Chapter 40: Revolutionary Period - National Assembly (3)

Chapter 40: Revolutionary Period - National Assembly (3)

Translated by Mara Sov

Revolutionary Period National Assembly (3)

After leaving Eris to handle the locals, I rushed back to the Capital.

This is not something I can solve by the books.

Since the Republic is preparing for a war against the other nations, theres no way they would relinquish control over their provinces.

Furthermore, it could be disastrous for the Republic to openly admit their fault in this matter when opposing King Louis.

So, the best course of action would be to have a discussion.

With this in mind, I went to meet with Maximillien Le Jidor as soon as I returned to the Capital.

His office was incredibly sparse.

He had nothing but a desk, a chair, some piles of documents, and a lot of books piled on top of each other.

In such a sparse office, the gaunt man fixed his glasses as he offered me a cup of tea.

I didnt expect this sudden meeting, Marquis.

The feeling is mutual.

I tasted the tea offered to me and subtly set it down, while Jidor glanced at the cup as he read through the documents I gave him.

It seems the tea wasnt to your liking, Marquis.

Its rather bitter.

I have neither a luxurious blend nor that soul-corrupting sugar.

Of course, he doesnt. Among the members of the Assembly, hes probably the only one who truly lives a life no different from the common folk.

Jidor proceeded to read the documents with a serious face, then he fixed his glasses once more before saying.

You think this was a mistake on the Republics part, Marquis?

From the combined reports of our officials and the afflicted party, its clear that this was a mistake committed by the Republic.

The Republic soldiers executed the peasants, and in retaliation to this, the officers were attacked.

Jidors lips were pressed into a thin line.

After a long silence, his only answer to this was his denial.

None of this would have happened if they hadnt risen against the Republics policies.

You think a backlash wouldnt occur by imposing policies that dont match their reality?

They are the ones still living under the order built by the oppression of a corrupt system. Although I acknowledge that they can feel victimized, this is a necessary sacrifice, and through it, democracy will root itself in this nation and only then a true reform will happen.

You believe that your goals are so righteous that the sacrifices made to achieve them are necessary?

For the sake of the many, we must be prepared to let go of the few, as heartbreaking it might be.

Even the wisest man can make mistakes. Youve only been in power for a couple of years, and yet, youre certain of your judgment? Think of how many of your comrades became corrupt and the atrocities they have committed while intoxicated by the power they now wielded.

As a member of the National Assembly, I can assure you that I have never worked for this country for my own benefit. The Republic must be morally impeccable, and even if its not, I will make it so. If we slow the pace of our progress out of pity for these minorities, the Republic weve built with blood, sweat, and tears will crumble like a sandcastle.

His words were hollow. Since the first day he took control of the government, various reforms have happened.

Jidor is also pushing for the introduction of universal suffrage, a system that guarantees voting rights to adults regardless of their wealth or social status. Another reform is the abolishment of slavery so that the citizens of Francia cant be sold ever again, and lastly, he is also introducing several anti-corruption policies.

In all of those reforms, theres not a single hint of him trying to further his own goals, and although he is the de facto Leader of the Assembly, his official status is just as one of its members, without any additional power.

The reason for his self-righteous belief stems from his own irreproachable conduct.

Very well then. I can see that you wont compromise on this, nor will you admit to the Republics mistakes. However, we both know that some bourgeois have seized several assets in that region to line their own pockets. It shouldnt be a problem if we punish those greedy individuals and seize their assets, right?

Indeed. We cannot forgive any sort of corruption.

Then it would also be possible to compensate the citizens of the Republic who were harmed by these corrupt bourgeois, not as a form of an apology for the Republics faults, but as a recompense for their endurance.

Jidor adjusted his glasses as he glared at me.

Well put this matter on the agenda.

One more thing. Isnt this enough already? If you continue with this religious persecution, you wont unite the Republic, but shatter it.

Isnt it our duty to guide the people away from these irrational beliefs stemming from the outdated and corrupt Theocracy?

Im not advocating for the good of the Theocracy. But the people have found their peace in the faith for a long time now, I suggest we give them the freedom to choose what they should believe in.

Even if the clergy are corrupt and decadent individuals, whispering sweet lies to the people just to maintain their position?

Those clergy who failed to uphold their duty have already been killed by the Revolution. Perhaps you have killed even those who truly lived for their cause.

The clergy who survived that storm are those who either deserve the respect and reverence of the people, or at the very least, who are willing to follow the Republics laws.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Jidor finished his now cold tea before his cold eyes were locked with mine.

Why would you go to such lengths for them, given your aristocratic origins?

My driving motive had been to uphold my part of the deal with the Theocracy. Since I had promised to at least make an effort to propose the cessation of religious persecution.

However, as soon as I arrived I felt nothing but a terrible disconnect between the ideals the Republic preached, and the reality the people lived.

I didnt choose the Republic over the Monarchy because I believed your cause was just. I choose it because, unlike the old regime, the Republic has the potential to become something beautiful.

Jidors eyes were cold, not a single shed of emotion was to be found.

Punishing the evil-doers while appeasing the local population with financial help. And if we manage to stop the religious persecution, we might be able to control the situation.

Capturing the hearts of the people has always been Eriss forte, her status as a Saint can also play a significant role in dealing with religious uprisings.

The problem is that Republican blood has been shed. If we only punish the corrupt officers and bourgeois in the government, the citizens wont be satisfied. Sometimes humans can be quite foolish in their sentimentalism.

Yes, thats correct, Christine. Thats why well pin the blame on Count Lionel.

Lionel.

We were allies during the Civil War. I even saved some of his villages from raiders, and they helped us against that pig of Lorenne.

I understand their position, and their reasons for not sympathizing with us, who joined the Republic because they couldnt abandon their attachments to the old regime.

But,

They could have started another rebellion, one that would soak this land in blood once more. And because of their nobility, we could give our opposition a motive to strike at us, should we let them be for long. And besides, they will without a doubt become a threat later on.

Thats why I must declare them as enemies of the Estate and deal with them. Because of this, I cant fight a war against the invaders.

Christine looked at me for a few moments before opening her mouth.

Is this a cruel joke? We, the nobles who sided with the Republic, are going to fight a noble house that offered assistance to the common people.

Desperate times require desperate solutionsThis is something we will have to deal with from now on.

As expected, Maximilien Le Jidor publicly denounced the bourgeois who had fattened themselves on the properties seized from the churches, confiscating their wealth and exposing the atrocities committed by the officers in the local area.

With this, we brought forth families of the local victims and made them appeal their tales before the citizens, spreading rumors about the local circumstances that were different from those at the Capital.

Despite this, when we disclosed that the local residents rejected the offer of support for an uprising by Count Lionel and sought a compromise with the Republic, the public opinion was greatly shaken.

In the main square, various opinions clashed.

How much blood has been shed due to the Revolution? We already have a clear enemy in the form of King Louis and the invaders, how much longer must the sons and daughters of Francia spill their own blood? We must show some leniency now! They are not our enemies but wayward brothers and comrades who will join us in these trying times!

Leniency you say? Thats nothing more than cowardice festering our Revolution!

Go ahead then, keep preaching that leniency of yours and you will see a military dictatorship taking control of the Republic! And our so-called leaders are subverting the peoples voice!

As always, the radicals had the majority of support from both the Assembly and the citizens.

Those who were desperately looking for someone to blame for their hunger and hardships have become somewhat comfortable thanks to the charity efforts of the Aquitaine trading company and were growing weary of the dangerous climate of the Capital.

The citizens were quick to blame the locals when the investigations began, but now they couldnt find a reason to call for the deaths of those people when the ones guilty of this situation were corrupt officials.

Besides, we also gave them a clear target for their misplaced resentment: A noble who incited the common men to revolt.

The change in public opinion didnt occur at once, but it slowly and surely spread throughout the city as the radicals lost their sway over the people.

Once the scales tipped, Christines lobbying efforts also began to bear fruit.

Finally, on the day of the vote.

248 votes in favor, 223 votes against, and 29 abstentions

In the now silent Assembly, the spokesmans voice echoed.

The bill to lift the religious persecution and the compensation of the local residents has been passed.

What, what did you say? Impossible!

Theres a traitor among us!

This vote is invalid, our faction has the majority, how could this happen?! I demand a revote!

Amidst the chaos within the Assembly, Maximillien Le Jidor clenched his eyes, before slowly opening them to look at me.

For the first time since I regressed, those eyes were wavering.

Councilor Jidor, you must say something!

This vote is a sham! There must have been a mistake!

As Jidor rose to his feet, the other members fell silent as they awaited his words.

Should democracy crumble, it must happen for only two reasons. Either it will be destroyed by the aristocracy, or by the people themselves with the authority they were given.

While everyone stared at him, Jidor continued.

I concede to the vote. If one day we deny the outcome of the National Assembly, which has been decided by the people, they will despise us, thinking we have become the same thing we have sworn to destroy.

Having said this, Jidor turned his back and walked out of the Assembly.

TL Note:

Guys! This em last one for dis week! I fr have to finish Villain who robbed the Heroines. Just 10 more chapters and Ill be done with that novel.

Also, bruh.

Carnival did a number on me..I drank 2 whole bottles of Vodka.since Ive made 1,5L of Caipirinha (its a Brazzilian drink, where u mix vodka, lemons, ice, and sugar.)

Btw please make reviews on NU..I NEED REVIEWS

I LIVE FOR REVIEWS!!!!

I THIRST THE REVIEWS

I DREAM ABOUT THE REVIEWS

I CUM-nO Thats too much.

Anyways.My headache has passed and I even met with my old pals from mah old job and it made my day to learn the Office went to shit after I left. Hope they all die in a ditch. Thank you very /genesisforsaken