Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

This nomination was a foregone conclusion.

Everyone looked at Lacey.

Abraham and Hoffman's lips moved, but they couldn't utter a word of objection.

They couldn't come up with a second candidate, nor could anyone rival Lacey's current prestige and power.

"I second that," Werner responded immediately.

"I second that!" The other four electors also expressed their opinions.

"Since there is only one candidate, let's start voting right now."

This time the vote was faster and less suspenseful.

"I approve of Shi Tong leading the region."

"Keprania Region, approved."

"Rupercan Region, approved."

"Enwade District, 亻尔揪琦留玖yi山F?$捌轳a箘支持。"

“Odenhel Region, approved.”

"Fordgang Region, approved."

"Waseer Territory, approved."

"Haydenschwell District, opposed."

"Oschdenheim region opposes."

Seven to two.

Walner stood up, faced everyone, his voice trembling with excitement.

"I hereby declare that His Excellency Lacey has been legally elected as the new Emperor of Letania by an overwhelming majority of votes!"

Lacey, the former border boy, down-on-his-luck art student, illustrious soldier, and leader of the Workers' Party, was elected as the new emperor of Letania by an overwhelming majority of votes through a procedure most in accordance with Letania's traditions!

Thunderous applause erupted in the conference hall.

Mecklen and others stood up to pay their respects to the new emperor they had chosen.

Lacey, with a solemn expression, slowly stood up and walked to the center of the council chamber.

His gaze swept over everyone, whether they were allies or the last remaining opponents, and finally landed on Liselotte and Helinmat in the audience.

"Everyone!"

"Today, we have brought an era to a close with our own hands!"

"But we are gathered here not to celebrate a victory, but to shoulder a responsibility."

His voice, amplified by a spell, resounded throughout the council chamber, the plaza outside the Twin Towers, Trinitylme, and the entirety of Letania.

"The Witch King Herhunzoron established the First Empire of Letania. He brought unification, but also tyranny."

"The Twin Queens established the Second Empire of Letania. They ended the Witch King's reign, but fell into a quagmire of decay."

"The wheels of history keep turning and never stop for anyone!"

"Today, standing here is me, a former son of a commoner, an ordinary soldier."

"Behind me are millions of workers, farmers, soldiers, and scholars..."

"It is the people of Letania who yearn for change, who yearn for a fair, just, and dignified nation!"

“I will accept your choice, but this crown is not a symbol of power to me, but a shackle.”

"It will forever remind me where my power comes from and whom I should serve!"

The Art of Language

His voice was powerful and resonant, filled with unwavering conviction, which inspired everyone present.

"Leytania is about to begin a new chapter!"

"We will inherit all the glory and lessons of the past, and on this basis, build a brand new nation!"

"I hereby declare!"

"The Holy Third Empire of Leitania is officially established today!"

At that moment, people in all regions of Letania who had heard Letania's last words erupted in unprecedented cheers.

There was joy, excitement, and even more so, an infinite longing for the future.

A huge red flag, painted with a sickle and an axe, slowly rose at the top of the Petronas Towers under the watchful eyes of countless people.

This heralds the beginning of a new era belonging to the people.

……

……

Holy Leitanian Empire: Chapter 84: Establishment of the Imperial Central Cabinet

The applause in the Imperial Central Conference Hall was thunderous and prolonged. The electors rose to their feet to pay tribute to the new emperor they had created.

Mecklen Neham's face beamed with the satisfaction of a successful investment.

Werner von Hochberg's eyes held a sense of relief that everything had finally settled, and he couldn't help but feel a little joy—for himself, for his family, and for his daughter.

Ziegler and the others forced smiles, their eyes revealing complex emotions—a mix of uncertainty about their future and感慨 about the transfer of imperial power.

Lacey slowly walked down the steps and stopped in the center of the council chamber.

"Everyone!"

"The celebration can wait until later; right now, we have more important things to do."

His gaze first fell on Abraham and Hoffman at the end of the long table.

The two veteran generals of the empire had just cast their dissenting votes and were now glaring at Lacey with their necks stiff and resentful.

“His Excellency Abraham Rossetti, His Excellency Hoffman Herbert,” Lacey called out their names.

Abraham stood up, placed his hand on the sword at his waist, and said in a deep voice, "Lassie... Your Majesty."

"I concede your victory and accept the parliamentary vote."

"But Hayden Schwell's army only obeys the orders of the Rossetti family."

This was the final test, and also the last vestige of dignity for the veterans.

“I understand your loyalty, General.” Lacey’s tone was completely flat.

"But now, Letania doesn't need the family's army, it only needs the nation's army."

He didn't give Abraham a chance to refute, and turned directly to Taylor, who was standing behind him.

"Tyler."

"exist!"

"In the name of the Supreme Reform Committee, the military command of both Your Excellencies is temporarily suspended."

"And I asked them to stay in Trinity as my military advisors to assist with the handover of military affairs."

"Their 'safety' is your personal responsibility."

Abraham's face turned from red to white, and he finally slumped down.

The allied forces of the seven regions were outside. He knew that there was no point in resisting now, so he might as well save face for himself.

Mecklen watched with great interest, then whispered in Warner's ear, "Look, the new king's first strike was swift and precise."

"I'm starting to like him."

As a merchant who became emperor, he did not value military power much.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that the military strength of his Kepranja region is so-so that it makes little difference whether it has it or not.

Werner ignored him, only watching Lacey's retreating figure with an increasingly determined look in his eyes.

He believed he hadn't made the wrong choice.

Having dealt with the two biggest destabilizing factors, Lacey continued to issue instructions.

[In the first hour of your new reign, you were not basking in the joy of victory.]

You know all too well that this is the most dangerous moment in the transfer of power.

[You have ordered Gertrude to lead the intelligence department to apprehend all former nobles, military officers, and wealthy merchants who have financial ties with the royal loyalists and who have colluded with them after the Deprivation Decree.]

Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy.

You've given Taylor control over all the radio stations, newspapers, telegraph offices, and major roads leading out of the city.

[You tell Serafina: "In my name, immediately contact the remaining leaders in each region and inform them that the Empire has changed hands."]

"They were ordered to cooperate with local workers' party branches to monitor the old guard and ensure the absolute safety of railways, mines, and factories."

You didn't even have time to give yourself a celebratory drink before you began reshaping the country's power structure.

[You announce the dissolution of the corrupt imperial court, controlled by the old aristocracy. All court ministers, advisors, and attendants are to be dismissed on the spot and undergo political review.]

[A brand new "Imperial Central Cabinet" will be established as the highest administrative body of the empire, with all ministers reporting directly to you.]

You appoint Mecklen Neham as Minister of Economy, overseeing Imperial commerce, trade, and finance.

[Lenia von Salem is appointed Minister of Taxation, in charge of Imperial taxation and the fiscal budget.]

[Wolner von Hochberg has been appointed Minister of Culture, and Arturo Giallo has been appointed Deputy Minister of Culture.]

Taylor was appointed Secretary of the Army.

Gertrude Strolo has been appointed Minister of Intelligence and Propaganda.

[Serafina Ivanovna Petrova has been appointed as the head of the External Relations Department.]

As for Ziegler and the other two, you generously bestowed upon them the titles of "Imperial Agricultural and Forestry Advisor," "Imperial Water Conservancy Inspector," and "Imperial Mining Supervisor"—positions without real power, serving only as advisors.

The remaining key sectors—industry, education, and the judiciary—are all staffed by technocrats who have proven their competence within the Vaser Territory and the Economic Community.

This appointment silenced the electors present completely.

They suddenly realized that this election, from beginning to end, was merely a formality; the real distribution of power had already been decided in Lacey's mind.

[Then, you dropped a second bombshell.]

[You declare that, given the nation is in a "critical period" of reconstruction, and in order to maximize administrative efficiency, the former Imperial Central Council will be adjourned indefinitely, effective immediately.]

The newly established Imperial Central Cabinet will temporarily assume all routine administrative functions of the nation.

These words caused a stir among the audience, even Mecklen's smile froze for a moment.

Ziegler, Gabriel, and Alfred turned deathly pale. They exchanged a horrified glance, each seeing the same emotion in the other's eyes: Had they been used and then discarded?

They had personally placed Lacey on the throne, hoping to gain greater benefits for their service in supporting the new emperor. However, they never expected that Lacey's first act after his coronation would be to withdraw their votes.

Finally, you issued your first military decree as emperor: all legions within the empire, including the Empress's Voice, which symbolizes imperial glory, must disband their existing structures within twenty-four hours, forming battalions, and await reorganization by a special envoy from the central cabinet.

All officers of colonel rank and above must arrive at Heroes' Square beneath the Twin Towers within the designated time to reaffirm their allegiance to you, Emperor of the Third Reich of Letania.

Those who refuse, or fail to arrive by the deadline, will be considered traitors, immediately relieved of all military duties, and handed over to a special court for trial.

This order was tantamount to completely reshuffling the military power of Letania overnight, firmly grasping all the guns in their own hands.

When Lacey finished speaking, the entire council chamber was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

He looked at the electors before him, each with a different expression. The former pillars of the empire now seemed like meat on his chopping block.

"Gentlemen," Lacey finally showed a faint smile.

"Today's meeting is now adjourned."

"The Cabinet will host a dinner at the Petronas Towers to celebrate the arrival of a new era."

The electors, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, rose to take their leave.

They walked very fast, as if an invisible beast was chasing them.

Mecklen walked to the door and glanced back at Lacey, who was standing alone in the center of the hall. The young man who once needed his investment and protection had now become enormous.

He clicked his tongue, realizing for the first time that the return on this investment might be even more...exciting than he had imagined.