Li Xin and others have already headed to City Hall. He didn't stay with the Night Patrol camp alongside Luo Jin and Kathy; instead, he went with the Canon Law School along with Luo Xue and others, including Zhao Qing, who looked quite calm. Recently, he had been speaking very little, while Hao Ye, on the other hand, was proudly introducing the City Hall.

"Chairman Zhao and Chairman Luo Xue often come here. When you enter City Hall, don't speak or act recklessly; everything here follows rules. Your every word and action also represent the Black Rose and the Canon Law School." Hao Ye said, "I've had the honor of visiting a few times with Chairman Zhao, so I'm quite familiar with it."

Besides Li Xin, Roland, Lu Shuai, and Huerta, there were Fei Ruolin, Nan Kai, and Brother Zhuang You from Hex-Tech, who was well-liked by the Hex Academy's mentors. Zhuang You was chubby, wearing thick glasses, looking drowsy. He was unwilling to attend such club activities, but Hex-Tech needed a representative, and it was his turn this time.

Roland and Zhuang You were quite familiar with each other. The two had been discussing Hex-Tech issues, talks that nobody else could understand. Fei Ruolin and Nan Kai were dressed very formally; a place like this held great allure for soon-to-graduate students like them.

Being able to join the Black Rose and stay until now meant both had high emotional intelligence. Many people, upon entering the Canon Law School, fell into the illusion of equality. However, the reality is that such equality exists only within the school's walls. Once graduated, the stark class differences would shatter all illusions. For Fei Ruolin and Nan Kai, grasping the few opportunities in life was a must.

Lu Shuai was also impeccably dressed, having prepared for several days. After all, this was his first official entry into City Hall, and he was a man with dreams. "Chairman Luo, Vice Chairman Zhao, I hired a photographer to capture a commemorative photo of all of us together."

Zhao Qing furrowed his brows and shook his head lightly. As a noble of considerable standing, he felt that such a thing was unnecessary, akin to peasants being overly impressed. "What's worth commemorating?"

"Is everyone here?" Luo Xue did not decline. "This counts as my first official term, and with new members joining, a photo for memory is worthwhile."

Zhao Qing suppressed his words back down his throat, feeling the bitterness of being a "vice." The struggle for power among previous generations was ruthless and cutthroat; rank oppresses, and the same applies between families. It wasn't just a matter of pride but survival.

Luo Xue, this girl, was exceptionally adept at pushing him aside at every turn.

The group lined up in a row, with Luo Xue naturally in the center, flanked by Vice Chairman Zhao Qing and Nan Kai. Everyone else stood accordingly. The photographer Lu Shuai hired had arrived. The photographer had two assistants, and the setup was ready. Operating a camera in nowadays Li Long was still a high-end profession, not something just anyone could do.

Lu Shuai stood tall and chest out, eagerly anticipating this moment. With varied expressions, the photographer raised his hand, and with a flash following a burst of smoke, the photo session completed.

Lu Shuai communicated with the photographer, ensuring he was the most striking figure in the lineup, feeling quite satisfied. Sometimes, it's not about standing in the center; being the focus is what matters.

He wanted to record this moment, even if Zhao Qing looked down upon it. What difference did it make? This was something worth commemorating.

"Lu Shuai, how much does a photo session cost? It's pretty interesting," Huerta asked. Like Luo Xue, Zhao Qing naturally wouldn't care, but Roland and others were curious, especially Roland. He had heard Moncalleta imported it too but rarely.

Lu Shuai couldn't contain his smile. "Take it from me, Little Hu is such an earnest guy. The charge for one photo session is 800 lira, but for me, it's only 640 lira because the camera was invented by Governor Luthor. We have to mention the intellectual property protection he pushed during his administration, encouraging inventions and allowing creators to benefit from their intellectual labor. This is also a potential factor behind Hex-Tech's rapid progress."

Governor Luthor, while strictly controlling relatives, also offered benefits, such as an 80% discount for relatives using his products and intellectual properties.

He got the discount, so he was Luthor's relative.

This was the key.

Huerta smacked his lips and gave a thumbs up. "That's really expensive."

"It's okay, really. If you need it, just let me know," Lu Shuai said generously. It wasn't easy for him to flaunt once.

Zhao Qing, who felt slightly provoked, maintained an indifferent expression, ignoring the topic. Meanwhile, Brother Zhuang You from Hex-Tech had his eyes light up.

"Junior Brother Lu Shuai, we've been waiting for you! Please visit our Hex-Tech often. We really need you!"

Many Hex-Tech patents were expensive, and Lu Shuai was like a walking 20% discount.

"No problem, no problem! We're all members of the Black Rose. It's my duty to contribute," Lu Shuai, having studied Governor Luthor's sayings, now spoke with broader perspectives.

President Luo Xue also expressed appreciation. Initially, she had some doubts about Lu Shuai, but after this interaction, she was assured of his capabilities, realizing he wasn't just a spoiled brat. He might be a bit slick, but he could aptly lubricate the team dynamics.

Lu Shuai was moved to tears. Ever since joining the Canon Law School, he faced constant bottlenecks. Finally, he was receiving some peer attention, feeling elated. Once Zhao Qing graduated, his era at the Canon Law School would truly begin, how joyous it would be.

When it was time, they were the first to enter the venue, their seats at the very periphery. The City Hall was a grand architectural marvel, as the Celestial Capital was one of Li Long's strongholds. The newly constructed City Hall showcased magnificent grandeur. Staring at the seats in front and the high platform above, Lu Shuai and the others looked on with eager eyes.

Power is the best supplement for men.

After waiting for a while, the councilors began to enter. These councilors held authority over various levels and key industries in Celestial Capital, with complex relationships among them, engaging in lively but distinctly divided conversations.

In the Celestial Capital's council, there were five core members: the Moon God Church's Chief Bishop Matthew, the conservative noble Count Zhao Xun, the reformist noble Count Granfield, the new class Count Locknan, and the Celestial Capital mayor Viscount Ambolat.

Matthew represented the Church's power, as Celestial Capital was the territory of the Moon God Church. A city often only has one dominant religious power. Zhao Xun represented traditional noble strength, while Count Granfield's family was among those who joined Governor Luthor for reform, making them pioneers keeping pace with the times and choosing the right side. Count Locknan's family, part of the new class, rose through military merits during the Li Long United Kingdom's unification war, contributing significantly to the kingdom's prosperity under Governor Luthor, with military achievements and technological contributions.

Viscount Ambolat was the mayor but officially titled the Chief of Celestial Capital City Hall Affairs, meaning he was the head coordinating all civil servants, an influential power among the five.

As these five arrived, their factions warmly applauded them. Zhao Xun wore a determined expression, while the Chief Bishop always maintained a smile. The rivalry wasn't the first, but this time was the most significant.

Montreal was a vital piece supported by Zhao Xun, aiming for the next Celestial Capital mayoral election, whereas Luo Jin was the Church's main enforcing power, essentially the Chief Bishop's right hand. Now, with tensions rising, only one could remain.

As of now, Montreal had shown no flaws, and as for Philmy, as a bastard, he was insignificant to nobles. Trials were just formalities, never a serious concern. Historically, as long as it wasn't a Fallen, nobles could walk away from murder with just a fine, especially when not involving disputes among nobles.

Zhao Qing gazed at his father, revealing a strong desire for power in his eyes. This was a major counter-attack against the Chief Bishop.

If you dare touch my money bag, I will chop off your hand. The power struggle was full of conflict and compromise, an artistic process he observed.

Glancing around, what did others understand?

Seemed someone was missing, but Zhao Qing paid no mind.

Li Xin slipped away, waiting outside City Hall for Qi Badao. Hopefully, this guy was reliable. Otherwise, the last incident would be settled together, with interest.

Inside City Hall, under the gaze of many, the Night Patrol escorted Montreal in, still shackled, provoking some councilors into an uproar.

Indeed, an uproar. Debates among councilors often resembled shouting matches at markets, occasionally even escalating to physical altercations. Despite this, they could still greet each other with smiles next meeting.

Silence!

Mayor Ambolat banged his gavel, nodded to Luo Jin, and the two stood aside.

"Today's agenda is crucial. We must judge whether Viscount Montreal is a Fallen. After seven days of detention and investigation, has the Night Patrol gathered conclusive evidence?"

Ambolat directly asked, with all councilors focusing intently on Luo Jin, especially Montreal's faction. These conservative nobles seemed to see their future reflected in Montreal.

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