Catherine and the Black Emperor

Chapter 132. Competitors

With Panin's signal, Hedwig stopped provoking Sergei.

After all, this congresswoman cannot do without Russia's support, and now it seems that Russia's decision-makers have clearly shifted from Panin to Sergei.

But she still didn't like the new Russian ambassador.

The other party was not as approachable as Panin; he was too arrogant and domineering.

"Very good. In parliament, we will fully support MP Hedwig, and outside of parliament, with Prince Jonathan leading the way, we will be able to better serve Sweden and be delighted that Russia has gained Sweden's friendship," Panin said with a smile.

"With Senator Matthias out of office, we should seize this opportunity to promote our own people!" Senator Naya turned to Sergei, "Ambassador, do you have any good candidates?"

Compared to Hedwig's coldness and hostility, Naya showed great friendliness and interest in Sergei.

Not only did she have a sweet smile, but she also listened attentively to every word Sergei said.

But Sergei did not underestimate or belittle her because of this. A woman who can sit in the seat of parliament and sit there steadily is definitely not someone to be trifled with!

In Hedwig's view, Naya's actions were nothing short of flattery towards Sergei.

Sergei was new to the country and didn't even know all the Swedish courtiers, so how could he possibly recommend a suitable candidate?

"Baron Axel," Sergei said, uttering a name.

"Hmm? Axel?"

Prince Jonathan was the first to react to the name, because Axel was his wife's brother.

But upon closer examination, Axel is indeed a suitable candidate.

First, Axel worked in the Department of Agriculture, then in the Department of Taxation, and now he is the Minister of Construction. He is not only very familiar with Matthias's job duties, but his expertise is even broader than Matthias's.

Most importantly, Axel is one of our own, and he has made significant contributions, making him qualified to run for a seat in parliament!

"Axel, he is indeed a very suitable candidate!" Councilor Naya agreed.

Even Hedwig was speechless for a moment.

She actually had someone in mind, someone who was her own person. He was currently the director of the Royal Library, and if he could become a member of parliament, he would be her right-hand man.

But in terms of position, seniority, ability, and network of connections, the other party is far inferior to Axel.

"Axel is good. If he is nominated, I will fully support him," Jonathan immediately stated.

Axel is his man. If he comes to power, even if he is not in Parliament, he will still have some influence over Parliament. At least he will not allow Hedwig to dominate the Hat Faction after Elias is ousted.

"I agree," Representative Naya stated.

Sergei noticed the other person secretly giving him a flirtatious wink, and in return, he secretly made a gesture by hooking his little finger.

He thought to himself that she was a truly unrestrained and daring woman.

He was a little puzzled, though. This was his first time interacting with Naya, and even if she liked him, she wouldn't be so proactive.

Could it be that what won over the female politician wasn't just her brains and incriminating evidence, but also her good looks?

Regardless, at least the other party is speaking up for me.

On the other side, Heidwig and Panin exchanged a glance, completely unprepared for this situation.

Heidwig and Panin are connected by air.

Today's meeting has two main objectives: first, to confirm the Prince's membership and form a community of shared interests; and second, to select a suitable candidate to compete for the position of Member of Parliament.

Panin certainly supports Hedwig's choice.

But now, Sergei has caught them completely off guard!

It was all because of this Naya; she suddenly asked Sergei what he was doing!

Panin gave Hedwig a look: at this point, there was no other way.

He then declared with a smile, "The Baron's candidacy for Parliament will be our most powerful blow to the Hat Faction!"

Hedwig nodded in agreement: "I have no objection and will fully support the Baron during the election."

Not to mention that three of the five people have already expressed their support, even if she expressed her opposition, it would be impossible for Panin to support her. Originally, she wanted Lanaya's votes, so that if Panin agreed, she could put pressure on Sergei and Yonatan and force them to agree.

But now—

The problem lies with Naya!

Furthermore, she also considered the pressure of the election. The top hat faction and Elias of the cap faction would not ignore the vacant parliamentary seat; they would also send their own people to run for office.

Therefore, the election was very intense, and they had to find the strongest competitor.

If Baron Axel is successfully elected, it will also be beneficial for her campaign for leader of the Hat Party.

And so, the selection of the candidates was finalized.

Half an hour later, the meeting ended, and everyone left Panin’s mansion one after another.

Hedwig was the last to leave.

"I didn't expect it to turn out like this. I should have talked to Naya beforehand!" She clenched her fists.

Panin shook his head: "Nya intentionally wanted to help Sergei. Although I don't know why, I'm sure Sergei doesn't know either. I could see his surprise."

"Who knows? Although Naya is still all alone, we rarely hear about her romantic affairs in the palace." Panin was equally puzzled.

Hedwig remained silent.

She suffered a complete defeat tonight.

Not only did it fail to intimidate Sergei, it also ruined his chances of being nominated.

"Don't worry about it. The baron election is a good thing for us, as it gives us a better chance. As for Sergei, he'll leave sooner or later. Once you become the leader of the Hat Faction, you won't have to worry about not having the opportunity to strengthen your own power," Panin comforted him.

Hedwig nodded, giving him a final, deep look before leaving.

"Count, I hope I haven't fallen into your and Sergei's trap. You're not working together against me, are you?"

Panin smiled and said, "How could that be? We've known each other for so many years. Besides, it was him who was demoted. I still harbor some resentment. We are the true allies."

Hedwig nodded and then left.

Panin watched as Hedwig's carriage drove away from the mansion, when a voice came from behind him.

"It seems this congressman truly believes you. You really are a complete schemer!"

Panin turned around and saw that Sergei, who had already left, was walking out of the reception room once again.

"We weren't discovered, were we?" Panin asked.

"The first time I walked through the back door of your house, I felt like I was your lover. Luckily, no one found out you like men," Sergei teased.

After leaving through the main gate, he circled around and returned through the back door.

Hedwig's final fears were correct; it was all a trap set by Panin and Sergei!

Furthermore, it was Panin who recommended Baron Axel to Sergei!

The two of them worked together to make Hedwig completely give up the idea of ​​recommending his own people for the position!

As for Naya's choice of sides, it was indeed something they hadn't anticipated.

"You'd better find out what's going on with Representative Naya," Panin reminded her.

"I'll be there in a bit."

""

Sergei nodded. This feeling of being out of control and facing the unknown made him very uncomfortable.

His intuition told him that Naya was just waiting for him to come to her door!