Chapter 25: Silence!

The garden avenue outside the Assembly Hall was lined with carriages, and distinguished guests walked into the Assembly in small groups.

Julia, Tesvelan, and Livyat were seated in one of the carriages.

Unlike the arrogant and pretentious young noblemen and ladies they had observed last time, those entering the Assembly today were women and men who truly held power.

Members of the Assembly, high officials, nobles, and heads of great houses—these wielders of resources did not stand at the entrance chatting grandly like frivolous youths.

Instead, they pulled down their top hats and exchanged hushed greetings on the steps, then hurried inside.

The area outside the venue was remarkably quiet.

Even the coachmen stood in formal attire beside the carriages.

“Julia, has your father already entered the hall?”

Livyat asked.

Julia, who had worn a blank expression, showed a slight change upon hearing Livyat’s voice.

“Yes. The members of the Ten-Man Committee will enter early with the Governor. Let’s go, we should head in as well.”

Julia attended such occasions in a crisp officer’s uniform, not her usual official attire—symbolizing the martial honor of the Laguanse family.

Livyat and Tesvelan both wore very formal high-waisted dresses, just like the other powerful noble ladies.

They ascended the Assembly’s main doors with grace.

Guided by attendants, they arrived at the side reserved for Assembly seats.

Thanks to Julia’s special arrangement, Tesvelan, who was originally supposed to sit among the foreign guests, now joined them.

The venue was crowded.

Elites and dignitaries from across the Republic, as well as foreign guests, had come to hear the Prince’s speech.

But the Prince’s address didn’t seem all that important—most of the influential people clustered according to their own interests, discussing other matters.

Livyat’s pointed ears twitched as she caught the ladies and gentlemen around her discussing recent business, promising investments, and of course, affairs of state—including making jokes about the Governor or criticizing the Ten-Man Committee’s policies.

Some seemed to be from the Northern Faction, their criticism even harsher, as they tried to sway those around them who were more neutral.

It sounded as if they cared little for the Kingdom, or for the opinion of elves—especially with herself and Tesvelan sitting right here.

From their tone, Livyat could tell that their confidence stemmed from the foundation of the Republic—the Navy.

Livyat had learned back in her academy days on the outskirts the Republic Navy’s motto: We will appear, at any time, in any place where the Republic wishes to project its power.

It was a simple saying, but no faction dared to bet on when, in the future, the Republic’s Navy might fail to live up to those words.

Livyat didn’t mind being ignored.

Instead, she continued looking around, noticing that there seemed to be a guard stationed every ten meters to maintain order.

Julia had told them that the Assembly had never held meetings like this before.

It appeared the Governor was being extremely cautious, wary of any further coup attempts.

Tesvelan, never interested in such occasions, simply narrowed her eyes to avoid being dazzled by the surging crowd.

Julia maintained her usual proud heiress demeanor, even refusing to respond to the lady beside her, but Livyat could sense her tension.

Julia had boarded the elves’ ship not only politically, but emotionally as well.

She couldn’t treat today’s matters lightly or joke about them with others.

Relying on her keen eyesight, Livyat was the first to spot, at the far end of the seats, an elderly man in a purple silk robe slowly rising and walking to the front of the stage.

The Speaker struck his gavel, loudly chanting for silence like a cantor.

Those around adjusted their postures and, after murmuring a few last words, fell quiet.

The venue grew silent.

Hundreds of eyes turned towards him, some openly hostile.

This was Governor Carlos—the “captain” who had held the helm for over a decade, yet suddenly changed course this year.

After steadying himself, the old man swept his gaze around the Assembly, making sure it was quiet.

Only then did he begin today’s prelude in a slow but resonant voice.

“By rights, I shouldn’t need to introduce myself. Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve all looked at this detestable old face of mine for many years. But today, aside from the masters of the Republic, there are many guests who have come from afar. So, I still ought to say: I am Carlos Ruzeni, Governor of the Republic. Of course, I’ll be retiring next year, and many hope to succeed me—that’s normal. But for today, let me address you once more in my capacity as Governor, and give you a report.”

The venue was utterly silent.

Yet many curious eyes glanced over at Livyat’s group.

Apart from the Prince, the so-called “guests” naturally referred to the young elven noble ladies.

Their presence at the Assembly was indeed rare.

The true center of attention, however, ought to be Prince Jagellon and his retinue.

Where was he?

Livyat began looking around as well, searching for the Prince and his delegation.

“Stop looking around, silly elf. Prince Jagellon is probably on the other side of the Assembly. Don’t you think you stand out enough already?”

Tesvelan finished speaking and pinched Livyat’s arm.

Livyat quickly withdrew her gaze and sat up straight, looking ahead.

Yet she couldn’t help feeling she looked even sillier now.

Julia did her best to soften her tone, whispering, “It’s fine. This is the Republic’s Assembly Hall, not his duchy. And it’s not the royal palace, either.”

Governor Carlos continued, “Twenty-seven days ago, we passed the new annual budget proposal. This proposal was not intended to weaken our ties with our partner, the Kingdom of Frostweave. Hobrick was founded on trade, and hopes to do business with all friendly powers.”

“If friendly powers include humans and the dwarven realms, then why shouldn’t they include elves as well? Our cooperation is founded on careful analysis. The prices of major goods such as elven silk will fall by nearly thirty percent, while elven daily necessities and specialty processed foods, now profitable, will re-enter our markets! The Republic’s interests are always the priority of our cooperation.”

The influential attendees didn’t seem to oppose this conclusion.

Their scattered conversations reached Livyat’s ears—all about how cooperation with the elves had brought an abundance of luxury and enjoyment, with the price of a gown made from elven silk dropping significantly.

Those opposed complained that the new influx of elven goods would harm domestic craft guilds and workshops.

Julia glanced coldly around, then lowered her head, seemingly deep in thought.

“Order!”

The Speaker struck the gavel again.