Green Forest City.
Inside Viscount Ovdin's residence.
Lord Rake, of medium build, with a proper smile and a handsome little mustache on his chin—the very same man Lilliat had once wronged by stealing a fake ring from him—was pacing back and forth uneasily. "What does the Kingdom mean by this? Has it sold us all to that countess?"
"Personnel authority, taxation, military affairs... they've all been handed over to her. Why not give her legislative power too and let her directly become Speaker of the Upper House?"
The local nobles were utterly bewildered by the sudden appearance of a countess above their heads, especially after learning of her outrageous privileges.
Lord Rake was not the first to come to Viscount Ovdin with complaints.
In Green Forest City, Viscount Ovdin was the one with true power.
Yes, while many among the middle class and merchants regarded Lord Rake as an impressive figure, within noble circles, a lord was merely an entry-level rank.
Viscount Ovdin had an aged face, a pair of emerald-green eyes, and a forehead lined with wrinkles. Without changing expression, he replied, "Actually... Duke Aergai did invite her to serve as Speaker, but that countess simply declined..."
"Holy Spirit..." Lord Rake let out a groan. "Is this still the Invis I know?"
He looked at Viscount Ovdin, anticipation in his eyes. "Your Excellency, as a figure with real power in Green Forest City, you must relay our situation to Parliament and His Majesty the King..."
Viscount Ovdin revealed a bitter smile. "Lord Rake, you think too highly of me... All the truly great nobles are gathered in Plymouth now. I am merely a minor viscount—what can I do?"
"Besides... you should know that secret as well. Even the Kingdom has chosen compromise. What can we possibly do? If you