Ethan was noncommittal.
Palansi was indeed raising an issue that the new cabinet had been discussing recently.
After the unrest in the imperial capital, the Lofic Consortium moved out of the capital. Their strategy differed from that of Pope Julius; they actively responded to a series of initiatives proposed by the new cabinet but were deceitful in their actions.
Regarding the Lofic Consortium, the cabinet had many differing opinions.
If the Life Church was once the ideological seal of the Empire, then the consortium was equivalent to the Empire’s treasury. Enterprises represented by the Imperial Reserve and Imperial Military Industry controlled the lifeline of the Empire’s development, and according to Ethan’s understanding, Henry VI had not nationalized these vital industries, leading to the current situation.
For this reason, the new cabinet had several disputes not long ago.
The faction advocating iron policy believed they should take tough measures against the Lofic Consortium, but it was pointed out that this would only exacerbate conflicts without bringing any substantial benefits.
For many years, the Lofic Consortium had secretly transferred accumulated assets to areas like Fireplace Bay, which are not subject to the Empire’s legal control. Even if Flor the Tycoon was executed, they could not reclaim these assets back into the treasury. What troubled the cabinet members even more was Flor’s recent disappearance, which the Judicial Court couldn’t locate.
This old cunning capitalist seemed to have prepared thoroughly to tear apart face with the Empire.
Cabinet members were busy formulating various policies to restrain the Lofic Consortium daily, readying themselves for a prolonged battle. The gambit had already begun, but they were unsure whether workers in those factories could wait that long.
Now there had been public grievances, claiming the Lofic Consortium betrayed the "Great Plan," and were leeches on the Empire.
Palansi observed Ethan’s increasingly heavy expression and continued, "Someone always needs to handle issues the cabinet isn’t convenient to address."
Fear and killing aren’t advocated means by the Empire, but at some crucial moments, someone must bear these responsibilities. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel fire.net
This is what the Divine Attendants observed during the process of civilization evolution.
Palansi had seen many merciful kings, beloved by the people, but bound by good reputation, unable to make decisive and even bordering on ruthless decisions at necessary times. He felt the "Great Plan" proposed by the new cabinet was like the sun illuminating the Empire, but in that dark shadow, there should exist another distinct organization.
"If you want this towering tree to grow strong, besides the nutrients provided by the sun, it also needs roots deeply buried beneath the soil... Divine Attendants assume this role."
If mercy cannot achieve the goal, replace it with fear.
Palansi was determined to return to this country, as this was the change they could bring to the Empire.
Just as the new cabinet feared, killing Flor the Tycoon was meaningless. Soon, a new power holder would replace him, but Flor still needed manpower to sustain the consortium’s daily operations. As long as they were human, they would have weaknesses and feel fear, which could be exploited as weapons by them.
"I think Lord Palansi’s argument makes sense."
Pian took the lead in expressing her stance.
This was not due to worship; during Ethan and others’ months-long departure to Ophira, the Chief Judge of the new Judicial Court had approached her several times, lamenting, "He suspects the Lofic Consortium is secretly colluding with Imperial Military Industry and Sincaro’s followers. Many of his dispatched subordinates have vanished, and he hopes I can spare the time to train their combat capabilities."
Honestly, this was difficult to achieve.
Even with intensive training in the short term, they were still likely not to overcome those Evil God’s Followers who took pleasure in killing. She also learned from Rowena that organizations like Dream Eclipse alone had many Tier Four Believers, and even suspected there were Saints who believed in the Evil God within the Elder Council.
It was a world they did not know.
Pian added, "With Rowena’s knowledge of the Dream Eclipse and Evil God’s Followers, she is entirely qualified to be the first chief of this organization."
"On this point, we’ve already discussed an outcome at our gathering."
Palansi immediately picked up this topic, "Kadela is already dead. We’ve agreed on a new title for Miss Rowena, after all, original names are typically not used in such organizations."
Pian leaned on her hand with interest. Until the defection, Rowena hadn’t obtained a title granted by the Empire’s royal family. She had complained more than once that even a character like Silver Fox had a title.
For a moment, the mansion was silent.
Even Ethan couldn’t help but show respect for Rowena.
Only Rowena felt a bit bashful, a blush appearing on her face, "Because she provided the phone, the Divine Attendants are very interested in phone technology."
Pian had some personal connections with the current Chief Judge, and she felt the urgency of the situation, so she went alone to organize a small meeting attended by the Queen and the Chief Judge.
She just so happened to encounter Ave, who’s "recovered and returned," when leaving.
Ave looked in good spirits, but compared to when they last met, her eyes had become noticeably weary, as if transitioning from a young girl to an adult.
Yes, she had experienced the brutality of royal conflict, and her presence here was built upon the sacrifices of others.
Her hands were stained with blood.