https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-467-Sigrid-Arrives-at-the-Capitol/12584660/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-469-Sigrid-is-no-Longer-an-Eighth-Rank/12584662/
Chapter 468: Lanchi is Apparently a Neutral Party
Chapter 468: Lanchi is Apparently a Neutral Party
The Congress building, located on the banks of the Helrom Demon River, is not only the seat of the Protoss Imperial Parliament but also a symbol of Protoss politics, history, and architectural art.
The building has a history of six hundred years and is renowned for its monumental scale, intricately carved stone walls, and clock tower, a feat of architecture that was ahead of its time.
The Lower House, known for its iconic blue seats and opposing seat arrangement, is one of the most important venues for political decision-making in Helrom, while the Upper House, with its red seats and opulent decor, reflects tradition and solemnity. It is primarily responsible for reviewing and amending bills. Franklin Hall, which connects the two houses, serves as a crucial hub for hosting large events.
The upcoming Cardinal election of the Resurrection Church is about to commence, and it will determine the sole representative of the Resurrection Church in the Protoss Empire. The elected bishop will become a true partner of the Protoss Empire.
As the clock approaches nine in the morning, most of the attendees in the spacious Franklin Hall have taken their seats and are prepared for the start of today's election.
The seating area in the upper outer circle is roughly divided into three fan-shaped sections: the southern nobility, the northern nobility, and the nobility from the east of the empire.
This includes life peers appointed by the monarch, holding their titles for life, while the majority are hereditary peers who have inherited their titles and entered the Upper House.
The inner circle, positioned slightly lower, is more complex, comprising members elected or nominated through provincial elections, representing various constituencies of the Protoss Empire. Their primary responsibilities include formulating and passing laws and scrutinizing decisions.
The distribution of seats in the inner circle also correlates with the noble factions.
Once the seats are filled, the entire hall transforms into a visual representation of the Protoss Empire's factional landscape.
The prominent figures active in the imperial capital of Helrom are primarily positioned according to their affiliations and associations.
Loki McCarthy, as the governor of the Northern Snow Province, occupies a seat on the lower right side of the chamber, while Duke Morotian Bernhard, due to the southern location of the imperial capital, sits on the upper left side.
In the center of the hall, three sections have been cleared to accommodate temporary seats for the high priests of the three branches of the Resurrection Church.
The seats for the high priests of the Dominance and Lament branches are fully occupied, but for some reason, only five high priests from the Extinction branch are present today, including those usually based near the imperial capital, with the notable absence of the main force from the north.
The three bishops have already arrived and are standing in the empty space in the center of the hall.
On the opposite side, facing the seats of the nobles and ministers, rests the throne of the Emperor of the Protoss Empire, and not far from it sits a sprite that appears to be less than five feet tall.
Franklin III, the Emperor of the Protoss Empire, sits next to the sprite, looking tense, making it difficult to discern who holds the higher status between the two.
As the holder of the [Primal Tablet-Light] and the revered Grand Sage of the Protoss, Isis, the strongest individual in the Protoss Empire, exudes an intimidating aura simply by being present.
However, the sprite's expression reveals a lack of interest in anything happening around her. She sits there, holding up her cheeks with her hands, looking down at the ever-changing members of the Protoss Congress.
Her message is clear—
She might as well be invisible.
But if anyone dares to break the rules today, she will not hesitate to erase them.
Even as the election is about to begin, the buzz of conversation continues.
In the lower right section of the chamber, the area designated for the northern nobles and legislators, Milford County happened to be seated next to Loki McCarthy.
In fact, within the fixed block, the specific seats were not assigned too strictly. Ever since he arrived in the imperial capital of Helrom, his daughter, Michelle, had been telling him that Loki McCarthy was her brother-in-law, leaving him completely bewildered. He had no idea how Miss Shubelian, a priestess from the Kingdom of Aithailand, had come to know such an extraordinary fiance.
At first, Milford County was convinced that Michelle was talking nonsense. However, today he decided to test his luck and struck up a conversation with Loki McCarthy, who was sitting not far away. To his surprise, Loki chatted with him amicably and even expressed his gratitude for Milford's assistance to Miriam. Eventually, Loki McCarthy invited him to sit together, which led to the surrounding northern nobles treating Milford County with utmost respect. Based on their brief interaction, they could discern that Loki McCarthy had a close relationship with the eldest daughter of the Milford family.
"..."
Xiu Bailian, her appearance altered, sat in the seats on the left side of the hall, which were designated for the Dominance clerics. She felt like she was on pins and needles.
From her perspective, she could see straight across the hall to the right side, where Lanchi and Milford County were seated. To her embarrassment, they had struck up a conversation, and Milford seemed to be discussing marriage matters, judging by his demeanor.
Additionally, recalling the Milford County family's hospitality towards her, a priestess of the Church of the Goddess of Fate, and considering her current position as a Dominance Grand Priest, she felt like a fallen priestess...
As time passed, the large clock outside Franklin Hall slowly struck nine, its chimes resonating throughout the building.
At that moment, the heavy clock tolled, its reverberations filling the hall. Each strike of the clock seemed to echo through history, sending ripples through the still air of the chamber.
All conversations gradually faded, and everyone's attention focused on the raised platform in the center, where the Cardinal election of the Resurrection Church was about to officially commence.
As the clock finished tolling, amidst the solemn atmosphere, the sprite slowly stood up.
Although she was petite, her presence was exceptionally commanding. It seemed as if she was the center of the grand hall, with the gazes of all the prominent figures of the Protoss Empire fixed upon her.
"Theoretically, before the official start of the election, there is a presentation and speech segment. The three Cardinals of the Resurrection Church will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas and achievements from the past three months in any form they choose. This will be a crucial moment for them to demonstrate their worth and capabilities to all the nobles, legislators, and other important figures present. So be it."
She began to explain the upcoming proceedings in a lazy tone, her voice devoid of much emotion, yet each word was clearly audible throughout the hall.
Isis then sat down again, passing the time to the three Cardinals.
The default order was from left to right, starting with the Dominance branch.
Sigrid didn't plan to give a speech herself, as she was likely to frighten these nobles. Instead, she gestured to her direct subordinate, Gloria, to speak on her behalf.
Such tasks were typically the forte of the Holy Son. However, earlier that day, before the start of the parliament, he had made it clear to her that he would maintain absolute neutrality during the parliament as a figure of the Protoss Empire and would not show her any partiality. Whether or not they could achieve a tacit understanding depended on their mutual understanding.
(End of Chapter)
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