Chapter 27

As Karolus made his explosive declaration and left, the Royal Palace Audience Hall instantly erupted into chaos.

The nobles and royals were shouting at the top of their lungs, trying to analyze the meaning of his words.

“A parliament? Like the Imperial Parliament of the United Empire?”

“Well, its structure and function are almost identical to the Three Estates Assembly, with just a few minor differences.”

“Perhaps it means they won’t handle state affairs unilaterally anymore…”

The documents Karolus left behind contained detailed plans, making it easy to understand.

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100 representatives from the 1st Estate (clergy).

100 representatives from the 2nd Estate (nobles).

100 representatives from the 3rd Estate (commoners).

Representatives from the three estates of the kingdom would gather in the capital, Rahator, to discuss state affairs and important matters.

Representatives would be recommended talents from across the kingdom, with a term of four years and no limit on re-election.

Each representative would have one vote, and decisions would be made by majority vote.

Approved matters would gain practical effect upon approval by the king or the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction.

However, due to limited time to gather public opinion nationwide during the first term, the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction would recommend representatives for the three estates, and the nobles would select their own representatives for the 2nd Estate.

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There were many other minor details, but the gist was roughly this.

“Read this. They’ve allowed us some discretion.”

They quickly realized this was a modified version of the Three Estates Assembly.

The original Three Estates Assembly had over 1,000 members, but this was reduced to one-third, with final approval authority expanded to both the Supreme Council and the king.

Decision-making was no longer based on estate-specific voting but on majority rule, reflecting the opinions of all representatives.

There were three major changes, but otherwise, it was almost identical.

You could say it was slightly more democratic and efficient. In the old system, if the king found fault, nothing could be done.

“But… doesn’t this mean His Majesty’s power is being institutionally blocked?”

“The veto was clearly the monarch’s inherent right. This is blatantly saying they’ll render His Majesty powerless.”

Of course, there were grievances. Deciding whether to accept the subjects’ proposals was clearly the king’s freedom and authority.

But if the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction held equal power, that authority would be lost. Even if one side rejected it, the other could approve and pass it.

Then, what reason is there for the king to reign? They’ve stripped away the value of the king as the nation’s supreme decision-maker, effectively making him a figurehead.

However, the backlash didn’t last long because Karl VII himself pointed out in a firm voice:

“Karolus von Roytel. That man is already ruling the country like a king in my stead. He probably thought that even if he created such an organization, the power would still remain his.”

“Your Majesty! Are you saying we should just sit back and watch?”

“Count Vonhaim! How dare you raise your voice—”

“No, this is actually an opportunity for us to turn the tide.”

The king held up the documents Karolus had left and said:

“According to his plan, we can send 100 people to the parliament. That alone secures 33% of the votes. If we bring in the clergy, we can easily secure a majority.”

Those who understood his meaning immediately brightened.

“So, the majority rule actually benefits us, the Blue Bloods!”

“Indeed, with an overwhelming number of votes, we’ll secure a firm advantage in the parliament!”

Blue Bloods. A term for the noble class, derived from their pale skin making their veins appear blue.

Here, it referred to Karl VII and his faction opposing Karolus and his forces.

“Exactly. Although it’s been difficult to contact the cardinals lately… once the parliament convenes, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet and persuade them.”

“What conditions should we offer? Since the authority to appoint bishops has become the parliament’s exclusive right, we’ll need to prepare other incentives.”

“We’ll discuss that when we meet. The priority is to persuade them as quickly as possible.”

The clergy, who usually cooperate actively when defending their privileges, would surely do so this time as well. Though they might have to make some concessions given their current predicament.

But it didn’t matter. The key was to seize control of the parliament. With votes, they could gradually reclaim the power they had lost.

They would regain the authority taken by the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction and weaken the traitors’ forces.

‘Who knows what those traitors were thinking when they created this institution… but if it’s useful, we’ll use it. It’s a perfect opportunity to purify the tainted kingdom.’

As Karl VII inwardly sneered at what he thought was a foolish move, a cunning duke asked:

“Your Majesty, won’t the traitors resort to desperate measures if they realize they’re losing power? Like shutting down the parliament?”

“That would only benefit us. It would prove they’re nothing but power-hungry scoundrels.”

Once this opportunity was given, there were various ways to exploit it.

From political battles to public opinion wars and propaganda. They could dismantle the revolutionary army’s legitimacy and reduce them back to mere rebels.

The very institution they created for the convenience of governance would become their downfall.

“Quickly select the talents to send as representatives. The method is up to you.”

Karl VII gave the order and closed his eyes.

Imagining himself once again seated on the throne, restoring his royal authority.

* * * * *

“…..They’re probably fantasizing like that right now.”

Returning to my office, I leaned back in the plush chair.

Laughing at the noble lords who were likely burning through their happy delusions.

“If they thought this organization would be so easily exploited, why would I have created it? I’ve been preparing for this for so long.”

They would surely judge the situation and devise strategies based on the information they had.

Information they secured before they were trapped in Rahator, before I seized the capital in a coup.

Because they’ve been detained and had their information flow controlled, the nobles were unaware of the current situation.

Even contacting the clergy required meticulous planning and reliable agents, and even then, they were caught on their way back.

So, they probably thought they could collude like in the old Three Estates Assembly days… but what can they do? I’ve already caused a cultural revolution.

“The Goddess Cult is in complete disarray, unable to even select representatives, let alone gather opinions…”

The religious sector was in shambles thanks to my meddling.

There are 98 dioceses nationwide, including archdioceses, and roughly the same number of bishop-level personnel?

All of them are now corpses.

I told the priests to arrest or transport them to the capital, but it wasn’t followed at all. The Red Guards were so enraged they burned, stabbed, and did all sorts of things, leaving few bodies intact.

At least the damage was concentrated on high-ranking clergy, with minimal civilian casualties.

Anyway, the Goddess Cult is in no state to participate in politics. They’d have to appoint new bishops and cardinals from scratch.

“Which means the first parliament will have to proceed without the 1st Estate, just the 2nd and 3rd Estates.”

A 100 vs. 100 deadlock. Any proposal would likely be split 50-50 and fail.

But here’s the twist: the 2nd Estate representatives aren’t united.

‘No matter who comes, there will always be a few defectors.’

Not all nobles are obsessed with exploiting the lower classes. Some believe in reforming the country beyond just protecting their privileges.

They might not be the majority, but it doesn’t matter. Even a few defectors would tip the balance.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Estate we’ll select consists of elite talents.

From Lady Arshah’s specially chosen high-spec debaters to anti-royalist figures, republicans, and active-duty officers invited through connections.

‘We’re the Suicide Squad, you bastards.’

A crazy combination of people who are the polar opposite of the current privileged class. They might have internal disagreements, but they’ll never defect to the other side.

Securing about 51-52% of the seats and appointing all bishops from our side?

Well, from then on, the royal family will have to legally hand over power to us.