Ashes and Kingdoms

Polished white limestone and black marble bring order and format to the Capitol. But the interaction between the senators in it was confusing as if trying to strike an equilibrium. I have long been familiar with intense exchanges and dignified tours on the floor and manipulations, but now that the Conference of the Dragon Hou, the superior body, has disappeared, it was even more untouchable.

Unlike the Dragon Hou Conference, the Council has a large number of senators. There are those who form an inmate party to shape policy, but there are those who fight in isolation and helplessness, or even those who sleep in the corners of the floor.

Free debate is only a good pre-construction, and reality is that no one, even if they are there, has a head that only summons claims and thinks of them as ears to listen to, or even if they are buried in noise, of their own free will.

(Absolutely, because these people are moving Diatius)

Let's get rattled, too. Varys was upset and grumpy, staring at the councilman on the stage.

Fercius-Conferrinus-Dectae. A man who has a long history of public office and is already old, it's time to recommend hiding around, but he still has a lot of greed and strength. It is rooted down on the floor with the wealth and connections it has built.

He was now shouting up his fist that he should at least be able to ensure that the tax revenues on the other side of the decline were collected. Previously, Parliament had already tabled proposals for the introduction of new taxes and increases in tax rates, but none of them had obtained the majority's approval or were eventually withdrawn by the emperor's veto, so that is why.

"The production of gold and silver in the north must also increase. And more than that, surveillance should be stepped up to ensure it reaches the country! Yesterday, on the way from all over to the capital, for some reason, there are too many supplies that can disappear!

It was a tone accusing me of embezzlement, clothing, or dereliction of duty. Go on, he said.

If we do not fulfil our obligations to the Empire, then naturally we should not expect to benefit from the Empire. Grants to local cities must be cut and their finances rebuilt.

Applause comes from the senators who follow. Where Fercius nodded satisfactorily on the stage and the applause subsided, there was a statement to give water.

"Senator Fercius, all of your proposals are clear on the subject of truncation."

The Lord of the Voice, with his calm but irresistible strength, was a man in his forties. There is a slight mixture of snow in the well-groomed mustache and brunette shavings, but the grey-green eyes have a youthful light.

Fercius glanced uncomfortably from the altar, but he said not moving at all and pale.

"Those who are far from you. distance or economically. It's really easy to understand."

"I want you to stop misleading me, Lord Islev. I take facts objectively and offer solutions."

Fercius snorts all the time wondering what the young man knows. Varis, who was listening to the interaction, had left one eyebrow motionless and nodded at the words of his inner Islev.

The proposals submitted so far by Fercius included a review of eligibility for free benefits for wheat, new taxes of a kind that would be less taxable for all citizens, and an increase in user fees for public facilities. Squeeze away as much as you can from a helpless and irresistible citizen, and the weak who have nothing to take away from you cut off. It is certain that it will be effective in the short term and easily.

Islev wanted to say that, too. I also nodded back to Fercius' objection that, yes, I did.

"Let's have it quick. But if we continue to cut off the weak, sooner or later we will strangle ourselves. If old people, sick people, poor citizens and slaves have fallen starving all over the house, make your finances a lot easier. But then, who would do the work they've had to take on so far? Senator, are you prepared to clean your own drains?

"You are trying to deceive and confuse the agenda by bringing up polar theories!

"Is it a polar theory to fulfill? When it comes to rebuilding finances, there are ways to do it without tightening up the provinces and the weak. including a reduction in the remuneration paid to our senators."

"I'm not kidding!

Fercius was outraged as soon as possible, and there was also a voice of dissatisfaction from the seat.

"Our reward is all in form in the first place! It was only natural that the council had been unpaid since its inception. But then, even those whose lives do not stand will be paid to be senators, and those who accept bribes will be paid. You want me to scrape it and put it back in time?

"Good point, Lord Felcius, but whoever bribes you will take it without feeling good. Firstly, I say no when I say whether there are people on this floor who cannot live without a reward"

Islev glanced around at the senators, chilling.

"A situation where life really doesn't stand up doesn't mean you don't have the funds to invite your fellow senators to dinner to root for it, or you can't behave like a citizen in a campaign, or you can't wear the clothes and jewelry that senators deserve, gentlemen. Wheat is fed, water is drawn from public water, but firewood to cook is not available - that's the situation I'm talking about. Who in this world knows such a life?

Before I could finish, my anger rose and the floor boiled all at once, arguing, don't treat us like slaves, etc.

Varys stood up deliberately poking his wand on the floor with a gatun because he was sick of watching the noise but never showed signs of it fitting in. And slowly approaching the stage amid the cursing murmurs that are still flying,

"Fercius, back off"

Quietly ordering, he pressed the tip of the wand against the other's chest. Unaccustomed to direct “violence," the senator leaves the stage frightened and reluctantly. Finally the other senators noticed the Emperor's actions, bumping and lowering their voices.

Varis, however, did not come up to the stage, just to announce a temporary adjournment.

Supposing to resume after half an hour, Varis threw a glance at Islev before leaving for the square.

It was already in the winter sky outside, and the sunlight was weakening, but the sun dust was still warm. When Varys lowered his back, finding just the right place, Islev came after a while and sat down beside him. I narrow my eyes with a glare and put my hands in my sleeves to breathe in relief.

"You're cold on the floor. When it hits the sun, it comes back to life."

"I thought you were used to the cold. You must be from the North."

"Did you remember, it's an honor. What, because I used to be young, I just noticed the cold with the heat of the flames burning in me. Now the furnace fire is gone."

In a blurry tone, Varys spilled a slight smile. The words broke off as they were, and often the two continued silently in the sun.

People crossing the square are likely to be busy with their own errands, no matter what the public opinion. Senators moving their mouths to the scabbard whether they are causing arguments to be fought over or spilling stupidity on each other. Citizens who flock around them and listen to them to find out what the meeting is all about. A merchant on his way to the deal takes his youngest man and rushes past him, begging and cleaning husbands sneaking around in the shade in the corner.

Varys felt tired and leaned against the cane he held.

"That was on the floor. Yeah, I said, do you really have anything else you want to put out? If you threaten me like that, I'll probably be glad to do something other than pay the senator."

"I'm afraid you're wise," Islev laughed small. "But I also said that I really wanted to cut the reward. Of course, I don't think anyone can endorse it. People always say something in their mouths, but they hate it when they sacrifice themselves. Let me give you a reason to justify that, and everyone will be amazingly eloquent.... Well that would be good. The idea I want to come up with is a settlement with the Dragon Marquis of East and West."

Varys turned to the weight of what was said to be rustling. Islev raises an eyebrow and makes a teasing look.

"You look so outspoken, Your Majesty. I am aware that the military is entrusted to General Glaus. But if His Majesty has been changed in policy, the General should also move towards reconciliation, rather than preparing for war. What His Majesty should do now is save the people at his feet, not quarrel with the dragon marquis next door. If you reconcile with Dragon Marquis, improve the situation along the border as well. If the anxiety of war is eliminated, the people can also put their energies into production. Stabilize your tax revenues."

"If it's going to be a fight, talk fast," Varys shook his head. "I am aware that the state of the border is disturbing. Sometimes we should use our swords elsewhere instead of pointing them at each other. But Dragon Hou is neither of us willing to do that"

"Really?"

"At least the princess of the Tius family has no hope at all"

"Then you can have whoever you want at all on your side. Lord Nakte wants to have influence in the center through Senato Jr. As soon as we find Senato Jr., shouldn't we promise to welcome him into adoption again?

Islev said without precipitation. Perhaps we have given this matter much thought before Parliament began. Varys vaguely looked at the northern sky.

"If you're going to pull me in with that, I'll do it as many times as I promise. But according to the latest news from Glaus, he found Little Senato first. Besides, the Northern Army is showing signs of a southward march."

To the last content whispered low, Islev breathed.

- Oh, my God.

Leaking a surprise voice, then sighing in such a way as heartfelt pity, stupid, and twinkling. Varis also nodded and continued quietly.

"Now we don't have an army to protect our homeland. Even if Yu and Dragon Hou Senato joined hands, depending on the movement of the Northern Army, the battle would be inevitable. I'd like to open things up somehow by spring."

Saying so much, he looked up, realizing the strange noise. From across the square, the guards of the Royal Palace run out of breath. Something caught the eye of the guard who stood up for Varys.

"Master Varys! Master Glaus sent an expedition!

The guard rushed over screaming and knelt at Varys' feet. And he looked up at the emperor with a look that forced him to suppress complicated surprises and told him to whisper.

"The Eighth Regiment disintegrates and says it has withdrawn from Karsum...!

――

Varis and Islev are all together and breathtaking. To the two stunned, the guard continues with a quick mouth.

"Neither have I been told the details. Ask the messenger directly. Hurry back."

"Okay. Islev, tell them that today's parliament will be dissolved. Things have changed, so we'll resume tomorrow."

"Understood."

When Islev bowed his head, Varis was there to greet the other senators who were nearby, and took the guards and hurried to the royal palace.

What the hell happened? Did Glaus move north himself, or did something... our unknown new force destroy the Eighth Army? If so, what's it after?

While busily circling his thoughts, Varis flashed a fuzzy ironic grin.

(At least, this paved the way for reconciliation with Lord Nakte)

I had no idea the Emperor would be pleased that the Empire's power, the Corps, had broken down one whole thing.

It's the end of the line.

I don't think about what, I just vaguely think so. But soon he squeezed his expression.

(My job is still there. not going to throw it out)

Looking at the way he was going in the grim manner, he crept through the gates of the royal palace.