User blog comment:Derax-Pagani/The Spriggan 12: What Could Have Been./@comment-24102956-20160913034048

It all makes sense. Every member of the Spriggan 12 had a role in serving the interests of the massive continental-wide empire which is Alvarez. Ruling over vast regions of the Western Continent is not easy even while Zeref was away.

They did follow Zeref for power and influence after all. He doesn't need protection, just a group of powerful people capable of handling legal matters of the state like the Cabinet or Congress.

Even if some are not into the job, they can assume command if they get serious or something happened to any of their members or even the Emperor of Alvarez himself.