Can't I develop my own character?

Now that the benefits have come, she should also give some to Ryan, right?

"Uh, Grand Duke, I don't need it, right?"

Ryan also wants to build two more small accounts.

Magna patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Ryan. If this Grand Duke has it, you will definitely have it too!"

Ryan: "..."

Vinet chuckled. "Since Duke Maganna has said so, of course, then let Lord Ryan join the High Lords' meeting."

"That's better." Maganna nodded with satisfaction. If you don't agree, then I won't agree either. I'll exhaust you to death!

"Why is he, a commoner, also qualified to join the High Lords' Conference?!" Prince Odysseus was in disbelief. Although the High Lords had not yet divided their powers, how could their power be small if they could replace the Senate?

"I demand a vote!" Odysseus knew that he had no hope, but he refused to admit that a commoner could actually walk to the meeting of the high lords and actually defeat him!

Wei Nei nodded: "Okay, then let's vote."

"I agree." Casradi raised her hand.

"I agree."

Lin Qi raised his hand.

"Then... I agree too." Hainuo glanced at Lin Qi, feeling somewhat puzzled. This Saint actually supported Ryan? So, the relationship between Kasiladi, Ryan, and Lin Qi was actually Kasiladi, Ryan, and Lin Qi?

"It seems that the majority agrees." 'Weine' nodded.

"You, how could you..."

Prince Odysseus couldn't understand it. Was this world crazy?! A commoner appeared in the meeting that decided the fate of the empire and became one of the eleven people with the highest power in the empire?

"Then, except for the members of the High Lords' Council, everyone else should leave first," said 'Weinei'.

"Let's go, Prince Odysseus..." a noble whispered, "At least we are still alive, which is good enough."

Odysseus: "..."

What else could he say?

Indeed, being alive is already a great blessing.

Soon, Odes and others left the meeting room, and suddenly only a few people were left in the entire hall.

Ryan looked around and nodded with satisfaction. 'Lin Qi', 'Vine', Maganna, and Casradi, it was settled. This was the High Lords' meeting he had imagined.

...

First update! Thank you so much for voting for the monthly tickets, it's really awesome. I've already made it to the monthly ticket leaderboard. Please continue to support me and stick with me until next month! I'll be writing more and there will be another update tonight!

Chapter 115 Big Head Raises Accounts, Small Head Rules the Country [5k]

There were only five people left in the huge conference room.

Magna knocked on the table, drawing everyone else's attention.

"Vine, is there anything else you want to say? I guess you've said everything you need to say, right?"

"Doesn't the Duke want to know the benefits of joining the High Lords' Council?"

Maganna was about to say that it was none of her business, but suddenly she remembered what Ryan had said before, "take all the benefits", so she stopped talking.

Casradi suddenly spoke up, "The High Lords' Council will replace the Senate, which means it will become the empire's top political institution... Your Highness Venetian, isn't it inappropriate for you to allow Saint Lin Qi to join? Even if you trust the Janus Gate so much, you can't let them directly interfere in the empire's affairs, right?"

"That's why I bestowed the title of Honorary Lord upon Saint Lin Qi." 'Vene' explained with a smile, "An Honorary Lord doesn't have the right to directly participate in political affairs. She only needs to vote in meetings on specific occasions."

Even so, the power is already very great...Casradi feels that this is too dangerous. The power of the Janus Gate is so strong. If they are allowed to infiltrate the empire, the situation will only get worse.

Of course, she didn't know that this was Ryan's arrangement. There must be a reason why Lin Qi switched to Weine this time. This was not the intention of the Gate of Janus, but her personal intention, so she must produce some results in return.

With the identity of High Lord, no one would question Lin Qi's performance in her first battle as a saint.

Moreover, it would be convenient for Lin Qi to act on behalf of the Janus Gate in the future. After all, she was also an honorary lord, so there would be no problem even if she openly helped the Augustus Empire.

"What do you think, Saint?" asked 'Vine'.

"I have no opinion."

Lin Qi's expression was dull, and it was hard to tell what he was thinking.

Casradi said no more.

"In fact, the so-called High Lord is an existence that transcends the definition of ordinary lords and symbolizes the highest influence in the empire... Ah, Lord Ryan, the share belongs to Duke Maganna. With the Duke's influence, there is no problem at all."

When 'Vine' said this, Ryan found that Maganna's nose had become longer, and it was obvious that she was being manipulated.

By the way, was it true that the only thing that was affected when the Grand Duke became God's Chosen One was his height?

Bah, bah, bah... Ryan, how could you think that? Disrespectful to the Grand Duke!

Next, 'Weinei' spent nearly ten minutes explaining the value and significance of the High Lord's existence.

To put it simply, it is a division of responsibilities. Everyone is responsible for different areas of the empire. However, because the current membership composition is too special, there is no direct division of responsibilities for the time being. Only the title of lord is given.

As for future arrangements, Maganna will definitely be responsible for expanding the empire's territory, and after 'Charlie' returns, she will also be appointed as one of the high lords. In addition, Ryan will also rebuild the Inquisition and establish an armed force dedicated to special trials, which also needs to be controlled by the lord.

As for Casradi, her existence actually has a greater significance in balancing the situation in the empire and making the current High Lords Council legitimate. In simple terms, it is her identity that plays a role, and it has nothing to do with her ability.

Of course, considering Casradi's excellent extraordinary qualifications, she is likely to become a high-level magician like Hainuo in the future, so the empire needs to support her. As for the future, Ryan will consider giving Casradi a new title and strive to maximize the purity of the High Lords' Council.

After 'Weine' finished explaining, she collectively conferred titles on the members of the First and Second Legions of the Iron Blood Legion on them as compensation for the Western Territory's contributions to the empire over the years, and even gave Ryan, a commoner, the title of Earl, on the grounds of raising the status of the High Lords' Council.

Casradi was a little stressed when she heard this. The noble title that she had been begging for from her old father but failed to obtain was now obtained by "Vine" with just one word. A commoner was directly promoted to earl. This had never happened in the history of the Augustus Empire.

Maganna was also a little stressed. "Aren't you trying to poach me right in front of me?" But before she could lose her temper, she was silenced by 'Vene's' next words—the latter promised to cover all the food and fodder for the future battles between the Iron Blood Army and the Western Barbarians, not including weapons and equipment.

Now Maganna had to accept it.

The enthronement or something like that doesn't matter; the key is food and grass. The governance of the Western Territory is different from that of other places. Maganna is essentially the type who is kind to her own people but absolutely cruel to her enemies, so the tax revenue in the territory under her jurisdiction is the lowest in the entire empire.

The Iron Blood Army, which uses the lowest taxes to support the most formidable army, has never expanded, with only 50,000 men. It's because the pressure of expansion is too great.

If those people in Death Contract could not develop themselves in the jungle, she would not be able to support so many people.

Although taxation in the Western Territory had increased since the battle for the throne began, it was still difficult to maintain the Iron Blood Army. 'Weine's' move was exactly what the Grand Duke wanted, so much so that he even softened his tone of voice.

What does it mean to be soft-hearted when someone else is your friend?

In fact, in Ryan's opinion, the resources in the Western Territory are not bad, but they lack a decent economic drive. The Grand Duke is fully focused on military affairs and has never thought about developing the economy, so it is natural that he falls into this predicament.

However, he did not interfere with the operation of "Weinei". Facts have proved that AI is the big daddy. As long as he works hard to lie down, the small account will naturally lead the team.

What does it mean to use the big head to support the account and the small head to govern the country?

"...It seems everyone agrees. This Imperial Conference is officially over."

After saying that, 'Weine' left.

There were four people left in the meeting room.

Oh no, three of them, 'Lin Qi' also left.

"Lian, I'm glad you're still alive." Casradi stood up. "If there's time, we can sit down and have a cup of tea... and Lin Qi too."

"I'm sorry, Princess, I lied to you before."

"We all do our part. At least you did protect me in Berman City," Kasradi chuckled. "You chose Maganna in the end, which only proves she did a better job than I did."

You've given up the throne, but you still can't let go of this grudge?

"Your Highness the Princess is also very outstanding."

After all, she is the heroine of the main storyline of the game. Kasradi is actually not bad. It’s just that she needs the help of the protagonist, Yan Tuan, at the beginning, otherwise she will have to sit at the child’s table and can’t get up at all.

If Ryan had not been blackmailed by Adler in the beginning, he would have been more conservative and would have gone the route of Casradi. After all, he knew the man well and had a better chance of success.

"See you later, then."

Casradi nodded and left alone.

"That unfortunate Casradi has a pretty good attitude, but it doesn't look like Venetian has any intention of killing her." Magna crossed her arms. "And he even dragged her into the High Lords' Council. Isn't he afraid that his position will be threatened?"

Ryan spread his hands: "That's normal. She has status and influence but no real power. It's more important to win her over than to kill her."

What cost would it take to win over Casradi? Almost nothing, as she had no capital to resist. However, if she killed Casradi, the negative impact would be huge.

"Come to think of it..." Ryan hesitated for a moment, "Grand Duke, why do you trust me so much?"

Although Ryan considered himself a loyal subject, he could still tell that Maganna treated him better than others.

"Hmm? Trust you? Of course I trust you. I always trust people I employ. You are my new military advisor. If I don't trust you, who else can I trust?"

"That doesn't mean you're going to get engaged, does it? It wouldn't be good for your reputation, Grand Duke, to suddenly have a fiancé."

"That's because... because..." Magna thought about it, and suddenly felt lost. Yes, why? She didn't seem to think about it carefully at all, just thinking that it should be done that way.

In fact, most of the decisions Maganna makes are not carefully considered, but she often relies on instinct and intuition to always make the right decisions and get the right results, so Maganna has almost become accustomed to this way of behavior.

If she was really asked to think of a reason for this behavior, it would take her a while for the Duke to react.

Why believe it?

Because you trust the people you employ.

Why is he so new?

It seemed like I believed it unconsciously.

Because they were always very happy together, Ryan always seemed to be able to express what was in her mind, and she would have a feeling of "ah, this is what I want". Sometimes Maganna herself didn't even know how to express her thoughts, but Ryan could say it.

As for the engagement, it was actually a thoughtless decision... well, it's hard to go back on it now that it's said. Wouldn't that be too embarrassing? It's just an engagement after all, wasn't it agreed upon beforehand? I can just cancel it after I become emperor.

"...Anyway, anyway, this Grand Duke doesn't care about reputation. I just want to make my own decisions! Maybe... oh, maybe it's because Ryan, your ideas are always very similar to mine. Yeah, that's right." Maganna seemed to have discovered something. "You're the first one who gets along so well with me. Besides, you're brave and resourceful, which is a rare talent. If this Grand Duke doesn't trust you, who can I trust?"

"Ah this."

"Didn't I say that? I don't like betrayal. I like to trust. If someone is always suspicious of others, it means that person is not trustworthy. It's better not to trust them. If you trust someone, you shouldn't doubt them easily, right? How can anyone willingly follow someone who doubts others so easily?"

Ryan thought about it carefully and couldn't refute it.

In fact, most of the rumors about Maganna were about her bloody cruelty, and there was indeed no mention of her being suspicious by nature. Of course, those who would be suspected by her had long been scared away by the reputation of the Iron-Blooded Grand Duke.

The rest, such as McCoys and Iverson, are old loyal followers who have followed for many years.

Perhaps this is the personal charm of the Grand Duke?

"Okay, why think so much? Really." Magna patted Ryan's shoulder, acting like an old leader. "Anyway, keep working hard. Ryan, you've risked your life this time. This Grand Duke will naturally give you the honor you deserve. High Lord is nothing. When this Grand Duke becomes Emperor, I'll make you the Supreme Lord, second only to the emperor!"

"Ha... Grand Duke, I don't actually have any ambitions."

"That won't do. Be ambitious. If you don't have ambition, how can you help me become emperor?"

Magna jumped off the chair, strode out, and waved, "Let's go, Ryan, there's still a lot to do."

Ryan shrugged and said, "Okay, as long as you are happy, Grand Duke."

......

A high-level imperial meeting ended under the watchful eyes of all parties.

As expected, there was a purge of the nobility, and more than half of the powerful nobles were liquidated. This was not surprising. A new emperor appoints new ministers, and those nobles who followed the old emperor naturally could not continue to be reused.

Even Prince Odysseus is still alive purely because 'Vene' doesn't want to make too much noise all at once... Well, but in fact, the abolition of the Senate has already caused the biggest noise.

The Senate system that has been passed down for hundreds of years has come to an end. The strong rise of the High Lords Council means that the Augustus Empire has entered a new chapter, but the joining of Saint Janus is really worrying, and... why did someone else sneak in to the High Lords Council, Ryan?

Who?

Although the High Lords have no clear authority at present, one can tell how influential they are just by looking at the members inside. Even 'Vene' herself is in it. And what about Ryan, the Earl who got on the bus later and bought the ticket? It's hard to understand!

Ryan just wanted to make them confused.

If it weren't for Maganna's sudden flash of inspiration, he would have never planned to join the Council of High Lords. But it was not a big problem. After all his alt-accounts were raised, he could just abdicate. Anyway, the title of earl was enough for him to live a carefree life.

After the meeting, 'Vine' completely consolidated her position as the new emperor. Holman brought more than 30,000 imperial troops to pledge allegiance and strictly guarded Barron's first gate to the outside world. As for those nobles who were still waiting and watching, if they did not make a choice, Ryan would not mind purging them all.

At most, the vitality will be seriously damaged, which is better than leaving some bad apples that may rebel at any time. At this time, the word magic of "Weinei" will take effect, and those hidden treacherous ministers will be dug out one by one sooner or later.

With the old emperor's lesson, Ryan must be extra careful in digging out the traitor. Let's not talk about ability for now. In short, the empire needs loyalty. Are you loyal? If you are not loyal, you will be thrown into the Inquisition tomorrow!

Compared to these, the biggest threat at the moment is Karkat. He leads nearly 200,000 imperial troops and has no intention of returning to report. It is obvious that he has ulterior motives.

"It's a pity that Wei Nei's upgrades have been a bit slow recently, otherwise the hypnotic control effect would be even more powerful."

Because of the fight for the throne, 'Weine' hasn't been able to level up much recently and is still only level 35. 'Lin Qi' has successfully advanced to level 40. 'Ina' hasn't been able to level up much in the Iron Blood Legion. 'Xia Li' is as strong as ever and has reached level 44, leading the way.