A Complete Mess

It must be said that Angela truly understands people's hearts.

Catherine's suggestion struck right at their Achilles' heel.

Regardless of who Catherine and King Xialuo ultimately assigned this task to, they would face criticism and gossip. Catherine's tactic of "fighting fire with fire" struck at the heart of these six individuals. Since they couldn't agree on the other's choice, they might as well make it in the way they preferred. This way, the royal family and the saint could remain uninvolved and watch the drama unfold. Of course, after this news spread, many felt that with the current situation so critical, it was ridiculous for Parliament to waste time on such matters. However, both sides' nobles made it clear that these six councilors were unwilling to obey their arrangements, and based on the principles of "fairness" and "justice," they could only offer this opinion.

The Temple itself was the most resistant to this. This election had already consumed most of their resources, time, and money. They thought they could finally breathe a sigh of relief after it was finally over. But now they were told they had to do it again, albeit on a smaller scale, limited to two designated areas. This still left the Temple extremely helpless. Although they were furious, they had no choice but to continue.

Of course, Catherine understood that this would not benefit the Temple, but she wisely remained silent. Therefore, it was the six commoner councilors who first approached the Temple to request another election. Relying on the Temple's backing, they actually took the initiative to make this request, and in order to maintain their "image" in the public eye, these six people very "cleverly" appropriated Catherine's proposal for themselves.

Thus, the rumor became a beautiful tale of six councilors deferring to each other and ultimately deciding to let the common people choose their future once again. They respected public opinion and humbly awaited the people's "fair" judgment.

These six people were unaware that their actions only fueled the Temple's hatred. However, with the gods above them, they had no way to oppose the decision of the God of Justice, and so, another general election was held.

The nobles initially complained, but they soon discovered that it wasn't entirely without its advantages. At least, the six newly appointed commoner councilors were focusing all their energy on vying for the two seemingly lucrative positions, leaving them with no energy to attend to other matters. This discovery immediately delighted the nobles, who quickly began merging and consolidating their power. A series of crucial measures, including those related to the military, finance, transportation, and emergency response systems, were approved and implemented with lightning speed. Catherine and King Xialuo were not incompetent rulers, and they possessed a number of capable and efficient troops. Therefore, with their cooperation, implementation was remarkably swift. Of course, the two were also clever. In the subsequent series of proposals, they cleverly chose system proposals temporarily unrelated to the two positions, so the commoner councilors wouldn't find any fault with them. After all, they knew that if they discovered any proposals involving the two positions, they would likely have to wait until after the election to pass them.

So the nobles quickly changed their stance and began to "eagerly anticipate" this second general election. Many of them even hoped that the election would continue until the end of the war... or even until the end of the world.

For ordinary people, however, this is another kind of celebration. Previously, official transfers were directly appointed by the upper echelons of the royal family. Each official was promoted from the lowest rank, climbing the ranks based on seniority, ability, or family background. Back then, ordinary people could only offer a few words of discussion, but had no real influence over these officials' promotions. But now it's different. They can not only choose the leader of the new country, but they even have the power to decide on official positions!

The people in those two constituencies immediately became excited. They were already prepared, after all, they had never received such treatment before. In their eyes, this new system was simply a gift from the gods. Look at these six commoner representatives! They weren't arrogant like the nobles, nor did they disrespect their opinions like the officials. Look how humble and polite they were! Even for a position like the quartermaster, they didn't want to make the decision themselves, but instead handed the choice over to the people.

The public is increasingly convinced that their choice of these six members of parliament was the right one, and their enthusiasm for participating in this election is exceptionally high. The six members of parliament are well-prepared; ambitious and dressed in clothing that is sometimes quirky, sometimes neat, sometimes simple, they move back and forth between the two countries' borders, explaining their ideals and aspirations to the people. This election has also attracted considerable attention. Although many are not eligible to vote, attending the rallies and experiencing the atmosphere is a worthwhile option.

Of course, besides them, there were others who weren't content to be left out.

"I'd only ever seen scenes like this on TV before."

Sitting by the window, Li Lin gazed at the crowds of people coming and going below and couldn't help but sigh.

"At the time, I felt that these kinds of gatherings were no different from riots. I really don't know how those regimes tolerated such things?"

"They must have masochistic tendencies, Master."

Yi Aier puffed out her chest triumphantly, gazing down with a proud smile.

"Look, it's so chaotic here, you'd think it was a market."

"I suspect this is a trap set by the God of Justice, Li Lin."

In contrast, Nia was clearly not having it so easy.

"This thankless task must have some kind of conspiracy behind it. Although I can't see how it benefits governing the country, but..."

"Don't worry, Sister Nia."

Angela interrupted Nia with a coquettish laugh.

"I can assure you, this God of Justice is just a simple idiot... perhaps even brainwashed."

"That looks quite interesting, Your Excellency."

Kalin stood by the window, shouting and yelling as she looked outside.

"Should we try it ourselves? Let's see how many people in the entire Ringwraith City would choose you as their Arcane Mage? Hahaha, that would be really interesting. I'd love to try it out when we get back..."

"No need to go back, you can choose here."

Li Lin glared at Kalin with annoyance.

"Anyone who thinks I'm not qualified to be Arcane Mage, just raise your hand."

"As a maid, I naturally support my master unconditionally."

Suoxiate, with her trademark smile, made her stance clear.

"What a boring suggestion."

Beika reached out and pushed up her glasses, giving Kalin a cold glare.

"Of course I won't object to my master."

Anna... loves Father the most...

Anna gently tugged at Li Lin's sleeve and spoke softly.

"At least for now, there is no one more suitable than His Majesty before me."

Miu'erkasi gripped the hilt of her sword and shook her head slightly.

I have no reason to object.

"Four people agree. That's more than half. Do you have any further objections, Kalin?"

"I object! I protest! This is tyranny!"

Kalin launched into a righteous accusation, then shrugged helplessly.

"Fine, anyway, I'm not the one who's against it. Let whoever wants to be it take it; I can't care."

"That's enough of this boring talk."

As the first councilor stepped onto the podium, Li Lin raised his hand to signal the crowd to be quiet.

"The real fun is just beginning, so watch closely."

So the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys and the Arcane Mage watched the performance called "The Election".

It must be said that these six members of parliament have indeed demonstrated exceptional abilities to have reached their positions. Of course, these exceptional abilities do not lie in their talents, but rather in their speeches and incitement. Although these people act like thugs and fight in the internal United Council, when they stand on the stage, they are exceptionally dignified—or at least appear exceptionally dignified.

Of course, there are many dignified nobles, but they rarely appear in public. After all, nobles have their own affairs, and they wouldn't go out and talk to the public for no reason. Moreover, these commoners are the king's subjects, and if they accidentally let something slip, they could get into serious trouble. So, nobles generally rarely show themselves in front of commoners, let alone discuss anything with them.

These six councilors, some appealing to emotions, others to their career aspirations, with one promising the best treatment the people would receive after taking office. Others, however, drew on the war's dangers and the crucial importance of resource allocation, subtly suggesting that only those who considered these factors were truly capable leaders. The only woman among the six civilian councilors even played the mother's card, assuring the people that even in the most dangerous circumstances, she would never send their children to the battlefield!

To be honest, these people's arguments weren't particularly theoretical or practical, but they were fresh and interesting, and... Angela got to see the scene she'd been most looking forward to.

Dogs fight.

These six congressmen were adept at both elevating themselves and belittling their opponents. They knew that simply boasting about themselves wouldn't suffice; therefore, during their speeches, A would "accidentally" reveal that B had slept with a dancer at a pub without paying, while B would "hint" that C's father's sister's daughter's friend had married a nobleman. And C would "hesitantly" tell voters that D's mother's background seemed less than ideal...

"Is this what they call democracy?"

Kalin leaned back in her chair, holding a bottle of wine, and stared down at the senator below who was boasting and subtly mocking his opponent, who hadn't married in thirty years. She curled her lip in disapproval.

"They don't seem any better than nobles, do they? What's the point of this pointless speech? Even if they eloquently preach, who knows if they'll actually do these things after they take office? I think we don't even need to fight. This United Kingdom will probably collapse and disintegrate on its own in a few years."

"They will do it, for their own reputation."

Nia opened a book, her eyes fixed straight ahead.

"However, whether it can be done is hard to say... After all, things never go as you expect."

"Moreover, even if they can't do it, these guys will have no choice but to grit their teeth and persevere to the end."

Angela spoke with a cold laugh.

"If a nobleman behaves like a pig, then just replace him and find someone less incompetent. Democracy is different. If voters discover they've actually elected a pig, then it means they're pigs themselves. Sadly, they'll never admit they're pigs, so they can only grit their teeth and support him to the end... But they overlook the fact that a pig is a pig, a dog is a dog, and hybrids won't become pandas. If a king behaves incompetently and tyrannically, everyone will righteously condemn him as a worthless beast. But if it's a leader they themselves elected, these guys will probably shut up."

Not everyone is willing to take responsibility, especially when they fail.

Suoxiate smiled as always, but she seemed to be hinting at something.

"Interesting... they remind me of a less-than-reputable profession on Earth... pyramid schemes..."

Li Lin smiled wryly, about to say something more, when suddenly his expression changed slightly, and he waved his hand.

Soon, the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys stood behind him, while Angela remained seated beside Li Lin, watching the speech below with great interest.

"Come in."

As Li Lin spoke, the door in front of them was gently opened, and then Catherine walked into the room.

"Arcane Mage, what brings you here...?"

Catherine didn't finish her sentence. She stared in astonishment at the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys standing behind Li Lin, her mouth agape in disbelief. After all, the simultaneous appearance of the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys was a rare occurrence, and each possessed a unique charm. Gathered together, they were like a hundred flowers blooming, an allure that no one could resist. Even Catherine, being of the same sex, remained stunned for several seconds before finally regaining her composure and lowering her head in surprise.

"I think you know who they are, no need for formalities... Speaking of which..."

At this point, Li Lin paused for a moment. Nominally, Catherine was his subordinate, but in reality, she could be considered a slave or servant. The Seven Ring Spirit Envoys clearly not like that, nor was Angela. This made Li Lin somewhat bewildered by Catherine's status and position, but he quickly regained his composure and moved past that thought.

"You should have known I was here already, what brings you here?"

"That's right, Master."

Catherine hesitated, glancing uneasily at the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys led by Nia. At that moment, aside from Nia and Suoxiate, the other five Seven Ring Spirit Envoys were staring at the princess with curiosity and confusion. They were unaware of Kaiselin's history of "abandoning the light for darkness." Even Anna, though also involved, had already finished Catherine's "training" by the time she arrived. Anna, focused only on Li Lin at the time, naturally overlooked this figure. Clearly, they were all curiously observing the princess, wanting to know how she had gained Li Lin's trust.

It's important to understand that Catherine is no ordinary person; she is the princess of the Five-Nation Alliance and a descendant of one of the five heroes. Although the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys differing views on many matters, they are remarkably united in their treatment of the Five-Nation Alliance —those who stand in their way shall die, and any enemy or document must be killed.

However, after hesitating for a long time, Catherine ultimately did not ask Li Lin to order the others to leave. She knew very well that in terms of status, position, and strength, she was the lowest of them all and had no right to make such a request. Helpless, Catherine had no choice but to speak up.

"I've come to inform you that Archangel Gabriel has returned to Dideyasi."

"Gabriel?"

Upon hearing this name, Angela raised an eyebrow.

"Is there any Michael?"

"Huh? This..."

"She's back?"

Upon hearing this, Li Lin narrowed his eyes slightly, then returned to normal.

"Don't worry, Catherine, I'm here with my men to see the play. I don't want to cause any trouble. If I run into her, I'll avoid her as soon as possible. At least for now, I don't want to escalate things."

"Yes, Master."

Catherine lowered her head again, saying nothing, while secretly letting out a deep sigh of relief.

"But speaking of which, have you already used what I gave you?"

"Yes, Master."

Upon hearing Li Lin's question, Catherine nodded slightly.

"In these days, I have created thirty-five portals, which have already transported some of the people of Kudel and Lalia to the territory of Dideyasi."

"Very good, keep up the good work."

Li Lin revealed a gentle smile.

"Remember, not too fast, not too slow... I recently received news from the Sea-Ring Alliance that the King of Kudel seems to be planning an interesting deal with me... You should understand what I mean."

The Kudel weren't stupid; they knew that if they went to the undead army with a surrender document, they would be torn to shreds before it could even be opened. Therefore, the Kudel chose another path—at least the people of the Sea-Encircled Country were human, not mindless undead. Thus, the Kudel made a bold decision: they sent ships directly to the sea fortress, attempting to convey their message through this ally of the Magic Empire.

Faced with this situation, Princess Shirley was clearly hesitant. On one hand, she wanted to ignore the matter and let Kudel be destroyed by the undead army. On the other hand, she knew that her current status and strength came from the Arcane Mage, and if Li Lin found out about this incident in the future, it would not benefit her. So, in a dilemma, she finally decided to send someone to ask Li Lin for his opinion.

Although Shirley's choice wasn't wrong, it still made Li Lin frown deeply. From this perspective, this princess was far less decisive than Catherine saintess. However, changing this kind of personality wouldn't be a matter of a day or two, so Li Lin simply didn't give any response. At the same time, he took the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys away from Ringwraith City, leaving Princess Shirley with no one to report to. Then... she should understand his meaning.

"Of course, Master."

Upon hearing this, Catherine frowned slightly, then relaxed.

"I will do my best."