Chapter: 655
The Emperor eagerly accepted the proposals from the Imperial Counts, filled with loyalty and devotion, sending ripples through the political sphere of the Empire.
For 300 years, since the foundation of the Empire, the number of council members had never changed, but suddenly it was increased. The Imperial Council, previously limited to just the Counts, now had an additional 100 members, skyrocketing the total from 30 to 130. That’s a staggering increase of over 300%!
However, to preserve the honor and authority of the longstanding Imperial Counts, the Imperial Council was divided in half: one chamber comprising the existing Counts—the Nobility Chamber—and the new batch of 100 members—the Commoner Chamber.
“The Commoner Chamber will take over the roles previously held by the Imperial Council. If 30 people could manage it, 100 should have no issues at all,” the Emperor declared.
“The members of the Nobility Chamber will carry Your Majesty’s merciful decision in their hearts for a lifetime,” came the expected praises.
While those words were somewhat ceremonial, there was a flicker of sincerity behind them.
Upon hearing this news, Erich’s previously haggard expression brightened in an instant, and he wore a grin so wide you might think he was on a date in the midst of legislative reforms. If the guy directly involved is reacting this way, it’s clear this move is hitting all the right spots!
Of course, if the Commoner Chamber monopolizes the roles and duties, the Nobility Chamber might just become a glorified paperweight.
“And the Nobility Chamber will have the right to veto any laws proposed by the Commoner Chamber, direct oversight of the executive branch, and the authority to put a brake on the Commoner Chamber’s actions if needed. After all, they can’t be seen as lesser than local officials or mayors.”
The Emperor seemed concerned about this point, bestowing various rights and protections upon the Nobility Chamber.
If the Commoner Chamber legislates something that the Nobility Chamber doesn’t like, it can be scrapped right away. Without the Nobility Chamber’s approval, the Commoner Chamber can’t even interfere with the executive branch. And if the Nobility Chamber changes its mind, the Commoner Chamber has to halt immediately!
In short, it’s created a hunting dog in the form of the Commoner Chamber, with the Nobility Chamber as its master. The Nobility Chamber can offload any work they don’t feel like doing onto the Commoner Chamber and then just sit back and supervise like a coach on the sidelines.
“But the members of the Nobility Chamber also have to set an example for the Commoner Chamber.”
“That is indeed a wise statement.”
Furthermore, the role of the Commoner Chamber isn’t to take over the Imperial Council; they will ‘collaborate’ in fulfilling its duties. The Nobility Chamber still retains rights and responsibilities such as lawmaking and overseeing the executive branch.
I mean, I’m jealous. Now there’s a legitimate subcontractor to delegate tasks to, and it’s three times bigger than the main office?
‘I could bow to the palace every day and it wouldn’t be enough.’
The workload for thirty has now been shared by one hundred and thirty, significantly reducing the burden on the existing members.
“By the way, Minister,”
Just as I was starting to feel less guilty about giving Erich the cold shoulder, the Emperor casually continued.
“There seem to be various discussions regarding this council expansion.”
“A great and wise decision for the Empire; who would dare go against Your Majesty’s decree?”
I shifted in my seat and responded earnestly. After all, while this decision was ultimately the Emperor’s, it was based on the collective opinion of all the Imperial Counts, naturally including my name.
‘Dare?!’
My anger surged. It was enough of a hassle to bounce between the council and the palace while on leave, and now these guys, who were just sitting around without doing anything, are the ones grumbling? Over a proposal which I boldly put my name to?
This was essentially a declaration of war against every father in the Empire, a challenge towards the Minister of the Information Department. These were lawless rebels denying the collective will of the honorable Imperial Council!
‘Even I can’t openly rebel against the Emperor’s orders.’
The seed of wrath deepened within me. To compromise when the Emperor’s edict is issued? Sure, I can swallow that, but to rebel? No way! I’ve even concocted weird compromises like commuting between the Leon Kingdom campaign and my post!
Maybe that’s why I found myself wanting to see these elusive “various discussions.” When I spot their faces, I’ll just have to land one solid punch!
“Oh, it’s not exactly rebellion. More like surprise at the changes in tradition and questioning the title of ‘Nobility Chamber.’”
My anger began to diffuse a bit with that comment. Thankfully, it wasn’t true rebellion but simply the inevitable pains that come with sudden change.
“Among the Empire’s nobles, a minuscule group, the Imperial Counts, forming the Nobility Chamber doesn’t sit well with some. How can they claim to represent the nobility?”
Their reasoning was somewhat plausible.
Well, that makes sense. Not every title holder is included, and if this chamber is solely composed of Imperial Counts, it’s questionable how they could represent the entire nobility.
“It’s only named the Nobility Chamber, yet it’s essentially just a gathering of the Emperor’s direct vassals.”
“Do not worry. The jealousy of the Imperial Counts, receiving your Majesty’s favor, is a trivial matter.”
I quickly bowed my head at the Emperor’s remarks, tinged with an undercurrent of displeasure.
As the Emperor said, the Nobility Chamber is still the Imperial Council. Even in the most desperate moments, it’s a reward for the Imperial Counts who stood by the royal family, a shield for the Emperor. Just because the name changed doesn’t mean its essence did too.
However, some nobles seemed to have forgotten that, mesmerized by the name ‘Nobility Chamber.’ They coveted the power given to the Imperial Counts, a last bastion protecting the Emperor.
‘Dammit.’
It was dangerous. I almost slipped and said something like, “Could be,” in front of the Emperor, invoking trepidation in his thoughts.
‘Did my leave get too long?’
An immense wave of self-reproach washed over me. It should’ve been easy to predict the Emperor’s displeasure. But how could I have overlooked such a blatant fact?
This was bordering on careless. I’d lost my touch over these two and a half years!
Of course, I’m not about to cut my leave short. I’m not insane, after all.
“A trivial complaint…”
At my words, the Emperor stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“Your point is valid. Nobles must be loyal to the court and the Empire; it is only natural for them to feel envious of the favor the Imperial Counts receive.”
“Your Majesty’s grace and leniency truly shine like the sun.”
“Still, I have no intention of expanding the Nobility Chamber further. That day may come, but certainly not now.”
With that remark, the Emperor closed his eyes for a moment, a slight smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
Uh-oh. What could he possibly be thinking to crack a smile at this moment?
“Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Attend the Information Department only today and tomorrow. Whether you spend your time napping or playing chess, I couldn’t care less. Just grant me these two days, and I won’t call upon you again for this matter.”
His unexpected request had me furrowing my brow.
What the hell? Even if I nearly messed up, requesting I show up? That crossed the line. I hadn’t even truly made a mistake; I just came close!
“Well, it’s rather awkward to put this as a favor, but considering the time you’ve spent alternating between the council and the palace… I’ll have you play with the Crown Princess for a good ten days.”
“…Is two days enough?”
“Of course.”
Before me loomed a sizeable reward that was hard to miss, and I instinctively nodded.
It’s not that I dislike the Crown Princess, but just after marrying Peena? Isn’t this the moment to enjoy a bit of newlywed bliss? If the Crown Princess drops by during this delicate period, my attention will inevitably falter towards her.
I’ve already spent the past fortnight using the “I’ve caught summer cold” excuse, leaving the Crown Princess to my wives and servants. Now I’m struggling to think of a new excuse, but if the Emperor is taking responsibility for entertaining her…
‘Not bad at all.’
This deal isn’t a loss if I gain ten days for just two!
*
Recently, the social circles have been buzzing with talks about the Nobility Chamber and the Commoner Chamber.
Naturally, who would’ve imagined there’d be an increase in council members? And not just that, but a division of the council as well?
No one had anticipated such sudden events erupting with no signs beforehand. All the nobles—or perhaps even the Imperial Counts themselves—were taken aback by the speed of this change.
“Commoners stepping into such a prestigious assembly? I’m sure if our wise Emperor had a plan, it’s far too high-handed.”
“Not just commoners, but those who can barely be considered nobles! Most who’ve been selected are knights at best, and some have connections that barely extend to noble families.”
“What kind of person, even close to nobility, would serve as a local official or mayor?”
For the most part, news shaking the political scene kept nobles buzzing, busy discussing the new council and new members among themselves.
Seeing this unfold, I quietly sipped my wine. Heated arguments and loud voices are places I’d prefer to observe in silence. After all, keeping quiet means not losing anything, right?
And regardless of how I look at it, it’s best to keep silent on this matter too. What’s the point in discussing members who’ve already been selected and the divided council? The Emperor isn’t going to change his mind just because we grumble.
‘Whether the council expands or not…’
Ultimately, the expansion of membership has nothing to do with me. The Imperial Council is composed of those loyal to the Emperor, and where common nobles will never dare to step foot.
For someone like a local official or mayor to join? Honestly, it’s like a brother handing the reins to cousins and second cousins. There’s no room for outsiders like us to interfere.
I assume most nobles understand that too, but with a hint of hope lingering, they’ve all spiraled into madness, imagining that even those less nobly connected might one day face them off.
“Commoners whom it’s an embarrassment to call noble now number 100 in the council! Shouldn’t the Nobility Chamber also bolster its prestige in kind?”
“Absolutely. Just as the Commoner Chamber contains officials from varying ranks, the Nobility Chamber likewise must have a variety of noble ranks represented.”
Just like now.
The desire for council positions is understandable but ugly. Deep down, they all know it’s futile, yet here they are—
“Ah, everyone is gathering here.”
‘Hmm?’
With hurried footsteps, Count Bergel appeared.
“Ah, Count Bergel.”
“Welcome! We’ve been waiting for you.”
His appearance was met with warm welcomes from nobles, but the Count’s face was paler than usual. That’s a guy who revels in the attention of the noble crowd.
“Count? What seems to be troubling you?”
“Could it be that you are also distressed over this matter…?”
“Shhh!”
Like a jack-in-the-box, Count Bergel abruptly glanced around before whispering in a tiny voice.
“I heard from my relative in the Information Department that the Minister went to the office yesterday.”
“Eh?”
“Wait, didn’t the Minister take leave?”
The unexpected news had everyone leaning in, their heads tilting curiously. A newlywed Minister suddenly back on duty has to mean something significant is going on!
“Moreover, it wasn’t just a casual stop-in. He summoned the executive officers and kept the conversations entirely under wraps.”
At this, the atmosphere turned icy.
A holidaying Minister returning to work, calling in the executive officers of the former Information Department, conducting thorough information control?
It felt eerily familiar… like déjà vu.
“Isn’t this the kind of thing done before investigating the Aeshilon family?”
“… Yes, last time he gathered the officers in secret… without anyone knowing about the operation…”
The noble who had just begun to speak could only shut his mouth halfway, done in by the sheer weight of foreboding hanging over us.
Here we are in a moment of questioning and discontent over the Emperor’s decision, and suddenly the Minister runs amok.
No one would be foolish enough to ignore this plainly visible and definite warning.
*
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