Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 226 Parliament
After the bestowal of titles and rewards, the nobles hurriedly returned to their respective territories.

After all, it was still wartime, and no one dared to let their guard down. The fact that they came to Cangmu City to support Su Mu was already a great honor.

The Speaker of Parliament met with Sumu afterward, and the two discussed the kingdom's political situation and offered encouragement. The gist of the meeting was that Parliament and the King had high hopes for him, and if he continued to perform meritorious service, he could become a powerful member of Parliament and receive even more benefits.

Do not be tempted by the small benefits offered by the Church of Light; the royal family can offer far more than the church can.

Quentin then handed the boundary marker to Sumu and left the city.

His trip was not specifically to bestow a title upon a count. With a great war approaching, the kingdom needed more nobles to fight desperately, so he temporarily appointed some key figures to encourage them to serve the country.

Quentin also needs to go to the front lines to support the new head coach, Cullen, and bring a large amount of military supplies and rewards to reward the soldiers.

Su Mu stood on the city wall, watching the Speaker's troops leave the city, and his smile gradually faded.

In the eyes of Parliament, this military achievement was only considered ordinary. However, it happened to coincide with a time of crisis for the Kingdom, when nobles were needed to risk their lives, which made it seem generous.

That's often how it is; whether you get promoted isn't based on what merits you've made or what hard work you've done. It's simply that an opportunity arises that requires one or more people to take on the responsibility.

For most nobles without a background, opportunity is more important than ability.

Battles that could be won would never be fought by nobles like them; those they were given the chance to fight were certainly hopeless. Even if they won, it would only be an opportunity.

Su Mu saw this very clearly, and he didn't place any hope on the National Assembly. All he wanted was a boundary stone, nothing more.

As for Speaker Quentin, he seemed friendly and approachable to everyone, regardless of status, possessing a strong sense of affability. However, Su Mu always felt that Quentin was very shrewd and that someone who could hold the position of Speaker of the House was definitely not simple.

He told Raven his feelings, wanting to confirm them.

Raven paused for a moment before speaking, "I didn't want to discuss him much, as it might seem like we're not on good terms. But since you've noticed the problem yourself, then say a few words."

"The biggest beneficiary behind the scenes of the Trade City should be the Quentin family. Although they have never made any open contact with the Trade City, the Witchers control the trade routes between the western and southern countries, and any trade must be approved by them."

"Although the kingdom has a finance minister, the national treasury is empty. Every time there is a war, the parliament has to raise money and supplies for the army. Quentin sometimes supports it and sometimes he stops it."

He might single-handedly shoulder the burden of the kingdom, or he might manipulate power and undermine the monarchy. He claims to rely on parliamentary democracy, but in reality, most outcomes reflect the will of the speaker or the nobles.

At this point in Raven's explanation, Su Mu basically understood Quentin's role.

The trading city's practice of buying low and selling high disrupts the market; Congress's lack of enthusiasm for recruiting troops and even the change of leadership seem to be influenced by the Speaker.

Although he never appeared on the front lines, he was able to influence every inch of the kingdom.

Su Mu asked with some doubt, "If that's the case, will the royal family still tolerate him?"

Raven shook his head: "It doesn't matter who takes this position. Quentin isn't a one-man show. He also has to consider the interests of the councilors and nobles. Although he has his own selfish motives, at least most of his interests are tied to the kingdom. Without his control of the council, the situation would be worse."

To reiterate, the state of a kingdom is not formed in a short time, nor can it be changed by an individual.

Parliament, the royal family, nobles, and soldiers are all interconnected and intertwined; a change in one part affects the whole, making it extremely difficult for the king to exert any influence.

Su Mu suddenly had a shocking idea: Raven was attacked, and Quentin just happened to arrive on the plains. Was it really such a coincidence?

He looked at the old general, but couldn't bear to ask the question.

Raven's resolute eyes betrayed his weariness. With his keen insight into the kingdom's politics, he must have already suspected something, otherwise he wouldn't have suppressed the attack. To be used as a sacrifice, a bargaining chip—this was truly tragic for a hero who had given everything for the kingdom.

Wouldn't other generals feel a sense of shared fate if such a meritorious figure were treated this way? But the other side had precisely grasped Raven's character of prioritizing the overall situation, which is why they acted so recklessly.

Raven took a deep breath and patted Su Mu on the shoulder: "Don't think too badly of things. Quentin may be a shrewd strategist, but he wouldn't do something so heartless. Everyone has their downfalls. If he leaves me no way out, even these dukes will feel threatened."

The kingdom does have its corrupt elements, and even foreign powers may get involved. But never lose faith. Elton has Conrad, the Grand Duke of the Bucks, and new generation heroes like you and the Jazz of Speed.

Whenever the place where Bai Yu was born is in crisis, a chosen one will always come to save humanity!
"If you want to be saved by others, you must first save yourself!"

Su Mu was deeply moved as he looked at the old marshal's relieved smile and his eyes filled with conviction.

What kind of person can still smile and speak of hope after encountering injustice and enduring countless hardships? Perhaps that is the true knight!

Courage is not only the courage to face enemies, but also the courage to confront fate.

Su Mu raised his sword and performed a knightly salute, paying the highest tribute to the old marshal.

Raven didn't say anything more, but patted Su Mu's shoulder heavily.

With this matter settled, Raven bid farewell to Cangmu City, and Su Mu specifically ordered Wayne to lead a team to escort the old general back to the capital.

Although the journey is long, with the bonus of advanced logistics skills, Wayne is the most suitable candidate.

Before leaving, Raven gave a special comment on the two cavalry commanders he left behind.

“Pelayo is exceptionally talented and brilliant, suited for charging into battle and capable of forging ahead without hesitation. However, being too rigid can lead to breakage. He has not experienced significant failures, and if he fails to advance, he may feel frustrated. I hope you can offer him some guidance.”

Goode, seemingly ordinary, possesses immense patience and can persevere once he sets his mind on something. He's not without talent; his talent lies in his diligence and persistence.

It is quite rare to receive praise from Raven.

However, Raven also said that he simply found Goode's personality more to his liking, purely a matter of personal preference. Ascending to hero status is highly dependent on talent, and he couldn't say for sure; logically, Pelayo had a better chance.

Su Mu seemed to be deep in thought; the talent he sought was different from that of others.

It's worth observing carefully before making a decision.

After seeing Raven off, Su Mu summoned Forrest. They had finally collected enough boundary stones; it was time to build the council.

Forrest poured out the boundary stone and combined it with magical spells to construct a new wall, built with volcanic tuff, with golden crystal pillars and a base made of raw stone.

Even with the earth and wood combined, it took a full day to complete.

[Council (Level 3): Obtain tax payments and refine spell power, earning 2000 gold coins daily.]

Towns are permitted to construct castles, level 3 magic guilds, temples, temples of light, docks, and supply warehouses.

A magnificent and solemn building rose from the ground, and Kuraki City finally had its own council.

(End of this chapter)