Chapter: 654
Right after the discussions wrapped up, I headed straight to the Imperial Palace. Well, “wrapped up” might be putting it nicely; it was more like they put decisions on hold. The council couldn’t even agree on new standards for selecting members!
‘I don’t want to go.’
I trudged forward, feeling like I was on a doomed mission. At this rate, I had no choice but to meet the Emperor.
Of course, the Emperor has a knack for pulling unexpected work right out of his magic hat the moment he sees me. Show up empty-handed, and I might just waltz back with my hands full of disaster!
But this whole discussion? It’s bound to drag on indefinitely without the Emperor’s decision. The more I delay seeing him, the more days I’ll have to show up for work, so it’s better to face the music and get it over with.
“Ah, so the council wants to increase the number of members?” I said, trying to sound casual.
Upon hearing my reason for visiting, the Emperor gasped in surprise.
“You mean nobles are willing to surrender their rights for the royal family and the Empire? The loyalty of the Imperial Counts is quite commendable indeed!”
Sure, the council members were drowning in work, but their rank among the 30 that comprise the Empire’s legislative body gives them serious clout! Countless rights, powers, and honors are tied to being part of that elite club.
Yet, those Counts decided to give it all up. They chose stability over prestige. No wonder the Emperor looks pleased!
“Even you, during your reign, considered expanding the council as you understood the struggles of the members. However, it can’t be ignored that being a council member is a matter of pride for the Imperial Counts. Your Majesty couldn’t possibly turn your back on their loyalty that has lasted for 300 years.”
“I’m just grateful for the royal grace and leniency.”
“Which is why it brings me even more joy! The Imperial Counts are so attuned to the royal family’s difficulties that they even began to consider expanding the council themselves. I fully support their wishes.”
As he said this, the Emperor tapped his fingers on the desk.
“…But to hear this from a Minister instead of the chair is quite unexpected.”
“The chair and the members are discussing the qualifications for membership to alleviate Your Majesty’s concerns. I doubt they’ll report to you until all discussions have concluded.”
The Emperor nodded at my words, as if to say it was like the report hasn’t even been drafted yet.
“What stage is it at?”
“We’re discussing all possibilities with sincerity and dedication.”
“You haven’t even started yet.”
I tried to sugarcoat it, but the Emperor ripped off the wrapping paper like a pro.
Damn it. It’s true we haven’t even gotten anything going, but does he have to be so cold about it? A bunch of people over thirty are trying hard to find common ground here!
“Still, I can understand. Determining new membership criteria is a tough nut to crack.”
At least the Emperor showed a hint of recognition for the council’s plight.
Suddenly expanding the council from 30 members after 300 years? That definitely requires some careful selection to minimize any backlash. If it were easy, that’d be really weird!
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You’re also an Imperial Count, who constitutes this honorable council. As a stakeholder, share your thoughts.”
I shot the Emperor a blank stare. I’m using my brother as a stand-in, and you expect me to have something to say? To be honest, I don’t even know how the council ticks.
“I’m apologetic for speaking up, but I fear my lack of wisdom might disturb Your Majesty’s mood.”
My straightforwardness left the Emperor chuckling.
“Speak freely. This isn’t a strangers’ chat; no matter what you say, my mood will remain steadfast.”
For a second, a barrage of curses nearly slipped out, but I held my tongue. It’s just us two who can’t talk any more freely; that cheeky little rascal!
But setting aside my irritation, I realized I had to say something since the Emperor has given me the go-ahead. Ignoring his suggestions twice, thrice? I’d be in for some serious karma!
New members who aren’t Counts. Conditions that would avoid too much backlash…
‘Is there even such a thing?’
It’s a tough question. Even with the sharpest nobles brainstorming, they couldn’t reach a conclusion. This isn’t a trivial issue to deal with lightly.
If I had to pick requirements, they’d have to be someone with overflowing loyalty to the Emperor, someone who wouldn’t have other motives upon being elected, someone with minimal existing power to avoid threats in the council, and ideally, someone other nobles wouldn’t raise a ruckus about.
I couldn’t help but let out a wry chuckle. Where on earth would I find someone who fits that bill?
…
‘Ah.’
Thinking it over, I actually do know someone. Not from the noble side, but if I look elsewhere, I just might have a good candidate.
“Your Majesty.”
“Speak.”
“How about making the loyal local officials managing the royal domains and the mayors of the capital city council members?”
“Oho.”
The Emperor nodded, clearly satisfied with my suggestion.
“That’s an interesting proposal.”
Based on his reaction, it seems he’s been mulling over incorporating local officials and mayors into the council for some time. He’s just been keeping it under wraps for fear of pushback from the Imperial Counts.
‘Damn.’
It’s disheartening when I realize how much we think alike.
Following the Emperor’s order to discuss the details the next day, I returned to the palace at lunch.
“Count Tailglehen?”
“Oh, you’re here too, Chair.”
As I stepped into the Emperor’s office in the Sun Palace, the Chair, who had arrived before me, greeted me warmly.
I had no idea he’d be calling the Chair right away. Does he plan to sort everything out today?
‘He must be in a hurry.’
I looked at the Chair with a hint of sympathy.
For the Emperor to summon the Chair at such short notice? It signifies a serious manpower shortage in the council. It’s clear he wants to tackle council problems before addressing everything else.
“Minister, you’re here as well. Please, take a seat.”
After exchanging brief greetings with the Chair, the Emperor gestured for us to sit.
“The Chair. I’ve heard you’ve made significant decisions in the council without my knowledge. Such must have been challenging decisions; it’s truly astonishing.”
Then he turned his gaze to the Chair sitting on the left, with a warm voice.
“Your praise is too much. I should’ve made decisions for the Empire and the council sooner, but because of my stubbornness and incompetence, I feel I’ve burdened Your Majesty.”
“Following the tradition of 300 years, how could that be stubbornness? And how could we deem the faithful who have supported the council for 30 years as incompetent?”
“I’m deeply honored.”
The Emperor nodded, appearing satisfied with the Chair’s response, then continued with a smile.
“Yesterday, the Minister visited me. Perhaps feeling guilty that a fellow Count couldn’t lend aid to the council, he detailed the Counts’ earnestness to me.”
At this, the Chair looked at me with eyes full of trust and gratitude, as if to say, “Thanks for conveying our struggles to the Emperor.”
“And he also mentioned a remarkable solution to settle the Counts’ worries.”
“Yes?”
“Your Majesty?”
Both the Chair and I were taken aback.
The Chair was surprised I had gone beyond being a messenger to offer a solution, while I was shocked the Emperor was effectively throwing me under the bus.
What a mess. Sure, mentioning local officials and mayors was my idea, but honestly, that’s something the Emperor was already considering, right? Isn’t this a bit devoid of conscience, using me as a scapegoat?
*
‘Damn it…’
I gritted my teeth but managed to swallow my frustration. The Emperor probably wants to present it as the royal family has expanded the criteria for council members, rather than “some Counts independently suggested it.” When it comes to proposals, who brought it up first can majorly affect perceptions.
“Selecting local officials and mayors from outside the nobility as council members. Quite an innovative idea, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Y-Yes, Your Majesty. This is a plan we would’ve never dreamt of while confined within the council.”
The Chair quickly lowered his head, making the Emperor beam with satisfaction.
“However, I don’t intend to make every local official and mayor a council member. I couldn’t possibly consider placing them alongside the loyal Imperial Counts who have served the Empire for 300 years.”
Once the Emperor finished, he stood up and walked over to his desk, picking up two sheets of paper.
“Take a look at this.”
He handed one to me and the other to the Chair.
[ Plan to Expand the Imperial Council and Establish a Bicameral System. ]
‘What the…?
From the title alone, this document felt serious enough, and I gulped without realizing it. Expanding the council? Sure, that’s something the Counts would agree with, but what was this bicameral system all about?
[ 100 new council members will be selected from local officials managing the royal domains and mayors of the Emperor’s cities. The selection process will be overseen by the Imperial Household and must receive the Emperor’s final approval. ]
[ The existing Imperial Council of 30 Counts will be referred to as the ‘Nobility Chamber’, while the 100 newly appointed members will form the ‘Commoner Chamber’. The head of the Nobility Chamber will be called the ‘Prime Minister’, and the head of the Commoner Chamber will be called the ‘Tribune’. ]
[ The Nobility Chamber and Commoner Chamber will be institutions under the Imperial Council, with the Chairman of the Imperial Council concurrently serving as the Prime Minister of the Nobility Chamber. ]
But as I read through the contents of the document, my confusion only grew, leaving me feeling dazed.
They didn’t just increase the number; they created another council altogether!
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