Chapter 1048: Resolution Passed

The voting is over!

Everyone in the chamber, whether on the stage or in the audience, silently tallied the votes during the process; when it reached about three quarters, the result was already clear: 220 votes in favor, and the proposal passed.

This is the number of votes required for the Empire Council to pass a proposal, and after voting it far exceeded the requirement.

Now only the announcement remains.

All eyes focused on the Consul; Lei En walked to the voting table, extended his hand in a gesture, and the gems in the two containers flew up, and the count was completed according to procedure.

He loudly proclaimed: "271 votes in favor, 58 against. Governor Mo Seli'ao, your proposal has passed."

Governor Mo Seli'ao stood and saluted in all directions, "Thank you all for your support."

Clap clap clap…

Applause rang in the chamber; at first it was modest because the legislators were wary of the Holy Soul Wizards on stage, but soon everyone realized the Holy Soul Wizards could not make sound, and the hall was filled with their own people, so the applause grew louder.

"Congratulations, Consul!"

"Consul Lei En, serving as lifelong Consul, I support you, I have supported you from the start!"

"The Consul will make the Empire great again!"

The legislators rose to congratulate, eager to pledge loyalty to Lei En; those who voted against were furious, could not help but protest, but their voices were quickly drowned by the shouts of Lei En's supporters, and the huge numerical gap made them shrink back.

Some opponents glared at the legislators beside them.

"Traitor!"

"How could you betray the Duke?"

Previously, Nie Si Tu's proposal to ban Holy Soul Wizards from holding the Consulship had received 85 votes in favor, but this round only had 58 against votes.

That means another 27 Empire legislators have switched sides.

These people are certainly not die‑hard supporters of Lei En; most are opportunists who, seeing Lei En's momentum irreversible, changed their stance at the last moment.

The chamber was noisy.

Over three hundred Empire legislators, some congratulating, some flattering, some arguing with opposing members, some outright cursing.

The Empire legislators in the front rows mostly remained silent, watching Lei En on the stage.

The proposal has only passed the Empire Council; it still must be submitted to the Supreme Council for a vote. A few months ago, when the Mo Du faction controlled the Supreme Council, there would have been no suspense, but now the Naiser faction and the Balance faction have allied, making the vote even.

GreyEagle Duke came prepared today.

Although he was left with a grey‑smudged face by the Consul, he was confident enough to let Nie Si Tu raise the proposal, and would not allow the Mo Du faction to succeed.

At this moment, Lei En raised his hand and applied a slight pressure.

The chamber fell silent within a second; even the red‑faced, heated legislators instantly shut up, and everyone looked at the Consul.

Lei En said, "Everyone, please be seated."

The legislators clattered back to their seats.

Lei En stood in the middle of the stage, upright, eyes like torches; his gaze slowly swept the Empire legislators below, his face bearing a modest, gentle yet firm smile, and every legislator he looked at lifted his head and chest to show his best side.

"A lifelong Consul is a great honor, but also a heavy responsibility."

"If possible, I would rather decline this title."

Lei En said loudly, "When you all voted earlier, I was thinking back to more than a decade ago, when I was just a young country boy who knew nothing. Ten years ago I was the chairman of Weizelan in Mo Du, how did I suddenly become Consul in Nuosiruier?"

The legislators below listened attentively.

The Consul's background is known to almost everyone in the Empire, yet hearing it from his own mouth sounds different.

Lei En's eyes were bright, and he said firmly, "All of this is for the Empire, because I have the ability."

"I can be a good Consul, govern the Empire, give the people a better life, lead everyone to conquer larger territories, gain more wealth. Sitting in the Consul's seat, not a day passes without me thinking how to improve, and I dare not slack off."

"Fortunately, during my term I have achieved a small success…"

Laughter rose from below.

"Originally I did not intend to seek re‑election; after this term ends I would hand the heavy responsibility to a new Consul and return to Ge La Mo Gen to rest for a few years." Lei En's voice lowered slightly.

The legislators whispered among themselves, but few believed him.

"However…"

Lei En's tone shifted, his voice rising: "Today you voted to let me continue as Consul, even as lifelong Consul."

"Although I personally do not seek the position, I still take the nation's benefit as my duty; today, with the people's overwhelming support, you have decided to make me lifelong Consul. To better benefit the Empire's people, I can only completely abandon my personal wishes and assume the responsibility."

"If the Supreme Council passes the resolution, agreeing that I serve as lifelong Consul…"

Lei En paused.

He looked at the Holy Soul Wizards on stage, his expression solemn, and shouted, "I will devote my all to the Empire until the day I die!"

Clap clap clap…

The Empire legislators stood again, slapping their palms vigorously; the applause in the chamber surged like a tide, lasting several minutes.

Lei En waved his hand repeatedly, and the applause gradually subsided.

He immediately dispelled the rune array blocking the stage, allowing the projections of the Holy Soul Wizards and Grand Mages to speak, and he shouted, "Everyone, the Empire Council has just passed a proposal, and I will now submit it to the Supreme Council…"

He was cut off as soon as he began.

Tim*Kenan said gravely, "Lei En, you need not utter those hypocritical words here; I saw your arrogant ambition long ago."

He turned to the Holy Soul Wizards, "Can't you see? He is not after a lifelong Consulship; he wants to be Emperor!"

GreyEagle Duke's voice rang through the Empire chamber.

The Holy Soul Wizards' faces changed slightly.

The Empire legislators below were a roar of surprise, but not everyone was shocked; many, especially Lei En's supporters, were already prepared.

The difference between a lifelong Consul and an Emperor is only one: the Consul has the Supreme Council above his head.

If the Supreme Council itself is controlled by Lei En, what difference is there between him and an Emperor?

No difference!

Ryan Augustus is essentially the emperor of Ao Rui En Se, only a title separates them, and he will be crowned in the future.

But so what?

Anyone who can become an Empire councilor isn't stupid; even with the dullest political sense they guessed Lei En's ambition. Over the years cooperating with Lei En, some made a fortune, some rose to high positions, some greatly increased their strength, gaining benefits they could never have obtained in a lifetime.

Whoever can give them benefits, they will support that person.

In any case, the Empire's highest power lies in the hands of the Supreme Council, or in the emperor's hands; to them there is no difference.

Kneeling at the feet of a Holy Soul Wizard is kneeling, kneeling at Lei En's feet is also kneeling; since both require kneeling, it's better to bow to the side that brings great benefit.

Whoever dares to oppose Lei En and harms their own interests is my enemy!

When the Empire councilors cast their affirmative votes, they had already thought it through.

The Holy Soul Wizards also guessed Lei En's intention.

Although some were shocked by the "emperor" title, everyone's reaction was not as intense as imagined; within seconds it quieted.

Tim*Kenan heard his voice still echoing in the council hall, but few responded; he saw many Empire councilors below looking at him coldly, and at that moment, while his anger surged, he also sensed trouble.

"Master Kenan."

Lei En warned solemnly, "Today's Supreme Council is convened by you; maintain your decorum, lest you lose dignity."

Tim*Kenan wore a grim expression, eyes flashing with ferocity.

KangJieladeGreatSage asked, "Lei En, do you really want to be emperor?"

"GrandSage, that has nothing to do with today's agenda," Lei En evaded, continuing, "The Empire council has submitted a proposal to appoint me as the Empire's lifelong Consul; now please vote. Those in favor, raise your hand."

Lei En raised his right hand.

The GrandSage let out a low sigh, neither raising a hand nor speaking.

The other Holy Soul Wizards also hesitated.

Lei En felt a flutter in his heart.

Although he didn't truly need the Supreme Council's consent—if the resolution failed, he could simply discard the matter—but if he obtained the Council's legitimate approval, the subsequent coronation would face less resistance and avoid much dispute.

The Empire councilors in the hall held their breath, watching the stage.

At that moment, a slender hand rose, all eyes turned, and it was Duchess Qinghong Ao Xiliya!

"In favor," Ao Xiliya was the first to state.

Immediately two more raised their hands.

Ouroin Master and Sabbath Dean, only slightly slower than Ao Xiliya, showing their support for Lei En was resolute.

Then the situation stalled for a few seconds.

Some Empire councilors whispered, having thought the Mo Du faction held eight members, the Consul could get at least half the votes, but seeing this, the Holy Soul Wizards of Mo Du seemed to have different thoughts.

Most surprisingly, Master Anxiwodasi did not raise his hand first; he seemed hesitant.

Lei En did not look at the teacher, but at Prophet Medif.

The Prophet has always been a staunch member of the Mo Du faction; now he borrowed fifty million Gold Shields from Lei En, and helped design and build the Floating City. Logically his vote should be unquestioned, but something seemed amiss.

"Oppose."

"Oppose."

Two consecutive oppositions came from Tim*Kenan and Kels Tong. After the two faction leaders voiced, a voice from beneath PurpleFlameDuke's hood also said, "Oppose."

Grand Mage Ma Youfu followed, "Oppose."

"Abstain."

A different voice sounded, it was Howai Master, who drew his pipe heavily, hesitating until now to decide. However, abstaining has almost the same effect as opposing, so it caused little stir.

"Oppose." KangJieladeGreatSage cast his vote.

The Naiser faction and Balance faction left only Chronomanse and Black Robe Duke without votes.

"Alas…"

Anxiwodasi sighed, and when Lei En's questioning gaze fell on him, he finally raised his hand, "In favor."

Five votes for, four against, one abstention.

Nine votes are needed to pass the resolution.

Lei En temporarily ignored Prophet Medif, stared at Duke Silver Star and Storm Queen, his back to the councilors below, his gaze sharp, exerting great pressure on the sisters, yet his tone was relaxed, saying lightly, "Ladies, haven't you voted yet?"

Tim*Kenan and Kels Tong also watched them.

The two looked somewhat flustered.

Lei En knew exactly why—they had been bought!

Duke Silver Star had contacted Tim*Kenan several times in recent months; she thought she was being very secretive, but her movements were fully tracked by the brain crystal modules hidden in the Ailasi Zhuo Floating City, which merged into the city's rune array, giving a backdoor view of her actions.

In her conversation with Tim*Kenan she also revealed another piece of information: Storm Queen was secretly close to Kels Tong.

However, the two did not completely betray the Mo Du faction.

The sisters only voted in favor of the proposal banning Holy Soul Wizards from becoming Consul, preventing themselves from continuing as Consul.

The Balance faction and Naiser faction's eight votes, plus the sisters' two, allowed Tim*Kenan to let Niesitu propose in the Empire council.

But last night, Lei En separately visited Longshande and Zhu Bile Mountain City.

"In favor."

"In favor."

Duke Silver Star and Storm Queen rose together and raised their hands.

Tim*Kenan glared, never expecting Duke Silver Star to backtrack. Kels Tong's face was as still as water, his eyes flashing insight as he turned to Lei En, instantly realizing this was Lei En's behind‑the‑scenes handiwork.

Lei En smiled.

Duke Silver Star had no choice; when she purchased the Floating City, the price included five voting rights in the Supreme Council, this being the first.

As for Storm Queen, she only tossed a harsh line: "If you dare to vote arbitrarily, the throne of Hohawen Principality will be taken from you."

Sure enough, the two sisters finally turned back.

The votes in favor reached seven!

The two opposition leaders were both shocked and angry, but before they could think, they heard a relatively unfamiliar voice say:

"Agree."

Kai Erston turned his head, was instantly astonished, and shouted, "KeLuonomanse, what are you doing?"

The one who raised his hand to agree was KeLuonomanse, who had just been promoted to Holy Soul Wizard three months ago.

He is now the master of the Naiser Floating City.

Everyone thought KeLuonomanse was a member of the Naiser faction; after entering the Supreme Council he participated in several votes, always siding with the Naiser camp. The extra vote he added gave the two camps the confidence to jointly oppose the Mo Du faction.

But at the crucial moment, KeLuonomanse cast a vote in favor of Lei En!

"I am exercising my right."

KeLuonomanse, faced with Kai Erston's pressing questions, did not waver at all; his hand stayed steady, his stance firm, "I agree that Lei En should serve as lifelong Consul."

Kai Erston rebuked, "You, as a student of Augulevi Master, dare betray the Naiser faction!"

"The teacher is no longer here," KeLuonomanse said calmly. "Now I am the controller of the Naiser Floating City; I must be responsible for the Naiser Wizards and the people. The Naiser Floating City is the legitimate foundation of the Naiser faction, and I am more qualified than you to lead it. How could this be betrayal?"

In other words, he is the leader of the Naiser faction!

"Well said!"

Lei En shouted in agreement, "The leader of the Naiser faction should naturally be a Naiser Wizard; I support Lord KeLuonomanse."

"You…"

Kai Erston was about to explode with anger.

He finally understood: KeLuonomanse had long colluded with Lei En, and the compliance of the past months had been a façade. Since his promotion to Holy Soul Wizard, KeLuonomanse had never set foot outside the Naiser Floating City, communicating only via projection magic; his boundless mind could not be read.

From the start, KeLuonomanse was Lei En's man.

The Empire's senators also caught on, and they couldn't help but regard the Consul's tactics with greater awe; even the Holy Soul Wizards had become his pawns.

Eight votes!

As long as there is one more vote in favor, the resolution will pass.

Only Prophet Medif and the Black Robe Duke have not voted yet; who would have known, the Prophet is a staunch member of the Mo Du faction, and since entering the Supreme Council has never opposed Mo Du, always following Master Anxi's steps.

Everyone stared at Prophet Medif, waiting for him to raise his hand and cast the final vote in favor.

Under the gaze of all, Medif whispered, "Abstain."

"Ah…"

"What's happening?"

"Did I hear wrong? What is the Prophet thinking?"

"Could the Prophet have foreseen something, thus changing his stance?"

The Empire's senators below instantly fell into chaos, people were dumbfounded, not understanding why the most reliable vote suddenly became problematic.

The Holy Soul Wizards were also very surprised.

Lei En frowned; although he had anticipated that the Prophet might change, the uncontrolled situation still displeased him greatly.

Tim*Kenan was very surprised; evidently, he also did not know that Medif would cast an abstention.

Kai Erston was overjoyed.

Now, if Black Robe Duke Tu Zilei casts a dissenting vote, the proposal will be rejected.

The Naiser and Balance factions' Holy Soul Wizards, including members of the Mo Du faction, secretly breathed a sigh of relief; they truly did not want Lei En to become lifelong Consul. Although they voted in favor for various reasons, it also signaled huge future risks.

Before their thoughts could settle, a pale hand rose.

The Black Robe Duke said calmly, "Agree."

(End of Chapter)