The World Had Changed

"My lord! You're back!"

Tim had already received the news and was now waiting in front of the council hall with a large group of officials.

Even though many of the people behind him held higher ranks Tim, they still regarded Tim as the leader and core figure.

"Hmm... let them disperse first."

"Let's go home first, and the rally will be held in three days."

About half an hour later.

In a side hall of the castle, familiar black tea is served alongside delicate pastries.

Tim's arrangements were thoughtful, featuring all of Lister's favorite foods.

Savoring these things now evokes a sense of nostalgia, like returning to one's hometown.

"My lord, Duke Quint and Count Connor have arrived."

"Let them in."

It's been two years since we last met, since the teleportation array was built.

Quint's appearance hasn't changed much, except that his signature long blond hair has been replaced with short hair.

His serious face was full of fortitude, and he appeared even more composed and dignified than before.

The moment he saw Lister, the seriousness on his face vanished, replaced by a smile, and he appeared as relaxed and at ease as ever.

On the contrary, Count Connor no longer treated him like a son or nephew, but instead showed him utmost respect.

He bowed deeply to him in full according to the etiquette of the Duchy of Will, his attitude noticeably more distant than before.

Although still agitated, Lister could sense the other person's caution and reverence.

Clearly, the relationship and trust between the two parties had long since become one of superiority and inferiority.

Even if Lister were willing to respond with the same attitude as back then, Count Connor could not and dared not do so; everything was irreversible.

"Lister, now I understand just how vast this world truly is!"

What you pursued back then... was indeed the right thing!

Quint picked up his black tea, drank the scalding hot tea in one gulp, and then sighed.

His gaze fell upon Lister, his senses unconsciously reaching out to the other man.

He has made great progress over the past few years, reaching the ninth rank, and his overall combat strength has barely reached the C level.

I thought I could sense and probe Lister's aura and strength, but my perception was like a stone sinking into the sea, unfathomable.

Sure enough! While he was making progress, Lister was only making progress even faster!

"Are you back this time to establish a civilized political system?"

After a moment of reflection, Quint was the first to make a guess.

Since the teleportation array of the Duchy of Merrick was fully established, the entire planet has actually opened up from its previous closed state and is directly connected to the Galactic Federation.

After establishing friendly relations with the Yalan Civilization, countless citizens of the civilization flocked to the region.

The impact on life on this planet was enormous.

Neither the Lucian Empire nor the Great Chu Imperial Dynasty had to abandon their original plan to continue the decisive battle.

They began to come into contact with these alien civilizations and to truly understand this vast world.

They were naturally already aware of the external situation of their own civilization.

"That's right."

"I called you and Count Connor over to discuss this matter."

"Us?"

"Yes, I intend to put you in charge of establishing and governing the entire political system."

"Here's the detailed architecture; you can take a look first."

The establishment of the government of the Merrick Civilization has been delayed time and again, but now it faces the challenge of advancing to a third-tier civilization, including the requirements of the Main Quest, and it truly cannot be delayed any longer!

This template for establishing a political system was requested by Lister from Wang Yue.

Its political system is largely similar to that of the Dawn Civilization, including the Galactic Federation Government, and it is organized in the form of a parliament.

The planet is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate, with elections for the House of Representatives based on the strength of Class Holder on the planet.

As for the Senate... initially, Lister was in charge of appointing candidates, especially the speaker.

At the moment, he felt that the most suitable person, with some connections and political acumen, was Quint.

"Lister, I would certainly be willing."

"However, the two continents are currently at a stalemate. If I were to become the speaker, the Lucian royal family and the Great Chu royal family would likely..."

Quint was more than happy to be appointed speaker.

The Duchy of Will was already being targeted by the Lucian Empire.

If the world hadn't changed so drastically, with other, more powerful life forms constantly pouring in, the entire Merrick Planet would likely be in a strange balance, and the Duchy of Will would probably have long since ceased to exist.

"Don't worry, I'll handle these things, as long as you're willing."

"And the vice-speaker, I'd like Count Connor to take that role."

In Lister's eyes, the power of the two royal families was nothing more than that of ants.

The civilizations they inhabit have all been registered as the Merrick Civilization, including this planet, which is also the ruling planet of the Merrick Civilization.

The world has actually changed a long time ago. The two years of buffer time have been enough for the two royal families to get to know this brand-new Galactic Federation.

Lister naturally hoped that the two sides would cooperate and join the Senate.

The entire system was established from the top down, contributing to the development of the Merrick Civilization and preparing for the formation of the Merrick Civilization Army.

If that doesn't work, then overturn everything!

In any case, he has a year to establish a government that suits his tastes.

"Then I have no objection!"

"Speaker, I will certainly act from the perspective of the Merrick Civilization and do my utmost to develop our civilization!"

Quint's face immediately lit up with joy, and he even seemed eager to try.

Having aspired to become a duke since childhood, he was inevitably tempted by the allure of power.

The true unification of the entire planet now includes competition with various civilizations within the external Galactic Federation.

For Quint, who was only in his early forties, this much wider world was exactly what he wanted!

On the contrary, Count Connor had barely spoken since he greeted Lister.

Her expression still showed some hesitation, as if she was considering refusing.

"Count Connor, you should stop thinking about it. Times have changed!"

Before Lister could speak, Quint preemptively offered his advice.

"The Six Great Families you now lead are not only facing competition within the duchy, but also competition from various civilizations throughout the Galactic Federation."

"Things are no longer what they used to be; you can't hide from them now."

"Regardless of the circumstances, there will only be new governments on this planet from now on. You don't want your voice to be in the hands of others, do you?"

From the original Seven Great Families to the current Six Great Families, Count Connor has always followed the same old pattern.

Regardless, the family business has been passed down peacefully and steadily.

But all that is in the past; the grand scheme of the Galactic Era has now begun.

The era of wanting to act as a local bully and live a peaceful life is completely over.

A new era is about to begin, ushered in by Lister himself, and all individuals on this planet will enter a new era.

"I do...!"

He responded in a deep, resonant voice.

Count Connor eventually understood the pros and cons of the situation.

In this new era, stagnation means regression. Now that we have gained an advantage by leveraging Lister's leadership, we certainly cannot miss such a good opportunity.

Three days later.

Numerous high-level forces have gathered in the Duchy of Merrick.

Quint acted swiftly, and the message was quickly relayed to the two major powers on the planet, as well as their affiliated forces.

These three days also represent the period during which they have the opportunity to surrender.

"As expected of the Duchy of Merrick, I'd heard they were doing well! But I never imagined they'd... had reached this level!"

"Are these the citizens of other civilizations?"

"The world is really big!"

The entire Duchy of Merrick has long since developed abnormally. Apart from the core inner city, the outer city and the area outside the main city are already large areas of buildings from various civilizations interspersed.

The mere City of Bode of the Lucian Empire and the Imperial City the Great Chu are not even worthy of comparison.

All the powerful nobles who recently arrived, although they were well aware that times had changed, had sent their own families or affiliated forces to visit the Duchy of Merrick.

However, few people have actually visited the Duchy of Merrick and seen it with their own eyes.

Now, faced with the current state of development in the Duchy of Merrick, the authenticity of information, including that from the Galactic Federation, is becoming increasingly clear in my mind.

There was only one voice inside my heart.

"The world they live in... has changed!"