Start of the Senate Meeting [2]

Cedric looked over the Infidel nobility, most of whom stared at Aurelia with disdain and dislike.

It disgusted him, despite Christianity finally sprouting in this world, they would still stand against The First Star.

These infidels would finally reveal if they are worth saving.

His patience had run out the moment Avaros attacked Aurelia; the actions of the late king burned away any leniency or patience that would be shown to Infidels.

He stood guard, gaze of nobility of no importance as he scanned each individual with God's Eye.

Most of them were of no importance, however, there was a single individual who caught his eye.

<>

<> 

<>

<>

<>

This man only had a single sin, that of greed.

And in addition, Jole was the only noble who did not have Chrunus listed as patron; It was something that Cedric took a mental note of before turning towards Aurelia.

The Princess was visibly nervous, as shown by her fidgeting.

She leaned forward on the podium.

She stood like that for a moment before finally speaking, "I greet you, Great Noble Houses."

She took a deep breath before continuing.

"As you might have heard from some members currently present, "She turned to Milan, who looked at her with a satisfied smirk, "My father... King Avaros and Prince Ayano have died."

Murmurs erupted, filling the hall.

"I understand you do not believe that a woman should sit on the throne. However, there was no other way." She sighed.

"Of course we do not! You are an usurper!"

Lav shouted, his voice attracting the attention of both Raguel and Cedric.

Despite everything, they still believed themselves to have the right to anything but absolute obedience.

Aurelia looked to Raguel, then Cedric, and quickly continued, "You have all been given a notice... "

However, she was interrupted by Milan, "You mean the threat that the woman next to you made!" He historically shouted while pointing at Raguel.

"Do you see my fellows?! This pretender thinks she, a mere woman, can just waltz in and take the throne! Despite knowing fully well that women have no place in a ruling position!"

Aurelia panicked; these fools were digging their graves with every word they spoke. Both Raguel and her beloved Cedric wouldn't hesitate to end them.

She had to take control before everyone was slaughtered.

"Silence!" She shouted, her own [Divine Charm] activating, freezing all gathered nobility in place.

They were helpless to resist, as noted by their worried expressions.

"Tell me, why do you oppose having a queen so much?" She spoke with authority and power unbecoming of a timid girl, she was just a couple of weeks back.

[Divine Charm] fell, allowing nobles to sigh in relief.

And yet instead of taking a hint, Milan was the one who spoke first, "Do you see that! She is a tyrant. We must not let a woman take a throne." His fists clenched while he gritted his teeth.

Cedric couldn't help but raise a brow at this man's antics.

While others were still trembling from Aurelia's [Divine Charm], of which he was truly proud.

This man definitely stood against her.

'Does he not have a survival instinct?' Cedric crossed his arms.

These people would, for the most part, defy the First Star.

Nobility had been given a warning, now it was up to them to cast their votes... and seal their destiny.

Aurelia took a step back from the podium. "Who here is willing to follow me as the new queen?!"

One hand was raised. "House Topaz supports Queen Aurelia!" Jole shouted.

Secondhand was raised. "House Ruby supports Queen Aurelia!" Volt shouted, his voice cracking under fear.

Unlike Jole, who accepted Aurelia as the queen even before her little display, Volt was one capable of thinking about self-preservation.

'System be damned! At least I get to keep my head...' Volt sighed.

Cedric nodded. This was going well.

Nobility was necessary to run a large kingdom like Valar, and so every house that bent the knee would reduce the number of Angels necessary to fulfill their duties.

Milan stared daggers at the two dukes, he did not expect them to support a usurper.

"What about others! Will you be intimidated by a mere woman?!" 

Cedric shook his head, This man was hopeless. Once others made their stance known, he would be the first one to be purged.

"You should step down and face the executioner's blade for the crime of regicide!" He threw an accusation, trying to rile up other nobles. 

Why was Milan so forward?

Aurelia's body shook; she was nervous.

Not for her own safety, her eyes wandered to Cedric and then Raguel.

Unfortunately, his words were able to convince some.

"House Diamond is opposed! We will not support a female ruler!" Duke Laz shouted.

"House Jade is opposed!" Duke Ramiz cast his vote.

The vote was leaning towards a negative outcome.

It was a disaster.

"House Emerald supports Queen Aurelia!" Duke Jarn smirked as he looked towards Milan, clearly intending to annoy the duke.

"House Opal opposes Aurelia! Only male heirs are eligible to sit on the throne!" Duke Lav cast his vote.

4 opposing houses and 3 supporting votes were cast.

"House Malachite opposes Aurelia!"

"House Jasper opposes Aurelia!"

6 votes opposed her.

6 dead houses, Aurelia wanted to cry.

"House Quartz opposes Aurelia!"

All 10 houses cast their votes.

Houses Sapphire, Diamond, Jade, Opal, Malachite, Jasper, and Quartz opposed her rule while houses Emerald, Ruby, and Topaz supported her.

Those who supported her looked worried; they voted against the majority, and so they may be punished by the next heir.

Jole looked towards Raguel, who still stood silently. He was sure that Raguel had something in mind.

"House Ruby rescinds its vote! We oppose Aurelia!" Volt changed his track, a coward as he always was.

Aurelia sighed. It was over.

They were all as good as dead.

"Jole, Jarn. It is not too late to change your votes! Do not be intimidated by a mere pretender."

"No, House Topaz stands Firm."

"I am with Duke Jole. Emerald supports Queen Aurelia."

Milan clicked his tongue, "A shame! However, it is decided Aurelia is unfit!"

He then turned to the two opposing houses, "You two are traitors! Paladins execute them!"

As he shouted, a mass of footsteps echoed from outside, piquing Cedric's attention.

'Did this fool really drag Paladins of Chrunus...' Cedric almost facepalmed. This was a beyond foolish move.

Alas, he had given them a chance, a chance that only 2 were smart enough to accept.

In a moment, A group of Paladins burst through the door.

"In the name of Chrunus, Heretic Aurelia is to be brought as a sacrifice to Chrunus!" A larger Paladin shouted.

'They dare... THEY DARE?!' He would not allow this to stand, they will be sent to hell.

His hand gripped Equilibrium's handle.

These so-called Paladins will know God's Wrath.