Forming the Cabinet

Another unanimous vote!

The Imperial Council members in the chamber erupted. They rose to their feet once more, their applause dense and fervent like a torrential downpour. Everyone looked toward Rayne in the front row and offered their congratulations.

Yet Rayne, the center of everyone's attention, appeared remarkably calm. He had finally taken the most important step.

This had gone far more smoothly than he had expected.

Today, the Imperial Council members and Soul Saint Wizards had made the right choice, sparing the Aurelian Empire from an immense disaster. Otherwise, many would have witnessed the regime change—or even the destruction—of the most powerful human Empire founded by Emperor Alfa.

The High Council's unanimous approval meant that the Nether School and Kailstone had voted for him as well.

Rayne became even more certain that Kailstone was plotting some vast Conspiracy.

He slowly walked onto the dais and stopped in its center, facing the seats of the Imperial Council members. His gaze swept across every member's face before he raised a hand. The applause, which had lasted several minutes, swiftly subsided, and the chamber fell silent.

People waited for the new Consul's victory speech.

"Thank you, High Council, for your trust."

"Thank you all for your support."

Rayne began with his thanks, then continued, "It is a great honor to become the Empire's forty-fifth Consul."

"Those who know me know that I do not like making empty promises. I prefer to let facts speak for themselves. Facts speak louder than words. A thousand promises of 'I'll give it to you' are worth less than one 'Take it.' Once I take office, I will speak to the people of the Empire through my achievements and prove that choosing me as Consul was the wisest, unquestionable, one hundred percent correct decision."

"History will remember