Chapter 28: Hope Advisor

Two Weeks Later

The Estates-General, which had shared hundreds of years of history since the birth of the kingdom, was officially abolished.

Although it had been closed or postponed indefinitely due to the monarch’s whims in the past, this was the first time it was completely abolished.

Instead, replacing it was the Kingdom Parliament, newly established at the proposal of our Supreme Council for National Reconstruction.

“Finally, today marks the beginning.”

“Are you nervous, Miss Arschach?”

On the way to attend the parliament as an illustrious first-term representative, Camilla von Arschach and I sat together in the same carriage, engaging in casual conversation.

Although both of us were nobles by status, we were representatives of the third class.

There is no regulation that a noble cannot become a representative of the commoners, or vice versa.

Well, usually, such a thing doesn’t happen, but exceptions are made deliberately for participation.

“Well, I feel more excited than scared. Finally, we can directly participate in real politics.”

“That excitement will soon turn into familiarity. From now on, we’ll have to come here every day.”

I have to act as vice-chair, train soldiers, handle administration, and manage a mountain of tasks, but Miss Young-ae doesn’t.

She has entrusted the management of her owned coffee houses to her subordinates.

In other words, she can focus solely on fighting Agari (a term referring to a specific political or combat action) in parliament.

“I must have explained our strategy last time, do you remember?”

“Of course. I have prepared everything so that Your Excellency can be fully satisfied.”

Miss Young-ae declared with a confident expression, pushing her chest forward. Thanks to her already ample chest, it looked even larger and grander.

Yes, I hope she works as hard as her confidence and stature. Then our cooperative relationship will last longer.

“I trust you. I can only feel at ease if Miss Young-ae fulfills her role.”

“Don’t worry. Ah, I can see the destination now. I should get off.”

The parliamentary building, which inherited the palace formerly used as the Estates-General’s chamber.

Parking the carriage near the open space by the building entrance, I escorted Miss Young-ae and walked towards it.

“Are there already some who have arrived?”

Even on the streets leading to the parliamentary building, carriages and people hurrying on foot could be seen.

Perhaps because the opening time was approaching, other representatives seemed to be going to work one by one.

Surprisingly, without having to ask, I could tell which faction they belonged to at a glance.

Why? Because the second-class representatives wore extravagant ceremonial robes, while the third-class representatives dressed plainly and neatly.

To think that, despite being confined in the capital and slowly declining, they were still indulging in luxury.

In any case, nobles are…

“Oh my, isn’t that Vice-Chairman Carolus? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

“…..Duke Barelmunt.”

As if it were an almost daily habit, I was snubbing the noble lords when a displeased voice came from behind.

As soon as I realized who it was, irritation naturally appeared on my face.

I didn’t even know his face before, but our paths had become entangled accidentally while orchestrating the coup.

It’s that old man whom I pointed a gun at when I stormed the king’s banquet hall.

“Likewise, it’s been a while. Seeing you here, it seems you’ve been selected as a representative? Even at your age, not resting at home.”

“Thanks to Your Majesty and the righteous ones believing in this old man.”

“Is that so? As expected, the blue-blooded seem to have keen eyes for people.”

“Haha, only you.”

Hidden Meaning:

Me: I’m an old bastard who should be resting at home, not here.

Duke: No matter how old I get, I still have the strength to engage in politics, you bastard.

Me: Oh, is that so? While you’re about to get your face carved off immediately.

Duke: At least I’ll live longer than you, so don’t worry.

The duke, who had delivered twisted insults, and I stared at each other. Our gazes intersected for a moment.

He turned his head towards Miss Young-ae, who was standing next to me.

“Is she the vice-chair’s wife? The parliament isn’t a place where couples attend together.”

“Though I am single.”

“So a mistress? Your sex life is more dissolute than I expected, Your Excellency.”

“Please stop making rude remarks! I, Camilla von Arschach, attended as a legitimate representative!”

Miss Young-ae becomes enraged at the sexually harassing comments.

This young lady has a lower threshold for making inappropriate remarks than expected. It would be nice if she at least showed some manners in parliament.

“Arschach….? Oh, it’s from that family. I heard there’s a young woman in your prime who hasn’t married and is living out on her own, is that the lady?”

“Marriage or not, that’s something I’ll handle myself. We are both representatives in parliament, so please refrain from making rude remarks, Your Excellency, Duke.”

“Your words are harsh. Don’t you realize that no matter how equal our official ranks are, our family statuses are not the same?”

For a moment, it seemed the two were at an impasse, but in the end, Miss Young-ae had no choice but to take a step back.

It was a natural outcome. On one side was the duke, while Miss Young-ae’s family was merely self-made.

Even that was only a weak family that barely secured their territories by clinging to a marquis family.

From a certain perspective, even though they might be lower-ranking nobles from the outskirts, our Royten family, which has existed since the kingdom’s founding, had a more solid standing.

“Behave properly. If you don’t want to tarnish your parents’ honor.”

The duke, who had delivered several sharp slaps to Miss Young-ae’s shoulder, entered the parliamentary building first.

Seeing her head bowed, I gently helped and comforted her.

“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, in a little while, the situation will change.”

They might seem confident and boastful from the outside based on their status, but that won’t last long. Once they realize their true situation in parliament.

After all, this place was prepared to turn all the blue-blooded into such people.

“…I see. Thank you for comforting me.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Miss Young-ae, regaining her composure, grabbed my hand and energetically led the way forward.

“…I somehow feel she’s being kinder than before. Maybe it’s just my imagination?”

“From now on! We shall hold the first regular session of the Royal Parliament!”

As the representatives of the second and third classes gathered according to their respective factions, the chairman stepped onto the podium and declared the opening.

He was the current royal minister who hadn’t had much interaction with anyone since the coup.

Unlike the future, where there would be national referendums and a division between the ruling and opposition parties, the minister couldn’t concurrently hold the position of Parliament Chairman.

Which family was that gentleman from? Rosenbaum, was it? I heard he had fallen behind me and was living somewhat in obscurity these days.

“Wait! The first-class representatives haven’t arrived yet, have they? I heard the parliament’s capacity is definitely 300 members.”

“Not many are absent, and there aren’t even a hundred left. Is this okay?”

Questions arose from the second-class representatives who were still unaware of the situation. As the representative of the third class, I stood up to inform them.

“They cannot attend. They simply aren’t in a position to conduct the representative selection in the first place.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“There has been a nationwide riot. Priests, enraged by the corruption within the higher ranks of the church, conscripted the bishops along with the common people.”

I shrugged lightly.

“So before discussing the representatives, we need to select new bishops and cardinals first. The Goddess Church is currently in a semi-paralyzed state.”

“Understood. Thank you for the detailed explanation.”

It’s not that they didn’t attend; there simply weren’t people available to attend.

Moreover, since I, the real power in the kingdom, said so, everyone had no choice but to agree.

Hearing that we now have to conduct national affairs with suddenly reduced numbers, the leaders of the nobles showed stern expressions.

It seemed like they were whispering something to each other.

Now, the battle for vote percentages becomes difficult, and the plan to seize control of the parliament has been thwarted. Or so it seems.

“…It’s still not time to be disheartened. The trials are just beginning.”

“First, we will vote on next year’s budget. For those who agree with the policies written here–“

“Due to the unfortunate incident last time, some of the fortresses surrounding the royal path have been damaged. Therefore, regarding the repair cost claims–“

“Soldiers on the front lines are exhausted from the prolonged war. The plan to reform conscription and bolster the rear forces by recruiting more personnel–“

It was the first day of the session, but we had quite a few agendas to discuss.

It’s because we shifted the matters that were previously handled by the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction to this side.

All.

National budget, cost claims, war plans, etc.

Proposals were raised in various fields. And the results of all the proposals up for vote were the same:

“Approval! Absolute approval!!”

“Opposition! We absolutely oppose no matter what!!”

50% for approval/50% for opposition.

If one side approves, the other side opposes.

If one side opposes, the other side approves.

The factions divided into two groups clashed on every issue, maintaining a thorough stalemate and preventing anything from passing.

So far, as expected.

This was the result that both the leaders from my side and the other side had anticipated.

However, an anomaly occurred during the discussion of the last topic, the ordination of bishops.

“It was an agenda proposed by the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction.”

Since the higher ranks of the church were decimated, the parliament was proposed to appoint new priests to the vacant bishop positions and restore the structure.

Originally, we would assess each individual’s qualifications to select people, but now it’s difficult. Suddenly, in bulk…

“Since a manpower gap has arisen, there’s no room for leniency.”

With that logic, a pre-organized plan detailing who to appoint where was presented to the parliament. The creators, including me and my subordinates.

“Please raise your hands if you support this proposal.”

As an impromptu vote was conducted, the representatives of the third class raised their arms one after another. In contrast, the seats of the second class remained motionless.

“…No, not everyone. A few who were sitting on the outskirts quietly raised their hands.”

“..Confirmed. Since the approval votes are 104 and opposition votes are 96, I hereby declare the agenda regarding the ordination of bishops as passed.”

“Wait a moment! Count Ribonia?! Why are you?!”

“Baredom Baron! Why are you suddenly acting like this!!”

“The list of representatives had been obtained long ago. Since there were two weeks, there were many opportunities to make contact in advance.”

“But perhaps because I didn’t do any preliminary groundwork? Those I thought were okay before the parliament opened had been recruited long ago.”

“I’m sorry. I just feel like I fit better over there.”

“The nobles who had cast their approval votes stood up and came towards where the third-class representatives were. In response, we gladly offered our seats and welcomed the new comrades.”

“With this, all the high-ranking clergy of the kingdom were completely replaced. Those selected and presented by us were undoubtedly talents thoroughly on our side.”

“This was very clear. The power structure they had dreamed of was being implemented in exactly the opposite form.”

“This, this can’t be! How could the kingdom’s laws be like this!”

Overwhelmed by sudden despair, Duke Barelmud let out an impolite groan and swung at my direction.

I saw everything.

‘Is this your doing?’

I was taught that telepathy-like magic doesn’t exist. Strangely, I could sense what he was trying to communicate through his gaze.

I responded with a light scoff.

“Of course, it’s my doing. Otherwise, whose would it be?”

Meanwhile, in the north.

“Charge! The hill is right in front of us!”

“For the Union! For the glory of His Majesty, the Great Emperor!!”

“Mages, do not stop attacking! Move while the enemy’s firepower is weakened!!”

Thousands of soldiers sprint across the snowy plains.

Supported by artillery firing shells at a melting barrel speed and elite mage units from the rear, It seemed like they were relying entirely on their momentum, yet the operation was orderly and systematic.

The infantry were grouped by unit, not separating from their comrades, while the cavalry circled to the side to scout for a breakthrough.

It was rough tactics, but equally effective.

The soldiers moved at a speed that would be hard to achieve if they had been devising formations and moving in a tight group as usual, and soon approached the enemy lines.

“Fire, fire! Prevent those bastards from getting in here–Kuhh!”

“Push them into close combat. We have more numbers!”

“If you think you’ve suppressed them, move immediately! We have to break through the enemy’s second defensive line today!”

They broke through the tangled barbed wire and rushed into the trenches.

Suppressing the enemy soldiers who were trying to shoot with clumsy skills with swords and spears, they proceeded straight beyond.

No, they tried to proceed. Until they became a beehive under the suddenly poured dense barrage.

“Initiate full-rate fire. Afterwards, all soldiers may fire freely.”

“Yes! All units, reload as quickly as possible and fire!”

“Four or five shots per minute.

Continuous firing at a speed close to the maximum possible with a battlefield musket was unleashed relentlessly.

All types of firepower that the army could mobilize in the field were being projected aimlessly toward the occupied trench.

The army, whose ranks had been broken while suppressing the trench, couldn’t counter this.

Because it’s almost impossible to reorganize the troops on the spot while exposed to enemy attacks.

“Retreat, retreat! Fall back to the main base and reorganize!”

In the end, they had to retreat. Facing the defense line they thought they could finally overcome, they left hundreds of corpses behind.

“The imperial guys are fleeing. Quickly reclaim the trenches and clear the bodies.”

Although they achieved an astonishing turnaround victory, the expression on the face of the victorious kingdom army’s general, Major Mauer, was not bright.

Because the cost paid for this victory was too painful.