Threats and Doubts

At the podium, Wolf looked at the final vote tally projected overhead. His face remained calm, as though the bill's defeat had not stirred him in the slightest. The Old Guard Party legislators below him looked anything but calm, especially Defense Minister Michel, the prime minister's chief lackey. His face was livid, and he gripped his armrests so hard his hands had gone pale. He looked ready to tear into someone. No one doubted that if some fool mocked him now, Michel's vindictive nature would ensure they suffered a fatal "accident" within three days—perhaps by falling and hitting their head while walking.

Perhaps Michel held back because of his position, or perhaps he knew William had eyes at this meeting and that any rash move might give His Majesty grounds to curb the Old Guard Party. Either way, he forced down his fury and swept a cold gaze over the Reformist Faction and Neutral Faction members behind him. The vicious look in his eyes made his message clear: the Old Guard Party would not let today's events slide. Meanwhile, in the Reformist Faction's seats, the final result still shone overhead.

Lieutenant General Gerald had clearly not expected such a stunning reversal in the final ten seconds. He stood frozen for more than ten seconds before a legislator beside him tugged his sleeve and brought him back to his senses.

Then a smile spread across his face, growing wider by the second.

Excitement nearly made him burst out laughing on the spot.

He kept telling himself that, as the Reformist Faction's acting representative, he had to stay calm and preserve his dignity. Otherwise, Lord Bob would give him a thorough dressing-down for his lack of composure. But Gerald could not keep the corners of his mouth down.

How could he possibly