One hour later, in the plaza in front of the main gate of the Mechanical Guild headquarters.
Remember the original website domain 𝕥𝕨𝕜𝕒𝕟.𝕔𝕠𝕞
Grand Master Lu Pingyi didn't personally come to greet them; only a few guild council members and etiquette officers stood waiting at the foot of the steps.
A convoy slowly drove into the plaza and stopped in front of the steps.
The main carriage was pulled by two white horses, and the coat of arms of the Loward family of France was painted on the side of the carriage.
The door opened, and the first to alight was a female knight. She cautiously scanned the surroundings to confirm safety before turning around and respectfully extending her hand into the carriage.
A hand wearing a lace glove took hers, and then a young girl stepped down from the carriage.
Lin Pengpeng was dressed very formally this time, wearing a small silver crown and a light purple French court dress, the hem embroidered with iris patterns outlined in gold thread, swaying slightly with her movements.
Lin Pengpeng gracefully straightened her skirt, her gaze calmly sweeping over the union directors who came to greet her. A smile played on her lips, her expression carrying a hint of reserve and aloofness.
"Good morning, gentlemen of the Yingguo Mechanical Guild." Her voice was clear and melodious, tinged with a slight French accent in Common English: "I apologize for keeping you waiting. I am Lin Pengpeng, here to visit your esteemed guild."
The head of the guild council, an elderly man with gray hair and glasses named Fei Qiuting, stepped forward and bowed slightly: "Your Highness, it is an honor for the Mechanical Guild to have you here. I am Fei Qiuting, a council member of the guild, and I have been sent by the president to welcome Your Highness. The president is currently dealing with some urgent matters and has not been able to greet you personally;
I hope Your Highness will understand." Lin Pengpeng's smile remained unchanged: "Council member Fei Qiuting is too kind. Master Lu Pingyi is a renowned authority on magic and mechanics across the continent, and I understand his busy schedule. My main purpose in coming here is to have the opportunity to observe your guild's renowned technology and magical creations up close and broaden my horizons."
"Your Highness is too kind," Fei Qiu-ting gestured for her to proceed. "The guild master has already instructed that a special tour be arranged for Your Highness. Please follow me."
Accompanied by several directors, Princess Lin Pengpeng passed through the main hall of the Mechanical Guild headquarters.
The hall was ten meters high, with a huge magical chandelier hanging from the dome, emitting a soft yet bright light.
The walls displayed models of various outstanding mechanical creations from the guild's history, from intricate automatic chiming birds to miniature replicas of massive siege machines, all demonstrating the organization's long history and formidable strength.
The floor was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the figures of everyone present.
Lin Pengpeng casually glanced at the exhibits, occasionally nodding in approval.
After a brief, polite exchange, Fei Qiuding smiled and said to Lin Pengpeng, "Your Highness, these are just ordinary objects in the hall. The true core of the guild is underground. President Lu Pingyi specifically instructed that we will demonstrate our latest research findings to Your Highness."
"Is it because the Congress is investigating us, and therefore opposes my display of our results?"
A hint of understanding flashed in Lin Pengpeng's eyes. "Oh? Then I am truly looking forward to it."
Fei Qiuding led everyone to one side of the hall, where there was a stone wall.
He stepped forward, placed his palm on an inconspicuous rune stone on the wall, and muttered a few incantations.
The stone wall slowly slid open to both sides, revealing a wide staircase passage leading underground. Magic crystals emitting a soft white light were embedded in the walls of the passage, illuminating the path ahead.
"Please, Your Highness."
Lin Pengpeng nodded slightly and took the lead in stepping down.
Her female knight followed closely behind, with Fei Qiu and several other council members bringing up the rear.
The stairs were long, stretching downwards.
The further they went, the stronger the smell of engine oil and metal became in the air. At the same time, a powerful fluctuation of magical energy grew clearer, allowing Lin Pengpeng, a spellcaster with both the rank of level 4 priest and level 4 warlock, to keenly sense the power contained within.
Her heart involuntarily quickened.
After traversing the long stairs, the group finally reached the underground level.
The sight before them caused even the well-traveled princess, Lin Pengpeng, to widen her eyes slightly.
It was a vast underground space, with ten-meter-high rock walls overhead, illuminated as if it were daytime by countless magical chandeliers.
On the surface, small freight vehicles crisscrossed the tracks, emitting a rhythmic clanging sound.
Clad in grey uniforms and goggles, the magicians busied themselves at their workbenches, sparks flying, the clanging of metal, the turning of gears, and the hum of magical energy mingling together.
Various unfinished machines, enormous gears, and crystal arrays shimmering with magical light were scattered everywhere.
In the distance, several colossal structures, shrouded in massive canvases, stood with mysterious and awe-inspiring silhouettes.
Everything here was completely different from the atmosphere of Blue Moon City on the surface; it felt like another world altogether.
"This is our core creation area, Your Highness," Fei Qiu-ting introduced, a hint of pride in his voice. "The guild's most cutting-edge technology and most sophisticated creations are born here."
Lin Pengpeng nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on a colossal object standing on a massive platform not far away.
It was a humanoid creation, yet its size was beyond imagination. It stood six meters tall, its entire body composed of some unknown alloy shimmering with a dark silver metallic luster, its lines sleek and powerful.
Its head was streamlined, lacking distinct facial features, except for a huge, rhomboid crystal in the center of its face, emitting a faint blue light.
Its body, arms, and legs were covered in complex armor plates, and several energy conduits, like vertebrae, extended from its back.
Simply standing there silently, it exuded a suffocating pressure, like an ancient war god, cold, majestic, and filled with destructive power.
"That's..." Lin Pengpeng's voice trembled slightly. She could feel the magical fluctuations emanating from the colossal creature, far surpassing those of any other mechanical construct around her. The fluctuations were stable and powerful, yet carried a... strange feeling.
"No wonder
it's considered to be colluding with an evil god; even I feel very uncomfortable looking at it," was Lin Pengpeng's first thought.
"This is outrageous,"
Fei Qiuting followed her gaze, a smile appearing on his face. "Your Highness has excellent eyesight. That's our guild's most core project achievement—Ates-One, a general-purpose mobile puppet."
"Ates-One..." Lin Pengpeng murmured, her gaze fixed on the steel giant.
Rumors about the Mechanical Guild secretly developing superweapons instantly surfaced in her mind.
This thing was undoubtedly the best proof of those rumors.
Seemingly reading her mind, Fei Qiu smiled and said, "Your Highness, I know there are some unfounded rumors circulating about our guild. I invited you here today to dispel some unnecessary misunderstandings."
"The Artes One is a pure culmination of magic and mechanical technology, designed to enhance our ability to combat evil, especially corruption."
"Mages, and any profession, dread corruption. The saying that slaying evil inevitably leads to falling into the abyss isn't entirely false."
"But the puppet, it has no spirit, so it's immune to that."
"All our efforts in the Mechanical Guild are for the safety of the people; we harbor absolutely no evil or ambition."
Fei Qiuting paused, then gestured for her to proceed: "If Your Highness is interested, you may take a closer look. President Lu Pingyi instructed that there is no need to keep this a secret from you."
Lin Pengpeng's heart stirred.
A close encounter would allow her to perceive whether this "Ates One" was truly as "pure" as Fei Qiuting claimed.
As
a level 4 priestess, she possessed an innate and keen intuition for auras. Furthermore, as a level 4 sorcerer, ancient bloodline power flowed within her, enabling her to sense subtle energy fluctuations.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her inner turmoil, and nodded slightly to Fei Qiuting: "Then thank you very much, Director Fei Qiuting."
Accompanied by Fei Qiuting and several other directors, Lin Pengpeng slowly walked towards the platform where "Ates One" was located.
Her female knight followed closely behind, her face extremely vigilant, her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready to deal with any unexpected situation at any moment.
This enormous metal monster instilled a strong sense of unease in her.
The closer she got to "Ates One," the stronger the chilling oppressive feeling became.
Lin Pengpeng could even hear the subtle sounds of energy flow and gears turning emanating from within it, like the heartbeat of a giant.
She stopped, only a foot away from "Ates One."
She concentrated her mind, mobilizing the power within her body, like an invisible net slowly enveloping "Ates One."
She carefully sensed it.
The coldness of the metal, the flow of magical energy, the operation of the rune array... everything seemed to conform to the characteristics of a high-level magical mechanical creation.
There was none of the twisted, filthy, and nauseating aura she knew of, belonging to evil gods or the abyss.
The rumors of "colluding with evil gods" seemed to be nothing but nonsense.
"How is it, Your Highness?" Fei Qiu's voice sounded from the side, tinged with inquiry.
Lin Pengpeng opened her eyes, shook her head, and said calmly, "A very... astonishing creation. Indeed, I can't sense any evil aura. Your guild's technology is truly well-deserved."
Fei Qiuding breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Your Highness is wise. Our guild works for the people and the country; how could we possibly collude with an evil god?"
Lin Pengpeng reached out, her fingertips lightly touching a piece of armor plating on the leg of "Ates One".
The instant her fingertips touched the cold metal—
an indescribable, intense sensation, like an electric current, struck Lin Pengpeng!
It wasn't evil, nor was it filth.
But something far more unsettling...
It was an extreme coldness, yet imbued with an inner, frenzied "hunger," as if this massive metal shell imprisoned a void yearning to devour all life and energy.
It had no consciousness, yet possessed a primal, chilling "desire."
Lin Pengpeng's body trembled, as if bitten by a venomous snake. She quickly withdrew her hand, her face instantly turning pale.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" Fei Qiuting noticed her unusual behavior and asked with concern.
"No...it's nothing." Lin Pengpeng suppressed the fear and inexplicable chill in her heart, revealing a spring-like smile. "It's just...its energy field is too strong, I'm not quite used to it. I think it's better if I stand a little further away."
"Of course, of course." Fei Qiuting didn't think much of it, assuming it was just that the princess was more sensitive, and nodded. "There's a special observation box up there with a great view. Your Highness can go there to rest for a while, and you can also observe the upcoming test."
"Test?" Lin Pengpeng was a little puzzled.
"Yes, the core compatibility test for Artes One." Fei Qiuting explained, "Such a huge puppet requires a special compatible person to control it perfectly. Today is the day that the compatible people we selected will undergo their final test."
Lin Pengpeng's heart skipped a beat again.
Compatible person? The person who controls this steel giant?
She nodded. "Okay, I'd be happy to observe."
Under Fei Qiuting's guidance, Lin Pengpeng and her knight arrived at a private box located on a high platform to the side of the platform.
The windows of the private room were one-way transparent magical glass, allowing a clear view of everything on the platform below, but preventing anyone from seeing inside from the outside.
The room was simply furnished with only a few comfortable chairs and a small table.
"Your Highness, please rest here for a moment; the test is about to begin," Fei Qiu said respectfully, turning and leaving the room, clearly having other matters to attend to.
Lin Pengpeng's female knight carefully inspected the room, and after confirming there was no danger, nodded to Lin Pengpeng.
Lin Pengpeng walked to the window and once again turned her gaze to the massive "Ates One."
The eerie feeling from just a moment ago still lingered on her fingertips, leaving her with a lingering sense of unease.
She was certain that this "Ates One" was not as "pure" as it appeared on the surface.
What was that inner "hunger" and "void"?
Was it an illusion caused by some special driving core? Or...?
She suppressed these chaotic thoughts.
Now was not the time to delve into it.
She needed to remain calm and continue observing.
Not long after, the platform outside the private room began to bustle.
Several people dressed in white robes, who looked like researchers, approached "Ates One" and began examining it.
They held various strange instruments, connecting them to the interfaces on "Ates One."
At the same time, six young people of different builds, dressed in uniform black uniforms, climbed onto the platform, led by several union directors.
They all looked very young, mostly between fifteen and twenty-five years old. Each of them wore a different expression—some were nervous, some excited, and
some unusually calm, their eyes filled with longing and determination.
Lin Pengpeng noticed that Lu Pingyi had also appeared on the platform at some point, his back to her, quietly watching the six young men.
His figure appeared somewhat small against the backdrop of the massive "Ates One," yet he exuded an aura of absolute authority.
"Those are... the compatibles?" Lin Pengpeng murmured to herself.
The box was quiet; no sounds could be heard from outside, only their movements and lip movements could be seen.
Lin Pengpeng saw Lu Pingyi say something to the six young men, and one of the directors gestured for the first young man to step forward.
He was a tall, burly young man, his muscles particularly defined beneath his uniform.
He took a deep breath, walked to the foot of "Ates One," and, guided by a staff member, entered a hatch located in the chest cavity of "Ates One."
The hatch slowly closed.
Immediately afterward, the blue rhomboid crystal at the head of "Ates One" suddenly shone brightly, becoming dazzling!
A deep humming sound came from below the platform, and powerful magical energy surged.
"Ates One's" body trembled slightly, its joints beginning to stretch and contract, emitting a hissing sound.
It... moved!
Although it was just a slight movement like raising a hand or bending a knee, the visual impact of watching a six-meter-tall steel giant move under human control was unparalleled.
Lin Pengpeng's heart raced involuntarily.
This was beyond her understanding of traditional magical puppets; it was a real, autonomous war machine!
About ten minutes later, the hatch opened, and the young man, somewhat exhausted, was helped out. His face was pale, but his eyes were filled with excitement and exhilaration.
A
staff member approached with a recording crystal, seemingly recording some data.
Then, the second, the third… the candidates stepped forward one by one to enter "Ates-One" for testing.
Each test was similar: "Ates-One" performed various actions, and after the test, the staff recorded the data.
Lin Pengpeng noticed that the intensity and flashing frequency of the crystal in "Ates-One's" head seemed to differ for each candidate, and the smoothness and precision of their movements also varied.
Finally, it was the sixth and last candidate's turn.
He was a relatively thin-looking young man with calm eyes.
Unlike the previous candidates, he didn't show obvious emotions; he simply walked calmly to the hatch, turned and nodded slightly to Lu Pingyi, and entered the cockpit.
This time, the blue crystal in "Ates-One's" head seemed brighter than ever before.
Its movements were also noticeably smoother and more coordinated, even possessing a certain… spirituality?
It not only completed the preset actions but also seemed to stretch its limbs like a human being, each movement full of power and beauty.
The test ended, the hatch opened, and the young man stepped out. His face was also somewhat pale, but his breathing was steady, his eyes calm, and a faint smile seemed to play at the corners of his lips.
The tests were all finished.
Lu Pingyi walked to the council members holding the recording crystals, took one, and examined it carefully.
Lin Pengpeng saw his brows furrow slightly, then slowly relax.
Chen Qingke walked to his side, seemingly reporting something; Lin Pengpeng could barely make out a few words from his lip movements.
"...Minimum 78%...Maximum 91%..."
Chen Qingke's face was filled with obvious joy and excitement as he said to Lu Pingyi, "President, the highest compatibility rate has reached 91%! This completely exceeds our initial target of 90%! It has basically reached the level of perfect understanding and human-machine integration! Moreover, the candidate for this highest compatibility rate..."
He pointed to the young man, "has a clean background, and his loyalty has been rigorously vetted, making him relatively reliable!"
Lu Pingyi nodded slightly, his face still expressionless, but a hint of satisfaction seemed to flash in his eyes.
However, he did not immediately express his opinion, only giving a faint "hmm."
Fei Qiuting stepped forward, frowning as he said to Lu Pingyi, "Chairman, we have already screened all known candidates who meet the basic compatibility criteria, including some descendants of reclusive families and ancient bloodlines, as you requested. This has consumed a tremendous amount of manpower and resources."
"These six are already among the best. A 91% compatibility rate is theoretically sufficient. Isn't that enough?"
Lu Pingyi slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the council members before finally settling on "Ates-One" in the center of the platform: "Enough? Councilor Fei Qiuting, you should understand the depth of our plan."
"The word 'enough' doesn't exist in Project Artes. We pursue perfection. 91% seems close, but the remaining 9% could be the difference between life and death, the distance between victory and destruction."
He paused, his tone resolute: "Artes must be as perfect as possible. Any flaw could lead to catastrophic consequences."
Fei Qiuding opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately swallowed his words, his anxiety deepening: "But Chairman, we don't have any more candidates..." "
And although the Kingdom has withdrawn the investigation team, the covert investigations and restrictions may intensify."
"We don't have time..."
Lu Pingyi's gaze turned into the distance, seemingly deep in thought.
After a moment, he spoke: "There's one more person."
The directors were all taken aback.
"Chairman, you mean...?" Chen Qingke asked tentatively.
Lu Pingyi's gaze swept over: "Song Qiongyao. Hasn't she agreed yet?"
Mentioning the name "Song Qiongyao," the directors' expressions became somewhat complicated.
Chen Qingke gave a wry smile: "Yes, President. We have already sent people to contact Lord Song Shuying, the acting lord of Myron Island, several times. Lord Song Shuying... is very resolute."
"The development of Myron Island is said to be progressing relatively smoothly. Lord Song Shuying has basically decided to obtain the Golden Title. The current delay is just because they are still preparing for the formal ceremony."
"It's also uncertain whether it will be a Baron, Viscount, or Earl."
"Regardless of the title, as a member of the Golden Family with voting rights in Parliament, he is unwilling to let his only daughter, Song Qiongyao, participate in the Matchmaker Program, especially with these recent rumors. He is probably worried that this will affect his reputation and status within the Golden Family, and he is also worried about Song Qiongyao's safety, so he forbids it."
Chen Qingke is a magic craftsman, straightforward and outspoken, not afraid of offending anyone, which made the directors' faces darken.
"Song Shuying... the Golden Family..." Lu Pingyi repeated the name in a low voice, his eyes turning cold. "A bunch of parasites, stuck in their ways, only knowing how to protect their own power and glory. Do they think they can rest easy just because they have a title?"
His gaze turned icy as he gave Chen Qingke orders: "Proceed according to plan. First, immediately organize the technical team and, based on all the problems and data feedback discovered in this test, begin the design and construction of Ates II. The initial framework must be completed within three months. Second..."
He
paused, "Find a way to obtain Song Qiongyao's fresh blood."
"Blood?" Several directors were startled. "Chairman, you mean... we don't need her, just her blood?"
Lu Pingyi nodded. "I saw it with my own eyes last time. Song Qiongyao's bloodline has mutated; it might be very special, potentially breaking the 95% compatibility threshold."
"But at the time, the White Tower's mages were there, so I couldn't take a sample."
"I need her blood sample for in-depth analysis and compatibility testing. With the sample, I have a way to assess her true compatibility through a special magical ritual."
"I can provide a magical location. Once obtained, I'll immediately use a limited teleportation spell to bring it back."
Ah, I see.
A director immediately stepped forward and bowed: "President, the branch on Myron Island is vacant. If it's just a blood sample, I'll go and carry it out under the pretext of appointing a branch president. I guarantee the mission will be completed!"
Lu Pingyi glanced at him and nodded: "Good. Be careful not to cause unnecessary trouble. Although Song Shuying is in the way, now is not the time to break ties with the Golden Family."
"Understood!"
Just then, Lin Pengpeng in the private box saw Lu Pingyi finish his conversation with the directors and turn to walk down the platform.
The test was over: the crystal light on the head of "Ates-One" gradually dimmed, returning to its previous silence.
Lin Pengpeng knew it was time for her to leave too.
She had seen what she wanted to see, and felt something... unsettling.
Especially the eerie feeling about "Ates-One," and Lu Pingyi's obvious determination to pursue perfection. She whispered to the female knight beside her, "Let's go."
The female knight nodded.
Lin Pengpeng straightened her skirt, opened the door of the private box, and said to the people waiting outside, "The test was excellent. Thank you for your arrangements. I'm a little tired and will take my leave." Fei Qiuding, who
had been notified, quickly arrived, politely tried to persuade her to stay, but seeing that Lin Pengpeng was determined to leave, he didn't try to persuade her further and arranged for someone to escort her away.
Leaving the core creation area and descending the long staircase back to the ground, it felt like returning from a cold, steel world to the human realm.
The sunlight was somewhat dazzling, and Lin Pengpeng squinted slightly. They remained silent
the entire way until they boarded the carriage returning to Ibrahim Palace.
The carriage slowly pulled away from the Mechanical Guild headquarters, heading towards Ibrahim Palace. The carriage was furnished with soft velvet cushions, and a faint fragrance filled the air, a stark contrast to the oily smell of the underground workshops.
A female knight stood vigilantly at the door, observing the outside.
Lin Pengpeng leaned back on the cushions, closed her eyes, and tried to calm herself.
However, the image of the cold, steel body and eerie energy fluctuations of "Ates One" kept flashing through her mind
. Especially the chilling "hunger" she felt when her fingertips touched "Ates One," like a persistent leech.
Suddenly, a strong wave of nausea rose in her throat.
"Ugh..." Lin Pengpeng suddenly covered her mouth, leaning forward and slumping onto the opposite chair.
"Your Highness!" The female knight exclaimed in alarm, rushing forward to support her.
Lin Pengpeng gagged violently, but nothing came out; her face turned deathly pale, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on her forehead.
This was her way of communicating with the gods, a method she possessed as a high priestess.
This sensation conveyed a clear message: the oracle of the Lady of the Night!
Lin Pengpeng's body trembled.
The lady rarely gave such a clear and intense negative divine message.
This meant that the "Ates One" she had just encountered, or rather, the entire project of the Mechanical Guild, contained something that even the gods found "unpleasant" and "dangerous"!
That strange feeling she had just experienced was not an illusion!
After a long while, with the help of the female knight, Lin Pengpeng slowly sat up straight. Her face was still pale, but her emotions had calmed down slightly.
She took out a handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from her mouth and forehead, her eyes filled with seriousness.
"I'm fine..." she said weakly, "I'm just a little carsick."
The female knight clearly didn't believe her, but seeing Lin Pengpeng's reluctance to elaborate, she could only suppress her doubts and cautiously guard her side.
The carriage continued its journey through the streets of Blue Moon City, the bustling scenery outside the window seeming like a blurry phantom.
Lin Pengpeng leaned against the car window, gazing at the bustling crowd outside, only one thought in her mind: the Mechanical Guild's project... had a major problem!
A problem big enough to alert the gods!
She had to report this discovery back to France as soon as possible.
"Also, Su Yu's premature rumors hit the Mechanical Guild where it hurts, undoubtedly greatly hindering their plans."
"Is this the power of the Son of Xia Lan?"
"No, he will inevitably become a thorn in Lu Pingyi's side. I must expedite the acquisition of the title, otherwise, his situation will be extremely dangerous."
Lin Pengpeng knew how powerful a Grand Mage was.
Now, with the investigation just finished, Lu Pingyi couldn't directly slap the Congress in the face and immediately intercept Su Yu, but once this critical moment passed, things would be different. Golden sunlight pierced through the thin mist in
Blue Moon City's Congress
building, illuminating the ancient and magnificent architecture and outlining its solemn and dignified silhouette.
As the core symbol of national power, the Parliament House stands majestically in the heart of the city, its Gothic spires piercing the sky, seemingly silently recounting the kingdom's long history and authority.
At this moment, inside the main chamber of the Parliament Building, the atmosphere is solemn.
More than three hundred members of parliament, dressed in aristocratic attire, sit upright in their circular seats.
Most of them came from ancient and powerful noble families in Ying Kingdom. Behind each face lay the glory, expectations, and heavy burdens of their family's interests.
The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, aged tobacco, and the unique aroma of power struggles.
At the front of the meeting hall, the national flag of Ying Kingdom hung beneath the massive stone dome.
The speaker's seat was empty; today's agenda was to be chaired by the vice-speaker, an elderly man with gray hair and a serious expression.
He cleared his throat and announced the start of the meeting in a steady, slightly hoarse voice.
"Distinguished gentlemen," the vice-speaker's gaze swept across the room, "today we will first consider the supplementary proposal to this year's national budget."
The Minister of Finance, a slightly plump middle-aged nobleman, rose, holding a thick document, and began to explain in detail.
His voice was steady, and when he mentioned the key points of the budget supplement, the previously hushed conversation in the meeting hall paused noticeably.
"...Given the increasingly rampant activities of evil spirits both domestically and internationally, posing a severe threat to our nation's security and stability, the Cabinet proposes to increase this year's fiscal expenditure, particularly the portion related to evil spirit defense and research, by 13%. This funding will primarily
be used to support major domestic organizations combating evil spirits and to strengthen the military's combat capabilities and equipment..." The word
"evil spirits
" stirred considerable ripples in the minds of the councilors.
In recent years, especially after the Dark Tide, the frequent occurrence of bizarre events and rumors of the resurgence of ancient evil forces were no secret.
Although the authorities had been trying to control the spread of information, the nobles present, as the ruling class of the nation, naturally understood the seriousness of the situation better than ordinary citizens.
During the discussion, dissenting voices were few and far between.
After all, the threat of evil spirits was real, concerning the safety of everyone, and even the survival of the entire kingdom.
Strengthening defenses seemed to be the only consensus at the moment. After a series of procedural inquiries and explanations, the vote began.
"Those in favor of this additional fiscal proposal, please raise your hands," the Vice Speaker announced.
Arms shot up like a forest.
"Those against, please raise your hands."
Only a few arms sparsely appeared.
"Abstaining?"
Even fewer.
"Therefore, I declare the supplementary national treasury bill passed." The vice-speaker struck the gavel with a crisp sound.
The document was solemnly put away, awaiting its signing and effect.
This was the most important and least suspenseful item on today's agenda.
However, just as everyone thought they could catch their breath and prepare to move on to the next routine item, a slightly abrupt voice rang out.
"Your Excellency Speaker, distinguished gentlemen," the speaker was Viscount Blue Mountain. He was about fifty years old, stood up with a slight smile, bowed slightly, and also held a document in his hand: "Before moving on to the next item, I have a motion, a proposal concerning the investiture of new nobles, which I hope to submit for consideration at this meeting."