Chapter 28: Hope Torture

Two weeks later.

The Three Estates, which had been part of the Kingdom's history for hundreds of years since its birth, was officially abolished.

While it had been shut down or indefinitely postponed on the Monarch's whims in the past, this was the first time it had been completely abolished.

Instead, it was replaced by the Royal Parliament, newly established at the suggestion of our Supreme Council for National Reconstruction.

"Today is finally the beginning."

"Are you nervous, Young Lady of Arshakh?"

On our way to attend Parliament as glorious first-term Members of Parliament, Camilla von Arshakh and I sat in the same carriage, chatting.

Although both of us are of noble birth, we represent the Third Estate.

There is no provision in the regulations stating that a noble cannot represent commoners, or vice versa.

Well, it’s an exception created specifically for our participation, even though normally such a thing would never happen.

"I don't know. I'm more excited than scared. I can finally participate directly in real politics."

"That excitement will soon turn into familiarity. You'll have to come here every day from now on."

I have a mountain of work, including acting as the Vice-Chairman, training soldiers, and administrative duties, but the Young Lady doesn't.

She has left the management of her coffee houses to her employees.

In other words, she can fully concentrate on arguing in Parliament.

"I explained our strategy last time. You remember it, right?"

"Of course. I've made all the preparations to ensure Your Excellency's satisfaction."

The Young Lady declared with a confident expression, pushing her chest forward. Her already ample bosom looks even larger and more magnificent thanks to her posture.

Yes, please work as hard as your confidence and size. Then our cooperative relationship will last even longer.

"I'll trust you. I can only rest easy if you do your part, Young Lady."

"Don't worry. Oh, I see our destination. It’s time to get off."

The Parliament House, which inherited the palace formerly used as the Three Estates' assembly hall.

We parked the carriage in an open space near the entrance of the building and I escorted the Young Lady as we walked.

'Some are already here, huh.'

Even on the street leading to the Parliament House, I see carriages and people hurrying along.

It seems other Members of Parliament are also arriving one by one as the opening time approaches.

Strangely enough, I can tell which faction they belong to at a glance without even asking.

Why? Because the Second Estate representatives are dressed in gorgeous robes, while the Third Estate representatives are dressed simply and neatly.

Still indulging in luxury while trapped in the Capital and gradually declining? Honestly, these nobles…

"Oh my, isn’t that Vice-Chairman Carolus? It’s been a while."

"....Duke of Barrelmunt."

As I was about to habitually criticize the high and mighty, an unpleasant voice came from behind me.

As soon as I realized who it was, annoyance automatically filled my face.

A connection I inadvertently made while staging the Coup d'état, even though I didn’t even know his face before.

That old man I pointed my gun at when we stormed the King’s banquet hall.

"It has been a while. Seeing you here, it seems you were selected as a Member of Parliament? Shouldn’t someone your age be resting at home?"

"It's thanks to His Majesty and the righteous who believed in this old man."

"Is that so? As expected, Blue Bloods have a keen eye for people."

"Haha, just like you."

Subtext:

Me: You're an old geezer who should be recuperating, why are you here?

Duke: Even though I'm old, I still have the strength to engage in politics, you bastard.

Me: Oh, really? You look like you’re about to kick the bucket any minute.

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

The Duke and I glared at each other after exchanging twisted barbs. After a moment of our gazes locking, he turned to the Young Lady standing next to me.

"And who is this, the Vice-Chairman’s wife? Parliament isn’t a place to bring your spouse."

"I'm unmarried."

"Then a mistress? You’re more promiscuous than you look, our Vice-Chairman."

"Stop with the rude remarks! I, Camilla von Arshakh, am attending as a duly elected Member of Parliament!"

The Young Lady is enraged by the sexual harassment.

She has a lower boiling point than I thought. I wish she would at least pretend to be polite in Parliament.

"Arshakh....? Ah, that family. I heard they had a daughter of marriageable age who wouldn’t marry and roamed around. Is that you, young lady?"

"Whether I marry or not is my business. Please refrain from making rude remarks, Your Grace."

"Those are harsh words. Don’t you know that even if your official positions are equal, the status of your families is not?"

For a moment, it seemed like the two of them were in a standoff, but in the end, the Young Lady had no choice but to back down.

A natural outcome. He is a Duke, while the Young Lady's family are only Viscounts.

Even that is only because they barely managed to acquire their territory by clinging to some Marquis family.

In a way, our House of Roytel, though a minor noble family in the periphery, has a more solid foundation, having existed since the Kingdom’s founding.

"Behave yourself. If you don't want to tarnish your parents’ honor."

The Duke patted the Young Lady’s shoulder roughly a few times and then entered the Parliament House first.

I gently supported her as she hung her head, and offered words of comfort.

"Don't worry about it. Their position will change soon enough."

They might be arrogant outside, relying on their status, but it won't last long. Once they realize their situation in Parliament, that is.

After all, this place was prepared to make all the Blue Bloods realize that.

"....I suppose you're right. Thank you for comforting me."

The Young Lady, having regained her composure, took my hand and walked ahead energetically.

Hmm..... Is it just my imagination that her demeanor seems more affectionate than before?

* * * * *

"Now! I hereby declare the first regular session of the Royal Parliament open!"

As the Second and Third Estate representatives gathered according to their factions, the Speaker stepped up to the podium and declared the opening. The current Royal Chancellor, whom I haven’t seen much since the Coup d'état.

Since we haven’t implemented a system like in the Future, with national referendums and ruling/opposition parties, the Chancellor also serves as the Speaker of Parliament.

Which family did he belong to? Rosenbaum, was it?

I heard he's been practically living in seclusion since I pushed him out of the spotlight.

"Hold on! The First Estate representatives haven't arrived yet! I heard that the Parliament's quorum is 300."

"It's not just a few absences, but a hundred! Is this really alright?"

Questions from the Second Estate Members of Parliament who are still unaware of the situation.

As a representative of the Third Estate, I stood up and informed them.

"They won't be coming. They're not in any position to select representatives."

....."What do you mean?"

"Riots have broken out across the Kingdom. Priests, enraged by the corruption within the upper echelons of the Denomination, have joined the commoners in punishing the Bishops."

He shrugged lightly.

"So, before we discuss representatives, we'll need to select new Bishops and a new College of Cardinals. The Church of the Goddess is currently half-paralyzed."

"....I understand. Thank you for the detailed explanation."

What can they do when the reason for absence isn't skipping out, but the lack of anyone to attend? Especially if it's me, the Kingdom’s power broker, saying so, everyone has no choice but to accept it.

At the mention that state affairs needed to be discussed with the reduced number of attendees, the figures who appeared to be leaders among the nobility hardened their expressions. They seemed to be whispering amongst themselves.

Something along the lines of, 'This makes the vote count difficult,' or 'Our plan to seize control of the Assembly has been thwarted,' I suppose?

It’s too early to despair. The trial has just begun.

"First, we will vote on next year's budget. Those in favor of the policy outlined here--"

"Due to the unfortunate incident last time, the fortifications surrounding the Royal Capital have been partially destroyed. Therefore, I request repair costs--"

"The soldiers on the Front Line are exhausted from the prolonged war. I propose a reorganization of the conscription system to supplement the rear forces--"

It was the first day of the session, but we had quite a few agenda items to discuss. This was due to the transfer of matters previously handled by the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction to the Assembly.

The national budget, cost requests, war plans, and so on.

Proposals came from various areas. And the result of every proposal put to a vote was the same.

"In favor! Absolutely in favor!!"

"Opposed! Vehemently opposed, no matter what!!"

50% for, 50% against.

If this side agrees, the other side opposes.

If this side opposes, the other side agrees.

The two factions, divided, clashed on every single issue, maintaining a perfect stalemate, ensuring nothing was passed.

So far, so good.

This was the result both I and the leaders of the other side had anticipated.

However, an unexpected turn of events occurred during the discussion of the final topic, the ordination of Bishops.

"The next item is a proposal from the Supreme Council for National Reconstruction. To restore order, the Assembly should appoint new Priests to the vacant Bishoprics--"

A proposal for the Assembly to appoint new clergy and restore order, now that the upper ranks of the Denomination had been swept away.

Originally, each candidate would be carefully vetted, but that wasn’t feasible now. With the sudden mass vacancy, there was no time to spare.

With this reasoning, a pre-arranged plan outlining who would be appointed where was presented to the Assembly. Authored, of course, by myself and my subordinates.

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

As the impromptu hand vote began, the representatives of the Third Estate raised their arms one after another. In contrast, the seats of the Second Estate remained motionless.

.....No, not entirely. A few seated on the outskirts subtly raised their hands.

"....Confirmed. With 104 votes in favor and 96 against, the motion regarding the ordination of Bishops is hereby passed."

"W-wait! Count of Livonia?! Why would you?!"

"Baron of Cardom! What's the meaning of this sudden change?!"

I had acquired the list of Assembly Members long ago. With two weeks to prepare, there were ample opportunities for prior contact.

Did you think I wouldn't have made prior arrangements? I've long since brought anyone worthwhile over to our side.

"My apologies. I just felt I fit in better on this side."

The nobles who voted in favor rose from their seats and came over to where the representatives of the Third Estate, including myself, were seated. We gladly offered them chairs, welcoming our new comrades.

This meant that all of the Kingdom’s high-ranking clergy had been replaced. Replaced by individuals we had selected and proposed, individuals who were undoubtedly on our side.

The implications were crystal clear. The power structure they had dreamed of had been realized, but in precisely the opposite form.

"T-this can't be! How can the Kingdom's laws be twisted like this!"

Overwhelmed by sudden despair, Duke of Barrelmunt roared in an uncharacteristic display of disrespect, then glared at me.

'Was this your doing?'

I thought telepathic magic didn't exist. Strangely enough, I could sense what he was trying to say in his gaze.

I responded with a slight smirk.

Of course it was my doing. Whose else would it be?

* * * * *

Meanwhile, in the Northern Region.

"Charge! The high ground is just ahead!"

"For the Empire! For the glory of His Imperial Majesty!!"

"Mages, keep up the attack! Take advantage of their weakened firepower!"

Thousands of soldiers raced across the Snowfield.

Supported by the Artillery Unit in the rear, firing cannons with fervor that seemed to melt the barrels, and by the elite Mage unit.

It was an offensive that, while seemingly relying entirely on momentum, was conducted with order and system.

The Infantry, each keeping pace with their comrades, advanced in unit formations, while the Cavalry flanked, seeking a breakthrough.

The tactics were violent and brutal, but undeniably effective.

Moving with a speed rarely achievable in their usual tight Battle Formations, the soldiers quickly closed in on the enemy lines.

"Fire, fire! Don't let them in here--Guh!"

"Engage in close combat. We have the advantage in numbers!"

"Once you've secured a position, move on immediately! We must breach their second Defense Line by today!"

They smashed through the hastily constructed Wooden Stakes and jumped into the Trenches.

They subdued the enemy soldiers, who fumbled with their Muskets, with swords and spears, and pushed forward.

Or rather, they tried to. Until they were cut down by a dense Fire Network.

"Commence volley fire. Followed by independent fire at will."

"Yes! Everyone, reload and fire as quickly as possible!"

Four, or perhaps five shots per minute.

A near-constant barrage, fired at the maximum rate achievable with muzzle-loading Muskets, rained down.

Every available form of firepower an army could muster in the field was poured relentlessly upon the occupied trenches.

The enemy army, its ranks broken by the effort to secure the trenches, was helpless against this onslaught.

Reorganizing units on the spot while exposed to enemy fire was practically impossible.

"Retreat! Fall back to the main camp and regroup!"

In the end, they had to retreat. Leaving behind hundreds of corpses, right before the Defense Line they thought they could finally overcome.

"The Imperial Army is retreating. Secure the trenches and clear the bodies immediately."

Despite the stunning, come-from-behind victory, the expression of the victorious Kingdom's Army general, Lieutenant General Mauer, was grim.

The price paid for this victory was far too steep.