In the Name of Empress-Chapter 454 - 310: The Ambiguous Answer (Part 3)

But when Alina presents the results of the divination, anyone who dares to doubt is questioning the fate she foresaw, even doubting the Divine Oracle of the God of Destiny.

Alina’s actions may be somewhat unreasonable, but they were hard pressed to respond.

The ministers exchanged glances, each showing a hint of helplessness.

Sweeping her gaze slowly across the hall, observing the ministers’ micro-expressions and comparing them to their earlier behaviors, Alina could easily discern what they were thinking.

She raised the Dark Gold Short Sword above her head, her voice growing increasingly solemn.

"A prophecy left by our sage says that in chaotic times, only women and outsiders can lead us on the right path."

"That person is Roland."

Even though they knew this was the result, the formal announcement still left many unable to conceal their disappointment.

The ministers looked up, eyes blank.

Alina was uninterested in what they thought, she held the Dark Gold Short Sword with both hands, signaling Roland to take the sword.

Under the watchful eyes of all present, Roland, in formal attire, strode steadily to the throne.

Before the seat of the former emperor, he approached Alina.

Roland was about to follow the feudal lord’s ritual, but was halted by Alina’s gaze.

"Roland, we in the Jin Yuan Kingdom have no emperor, there’s no need for that."

Since Alina did not insist, Roland certainly would not be pretentious.

He gave a slight bow to Alina and took the Dark Gold Short Sword with both hands, then turned to stand one step below Alina, standing together with her.

Alina’s voice suddenly rose, resonant and resonant.

"The Dark Gold Sword represents my will, it represents the highest authority of the state. From this moment on, Count Roland Leon is our new Prime Minister, and you must obey his orders as you respect mine."

"If anyone is unwilling to work with him, they may resign now. Anyone who disobeys orders after today will join Marco."

Alina’s attitude left the ministers a bit stunned.

They had considered Roland as Prime Minister, but did not expect his power to be this great.

Heh, that’s a woman for you, willing to hand the Dark Gold Sword to a foreigner just to elevate her lover.

Though they harbored countless grievances internally, the ministers dared not express them openly.

No wonder they were seasoned actors; the ministers quickly adjusted their mindsets, all showing smiles, congratulating Alina and Roland.

The appointment ceremony for the Prime Minister concluded in a harmonious atmosphere.

No voices of opposition, no rhetoric detrimental to unity.

Uninformed onlookers witnessing this scene would inevitably be struck by the unity of the Jin Yuan Government.

However, standing before the throne, Alina clearly saw through the ministers’ careful thoughts.

Just as a teacher stands at the podium, clearly seeing students’ small actions below.

Amid the applause, Roland naturally began his inaugural speech.

He made a generous speech, first introducing the long and splendid history of the Jin Yuan Kingdom, then reviewing the traditional friendship between the Sussex Empire and the Jin Yuan Kingdom.

Of course, the intermittent three hundred years of war between the two countries was glossed over with a historical pen.

"Although there have been brief unpleasantness between the two countries, overall relations have been improving, and now they are at the best level in nearly a thousand years."

"Since Miss Alina trusts me, I will naturally give my all for the freedom of the Jin Yuan Kingdom."

Freedom is ingrained in the bones of the Jin Yuan people, and hearing Roland from the Despot Empire stand on stage speaking of freedom, finally someone couldn’t hold back.

Chief Prosecutor Desmonds couldn’t help but stand out and question.

"Mr. Roland, there is something I’ve been holding back that I must say. If it offends you, I am willing to resign afterward."

"Mr. Desmonds, you are the Chief Prosecutor, and your duty is to oversee officials. That is your responsibility; how could it be an offense? Please speak freely."

The Chief Prosecutor only addressed him as Mr. Roland rather than Prime Minister, indicating he internally had not accepted Roland.

Of course, Roland understood this underlying meaning, but he didn’t mind.

Desmonds had served as Chief Prosecutor for more than a decade, holding a position in the legal world comparable to Alben of the Sussex Empire.

However, he was a man of integrity, with a character far superior to Alben.

The prosecutor’s students and subordinates were scattered throughout the Jin Yuan Kingdom’s legal system. Without his recognition, one would be rejected by the entire legal and prosecutorial system.

People are different.

Desmonds was someone Roland planned to win over, so naturally, his attitude was amiable.

Seeing Roland’s calm demeanor, Desmonds couldn’t be overly aggressive, so he coughed softly and asked:

"Mr. Roland, in your heart, do you consider yourself Sussex or Jin Yuan?"

This statement threw the entire hall into silence, quiet enough to hear a pin drop.

Alina narrowed her eyes, a bit dissatisfied.

Old guy looking for trouble, is this a question to be asked in public?

She was just about to step forward on Roland’s behalf when Roland stopped her with a sidelong glance.

Roland smiled at Desmonds, observing his reaction.

This question was good, very pointed; if unprepared, he would likely be sweating profusely.

Fortunately, Roland was well-prepared.

He wanted to see Desmonds’ expression.

Even if the old prosecutor had a hint of ill intent, it would not escape Roland’s careful observation.

Yet there was none.

Desmonds looked steadily into Roland’s eyes, his gaze calm and unwavering.

This was his bottom line.

He could accept a foreigner as Prime Minister, after all, there was the prophecy known to the entire nation; he couldn’t find a reason to oppose it.

But the premise of accepting a foreigner as Prime Minister is that the foreigner is willing to keep Jin Yuan in his heart, rather than treating it as a stepping stone or tool.

He questioned with righteous dignity, completely selfless, and even if Alina refuted him, he would not back down.

Desmonds’ question resonated with the Cabinet Ministers.

They did not aggressively voice their questioning in unison but still expressed their stance through their gaze.

They needed an explanation; the Jin Yuan people needed an attitude.

If Roland evaded with diplomatic language and official rhetoric, revealing his true thoughts, they would have grounds to oppose him.

"This would harm national interests; we cannot accept a foreigner with ulterior motives."

Roland had to respond directly, giving a satisfactory answer, or he would lose the Cabinet’s support, becoming a lame Prime Minister, unable to accomplish anything.

Seeing Alina’s anxious gaze in the corner of his eye, Roland comforted her with a reassuring look that said, "Trust me to handle it."

Quite honestly, this was a trick question.

If Roland candidly stated that in his heart, Sussex holds a higher status than Jin Yuan, it would be the truth, but the Cabinet would have ample reason to oppose him.

Evading would lead to the same result.

If he said Jin Yuan holds a higher status than Sussex in his heart, regardless of the truth, if this reached the Sussex Empire, what would Empress Sylph think?

In short, it was a trap on either side.

If Roland were a local, he would likely be sweating profusely, but he wasn’t.

This question had a diplomatically clever standard answer.

"In Jin Yuan, I am a Jin Yuan person; in Sussex, I am a Sussex person."

Roland’s expression was calm, his response resounding and assured.