A motion? The investiture of a new noble?
The atmosphere in the meeting hall instantly became delicate.
Whispers spread like a tide, even noisier than during the previous discussion of the budget.
More than three hundred pairs of eyes, some curious, some scrutinizing, were all fixed on Viscount Blue Mountain and the thin document in his hand.
Many councilors exchanged meaningful glances, their eyes flickering.
Clearly, most people had a knowing smile on their faces at this sudden proposal.
The vice-speaker's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
He was clearly reluctant to take this "motion."
The assassination of Earl Carlton had been a significant loss for him as an ally. Although the investigation team had submitted documents stating that Su Yu was not a suspect, he still harbored resentment.
Not to mention, even as one of the representatives of the traditional aristocratic forces, he instinctively felt wary and resistant to this unconventional investiture, which seemed to be orchestrated by special forces.
However, when his gaze seemed to casually sweep in a certain direction, as if receiving some unseen signal, his reluctance was forcibly suppressed.
He remained silent for a few seconds, and finally nodded.
"Viscount Blue Mountain, please present your proposal." His voice was unreadable.
"Thank you, Your Excellency the Speaker." Viscount Blue Mountain nodded slightly, cleared his throat, and said loudly, "My proposal is to request the conferment of the title of Knight Su Yu of the Xia Lan bloodline, as a Baron of Ying Kingdom."
"Su Yu?"
"Is that the young mage who has recently caused quite a stir in Blackshire and Myron Island?"
"It really is him..."
As the documents were distributed, containing Su Yu's basic information, the discussions grew louder, with various speculations and doubts intertwined.
The name Su Yu was already quite familiar in the upper circles of Ying Kingdom.
He was a descendant of the Xia Lan Duchy, who became a mage as a commoner, and had engaged in fierce conflicts with local forces in Blackshire, even getting involved in a major case such as the assassination of Earl Carlton. Every event was full of sensationalism.
Now, they're actually going to directly bestow upon him the title of Baron?
"Very lucky."
"I heard it's Princess Lin Pengpeng."
"His Majesty also agrees,"
Viscount Blue Mountain seemed to ignore the discussions and continued, "Mr. Su Yu, despite his youth, has demonstrated exceptional magical talent and extraordinary courage. In the recent incidents involving evil spirits in Blackshire, Mr. Su Yu stepped forward to protect the lives and property of the local people and effectively combated the evil forces. His actions are in line with the spirit of honor, courage, and responsibility advocated by our nation. Therefore, I propose that he be conferred the title of Baron to recognize his achievements and inspire more citizens to learn from him."
These words were spoken with high-sounding rhetoric, but it was clear to everyone that they were merely formalities.
The real reason, perhaps, was something only those who knew could not speak of. The Vice-Speaker listened expressionlessly, offering no comment, and proceeded directly to the agenda: "Regarding the provisional proposal to confer the title of Baron on Mr. Su Yu, is there any objection to including it on the agenda of this meeting?" A brief silence
followed . No one explicitly objected. "Now, let's begin the deliberation and voting on Viscount Blue Mountain's proposal to confer the title of Baron upon Su Yu." The Vice-Speaker's voice was calm: "Those in favor of this proposal, please raise your hands." This time, the raising of hands was not as swift and uniform as with the previous financial resolution. Many members clearly hesitated, glancing left and right, observing the others' movements. Time ticked by, and the air in the meeting hall seemed to freeze. Viscount Blue Mountain stood there, his expression calm, while the Vice-Speaker leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to the outcome. Finally, the first hand rose, then the second, the third… the number of arms increased slowly but steadily. Those nobles with close ties to the royal family, or those who had received prior hints, cast their votes in favor. Some members who had initially been observing chose to follow suit after seeing the number of votes in favor gradually gaining the upper hand. Of course, many others did not raise their hands; some were deep in thought, others looked displeased, but ultimately did not stand up to explicitly oppose it. "Those who oppose, please raise your hands," the vice-speaker said again. About twenty hands went up, but that was far fewer than the votes in favor. "Those who abstained?" There were also some. The vice-speaker glanced at them, having a general idea of the number.
He didn't count the votes again, but directly announced, "After voting, the number of votes in favor exceeds half. I declare the proposal to confer the title of Baron of Ying Kingdom upon Mr. Su Yu passed."
Another crisp sound of the gavel fell.
Viscount Lanshan smiled, stepped forward, took the resolution document bearing the seal of Parliament from the staff, carefully read it, and solemnly put it away.
"Thank you for your support." He bowed slightly, then took the document and turned to leave the meeting hall.
He needed to send it to the Royal Palace immediately for Her Majesty the Queen to sign.
Only with the Queen's personal approval could this investiture be finalized and have full legal effect.
Meanwhile, at one end of Blue Moon City, the Ibrahim Palace,
a French palace built in 1705, was a luxurious residence specially prepared by the Ying Kingdom government for receiving visiting French dignitaries.
Its architectural style was elegant and solemn, and its interior decoration was luxurious yet tasteful, exuding a rich exotic atmosphere.
At this moment, in a spacious and bright room, Princess Lin Pengpeng was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the garden in the courtyard.
She had just finished a magical communication.
The communicator's crystal interface still emitted a faint magical halo, reflecting her slightly tired yet still stunningly beautiful face.
In the communication, she had just relayed to France a series of unusual actions recently taken by the Ying Kingdom's Mechanical Guild.
The overly radical research, and the chilling "hunger" subtly revealed by the Artes-1, made her uneasy and she had to report it immediately.
There was both cooperation and checks and balances between France and Ying Kingdom.
If the Mechanical Guild's power got out of control, it could seriously disrupt the balance.
"I hope this will receive sufficient attention domestically..." Lin Pengpeng sighed softly and rubbed her face.
"Sigh, I'm not a professional diplomat, why do I have to do these things?"
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door.
"Come in."
Her personal maid entered, holding a newly delivered document, a smile on her face.
"Your Highness, news has come from Parliament."
Lin Pengpeng's heart skipped a beat, and her previously unfocused eyes instantly sharpened.
She didn't immediately look at the document, but asked, "Has it been approved?"
The maid nodded vigorously, presenting the document with both hands: "Yes, Your Highness! Parliament has voted to approve it! Viscount Blue Mountain has already taken the resolution to Her Majesty the Queen for her signature!"
Lin Pengpeng took the document. She didn't open it immediately, but simply felt the texture of the paper.
Approved…
She silently repeated these three words in her heart, a complex emotion welling up inside her—a sense of relief, a sense of accomplishment, and a touch of tension.
To make this happen, she had used many of her connections and influence, even taking on certain risks and pressures.
This could be considered one of the biggest and most crucial things she had done for Su Yu.
To elevate a commoner mage to the rank of baron in such a short time was undoubtedly a significant shock in the hierarchically structured Ying Kingdom.
"Now… it's up to you, Su Yu," Lin Pengpeng murmured to herself, gazing out the window.