In the Name of Empress-Chapter 453 - 310: The Ambiguous Answer (Part 2)

Roland had just taken office and promptly replaced many Cabinet Ministers, causing widespread unease.

Without these people’s support, not to mention the reform plans, even the daily tasks would be difficult to manage.

New officials should not rush to make changes immediately; instead, they should observe more and maintain an aloof attitude.

"Let’s go, it’s time to take office."

Roland put away the telescope and casually threw the list into the fireplace, turning it into ashes.

Alina hurried to keep up, walking alongside him.

The carriage had been waiting outside for a long time; it was indeed time to set off.

When their carriage entered the Civil Affairs Bureau, the Cabinet Ministers recognized the emblem on the side and promptly lined up to welcome them.

Pale purple background, iris pattern, crossed sword and shield, representing Alina’s family.

This was an emblem no one dared to impersonate.

The curtain lifted, and surprisingly, the first to step out wasn’t Alina, but Roland.

Roland’s appearance left most of those present bewildered.

Just as they speculated about what identity Roland appeared in, he lifted the curtain again.

Alina stepped lightly onto the ground in her military dress uniform and exquisite deer skin combat boots.

Her slender, delicate hand rested on Roland’s palm as she elegantly stood on the ground, her smile amiable and bright.

Ordinary people would secretly applaud her heroic demeanor, but the ministers’ faces subtly changed.

They weren’t foolish, and linking it to recent rumors, they instantly smelled a conspiracy.

Could it be...

A terrifying thought surged in their minds.

Alina cast a hint of approval towards Romeo, who stood at the back of the line.

Though Romeo’s political ability was mediocre and he lacked foresight, his execution ability and loyalty were unquestionable.

He completed the fish bombing task well.

"Your Excellency the Liberator, it’s been a long time since you visited the Civil Affairs Bureau. It’s great to have you here," the Minister of Internal Affairs laughed heartily.

Unfortunately for him, Alina had clearly noticed his earlier gloating expression towards Romeo.

Alina’s assessment of him was simple.

Disloyal, dishonest, inconsistent inside and out, deceives superiors and subordinates, insidious and cunning, a classic double-dealer.

He can serve as a transitional figure for now, but he should not be heavily employed.

In the past, Alina might have struggled to hide her aversion, but the trial she went through had long made her more than the naive girl she once was.

She greeted the Minister of Internal Affairs with a smile, greeting each minister, and her gentle smile made everyone feel like a breath of spring breeze.

The ministers surrounded her and Roland as they headed towards the Civil Affairs Bureau office building.

Alina did not introduce Roland, nor did the ministers ask tactfully.

If the leader brings someone over without introducing them, even if they are familiar, one shouldn’t go up and greet them.

Random greetings would disrupt the leader’s arrangements, akin to flattering oneself in the wrong way.

The officials present had all survived the terrifying rule of Marco, and some were seasoned veterans from the Old Empire through Carlo, Marco, and Alina’s four dynasties.

They were well aware of such matters.

Seeing their proficient actions and expressions, Alina said nothing and quietly pondered to herself.

She didn’t like these professional politicians.

The marks of the old era were too deeply embedded in them, and most of their energy was spent on figuring out their superiors’ intentions and seeking advancement.

Though it was typical of officials in this era, it was an extraordinary time now, and she had no use for such slick old politicians.

With a side-glance at Roland’s composed profile, Alina’s heart inexplicably raced a bit faster.

This was her first time observing Roland from this angle closely.

A man focused on his work indeed looked handsome.

Thinking of the gossip she personally penned to steer the narrative, her cheeks slightly reddened.

The officials present must already know she was Roland’s "lover," right?

This way, she didn’t need to bother explaining why she wanted Roland to be the Prime Minister.

Some might criticize, but it didn’t matter.

Who would dare oppose?

Just because the guillotine is put away doesn’t mean the death penalty is abolished.

Reform always demands blood; should they spill their own instead of cutting away the decaying old forces?

Amidst the crowd’s embrace, Alina nonchalantly placed her slightly damp hand into Roland’s and strode into the governmental hall.

Anyone who wasn’t blind could see that Alina and Roland had an unusual relationship.

Not a single affair, but countless ones.

The ministers finally caught on, vaguely guessing the Prime Minister candidate.

Some were astonished, some lamented, and others accepted reality, preparing to foster good relations with Alina’s lover, the future Prime Minister.

Some even had wild ideas.

Such a major matter, shouldn’t Empress Sylph be informed?

Some secretly calculated how to be the good person in this situation.

In the midst of ministers with hidden motives, Alina ascended the throne one step at a time and turned to gaze at the Cabinet Ministers.

At that moment, the ministers also saw the weapon she held in her other hand.

The Dark Gold Short Sword, symbolizing supreme power.

Alina raised the short sword, her voice solemn and majestic.

"The national institutions cannot be without a helmsman. Recently, Mr. Romeo was temporarily acting as Prime Minister, and he did a great job, but he has repeatedly confided in me, saying he cannot fulfill the role."

"I cannot force him, so I’ve been searching for a suitable candidate during this time."

"At Mont Blanc, I peered into the flow of the river of fate and saw the flourishing future of our country and the captain leading us to a new course."

The corners of the ministers’ mouths twitched subtly, their expressions complex.

If Alina directly appointed Roland as Prime Minister, they would at least have reasons to persuade against it.

Roland’s identity and position alone were enough to warrant questioning.