Chapter 978 (2/2)

Thereafter, the situation developed toward a direction the parliament members hated. In just a night of discussion with the soldiers’ representative, Lilian decided to hand out compensations to them. Not only that, but the families of the deceased in battle would also receive their rightful pensions. As for everything that happened in the plaza, she didn’t think that it was an act of riot, so she didn’t punish anyone. Of course, even though the guards were only there to maintain order, she was displeased and in disbelief that they actually attacked a group of ill and disabled people. Although the soldiers received meticulous care from the Battle Angels, Lilian couldn’t care less about the guards who had suffered worse. She handed the entire problem to the parliament instead.

The news of this protest in Freedom Square spread throughout the continent.

Many people were bewildered after hearing the news. Even though the parliament was prepared for this and claimed that someone attempted to cause chaos and overthrow the government by sneaking into the group of soldiers, Lilian’s actions were honestly a tight slap to their face. In fact, the soldiers left peacefully after having their requests fulfilled and this denied the credibility of the parliament’s claim. Besides, the ghastly bloodstains and corpses on Freedom Square were more than enough as proof. It was due to this reason that people accused the parliament and even the churches expressed their dissatisfaction. Standing from the church’s standpoint, the parliament was obviously trying to murder the innocent after going back on their words. If it weren’t for the fact that the church and parliament didn’t sign an agreement, the church would have frozen their finances. The city guards were also greatly resentful toward the parliament. They were unjustly ridiculed for the decision by their direct superiors. Not only that, but the parliament also attempted to push the blame to them, claiming that it was their decision to attack the soldiers.

It was nearly impossible for the guards to suffer in silence after being used as scapegoats and losing so many of their men.

The parliament couldn’t lift their heads proudly to the accusations from all over the continent. People also discovered that there were some changes to the situation in the Country of Light.

In comparison to the parliament, Lilian received praises and acknowledgment by the people for her benevolent actions. Even though some people thought that this was part of her conspiracy, those who were familiar with the Country of Light’s political ecology basically knew that she was simply a mascot. But they didn’t expect her to become an overnight celebrity. This incident completely displayed her capability in politics. Whether it was the release of relief funds or handling of the aftermath, she did pretty well. Although she wasn’t as experienced as a politician and often acted in a fit of pique, this made her rather adorable to the people who understood politics. Because if she was a sophisticated politician, she could have seized the opportunity to rope in the guards from the parliament’s hands and not left them alone. Although she was naive from a political standpoint, she was seen as a genuine person.

Of course, the military praised Lilian highly. As for the retired soldiers, they respected her the most.

Sure, the parliament wouldn’t resign to their fate just yet. They announced to the people about the incident and of course, their version of the story retold how Lilian ‘ignored’ the rules and overruled the proposal passed by the parliament and handled the matter in her own selfish ways. Even though the results were wonderful, it was extremely dangerous of her to neglect public opinions! They advised the people to open their eyes wide and not fall into this ‘trap of the dictator’.

But no matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t hide the truth. Besides, there were so many retired soldiers that it was basically impossible to seal their mouths. Therefore, there were no responses to their call for them to be wary of the dictator. Even though most people didn’t have a favorable impression on Lilian, a small group of them in the Country of Light started to support her. After all, no matter how nicely the parliament worded their statements, it was unforgivable for them to attack the soldiers who protected their country. Moreover, many people were displeased with the parliament, to begin with, because the parliament always sided the five largest financial groups and didn’t provide support to the civilians. In the past, people were afraid of being seen as ‘supporting a dictator’ and for that they remained silent. But after this incident, they showed a clear-cut stand to oppose the parliament and support Lilian. Not only that, but the military also expressed a high level of support to her.

The wind seemed to be blowing in a different direction..

And all the news arrived at Rhode’s ears in the Enchanted Forest.

“Seems like Lilian did great.”

Rhode nodded in satisfaction. In fact, what surprised him was that the two archangels were so obedient of her orders. Could it be that they came to a realization? Or there were some other reasons behind it? But… this wasn’t a problem for him to be worried about.

“Canary, how’s the situation with the Mage Tower?”

“According to Richard, they’ll be heading into the Deepest Labyrinth tomorrow.”

Rhode folded the report in his hands and put it away in his pocket. He looked at the night sky with narrowed eyes.

“Alright then, we shall see what exactly they are up to.”