Chapter 28

Two weeks later.

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

Although it had been closed or indefinitely postponed due to the whims of the monarch before, this was the first time it had been completely abolished.

In its place, the newly established Kingdom Parliament, proposed by our Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, took its position.

“Finally, today is the beginning.”

“Are you nervous, Lady Arshah?”

On our way to attend the parliament as glorious first-term members, Kamilla von Arshah and I sat in the same carriage, chatting.

Though both of us are nobles, we are representatives of the Third Estate. There’s no rule that says a noble can’t represent the commoners, or vice versa.

Well, normally, such a situation wouldn’t happen, but we made an exception to participate.

“Hmm. I’m not so much scared as I am slightly excited. Finally, I can participate in real politics.”

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

I have to act as the Vice-Chairman, train soldiers, and handle administrative tasks, but Lady Arshah doesn’t. She’s left the management of her coffee houses to her subordinates.

In other words, she can focus solely on fighting with words in the parliament.

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

“Of course. I’ve prepared thoroughly to ensure His Excellency will be satisfied.”

Lady Arshah puffed out her chest with a confident expression. Her already ample bosom looked even more magnificent due to her posture.

Yes, please work as hard as your confidence and size suggest. That way, our cooperative relationship will last longer.

“I’ll trust you. I can only feel at ease if you fulfill your role, Lady Arshah.”

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

The parliament building, which inherited the palace formerly used as the Three Estates Assembly.

We parked the carriage near the entrance and walked, escorting Lady Arshah.

‘Some people are already here.’

On the way to the parliament building, carriages and people hurrying along could be seen. It seemed other members were arriving one by one as the opening time approached.

Strangely, you could tell which faction they belonged to at a glance. Why? Because the Second Estate representatives wore lavish attire, while the Third Estate representatives dressed modestly.

Still indulging in luxury while trapped in the capital, slowly declining. Nobles, what a bunch.

“Oh my, isn’t this Vice-Chairman Karolus? It’s been a while.”

“…Duke Barellmont.”

As I was about to chew out the high and mighty as usual, an unpleasant voice came from behind. My face naturally twisted in annoyance as soon as I realized who it was.

I didn’t know his face before, but we got entangled during the coup. He’s the old man I pointed my gun at when we stormed the king’s banquet hall.

“It’s been a while for me too. Seeing you here, I assume you’ve been selected as a member? An old man like you should be resting at home.”

“Thanks to His Majesty and the righteous who trusted this old man.”

“Is that so? The Blue Bloods really have an eye for talent, don’t they?”

“Haha, you’re one to talk.”

Subtext:

Me: You old geezer should be in a nursing home, not here.

Duke: Even if I’m old, I still have the strength to do politics, you brat.

Me: Oh really? You look like you’re about to drop dead any second.

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

After exchanging twisted insults, the Duke and I glared at each other. Our eyes locked for a moment before he turned to Lady Arshah beside me.

“Is this your wife, Vice-Chairman? The parliament isn’t a place for couples to attend together.”

“I’m unmarried.”

“Then a mistress? Our Excellency seems to have a more promiscuous sex life than I thought.”

“Please refrain from such rude remarks! I, Kamilla von Arshah, am here as a legitimate member of the parliament!”

Lady Arshah was furious at the sexual harassment. She has a lower boiling point than I thought. I wish she’d at least maintain some decorum in the parliament.

“Arshah…? Ah, that family. I heard there’s a daughter of marriageable age running around unmarried. So it’s you.”

“Marriage or whatever is my business. Please refrain from rude remarks, Duke, as we are both members of the parliament.”

“That’s harsh. Even if our official ranks are equal, our family statuses are not the same, don’t you know?”

For a moment, the two seemed to be in a standoff, but ultimately, Lady Arshah had to step back.

It was a natural outcome. He’s a Duke, while Lady Arshah’s family is merely a Baron. Even that, they only managed to secure their territory by clinging to a Marquis family.

In a way, even our Roytel family, a lower noble from the frontier but with a history since the kingdom’s founding, has a more solid standing.

“Behave yourself. If you don’t want to disgrace your parents’ honor.”

After roughly patting Lady Arshah’s shoulders a few times, the Duke entered the parliament building first. I gently supported her bowed head and comforted her.

“Don’t mind it. The tables will turn soon enough.”

They may act high and mighty outside, but it won’t last long. Once they realize their position in the parliament, that is.

This place was prepared to make all the Blue Bloods like that.

“…You’re right. Thank you for comforting me.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Lady Arshah, having regained her composure, took my hand and walked ahead energetically. Hmm… Did I sense more kindness in her attitude than before, or is it just my imagination?

* * * * *

“From now on! The first regular session of the Royal Parliament is hereby convened!”

As the Second and Third Estate representatives gathered according to their factions, the Chairman stepped onto the podium and declared the session open. It’s the current royal chancellor, whom I haven’t seen much since the coup.

Since it’s not like the future where there’s a national vote and divided ruling and opposition parties, the chancellor also serves as the parliament chairman.

Which family was he from again? Rosenbaum? I heard he’s been living like a recluse lately after being pushed aside by me.

“Wait! The First Estate representatives haven’t arrived yet? I heard the parliament has 300 members?”

“Not just a few absent, but over a hundred missing. Is this really okay?”

The Second Estate members, still unaware of the situation, raised questions. I, as the Third Estate representative, stood up to explain.

“They won’t be coming. It’s not possible to select representatives in the first place.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Nationwide riots have broken out. Priests, enraged by the corruption of the church’s upper echelons, joined the people in punishing the bishops.”

I shrugged lightly.

“So before discussing representatives, new bishops and cardinals need to be selected. The church is half-paralyzed right now.”

“…I see. Thank you for the detailed explanation.”

It’s not that they’re absent, but there’s no one to attend. Especially since it’s me, the kingdom’s real power, saying this, everyone has no choice but to accept it.

The leaders of the nobles, realizing they’d have to discuss national affairs with a reduced number, stiffened their expressions. They seemed to be whispering among themselves.

This makes the vote ratio difficult, the plan to control the parliament has been disrupted, or something like that?

Don’t be disheartened yet. The trials are just beginning.

“First, we will vote on next year’s budget. Those in favor of the proposed plan—”

“Due to the recent unfortunate incident, some of the fortresses surrounding the capital have been damaged. We request repair costs—”

“The soldiers on the frontlines are exhausted from the prolonged war. We propose revising the conscription system to replenish rear personnel—”

Though it was the first day, we had many agendas to discuss. This was because we shifted the tasks previously handled by the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction to this side.

National budget proposals, cost requests, war plans, etc. Various suggestions came up from different fields. And the results of all the proposals put to vote were the same.

“In favor! Absolutely in favor!!”

“Opposed! Absolutely opposed!!”

50% in favor, 50% opposed. If one side is in favor, the other opposes. If one side opposes, the other is in favor.

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

This much was expected. Both I and the leaders on the other side anticipated this outcome.

However, an unexpected turn occurred during the last topic, the discussion on the appointment of bishops.

“Next is the proposal from the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction. To appoint new priests to the vacant bishop positions—”

The proposal was to have the parliament appoint new bishops to restore the church’s hierarchy since the upper echelons had been wiped out.

Normally, each candidate’s qualifications would be examined, but that’s difficult now. With a sudden mass vacancy, there’s no time for such luxuries.

Thus, a pre-prepared plan on who to appoint where was presented to the parliament. The creators were, of course, me and my subordinates.

“Those in favor of this proposal, please raise your hands.”

As a show-of-hands vote was conducted, the Third Estate representatives raised their hands one after another. In contrast, the Second Estate seats remained motionless.

…Well, not entirely. A few sitting on the outskirts quietly raised their hands.

“…Confirmed. With 104 votes in favor and 96 opposed, the proposal on the appointment of bishops is hereby passed.”

“W-wait! Count Ribonia?! Why are you—?!”

“Baron Cardom! What’s the meaning of this?!”

We had obtained the list of members long ago. With two weeks’ time, there were plenty of opportunities to make contact beforehand.

Did they think we wouldn’t do any groundwork? We’ve been recruiting those we deemed suitable long before the parliament convened.

“Sorry about this. It seems I’m more suited to their side.”

The nobles who voted in favor stood up and came over to where we, the Third Estate representatives, were seated. We gladly offered them chairs and welcomed our new allies.

Thus, the kingdom’s high-ranking clergy were completely replaced. By candidates we selected, who were undoubtedly on our side.

The meaning of this was all too clear. The power structure they dreamed of had been realized in the exact opposite form.

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

In the face of sudden despair, Duke Barellmont shouted rudely and looked at me.

‘Was this your doing?’

I’ve learned there’s no such thing as telepathy, but strangely, I could feel what he was trying to say through his gaze.

I answered with a light smirk. Of course, it was my doing. Who else could it be?

* * * * *

Meanwhile, in the north.

“Charge! The high ground is right ahead!”

“For the Union! For the glory of the great Emperor!!”

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

Thousands of soldiers raced across the snowy plains. Supported by artillery firing shells at a rate that seemed to melt the barrels and elite mage units from the rear.

At first glance, it seemed like they were relying solely on momentum, but there was order and system in their assault. The infantry stayed close to their comrades, moving in units, while the cavalry flanked, looking for breakthroughs.

It was a reckless and rough tactic, but its effectiveness was undeniable. Moving at a speed hard to achieve with the usual tight formations, the soldiers quickly closed in on the enemy.

“Fire, fire! Don’t let them get through—urk!”

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

“Once you think you’ve subdued them, move immediately! We need to break through the enemy’s second defensive line today!”

Breaking through hastily built wooden barriers and jumping into trenches. Subduing enemy soldiers attempting to shoot with clumsy skills using swords or spears, then moving forward.

Or trying to. Until a sudden barrage of dense fire turned them into swiss cheese.

“Commence volley fire. Afterwards, free fire at will.”

“Roger! Everyone, reload at maximum speed and fire!”

Four, maybe five shots per minute. The maximum rate of fire achievable with muzzle-loading muskets poured relentless fire. Every type of firepower the army could muster on the battlefield was unleashed without reserve towards the occupied trenches.

The troops, whose formations had broken while subduing the trenches, couldn’t resist. Reorganizing units exposed to enemy fire on the spot was nearly impossible.

“Re, retreat! Fall back to the main camp and regroup!”

In the end, they had to retreat. Leaving hundreds of corpses before the defensive line they thought they could finally breach this time.

“The Imperial forces are retreating. Quickly reclaim the trenches and organize the bodies.”

Despite the remarkable comeback victory, the expression of the Royal Army’s general, Lieutenant General Mauer, was not bright.

The cost of this victory was too painful.