[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-478":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162447,1504,"Chapter 478: Olivia’s Proposal","ember-dragon-chapter-478",478,"\u003Cp>Chapter 478: Olivia’s Proposal\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"According to the proposal presented by Count Dawn Drake, the Empire will continue to conduct in-depth research in various emerging military fields.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We plan to invest seven million two hundred thousand gold Nars, focusing on large-scale elemental weapons, long-range destructive weapons, and tracked armored combat vehicles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I object!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear female voice echoed through the hall, drawing everyone’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw a silver-haired, blue-eyed woman raise her slender hand and stand up from her seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a dignified and elegant long dress, and a hint of anger showed on her delicate, charming face. Her blue-gray eyes were filled with fearlessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—That was Olivia, now an Imperial parliamentarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She adjusted her silver-framed glasses, looked through the documents in her hands, and continued to speak aloud:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"According to the statistics department’s data, military spending has already accounted for 20% of the Empire’s total budget. This level of military expenditure is a huge burden for the Empire’s people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not only do I oppose Duke Dolo’s further increase in military spending, but I also believe the Empire should reduce military expenditures and allocate more funds to areas like education, healthcare, and poverty relief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have here a new proposal that details the measures the Empire should take in these areas and reallocates the budget accordingly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall erupted into an uproar, buzzing with discussions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s that Parliamentarian Olivia again! How dare she say that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s crossing the military’s line.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk tsk, she actually dares to directly refute Count Dawn’s proposal. What boldness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humans are humans—just wasting resources. Investing money in the weak is no better than tossing it into a river!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The citizens in the hall had varied expressions: some sneered, others remained silent, and still others praised her courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This hall was the renowned Imperial Parliament Chamber, the primary venue for the Empire’s congressional meetings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chamber was divided into two levels, with neat rows of red seats on each level, accommodating tens of thousands of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The upper walls were decorated with stained glass and seven murals depicting the history of the Ember Empire and showcasing the Emperor’s achievements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very center of the dome, a majestic dragon’s head was carved. Its pale golden vertical pupils overlooked everything within the parliament chamber, symbolizing the Emperor’s supreme authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the southern end of the chamber was the golden imperial throne under a regal canopy, where the Emperor could sit at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of the throne was the Prime Minister’s seat—an enormous gold-and-red cushioned seat filled with wool but without a backrest. Sitting there at the moment was Langpu, wearing a look of amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk tsk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It looks like the military might be in trouble. Some folks need a bit of a wake-up call lately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ogre’s lips curled into a slight smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a regular person raised an objection, Dolo would make sure they didn’t end well—but Miss Olivia’s identity was far too unique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Close ties with His Majesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Residing in the side hall of the Iron Dragonwing Palace, she could theoretically escalate matters directly to His Majesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following institutional reforms, the Empire adopted a bicameral system: the Lower House, composed of commoners, and the Upper House, made up of dragon-blooded nobles, also known as the \"Dragonblood Parliament.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Upper House consisted of over six hundred dragon-blooded nobles, holding legislative and fiscal authority during congressional sessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lower House primarily played a supportive role in the Parliament Chamber, overseeing the Upper House’s work, assisting in legislation, and exercising powers like \"delaying authority\" and \"questioning authority\" to amend or veto proposals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this was the theory, Lower House parliamentarians rarely used their powers to directly confront the dragon-blooded nobles. They often limited themselves to offering minor suggestions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The actual ruling class of this country—or, rather, the class temporarily entrusted with authority by Cassius—was evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Parliament Chamber was a cauldron of turbulence at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upper House parliamentarians—the dragon-blooded nobles—sat in three sides of red tiered benches on the upper level, glaring at Olivia with obvious discontent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who does she think she is?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Military affairs are none of their concern!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A mere human, daring to criticize Count Dawn’s proposal? That was endorsed by Duke Dolo!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. Count Dawn is the visible manager of the Crowburm Military Industrial Group.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lower House parliamentarians sat on simpler chairs in the lower level, most too intimidated to even breathe loudly. They whispered among themselves, careful not to provoke the Duke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, many parliamentarians with academic backgrounds expressed support for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is she?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is this woman acting so reckless?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I think she’s right—military spending in the Empire is indeed too high, to the point of exhausting the populace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Olivia clutched her documents, standing in her spot, fearlessly meeting the gazes of the dragon-blooded nobles with determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As a member of the Lower House, I have the right to question Duke Dolo’s proposal and even delay it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How dare you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bear goblin count slammed the table, glaring at Olivia, who spoke boldly below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a decision made jointly by Duke Dolo and six hundred dragon-blooded nobles, bearing the Emperor’s decree and highest authority. How dare you challenge it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Olivia’s tone was calm as she replied: \"But this aligns with the Empire’s regulations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seated in the elder’s cushioned seat, Dolo was not enraged. He simply waved his hand, signaling Count Dawn to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Count Dawn immediately stood up and said in a low voice: \"Parliamentarian Olivia, it seems you have never worked in government. You must not understand how the Empire operates.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Increasing investment in the military industry won’t be a financial burden—it will bring us substantial returns and create numerous jobs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you not read the Empire’s financial reports? The Crowburm Military Industrial Group is a key pillar of the Empire’s treasury! Without continued investment in the military industry, where would we find the funds for education and healthcare?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s sophistry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Olivia retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Empire’s assets do not belong solely to the military. They are the fruits of countless citizens’ hard work, and they deserve proper compensation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this money continues to flow into the military industry, it will only end up in the dragon-blooded nobles’ pockets!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single comment stirred the entire chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People in the Parliament Chamber were shocked—no one expected someone to openly \"declare war\" on the dragon-blooded nobles!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scholars and citizens admired her courage, but they also sighed in pity for this radiant woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon-blooded nobles were behemoths in the Empire’s political, military, and even economic realms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crossing them would make it impossible for this woman to survive in the Empire, potentially even leading to her death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Count Dawn said: \"As far as I know, according to the Empire’s regulations, any action from the Lower House requires over sixty percent approval from its members to be effective.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bear goblin count glanced around, looking down at the parliamentarians seated below. He calmly asked: \"Members of the Parliament, do you support Parliamentarian Olivia’s stance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Raise your hands if you do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chamber fell deathly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere seemed frozen. Those who had previously voiced support now stayed silent in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were not idealists, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one wanted to risk offending the military for the sake of an impractical proposal, especially not to support a relatively inexperienced parliamentarian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Olivia looked anxious, her left hand clutching the hem of her skirt, but she was helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the opposition was following protocol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was what she found unjust about the Empire’s system: actual power lay in the hands of the military aristocracy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Parliamentarians like her seemed irrelevant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Count Dawn maintained his composure, but a sneer played at the corner of his mouth. He stowed his documents: \"Since no one has any objections, then...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have objections.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A calm voice interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dawn turned toward the source of the voice, his expression shifting to one of astonishment, even shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did the military department not see my statement on ’Beware Barbaric Development’?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The people of the Empire have indeed not received fair treatment. Cassius once said: ’It’s unrealistic to make the horse run while not feeding it.’\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this continues, their labor efficiency and quality will decline. Both emotionally and logically, the Empire’s officials should provide them with their deserved benefits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting on the grand gold-red cushioned seat, the Empire’s Prime Minister, Langpu, straightened up, a twisted smile spreading across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that’s what you mean...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dawn lowered his head, his voice dwindling, his earlier confidence completely gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the Empire’s Prime Minister—when Cassius rested, he represented the highest authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, Langpu held a veto power over the proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Prime Minister is absolutely right!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Duke Langpu is truly benevolent. If you ask me, the Empire’s welfare should have improved long ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly. Didn’t the last worker uprising happen because the military squeezed too hard?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, as the Prime Minister spoke, the Parliament Chamber became lively again, with various factions joining the discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously silent parliamentarians now spoke up eagerly, quoting sources and supporting the Prime Minister’s statements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Dolo, still seated in the elder’s cushioned seat, wore an exceedingly grim expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his signal, the military generals also hurriedly stood up, doing their utmost to counter these arguments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was that incident caused by the military?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re slandering us! Those rioters were paid off by the Northern nobles! They plotted to overthrow the Empire and started this rebellion!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The continent’s current situation is far from stable. If we abandon military development, how can the Empire secure its foothold in the South?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But from a long-term perspective, welfare and healthcare are indispensable!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides engaged in a heated verbal battle, with tempers flaring, and the atmosphere in the Parliament Chamber grew increasingly intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Before long, the matter had gone beyond the proposal itself, morphing into a political confrontation, a power struggle between the military and the government’s administrative sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Olivia clutched her thick stack of documents, looking at the quarreling crowd. She opened her mouth, feeling at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter what, I’ll stick to my responsibilities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This country shouldn’t be like this—it can be better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Olivia pursed her lips, silently resolving herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she felt a deep sense of helplessness, as though nothing she did could make a difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the Empire’s self-proclaimed values of \"democracy and equality,\" it was in reality a tool for various interest groups to engage in power plays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a parliamentarian with no connections or money, she couldn’t truly voice her opinions or influence the Empire’s decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The just, kind-hearted silver dragon detested this atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Connections?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Ember Empire, who had the strongest connections?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Olivia’s blue-gray eyes suddenly lit up, but they quickly showed hesitation and uncertainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would that really be right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, the silver dragon made up her mind to do her utmost—even if it meant compromising her dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Olivia glanced toward the distant palace and murmured softly: \"Maybe I should talk to Cassius.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outskirts of Northwind Fortress, Iron Dragonwing Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This palace, built into the mountains and shaped like dragon wings, remained as magnificent and grand as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the legendary residence of the Ember Emperor—the Red Emperor, the Scourge of the Infernal, the Devourer of Souls—the red dragon Cassius Crowburm Norrixius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To many of the Empire’s citizens, this palace, home to the red dragon, was so sacred that it rivaled a divine kingdom on earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the various intelligent races of the Faianth Continent—humans, elves, dwarves—this palace symbolized endless wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, this Emperor was quite famous across the continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, what made him so well-known wasn’t his valiant feats against Oszedro—it was the Empire’s merchandise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goods marked with the dragon head and the words \"Made in the Empire\" were renowned for their novelty, usefulness, and affordability. They had infiltrated every aspect of life on Faianth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On brutal battlefields, soldiers fired at each other with Empire-made firearms; on cold winter nights, farmers slept soundly in Empire-made woolen coats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People often said that this red dragon Emperor amassed countless gold coins by selling products like guns, woolen sweaters, and tobacco stamped with \"Made in the Empire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was rumored that this red dragon Emperor hollowed out a mountain near his palace and filled it with his billion gold coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many adventurers coveted it, but no one dared to try. Even the bravest often met their end within the Empire’s borders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, in stories passed around the continent, this immensely wealthy dragon was said to slumber every day atop a mountain of gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in truth, Cassius had spent little time sleeping over the past year, instead delving into spells and absorbing his power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the palace’s main hall, an enormous red dragon lay sprawled on the ground. His claw reached out, flames and lightning intertwining at his fingertips, clashing with each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the lightning grew dimmer and was eventually extinguished by the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that’s how it is... What a pity. As an element master, I can’t harmonize two elements at once.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do I have to visit the quasi-elemental plane of lightning again?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius sighed regretfully, sulfurous smoke wafting from his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supporting himself on his strong forelimbs, the red dragon slowly rose, his thick tail brushing against the wall behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s starting to feel a bit cramped. I’ll expand it in a few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The palace’s main hall felt increasingly restrictive and narrow to Cassius now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red dragon, over forty meters long from head to tail, was officially considered a \"super-massive dragon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This surpassed the physiological limits of most ordinary red dragons. Even ancient dragons over twelve hundred years old rarely reached such a size.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was more terrifying was that this was not Cassius’s peak—far from it. This red dragon was still growing rapidly at a juvenile dragon’s rate, and no one knew just how large he would eventually become.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he be an ancestor dragon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even dragon gods like Tiamat, Bahamut, and Sardior were closely watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But their eyes could no longer pierce the Empire’s domain to witness what was happening. Within the red dragon’s Empire, even deities were blindfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Cassius sensed a familiar rain-like presence. Using his domain authority, he perceived the outside world—there was a former guest outside the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Olivia?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that’s a rare visitor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2384,"2026-06-03T12:47:02.951Z","2026-06-03T12:47:07.061Z",1,"novelbin.me","bf498d9d006d99b1c3f79e38dc44ebf979a82515dd25a8d1f1ece94592a7e041","ember-dragon-chapter-479","ember-dragon-chapter-200",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]