Fortunately, the Five Races Federation's fleets were in no hurry to arrive, giving Andrew more than enough time to prepare a warm welcome for them.
The preparations were mainly focused on repairing the ships from the battlefield, which progressed smoothly, bolstering the power of the imperial fleets by an enormous margin.
Amidst these preparations, the young emperor didn't forget to get as many slaves as possible and earn as much as he possibly could by selling anything that he could.
The best-selling products at the moment were food, clothing, medicine, and furniture, which were bought up as soon as they appeared on the market, earning him a small fortune.
Following General Taylor's advice, He also bought the data analyst, the general recommended, but before she could start her work, she needed a few days in the regeneration tank to heal all her injuries and the trauma she had experienced.
Right now, Andrew was visiting the merchant station and discussing some matters with Tanera, who, by the way, was not happy with the topic of their discussion.
-You can't simply open the jump gate to anyone who wants to come here to trade.
The elf said for the fifth time during their conversation.
-I know that you are concerned about the guild's profits, but I need to have more trade partners than just the guild and your cousin.
The emperor argued back.
-Why do you need even more than you have now?
The elf asked, not happy at his determination in this case.
-You can buy anything from the guild, and my cousin can also provide anything the empire has to offer, now that she has been recognized as an independent merchant.
-That's all true, but you are missing the bigger picture.
Andrew sighed.
-I need more independent trading partners to establish connections with other star nations.
It would also help me gather more information and make it easier when I start establishing a merchant fleet of my own.
Above all else, I won't be left with nothing if the guild decides to cut me off again or if something happens to it, making it unable to provide its services.
-Yeah, like that's gonna happen.
Tanera scoffed.
As far as she knew, the guild had been operating for hundreds of thousands of years, and for the last one hundred and fifty thousand years, it was an untouchable existence across the battle verse, and it was unlikely to change any time soon.
As for the rest of his arguments, she had to admit that he was right, and she could not find any fault in his logic.
In the end, any star nation worth a damn had at least a few independent merchants or even merchant organizations.
However, she was far from simply accepting this change; if her results fell too far, she would be replaced.
-Don't worry, the guild will remain the empire's main business partner unless it bans us again.
Andrew said, as if he had just read her mind, and smiled at her surprised expression.
She hated when he could guess her thoughts so accurately, and it was not the first time he had done so, which made her a bit anxious, as she didn't want anyone to read her mind.
-Alright, alright, in the end, it's not like I can stop you anyway, just make sure that you sell stuff through the guild as well, or they will replace me.
Tanera capitulated.
Not like she didn't have more arguments, but she was in no hurry to see if this human could really read her mind.
Additionally, she didn't want Andrew to perceive her as a stubborn person, which could diminish her chances of conquering his heart, which were already slim since they lived on two different installations now.
-Don't worry, you are not going anywhere, unless you want to.
Andrew said with a smile, making her blush.
-And speaking of going anywhere, care to join me in the Jacuzzi, to enjoy a glass of fruit wine this evening?
The man asked, making her blush even more.
Andrew had guessed a long time ago that Tanera had feelings for him, which was the main reason she was worried about being transferred.
However, unlike the rest of his ladies, she lacked the courage to go after him, even when the others advised her to do so.
So in this case, he decided to take the initiative.
-Sure, I'd be happy to.
Tanera smiled.
She expected all the empresses to join them, but she didn't care, especially since this was the first time Andrew had invited her, and she was planning to go there to relax a bit anyway.
Secretly, she hoped that they would be alone, but the chances of that were slim to none.
-Then see you later.
Andrew said and left, as he had some more work to take care of before he could relax in the bubble bath.
-Did anything change while I was gone?
The emperor asked as he entered the command center.
-The federation's fleets started to arrive, but other than that, nothing changed, and at the rate they are arriving, it will take two or three more days before they all arrive.
Lanarine reported.
-Good, keep an eye on that.
-We also received a message from the pardoned traitors.
They are both ready to execute the plan and are awaiting your orders.
Sarill informed him.
-Excellent.
Tell both of them to stand by for now.
Andrew said with a satisfied smile.
-Status of our fleets?
He asked.
-The same as yesterday, ready and waiting.
Runir answered over the comms, since she was on her flagship, awaiting orders to crush the traitors, and right now, she had more than enough forces to destroy them, especially with all the ships from the graveyard that were repaired and were now part of her fleet.
-Vulcan, what's the status on the AI?
-Everyone is ready and awaiting your command, my lord.
The AI answered.
-Good, with any luck, they will be free soon.
Andrew said.
-The Cerberus also asked me to remind you to visit his station soon.
-Thank you, tell him I'll drop by tomorrow.
The human answered.
He didn't forget about the beings sleeping in the Cerberus system, and the time that they set before had already passed, forcing the AI to prolong their cryo sleep.
Since he now had the time, he wanted to wake them all up and explain the situation to them, before giving them a choice of joining the empire or going back to cryo sleep, to wait until the situation stabilized, before they discussed it again.
After handling that and reading through the reports that were waiting for him, Andrew went to the Jacuzzi module to prepare everything for his date with Tanera, and to ensure that they would have some private time, he informed his ladies about his plans.
-It's about time.
Was all thet the ladies had to say about this matter.
It was no secret to them that the merchant was head over heels for the emperor, and what's more, they all agreed that the elf was more than worthy of becoming their new sister.
Now all that was left was for Andrew to seal the deal.