Chapter 892: Forming the Cabinet

Again, it passed unanimously!

The Empire legislators in the Hall erupted, standing up again en masse, their applause dense and fervent like a downpour; everyone stared at Lei En in the front row, offering him congratulations.

Lei En, under the gaze of all, appeared calm, finally having taken the most important step.

It went far more smoothly than expected.

Today, the Empire legislators and Holy Soul Wizards made the right choice, sparing the Oriense Empire from a colossal trouble. Otherwise, many would have witnessed the rise and even the downfall of the greatest human empire founded by Emperor Alpha.

The Supreme Council passed it unanimously, meaning the Naiser faction and Kerlstone also voted for him.

Lei En became even more certain that Kerlstone was definitely plotting a grand conspiracy.

He walked slowly onto the podium, stood in the center of the dais, facing the seats of the Empire legislators, his gaze sweeping each face, then pressed his hand down, and the applause that had lasted several minutes quickly subsided, the Hall falling silent.

People waited for the new Consul to deliver his victory speech.

"Thank the Supreme Council for its trust in me."

"Thank everyone present for their support."

Lei En first expressed his gratitude, then continued: "I am honored to become the Empire's forty-fifth Consul."

"Those who know me understand I dislike empty promises and prefer to let facts speak. Facts trump rhetoric; a thousand 'I will give you' is inferior to a single 'Take it.' When I take office, I will speak to the Empire's people through achievements, proving that electing me Consul was the wisest, indisputable, hundred-percent correct decision."

"History will remember this day, for a new era has begun!"

Lei En delivered the brief speech with resonant vigor.

Thunderous applause!

The Empire legislators were stirred by Lei En's words; they believed in him, for his series of achievements over the past years had been astonishing.

Previously, Lei En was a member of the Mo Du faction, benefiting only Weizelan's Fu Kong Cheng.

Now, as Consul, Lei En looks at the entire Empire and will surely drive its development to a higher pinnacle, while the upper‑tier legislators will reap the greatest benefits; the revenge operation half a month ago was the best example.

"Greetings, Consul!"

"Greetings, Consul!"

"Greetings, Consul…"

The front‑row Empire legislators led the shout, bowing to Lei En on the stage; the legislators behind instantly followed. In that moment, over three hundred high‑ranking figures representing the Empire's elite all lowered their noble heads to Lei En.

Lei En calmly accepted the legislators' homage.

Beside him, Tim*Kenan watched the scene, his mind subtly shifting; in the thousand‑year history of the Empire's council, no Consul had ever received such support—Lei En was the first and the most unique.

He observed Lei En; on the overly youthful face there was no trace of the excitement or panic of a rising prodigy, only composure, as if all this were his due.

"What an extraordinary hero!"

Tim*Kenan sighed sincerely, his thoughts becoming somewhat tangled.

The recent Supreme Council vote not only saw the Mo Du and Balance factions vote for Lei En, but also all four members of the Naiser faction agreed—a truly unexpected outcome.

Tim*Kenan subconsciously thought that Lei En had secretly made a deal with Kerlstone, just as he had dealt with himself.

Upon further reflection he found it unlikely, as there was no need.

With two factions backing him, the Naiser faction's opposition was futile; once Lei En assumes the Consulship, wielding supreme power, his influence and authority will surpass any Holy Soul Wizard, making him the de facto ruler of the Empire.

Rather than saying the Mo Du faction dominates alone, it is more accurate to say Lei En rules alone as a dictator.

This contravenes the Balance Theory.

Lei En's existence has already unsettled the Empire's political landscape, a dangerous signal for the Empire. Should Lei En harbor other intentions or encounter misfortune, the Empire could plunge into massive turmoil, bringing disaster to billions of its people.

Tim*Kenan formed a thought in his mind.

Should he distance himself from the Mo Du faction and re‑ally with the Naiser faction to check the Mo Du faction, thereby limiting Lei En's power?

Suddenly, Lei En turned his head, seemingly sensing Tim*Kenan's thoughts; his eyes flickered, his expression intriguingly playful.

Tim*Kenan felt a sudden thump in his chest.

He thought Lei En was reminding him of that thirty‑year‑valid promise, and he sighed inwardly, realizing this would be hard to resolve.

That promise was like a sword hanging over his head; before it fell, its deterrent power was strongest. As long as Lei En never demanded its fulfillment, for thirty years his voice in the Supreme Council would remain severely weakened.

Another member of the Balance faction, Wantu Si Rui*Huo Huai, also owed Lei En a life; given Huo Huai's character, he would surely find a way to repay the favor.

Tim*Kenan suddenly realized that the two‑person Balance faction was completely under Lei En's control.

"Fortunately, there's still Anxiwodasi!"

【5】 If Anxiwodasi were absent, even the Supreme Council couldn't keep Lei En in check.

If there were no Anxiwodasi, even the Supreme Council couldn't hold Lei En down.

Tim*Kenan felt relieved; no matter how high Lei En's reputation or influence, he would still heed his teacher Anxiwodasi. If Lei En truly did something rebellious, at least Anxiwodasi could still keep him in check, refusing to let him run wild.

When the legislators' congratulatory shouts ceased, Lei En returned to his seat below.

Tim*Kenan announced the upcoming series of arrangements.

The Consul's inauguration date was set for the first day of the New Year; that day a grand ceremony would be held on the plaza before the Temple of Truth, where Lei En would swear his oath to the God of Magic before the Supreme Council, the Empire council, and tens of thousands of Empire citizens.

In the half‑month before his assumption of office, Lei En would begin assembling his cabinet.

On the day he took office, after his inauguration, Lei En moved into He Palace; for the ensuing ten‑year term, He Palace would serve as his private residence and office.

These are standard procedures; the Empire's administrative staff know how to handle them, and the legislators are familiar as well. Many plan to stay in Nuosiruier for the ceremony, seizing the chance to meet the new Consul, inquire about the cabinet's composition, and prepare for the future.

"Adjourned."

Tim*Kenan finished his arrangements and left.

When the Holy Soul Wizard left, the Empire legislators could no longer stay seated; the surrounding legislators instantly surrounded Lei En in the center, loudly offering congratulations.

"Congratulations, Consul!"

"Consul, is your victory banquet prepared? May I be fortunate enough to receive an invitation?"

"Consul…"

Facing the enthusiastic Empire legislators, Lei En remained composed, shaking hands with each one, thanking them for their votes, offering concise yet fitting replies, correctly calling each legislator by name, ensuring none felt neglected.

"Consul."

A deep, resonant voice came from beyond the crowd; the councillors stepped aside, and the tall, robust Marquis Ba Tula of Zeli Mu stepped forward, smiling, "Congratulations."

"Thank you!"

Lei En shook his hand, then said, "Your Grace, Marquis, I wish to invite you to join the cabinet as Minister of Military Affairs. Might Your Grace be interested?"

The councillors who had been watching the spectacle fell silent at once.

Ba Tula was also surprised.

The Consul's cabinet consists of a dozen or so ministers; the most important are Internal Affairs, Finance, and Military Affairs, known as the three great seats of the cabinet, wielding immense power. Throughout history many Consuls have held these posts, called the three shortcuts to becoming a future Consul.

These three ministers must all be the Consul's confidants, yet who knows that Ba Tula is a man of Duke Hong Shi.

Duke Hong Shi is now the leader of the Naiser faction, heavily suppressed by the Mo Du faction; how could he agree to let Ba Tula enter the cabinet?

Ba Tula knows more of the inside story: Lei En and Duke Hong Shi are mortal enemies!

Yet he is indeed intrigued by the position of Minister of Military Affairs.

The Minister of the Legions oversees the Empire's four great legions and three great knight orders, as well as all military policy and war mobilization. Such vast authority brings enormous profit, and the Military Minister is also an excellent stepping stone to becoming the next Consul.

With Lei En's innate talent, he could soon ascend to Holy Soul Wizard, certainly within ten years; that means Lei En can serve only one term as Consul.

Ten years later, after Lei En steps down, his ten‑year tenure as Military Minister will make him the strongest candidate!

However, over at Kelsun…

Ba Tula hesitated.

Two unanimous votes indicate that Kelsun himself and his subordinate councillors all voted for Lei En; perhaps this is an opportunity.

Lei En read his thoughts and, understandingly, said, "Your Grace, you need not answer immediately; just reply within ten days. I look forward to your joining my cabinet."

"Thank you, Consul, please allow me to return and contemplate."

Ba Tula lightly tapped his left chest with his right fist—a military salute of the Empire—then left the crowd and exited the assembly hall.

The surrounding councillors' eyes lit up.

They looked at Lei En, hoping the Consul would also grant them a chance to join the cabinet.

Yet Lei En only exchanged a few pleasantries before departing with Viola.

The two left the Temple of Truth, receiving congratulations from councillors along the way, exited Fubei Deng Castle, boarded a car, and, under the guard of Extreme Warriors, returned to Marlinge Manor.

On the streets, pedestrians shouted Lei En's name loudly upon seeing the convoy.

News of the new Consul had already spread.

The car's roof could retract into a convertible. Lei En initially intended to flip open the roof to receive the cheers—a gesture of approachability—but suddenly thought it inauspicious, so he rolled down the window, waved outward, and wore a gentle smile.

Wherever the convoy passed, the streets boiled with excitement.

Only after leaving Nuosiruier's outskirts, heading toward West Mountain where Marlinge Manor lies, did the outside quiet down.

"Phew…"

Viola relaxed a bit, surveyed Lei En's face, and asked with a smile, "How does it feel to be Consul?"

"Quite nice!"

Lei En beamed, truly enjoying the feeling of being revered.

"I haven't congratulated you yet!" Viola sincerely rejoiced for Lei En, and even now she felt as if in a dream, sighing, "When you came to the House of Violet seven years ago, I never imagined your future would be so brilliant and radiant."

"I couldn't have reached this day without your support." Lei En gently embraced the half‑elf, inhaling her fragrant hair, and smiled, "If you hadn't vigorously recommended the Soul‑Melding Seed to me, I wouldn't have become a battle wizard nor have any of this."

Viola recalled that moment, feeling very sweet inside.

Yet she also knew it was merely Lei En's modest words; with his talent, he would inevitably walk the wizard's path, and even as a wizard of another school, his strength would not differ much.

Still immersed in sweetness, she suddenly heard Lei En say, "Viola, aren't you interested in serving as my Internal Affairs Minister?"

"Me, as Internal Affairs Minister?" Viola sat upright, her stunning face full of astonishment.

"Yes."

Lei En nodded, "The Internal Affairs Minister role is crucial, overseeing public security, transportation, faith, and other administrative matters; almost every internal Empire affair can be intervened in. The power is vast, so it must be held by the person I trust most and who has sufficient ability to handle complex issues. Apart from you, I can think of no one more suitable."

Viola was moved, not because Lei En wanted her as Internal Affairs Minister, but because he said she was the person he trusted most.

She then seriously considered the proposal.

As Lei En said, the Internal Affairs Minister's power is immense and scope broad, perhaps only second to the Consul. Most importantly, the post controls the administration of the Empire's various divine churches—building temples, obtaining missionary permits, expanding followers—all must be reported to the Internal Affairs Department.

If she became Internal Affairs Minister, it would be extremely beneficial to the Beauty and Goodness Church.

Power is equally a deadly lure for women.

Viola couldn't help feeling a bit stirred, yet also uneasy, and whispered, "I'm afraid I might fail. Moreover, everyone knows our relationship; my entering the cabinet could cause many to resent you."

"You must believe you can do it."

Lei En smiled, confident in Viola, "Once you firmly control the Internal Affairs Department, demonstrate your ability, and let facts speak, who will dare to criticize? With my support, just go for it and strike the skeptics hard."

In truth, had he not feared detection, Lei En originally planned to let his clones fill all ministerial posts, making the entire cabinet his duplicates, thereby tightly controlling the Empire's administrative power.

Unfortunately, that was not possible.

Cabinet minister positions are the most important post‑election benefit allocations; he can appoint the three most crucial ministers, while other posts require careful consideration.

Several cabinet posts have already been promised to Mo Du faction councillors.

A few less important positions are being prepared for trade, to buy favor and reward the various Imperial factions that support him.

"Alright!"

Viola's bright eyes shone; she was finally convinced.

She leaned her lovely upper body close, whispering by Lei En's ear like a fragrant orchid, "Thank you, Lei En. Let me serve you well tonight."

As she spoke those words, she became very shy, her ears flushing red, stunning beyond description.

Lei En stared, a bit stunned.

"Uh…" he suddenly recalled something else, shook his head, "Tonight won't work; I have a very important matter to attend to, maybe I can return only tomorrow."

Viola's expression was shocked, "But I've already had people at the manor prepare a celebratory banquet, just waiting for you to list the guest list."

"Another day." Lei En was decisive.

"What's so important?" Viola was puzzled, the Consul's victory celebration banquet is a very important social occasion, and using this chance to meet legislators and discuss matters helps to start work after taking office.

Lei En whispered, "Tonight I plan to strike the Holy Soul Wizard."

The next chapter is Holy Soul Ascension Wizard, 3.23 million characters; before I started writing I didn't expect it to be this long, which is why Lei En will undergo Holy Soul Ascension… Tonight I'll carefully plan the content of this Ascension…

(End of chapter)