Chapter 269: Shadows of the Senate
"What's the use of holding on to something that doesn't work? You should start with what you can do."
So what is it?
We will cut out bureaucrats who just sit around and do nothing.
When the original leader changes, there is bound to be a lot of turmoil.
<Crawford National Office Staff Management>
Attorney General: Bennie Mitchell (sleeping)
Treasurer: Trent Duffy (dining and drinking)
…
Senior Leader: Brahan Soltree (during the meeting)
Senior: Stephen Kehoe (in the meeting)
…
Since there was a position called Prime Minister, there was no separate butler.
However, the overall bureaucratic structure was similar to that of Deliat.
What was unique was that it had a separate legislative body.
The Senate is a bit annoying.
The justification for doing something was quite important.
Politics and administration are based on law.
If the Senate held a tight grip on legislative power, it would be difficult to carry out reforms.
Because they could obstruct it by creating something like a special law.
"The elders said that even the king cannot dismiss them at will, so only those whom they can especially trust are appointed?"
It seemed that in order to completely take control of state affairs, the Senate had to be dealt with first.
But when Abel looked at the employee management records, it was quite a sight.
All the officials were either lying down asleep or drinking alcohol.
Surprisingly, the only place that was running smoothly was the Senate.
"Ugh! This is why idiots shouldn't take up seats."
Abel grumbled to himself and got up from his seat.
If he just sat around in his office, nothing would be solved.
He needed to go around the government office in person and clear his head.
But then, suddenly, a strange sound was heard.
Knock knock! Knock knock!
When he turned his head, something pure white was knocking on the window.
The figure's true identity was none other than Peltron.
"Captain! Big news! Big news!"
Bam!
Abel quickly let Peltron in and asked with an expectant face.
"What is it?"
"Senior is playing on the side of the mountain!"
"Hm?"
"I'm telling you, really! Just lying around and rolling around! Isn't this something that should definitely be scolded?"
"… … ."
Abel was momentarily speechless.
When he asked Peltron to keep an eye on key figures, it seemed like he had just assigned a subordinate to Shuguri for no reason.
He hit his forehead and shut his eyes tightly.
It seemed like this guy needed to be beaten up a lot to come to his senses.
"I sent that. You should find out what's up in the mountains."
"Oh, was that it?"
"If that's all you've heard, you should be prepared."
"There it is again!"
"Come and have a chat."
"I've pulled out all the gossip that the old men were whispering about."
Peltron flapped his wings.
Although he wanted to look cool, it was an extremely cute gesture.
Then, a crow landed on the windowsill and started imitating the conversation just like last time.
That is, one person playing two roles.
"Kkaaak! You have a clever plan to bring that bastard down? Interesting. Please continue, Elder Kehoe."
"Caak! There's something buried in the lake, right? If you secretly move it to the villa… … ."
Oh? This was pretty useful information, wasn't it?
Abel figured he would have to forgive Peltron for his earlier nonsense.
He smiled meaningfully and became absorbed in the crow's story.
After listening for a while, he thought he knew where to start digging.
---
The Senate of the Duchy of Crawford.
The conference room was noisy for the first time in a long while.
A group of senior officials who normally didn't even show up for work had gathered.
The head of the Senate, Brahan Soltree, was a gentleman of grave bearing.
A face that looked like it would have made women cry when he was young and white hair that was neatly combed back.
The combination of a stylish tunic and a fur coat created a strange atmosphere.
"How did the work go?"
As soon as he spoke, an elder stood up from his seat.
It was Stephen Kehoe, a loyal subordinate of Senior Chief Soltree.
"I've sent a few of my own agents to move the stuff to his villa tonight."
"Huh! I see. Who's going to execute the next plan?"
As the question was asked with a bitter smile, someone stood up and started to move around.
It was Bennie Mitchell, the Attorney General who slept all day during work hours.
A bear-like build and scars running across his face.
Anyone would have felt an enormous sense of intimidation.
"I will make a surprise appearance. He may be famous in the Empire, but he is still a child. The moment he meets me, it will be over."
"As expected, you are trustworthy."
With this, all preparations were complete.
The money hidden in the lake was part of the Duchy of Crawford's budget.
It was planned to be disguised as something that Seri had previously smuggled out through prior contact with Duke Carriers.
He'd get off easy in exchange for his good faith testimony.
The position of Prime Minister would become vacant again.
Paley III's plan to change the country by inviting outside experts would turn out to be nothing but a bubble.
Up to this point, everything had fallen into place perfectly.
That is, until an official from Crawford's office came running in, out of breath.
Bam!
"Hah! Hah!"
"We're in the middle of a council meeting! What the hell is this about?!"
"Whoa, Chief Senator!"
"If it's urgent, speak! If not, get out!"
"Your Excellency the Prime Minister has discovered an incredible amount of gold and silver treasures!"
"… … Uh, where?"
"You said that happened while he was fishing at the lake?"
Something was definitely wrong.
Everyone stared at each other with blank expressions.
Soon, Senior Chief Soltree was the first to rise from his seat.
"Okay, let's go for now."
The elders followed in confusion, not knowing what the future held for them.