https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-536-Sybrian-s-Criteria-for-a-Mate/12584787/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-538-Loren-Could-Sense-Everyone-s-Doubt/12584800/
Chapter 537: Lanchi's Steadfast Conviction
Chapter 537: Lanchi's Steadfast Conviction
In the capital city of Helshirem, within the Puelante Empire, the atmosphere in the long chamber of the Congress Hall was tense. Legislators whispered amongst themselves, their faces a mix of anxiety, doubt, and curiosity. The lighting was dim, casting the room in shades of gray, with only the faint glow of dust particles visible in the air.
As the newly appointed Prime Minister, Wilford, entered the hall, the tension escalated. He strode with purpose, his figure exuding determination in a neatly tailored black suit. Weaving through the crowd, each step he took toward the podium seemed to carry significant weight.
When he finally reached the podium, a low murmur filled the room. Prime Minister Wilford surveyed the chamber, took a deep breath, and began his speech.
His voice was resolute and powerful, filled with passion and conviction. He addressed the challenges facing the Puelante Empire, conveying his stance and his vision for the future. It was not just a statement to the Congress but a declaration to the entire empire and the world beyond.
Journalists diligently recorded his every word, while the legislators reacted in varied ways—some appeared surprised, others maintained their skepticism. The conservative members, in particular, were baffled by the newfound radical attitude displayed by Wilford, who had once been one of their own. His stance at that moment was inscrutable to everyone.
However, one thing was undeniable: the new Prime Minister exuded an extraordinary sense of calm and control in the face of this critical juncture.
His speech was not merely a statement to the Congress but a declaration to the entire Puelante Empire and the world beyond.
"Victory is what we seek," he proclaimed. "Victory at all costs. We must pursue victory, no matter how terrifying the path ahead may be, no matter how long the journey. For without victory, there is no survival!"
This was his first national address since taking office.
Lanchi's voice rang out, impassioned and fervent.
Yet, it failed to sway the conservatives.
In fact, his words only served to confuse the conservative members further, leaving them wondering why Lanchi Wilford had turned his back on them so soon after taking office.
A heavy silence permeated throughout half of the congressional hall.
Time and again, their gazes shifted toward Duke Moreti, the true power holder and leader of the conservatives. Only when he withdrew a handkerchief of approval from his breast pocket did the others follow suit. This was one aspect that even the new Prime Minister, Lanchi Wilford, found difficult to change.
Soon, as the Prime Minister's post-inaugural speech came to an end, the crowd began to disperse. Those who needed to leave departed, while those who had ongoing meetings made their way to the upper house chamber on another floor of the building.
Lanchi bid farewell to many as he made his way through the corridors, eventually arriving at a small, rustic conference room with dark wooden panels. The low-hanging ceiling seemed to press down on those within.
Thick curtains added to the sense of traditional gravitas, and a long conference table dominated the center of the room, bearing neatly arranged documents and pens.
Lanchi sat at one end of the table, his posture upright and steadfast, his hair neatly combed, though his eyes betrayed a hint of fatigue. It seemed as if he had not rested properly in the past two days, choosing instead to work tirelessly against the ticking clock.
And so, Lanchi closed his eyes momentarily, seeking a brief respite.
Before long, the sound of footsteps approached, and Duke Moreti entered the room, accompanied by his entourage.
The Duke's demeanor was relaxed and confident, his dark coat impeccably tailored. He conversed lightly with those around him, a stark contrast to the conservative members who had just entered the room, their faces bearing questioning and complex expressions directed at Lanchi.
Finally, Duke Moreti spoke. "Mr. Wilford, I believe we have been waiting for you for quite some time, and as you know, time is precious for all of us." He settled into a chair by the conference table, leaning back and addressing Lanchi across from him.
The atmosphere in the room grew tense. The other members remained silent, unsure of the Duke's true intentions behind his calm demeanor. The conservatives recalled how the Duke had remained expressionless during Lanchi's speech in the parliamentary hall earlier, never once reaching for the handkerchief of approval.
"My apologies, but my stance was made abundantly clear in my speech this morning," Lanchi replied. "This meeting, in particular, is a waste of everyone's time."
Lanchi opened his eyes, fixing his gaze on the other man as he replied, "Your Excellency, the Prime Minister—"
Duke Moreti let out a soft laugh, seemingly unbothered by the new prime minister's assertive attitude, which he displayed even before his position was firmly established.
"The Hoorn Empire's military power surpasses ours in every way, and they have the support of the Blood Clan," he said, leaning slightly forward. "Once the neighboring Kingdom of Bliss falls, we will have no choice but to engage in an all-out war."
Duke Moreti continued, addressing Lanchi and everyone present, "I believe that the next month is our last chance to strive for peace negotiations."
His reminder to Lanchi carried a subtle hint of warning.
This was, indeed, the primary purpose of today's meeting.
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he had a far better grasp of the current situation than Lanchi.
"We must not let them intimidate us before they even strike," Lanchi replied calmly, his gaze unwavering.
An eerie silence filled the room as no one responded to Lanchi's assertive statement. Instead, they turned their eyes toward Duke Moreti.
"Your Excellency, I have reservations about this," Duke Moreti said.
"Who doesn't have reservations?" Lanchi raised an eyebrow.
"I believe your idea will lead to numerous unnecessary sacrifices, and there are other options," the duke smiled, unbothered by Lanchi's stubbornness.
"What other options?" Lanchi's question lacked any hint of doubt, as if he already doubted the duke's answer.
"I will ask the diplomatic envoy from the Southern Prunol Empire to help mediate negotiations between us and the Hoorn Empire," the duke replied. "As long as we can ensure the freedom and independence of the Puelante Empire, we are open to considering all proposals to avoid this unnecessary war with the Hoorn Empire."
"It's also in their best interest," he added. "They, too, have no reason to pursue mutual destruction with us."
The eyes of most in the room followed the duke's gaze, turning to Lanchi.
Throughout history, there had never been a possibility of the Hoorn Empire, the southern overlord, clashing with the northern Puelante Empire. The two nations had no age-old grudges, and the spread of war to the north was unexpected for the Puelante Empire's high command. Naturally, they hoped to avoid conflict if possible.
"Do you know who our true enemy is?" Lanchi asked without pause.
"Obviously, it's the Hoorn Empire and the Blood Clan," the duke replied nonchalantly, as if Lanchi had asked a meaningless question.
"Have you ever considered that the true enemy might be the Blood Clan, and not just the Hoorn Empire?" Lanchi's fingers tapped on the table, his voice echoing in the room. "The Blood Clan's ambition is well-known, and their current momentum is unstoppable. Do you really think that these higher beings, who feed on us humans, will grant us freedom and independence?"
A few members of the council turned to look at Lanchi, surprised by his assertive attitude.
Indeed, there had been rumors circulating about the "Blood Clan's complete control over the Hoorn Empire."
While the presence of the Blood Clan had been observed during this war with the Hoorn Empire, the claim that the "Blood Clan has complete control" could not be verified and remained unsupported by evidence.
The key question was: who was truly in control of the Hoorn Empire—the Blood Clan or humans?
If the true enemy of the Puelante Empire was not a coalition of humans and the Blood Clan, but solely the Blood Clan, then it was indeed a terrifying prospect. Whether they negotiated or not, the ultimate goal of the Blood Clan might very well be the enslavement of humanity.
However, the parliamentarians did not understand why the prime minister was so adamant about believing the rumor that the "Blood Clan has completely controlled the Hoorn Empire," a piece of information that seemed designed to shake their resolve.
As the highest leader in times of war, the ability to make accurate judgments in the intelligence war was crucial. Failure to do so could spell disaster for the entire Puelante Empire.
(End of Chapter)
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