Chapter 1181 - 187: Arrogant Councilmen and the Suffering Tower of the First Cavalry Legion (Part 2)

Chapter 1181: Chapter 187: Arrogant Councilmen and the Suffering Tower of the First Cavalry Legion (Part 2)

No matter how strong he is, he is merely an unruly "local tyrant" at the edge of the Empire’s power map, a figure to be wary of, used, tamed, or eliminated if necessary, but never a peer to the nobles who bask in the Empire’s glory and represent "true civilization."

Lady Bayonetta took it all in, her radiant smile unyielding. She knew these senators all too well; they were like peacocks perched in gilded cages, forever craning their necks to flaunt their luxurious tail feathers and ancient lineage as symbols of their nobility, blind to the fierce tiger outside with claws capable of shredding everything. Su Li’s "crudeness" and "defiance" directly trampled their hypocrisy and arrogance, stirring a twisted delight within her.

Su Li himself seemed utterly unaware of the fearful and disdainful gazes cast upon him. He casually picked up the pure silver dining knife before him, and though his movements were not particularly graceful, they carried a natural fluidity and precise force honed through countless battles. He sliced a tender, juicy piece of roast fowl, placed it in his mouth, and savored it slowly, as if tasting the "flavor" of Marle Castle.

His gaze calmly swept over the senators speaking in hushed tones, their faces showing disdain, even curving his lips into a faint, playful smile. That look was not the gaze of someone looking at high-standing nobles, but rather as if appreciating a flock of birds preening their feathers before a predator, with a nearly pitying... interest.

This complete and indifferent disregard carried a greater impact than any furious retaliation. It silently declared: Your arrogance, your lineage, your pride in "civilization," in the face of the absolute power I possess, capable of crushing your entire senate, are merely bubbles ready to burst, decorative pieces at a banquet table with no real sustenance.

To Su Li, all of this seemed almost laughable, as nobles from the Old World carried ingrained arrogance, still harboring contempt and disdain for the powerful new Lord, considering him uncultured.

It was the Empire’s unique style, indeed, but none of this mattered to Su Li, a young man born under the red flag. He genuinely did not feel inferior due to a lack of etiquette or noble status. On the contrary, his power was his greatest support; the Hesse Territory’s formidable strength allowed him to overlook all others!

Especially as his power and status increased, every time he arrived in Marle Castle, the city’s character presented itself entirely anew to him.

The first time he arrived at Marle Castle, there was no doubt that he had an attitude of admiration. His status was insignificant at that time, and he saw Marle Castle’s grandeur, the sternness of its guards, the entire castle looming like an immovable giant over him; he could only gaze up and marvel at the city’s wealth. Lady Bayonetta was an existence he could only covet in his heart, even to catch a glimpse of her was a luxury and wild fantasy.

The second time he arrived in Marle Castle, it was like seeing flowers in the mist. At that time, he could touch some of Marle Castle’s elite, but clearly could not see the whole picture. So what he saw was shocking corruption, and an overwhelming abundance of wealth, resources, and powerful buildings.

And as he arrived in Marle Castle for the third time, he was able to view the city at eye-level, clearly seeing the intense struggles hidden beneath its calm surface!

That’s why this time he came to establish authority; he didn’t demand all the officials and senators to accept him, but as long as some could adapt in advance, then when he came to this city for the fourth time, he would be able to overlook everything and rule over it!

Regarding the few senators’ mockery, Su Li casually put down his cutlery, gracefully wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"Govern the territory?" Su Li’s voice wasn’t loud, yet it clearly overwhelmed all the whispers in the banquet hall, "I only know that armor that can keep soldiers alive on the battlefield is good armor. A place where farmers in the territory can eat well, artisans have work, and merchants can earn safely, is worthy of discussing ’welfare’."

"As for how Marle Castle will be governed in the future... It depends on whose it becomes, and... what kind of rules it needs to ensure its welfare. But as I currently see, the existence of the senate seems rather redundant."

"A faction usually only needs one voice, don’t you agree, Lady Bayonetta?"

Bayonetta’s smile was as radiant as sunlight, and she immediately said, "Lord Su Li is absolutely right! For example, when our City Lord’s Mansion receives the Hesse Territory, we really don’t need the senate’s opinions."

"So many senators here can’t reach a consensus; what can you even discuss here? You might as well go back, think through your interests and demands, and come again tomorrow!"

That was an unmistakable ultimatum to leave!

Vigo Malcolm snorted coldly and, after the guards entered the hall, turned his back to Lady Bayonetta and said coldly, "Mighty dragon cannot suppress local snakes. The lady wants to pick chestnuts from the fire, but beware not to set herself ablaze in the end!"

With that, he turned and left, followed by numerous senators rising and falling in behind him.

After leaving the room, Senator Finn, clustered around him, couldn’t wait to say, "Honorable Speaker, is this matter to be settled just like that? What about the face we’ve lost?"