A black Gem VI Model carriage crawled through the crowded streets of Paris.
France's Minister of Transport, Tressaguet, listened to the music and cheers drifting in from outside the carriage window and shook his head helplessly.
At present, Paris seemed to be holding a grand festival. Nearly everyone had taken to the streets—some singing and dancing, others gathered around street speakers, erupting into cheers from time to time.
Tressaguet remembered that the last time there had been such a lively scene was when France defeated the Anti-French Alliance.
What he did not know was that even the stingiest factory owners had given their workers a day off, allowing everyone to celebrate properly.
The carriage had to stop as a parade passed in front of it. He heard someone beside the window say, "I feel like I've become a real person—a person with dignity!"
"I heard that managers won't be able to dock our wages whenever they please anymore."
"Yes, Mr. Strong said we can sue them in cases like that."
"What if it's a noble who hits someone? My younger brother had his head split open by a noble lord just last month."
"You can try going to the Local Court. But I remember the newspaper saying, 'The law does not apply retroactively'..."
"What does that mean?"
"It means..."
It was quite some time before the carriage began moving again.
Tressaguet's assistant suddenly asked, "My lord, I heard that the Crown Prince intends to establish a Parliament?"
Joseph had released the news. Naturally, something with such enormous influence needed to be warmed up beforehand.
The Minister of Transport nodded. "That is indeed the case. His Highness intends to establish Two Chambers.
"The House of Representatives will be responsible for drafting laws, reviewing budgets, and setting tax rates. Its members will