Three days later, Peach Country convened its regular council meeting.
The Emperor, who had never shown himself, finally appeared.
Throughout the meeting, His Majesty sat with his eyes closed, resting. Halfway through, Vice Speaker Takemoto Masamasa suddenly proposed an amendment to the laws to establish an heir to Peach Country's throne.
The proposal was like a boulder thrown into a placid lake, instantly causing an uproar in the council.
Though rumors had been circulating for some time, no one had expected it to happen so soon!
There was no issue with amending the laws. The key question was who would become the heir.
Nianze remained exceptionally calm, while Sanzō's eyes had gone red with anxiety as he kept staring pleadingly at Shiraishi Yoshijo.
Shiraishi Yoshijo found Sanzō's appearance somewhat amusing, but he could not show it too clearly. He merely read out the names of those qualified to be heirs, then had everyone vote by secret ballot.
"Nianze, Sanzō, Geng Hua, Yan Xuan, and Jingkong. In terms of merit, only these five children are qualified to become the heir. Take your pick."
It appeared highly democratic, but hidden schemes lay beneath the surface.
Peach Country had four great noble clans. The Shide Clan had already separated from the imperial family, but they still held absolute loyalty toward Shiraishi Yoshijo.
The Takemoto Clan was Anna's natal family. How could Takemoto Masamasa possibly support anyone other than Nianze?
As for the Chinoike Clan, Oyashiro En had already reached an understanding with Shiraishi Yoshijo.
Shiraishi Yoshijo had also personally spoken with Kawaigawa Aonobu of the Kawai Clan. Of Kawadome's children, only one daughter had reached adulthood, and she was already married. There was therefore no need for Kawaigawa Aonobu to oppose Shiraishi Yoshijo.
Among the five nominated children, Yan Xuan's mother, Reika, came