Episode 817 World Conference (1)
Excluding the escorts, the number of attendees totals 54, consisting of 28 from the House of Representatives and 26 from the Senate. This is more than double the 22 attendees at the General Assembly of the Magic World.
Of course, this does not mean that there are as many as 54 forces dividing the continent.It includes individuals representing a force with two or three members.
This World Conference was convened for matters that cannot be resolved at the General Assembly of the Magic World and require continental discussion.
Ignacia held out two fingers.
“The legitimacy of Eon’s territory regarding the ownerless lands, and the tail scales of Sarkandra, the Red Dragon, which Queron Rekclos accidentally discovered while exploring the Sea of Mar.”“…….”“I will designate these two as the primary major agenda items, and any subsequent items submitted by the authority of the attendees will be designated as minor agenda items. Furthermore, if an opinion is raised that a matter is significant among the minor agenda items, or if no conclusion is reached, it may be submitted as a major agenda item at the discretion of the ‘Chairperson.’”
Representative democracy refers to a subject that is passed only if it secures at least two-thirds of the votes in favor, after all attendees have conducted a public vote.
A sub-topic refers to a topic that passes if it receives the approval of more than half of the voluntary participants in a secret ballot.
What distinguishes the two is ‘responsibility’.
For a weak nation, deciding for or against a representative system that is disadvantageous to powerful nations right in front of oneself is by no means an easy task.
I am worried about retaliation.
Even without direct retaliation, powerful nations are unlikely to engage in friendly diplomacy with weaker nations. Using this as a pretext, even the mere exertion of subtle pressure can become a serious matter.
Even if nothing happens, that alone will cause anxiety.
Nevertheless, representative voting is a resolution that must not be avoided, cannot be avoided, must not be blocked, and cannot be blocked.
Turning away from responsibility for decisions that will impact the world is unacceptable.If you cannot handle that one thing, there is no reason to be at the world conference.
In fact, refusing to vote in the representative election is a very strict matter under the laws of the World Congress, which can result in immediate expulsion from the meeting hall.
If expelled in that way, it will no longer be recognized as a state or a power. The loss of the right to claim rights internationally…There is no need to explain just how terrifying and frightening that is.
However, handling all agendas through representative democracy is highly unreasonable. The procedures are cumbersome, and it would be worse for weaker factions not to attend at all.The meeting would proceed barbarically.
So, regarding national issues that are relatively less serious than continental ones, it was set up so that judgments could be made freely without such concerns.
If they do not even have this qualification, the House of Representatives, especially the small nations, have no reason to attend. They will be unable to utter a single word and will just go along with whatever happens.
This is precisely the difference between nature and society.
In nature, only the strong hold rights, while the weak are merely eaten and eliminated. However,in society, not only the strong but also the weak are treated with consideration for their rights in their own way.
Such respect establishes a solid system of domination that cannot be compared even to nature.
If you fall to the bottom, there is a floor, and if you soar high, there is a ceiling. No matter how far apart you become, you cannot break free from the frame.
The fact that the strong and the weak share a form creates a sense of stability in itself. It is precisely that sense of stability that sets the standards of the world.
Gather and discuss.
That is why it is a world conference.
“Then I’ll select the chairperson first. Honestly, is there any need to dwell on this? Since the Lord of the Lefragium Magic Tower is the one who officially proposed and pushed for the World Conference, wouldn’t it be cleanest to entrust the chairmanship to him, just like with the General Assembly of the Magic World?”
Indren of the control group showed a surprised reaction.
“Kye-oe, I thought you would recommend yourself as Chairman.”“Being Chairman would be fun, but I’m drawn to this one today. Besides, doesn’t a serious tone suit the atmosphere better than a light one? By authority, an attendee directly recommended by the World Conference organizer cannot refuse the position of Chairman, and is confirmed as Chairman if more than half of the members vote in favor. Now, raise your hand in approval.”
Since the election of the World Chair is treated as equivalent to a representative system, everyone must participate in the vote.
Swoosh.
The attendees, including Ignacia, raised their right arms one by one.Antias, Serendia, and Arcul, who were not human, responded without question, as if they had absolutely no interest in the position of chairman.
Finally, the Provider expressed their approval. Likewise, a decision must be made for or against without exception, even if the agenda item directly concerns the attendee.
54 in favor. 0 against.
Ignacia tapped the Senate table three times with her fingertips.A regular ringing signaled passage.
“The Lord of the Lefragium Magic Tower shall preside over the World Conference as the World Chairman.”
The Provider rose to his feet.
Hundreds of pairs of eyes turn toward one spot. Even amidst gazes stained with countless thoughts, he showed no sign of tension whatsoever.
“I, the Lord of the Lefragium Magic Tower, will strive to ensure the smooth proceedings of the World Conference and swear to fulfill the duties assigned to me as Chairman.”
It was a simple oath.
Before proceeding with this session, I extend my condolences to all individuals and nations that have suffered irreversible damage from the Bloodcrying Plague and the massive Undead Crisis.
Although he spoke of sadness, his expression was merely serene, as if it did not matter, showing no color of emotion.That composed demeanor somehow gave the impression of the current Darkwarton Tower Master.
“Also, there appear to be some doubts regarding the composition of the current attendees. I will coordinate the matter to prevent any unnecessary disturbances. Kingdom of Estiria, to the center.”“……Yes.”
Silis, representing the Kingdom of Estria, stood in the center of the meeting hall.
Tremendous pressure… … .
Even though I had naturally braced myself for this situation, I felt as though I were being crushed by the stares flying from all directions. Far from being a transcendent being, even the gazes of the kings of various nations were incredibly heavy.Still, I composed myself as much as possible and stopped the trembling in my voice and hands. Silis had encountered transcendent beings several times before.
“It is widely known that Valrgna Vain di Estiria ascended to the current throne of the Kingdom of Estiria through the succession two years ago. Is this true?”“Yes, it is true.”“However, the First Princess Silis Riven di Estiria is here. If you intend to exercise the authority of the King of Estiria, prove your qualifications.”
A brief silence fell.
“I am not the Acting Chairman.”“Explain.”“My very existence is my qualification.”
Silis placed her hand on her chest.
“Because I, Silis Riven di Estiria, am the true King of Estiria.”
… … !
The commotion in the House of Representatives grew louder.
The Senate looked at them with dry or slightly intrigued eyes. To them, that was exactly the value of a struggle for the throne.
“What about Valgna Vain di Estilia?”“It was exactly as I planned from the moment I handed the throne over to Valgna. It is I who deposed not only Valgna but also the previous king in order to rule the Kingdom of Estilia while concealing my existence. It is also I who killed the Second and Third Princes in the War of Succession.”
He killed his father and brothers.
Silis’s bizarre act of brazenly revealing her kin-killing shocked many kings. A revolution of that magnitude is no easy feat. If so,how could a doll princess, who had lost her reason at such a young age, have succeeded in such a cruel deed?
“What is the reason for revealing that now?”“It is because there is no longer any need to hide it.”
Silis moved her head. At the end of her gaze was, as expected, Verden.Everyone saw with their own eyes that Silis’s power, legitimacy, and confidence stemmed from Eon.
The Provider asks.Changing the subject.
“Do you recognize Silis Riven di Estria as the King of Estria?”
Verden answered.
“I acknowledge it.”“Understood. The Kingdom of Estiria to your position.”
Silis paid his respects deeply and quietly returned to his place. Regardless of the reason, he killed a relative and usurped the throne, yet he is not held accountable.
Of course.
The important thing here is whether Silis can represent the Kingdom of Estiria. The common-sense opinions of others are irrelevant.Under Verden’s responsibility, she was the rightful King of Estiria.
Mauler sneered.
“He arbitrarily unified ownerless lands and declared a territory, interfered in prosperous nations to usurp their thrones, and committed massacres in the underworld under the guise of commandments. What a truly formidable bastard.”
A murderous glint appeared in Adrian’s eyes, but before it could be expressed, the Provider raised his voice and stopped Mauler.
“Do not express your opinions directly to other attendees unless you obtain permission to speak from me or the situation allows for free discussion. I will enforce silence after three warnings.”“Are you telling me to be formal, befitting a world conference? I’ll keep an eye on it.”
Verden showed no reaction to Mauler’s provocative remarks. He didn’t even glance at him, as if he had absolutely no interest.In fact, rather than being uninterested, his attention was focused elsewhere.
At this very moment, Verden considered the entire group of attendees rather than individuals, calculating how they would react when he raised various topics.
“… … Although there are many whom I haven’t fully grasped, the stage is set even if they act far outside the character traits I’ve heard about through rumors. As long as the meeting itself isn’t scrapped, there is no problem.”
Naturally, the World Conference will never be suddenly suspended. Every agenda item on the table will inevitably be decided by vote.There is nowhere to retreat, and with the footholds crumbling, the only path forward exists.
It is a situation where not just one person, but everyone attending the world conference is being forced to make a choice. It is no different from being swept away by a massive wave with no resistance. Evenif fully prepared, the moment it strikes, one is simply swept away.
But what if you could steer the direction of that wave in advance?
That was Verden’s ultimate plan. He intended to literally unleash the magic of chaos at the World Conference to artificially create a tsunami.
By exposing a part of ‘fate’.
Mauler will let you know when that moment comes. Thoughhe himself might not know it.
* * *
King Antias rested his chin on his hand while seated on the largest throne befitting his physique.
The eyes of a monster, far beyond that of a beast, watched several people. Mauler, whom he thought he had killed in the past, was one of them.However, the one he was most interested in was the gray-haired transcendent.
‘I see… does that mean the scent of beasts doesn’t spread on a windless meadow?’
He gives off the most dangerous scent among those whose true intentions are unknown.The chieftains cited the Provider, the Necromancer, the Saint, and Verden as the most dangerous breeds, but Verden was fundamentally different from them in some way.
It was an animalistic instinct.
It is not just the atmosphere that is strange. Verden is suppressing a certain power within his body. Itappears to be tightly sealed, but it is unstable, as if it would burst at the slightest touch.
You’re a natural-born hunter. Plus, it looks like you brought some high-quality bait.
Even the Beast King, who perceived the World Conference as a hunting ground, had a useful bait. Information that was more than enough to stimulate and lure out the biggest predator and prey here.
The key is when to cast the bait.
Then, the Provider spoke.
“Next, Vantarun Taresion of the Diamun Magic Tower, and Albert Windirove.”“Ah, yes!”“Yes!”
The moment the two candidates for the Master of the Diamun Magic Tower rose to their feet, a solemn voice was heard again.
“If conflicts of opinion cause division as a unified force or disrupt the voting process, I will impose sanctions using my authority as Chairman. The Federation of Ternetia and the Republic of Beldirn should also take note.”“I will keep that in mind.”“I will certainly be careful, Chairman.”
The representatives of the Federation and the Supreme Council of the Republic bowed their heads as low as they could. The Provider nodded. And that was all.Vantarun and Albert, who had been standing awkwardly, quietly took their seats back down.
The Provider, who resolved the concerns of various attendees regarding the Kingdom of Estria and had warned in advance the nations and forces with the majority of representatives, formally explained the rules of the World Conference.
The House of Representatives may propose only one minor bill, and the Senate may propose up to two minor bills.
If a minor agenda is transferred to a representative agenda by the chairperson, the force that proposed the minor agenda can no longer propose agendas in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.
If the minor and representative systems are passed in favor, they cannot be amended or scrapped at this world conference.
In the minor and representative systems, if a motion is rejected, it can be resubmitted only once. Additionally, the participant who resubmitted the rejected motion can no longer propose an agenda item.
Free discussion is mandatory for every agenda item.
Remarks that incite conflict may be stopped at the discretion of the Chairperson. Physical altercations may result in disciplinary action depending on the circumstances.
All actions that directly or indirectly influence the voting of other attendees are strictly prohibited.
The transcendent being prohibits the exercise of intention.
… … .
The Provider, having mentioned every single detail of the rules, took his seat. Ignatius is resting his head on the table, saying he is bored.
With this, the coordination is complete, and the plenary session begins.
Just as Ignatius had done, the Provider moved his fingertips. The resonance transmitted through the Senate table made his inner self tremble three times.
“First, before discussing representative and minority systems, I will discuss the damage caused by the epidemic and methods to recover from it. Master Artisan will present the casualty count, and Bank President Magnus will announce the estimate of the economic damage. Free speech, including questions, will be permitted for all attendees, but please refrain from doing so after the presentations are concluded. Master Artisan.”“It is my turn.”
Artisan, the Tower Master, Feldianne, stood up and cleared her throat, drawing attention.
“I will start with the Central Continent. According to our investigation at the Artisan Magic Tower, the damage to the Ternetia Federation is—”“Question!”
Ignacia raised her hand high. Lifting her face from the table, she propped her chin with both hands and asked with a grin.
“There are widespread rumors that they couldn’t handle the epidemic this time, so they secretly killed and burned people, whether they were infected or not. Is that true?”
flinch.
Saint Leonhardt flinched and instinctively glared at King Ronia.
King Su caught that emotion.
