vellus said innocently, which caused both Maxine and Emily to laugh.

"I guess that proves that everyone has their own preferences, so let's leave it at that," Maxine said with a smile and stopped walking for a moment when she saw the park's playground, "Oh! This is my favorite spot. Do you mind if we stop here for a moment?"

"I'm fine with that," Emily said.

"Not at all," Vellus Callaran said in the next moment.

Maxine sat down in a nearby bench that faced a playground and watched several small children play. A smile spread across her lips when she heard their laughter. I couldn't ask for a sweeter music than that of a child's innocent laugh. I just wish I could sit here and listen to that all day, but I can't. There is just so much that needs my attention, but for next couple hours, I can relax and enjoy myself.