Chapter 349

“Are all preparations complete?”

“What preparations? It’s already decided.”

“Just as with Minister Volbe, we’re to proceed accordingly. We only need to read through the statements. I’m sure Sir Maxim Tweller is fully aware of the order of questions.”

“Life can change in an instant. Who could have guessed just yesterday that Sir Maxim Tweller would rise to become Minister of Imperial Defense?”

“I’d wager Minister Volbe was the least prepared for it—if he were still alive, that is.”

“Any word from the Imperial Defense Department? Have they made contact?”

“Don’t even mention it. They’re in complete upheaval and unreachable. I expect they’ll arrive en masse at the appointed time. It’ll be a relief if there’s no resistance—after all, they’re now commanded by someone who didn’t even graduate from the military academy.”

“This really feels like the dawn of a new era. What about Sir Maxim Tweller’s assets? Has the administration submitted any reports?”

“No, they say it was handled first.”

“Good grief, that was fast.”

The officials preparing for the confirmation hearing paced the conference room, shaking their heads in disbelief. History is often said to be made or broken in a single moment, but it’s rare for such a thunderclap to strike so suddenly.

The young Crown Prince had, in the blink of an eye, seized control of the administration, the palace guard, and the Imperial Defense Department. All the key departments, save for the Ministry of Magic. Most notably, he now held both the right and left wings of Bariel’s military forces.

“I wonder how the Ministry of Magic will respond when they return.”

“What choice do they have? By then, the fate of Idgal will have been decided. Come on, let’s wrap this up. Time’s almost up.”

Summoned at dawn and immediately thrust into the hearing, the officials masked their fatigue as they finalized preparations.

Through the giant clock’s ticking hands, morning sunlight streamed in. In the distance, carriages thundered toward the building, visible through the windows.

“They’re here.”

The Imperial Defense Department’s banners. The soldiers charged forward with unyielding precision, their formation flawless as if the heavens themselves would tremble.

The officials pressed against the windows, watching the officers below. Each wore a neatly pressed uniform, swords at their hips. Beneath their flowing insignias, the blood-stained badges of the Imperial Defense Department stood out starkly.

“That’s Sir Maxim Tweller.”

“First time seeing him?”

“Yes. I have no ties to the Defense Department, and I rarely encounter officers who operate outside their ranks.”

Decades of sun-darkened skin, hair streaked with gray tied back in a single knot, and a thick beard. Deep wrinkles framed sharp, piercing eyes. Though small in stature, his solid, resolute presence marked him unmistakably as a soldier.

“The Crown Prince is entering.”

“Everyone, please rise.”

The hearing had begun. The officials straightened their collars and stood, showing respect to the Crown Prince’s entrance—the same one accompanied by the Prime Minister and Jarrett. Jin motioned for everyone to sit, smiling.

“Before the hearing, we will hold a brief ceremony to confer a noble title.”

It was the natural order of things. Jin seemed intent on promoting Xiaoshi to officer rank, so bestowal of a noble title first made sense.

Some officials clenched their documents tightly, nerves evident. While Maxim Tweller’s appointment as minister was inevitable, Xiaoshi’s elevation felt unjust.

“At least let’s block Xiaoshi’s officer appointment.”

“Is that wise? We risk offending His Highness if we interfere…”

“Wrong is wrong. I can’t accept it, so I’ll oppose it.”

“This is maddening.”

“Can’t you see? The Defense Department officers came armed, and even General Jarrett is armed.”

“That’s standard protocol for a confirmation hearing. Don’t be intimidated.”

Whispers of resolve spread among the officials, fueling their determination.

Meanwhile, Xiaoshi knelt before Jin with his usual calm expression. His formal attire, hastily fitted by Romandro, was impeccable. His hair was neatly combed, making his heterochromatic eyes stand out even more.

“Xiaoshi, I know you’ve earned countless merits through the recent internal conflicts and incidents. Yet your status has limited your recognition. Therefore, I hereby grant you the title of Viscount, in honor of your abilities and achievements.”

Jin pinned a badge to Xiaoshi’s chest—a gray wolf emblem with blue eyes.

“Xiaoshi Enlow, dedicate yourself fully to Bariel henceforth.”

Enlow—the first family name Xiaoshi had ever held. He placed his hand over his heart in acceptance and bowed deeply.

Jin glanced around and led the crowd in a chant, inviting them to join.

“For the glory of Bariel.”

“For the glory of Bariel.”

Applause erupted as officials rose and echoed the call.

Romandro’s wrist twitched with excitement. Some cast sharp glances his way, but what did it matter? Romandro cheered loudly, proud as could be.

“Sir Xiaoshi, what a surprise. Congratulations. This just goes to show, it pays to live long. I wonder how Ian and the others will react.”

“Beric will probably throw a tantrum, demanding a title for himself.”

“Maybe so. Heh heh. Anyway, congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Xiaoshi stepped down to accept Romandro’s congratulations. He felt a mix of embarrassment, pride, and the heavy weight of the badge on his chest. He simply smiled awkwardly and shrugged.

Soon, the Prime Minister’s summons echoed.

Bang! Bang!

“Given the gravity of the matter, we will proceed swiftly. Next is the appointment of the Minister of Imperial Defense. First, we express our condolences for the sudden passing of Minister Volbe at his home. However, the Defense Ministry is a crucial pillar supporting Bariel and cannot remain vacant. Following tradition, His Highness the Crown Prince intends to appoint Sir Maxim Tweller as the new minister. Sir Maxim Tweller.”

At the Prime Minister’s call, the doors swung open, and soldiers entered—likely Tweller’s closest aides who would take general posts.

At their head stood a man whose small frame radiated overwhelming power. A primal spirit forged by surviving countless battles that shattered bones and spirits alike. His rugged appearance was hardly what one would expect at a confirmation hearing.

“Sir Maxim Tweller, please step onto the podium.”

The Prime Minister and Tweller exchanged a brief glance. The young Crown Prince’s connection to this once-demoted officer was unclear, but the Prime Minister had evidently paved the way.

Tweller ascended the podium and surveyed the room, then broke the tension with a laugh.

“Heh. It looked high from below, but it’s even higher up here.”

For years, he had endured humiliation among officers for lacking a military academy background. Despite battlefield achievements, an invisible barrier kept him from attending such gatherings. His juniors were promoted, some even to ministerial posts, while everyone wished for Tweller’s retirement.

But look now. Perseverance brings opportunity—just like this.

“Please proceed with your statement.”

“Yes. I am Maxim Tweller, commander of the 5th Thousand-Man Regiment. I hail from the eastern provinces, have served thirty years since enlistment, and have held this command for thirteen years. To verify my loyalty, sincerity, and competence, I swear to speak only the truth—no falsehoods. I pledge this to Bariel, to His Majesty the Emperor, and to His Highness the Crown Prince.”

His ease reflected his battlefield experience. Seasoned and confident, he knew the tide had turned in his favor. Unless he acted recklessly, the ministerial post was all but guaranteed.

The rustle of papers echoed as his subordinates watched him anxiously, swallowing hard.

“Sir Maxim Tweller, your family consists of a wife, three sons, and two daughters. Is that correct?”

“Yes. They are all training to enlist in the Imperial Defense Department.”

“Your declared assets include three residences, ten horses, and about a hundred gold coins, with no updates since two years ago.”

“Last year, I was traveling the borders personally with my horses, making it impossible to specify or report assets.”

“You traveled with your own horses? Why?”

“Why else?”

A supply officer demurred, but Tweller grinned, revealing a few broken teeth.

“I thought it improper to use palace property without permission. There’s no problem with that, is there?”

His tone was dripping with sarcasm. His gaze challenged the officials—had any of them ever cared about their own poor conditions? He stood unashamed before the heavens, daring anyone to try and stop him—a defiant warrior’s answer.

“…Minister, when appointed, whom do you intend to select as generals? Please explain your criteria and your vision for the Imperial Operations Department.”

The question everyone expected. Tweller’s choices would directly affect Xiaoshi, so his answer would shape the officials’ strategies of attack or appeasement.

The usual answer would be something like, “Someone suitable for the mission and without any issues.” That would open the door to attacking Xiao Xi’s lack of military experience. How could someone with no battlefield experience possibly lead hundreds or thousands of soldiers?

Just as everyone tensed, ready to raise their hands in agreement—

“There is no such thing.”

“Huh?”

Tweller gave an unexpected reply.

“There are no fixed criteria when selecting generals. Each legion has different missions, so someone deemed unsuitable by bureaucrats might be perfectly fit under my judgment. So please don’t ask about any standards—just ask about me. If any problems arise, it’s my subordinate and my responsibility. You can direct those questions to me as well.”

“But still, shouldn’t there be at least some kind of answer…?”

“It depends on the situation and my judgment. Even if I say something now, I can’t promise it will hold. But if you want to hear it…”

Tweller’s fingers moved habitually, rolling an imaginary cigarette.

“I’ll focus on ability. Look at our excellent Imperial Palace Guard. They don’t care about status or rank—only ability. Isn’t that why they’re worthy of serving His Majesty the Emperor? The Imperial Defense Department I lead will be the same. I want a department that wins battles and brings victory in war. Isn’t that what Bariel deserves?”

Though he appeared calm on the surface, he bit down hard. This was a declaration to completely overhaul the Imperial Defense Department, engraved deep by the humiliations he had endured. It also meant that even Xiao Xi’s appointment as general was now a real possibility.

The bureaucrats exchanged awkward glances, pens twirling nervously.

“That old man’s really fired up.”

“Quiet, please. I’m listening.”

“Talking about the Palace Guard and reforming things—if we oppose here, won’t they drag the Palace Guard into this too? Damn raccoon…”

The officials whispered quietly, eyes squeezed shut. They had hoped to at least pull Xiao Xi aside and remove him, but there was no opening.

“Any more questions?”

Tweller sniffled cheerfully and looked back. The bureaucrats, half resigned, raised their hands and continued the formal hearing. Soon, it was nearly over.

Knock knock.

Squeak.

Romandro hurried in from outside and whispered to Jin—the message they had been waiting for.

“Your Highness, a dispatch has arrived from Clifford!”