Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 1554: Chapter 42: Shining_3

In this war era, losing the power to influence the military without controlling the troops is truly a harsh reality for these parliamentarians.

Two years into the war, the Fei Alliance Joint Congress seemed more like a symbolic organization. Topics like trade quotas, currency issuance, and environmental protection were nothing more than child’s play in the fierce battle.

The tide against Hastings had long been brewing.

Over time, these parliamentarians naturally forgot how they originally opposed war preparations.

Back then, they vigorously and righteously opposed the Fei Alliance Countries’ military procurement budget, opposed expanding troop strength, opposed accelerating the military integration process within the Alliance forces, and all other pre-war measures, branding them as costly burdens to the people.

They sat in their parliamentary seats, laughing and chatting while casting their votes against, until the Western Alliance launched a massive invasion.

This grave mistake led them to taste the bitter fruit and lose their rights.

However, it was only temporary.

For these parliamentarians who believed they represented public opinion, putting everything under democratic supervision was the foundational principle of a Democracy and their lifeline.

Among them, few possessed a keen military insight or could grasp the current war situation. However, this didn’t prevent them from stirring things up within their own sphere.

They wouldn’t head to the front lines to command battles; they knew better.

Going to the front line or commanding troops would only put their precious lives at risk or ruin their reputation. That’s the task for military leaders; all they needed was power. The power to make those unruly generals politely smile and plead for the Alliance’s military resources!

To gain this power, Hastings had to be pushed aside.

Though they had always planned this way, ultimately, no one dared openly challenge the elderly man in a wheelchair.

Until now!

Parliamentarians meticulously observed their companions beside them; a few were angry, but they were a minority. More sat quietly with expressionless faces. Their synchrony in expression, void of emotion, spoke volumes like a letter without words.

The Feiyang parliamentarian speaking was one of Leefer’s and a large interest group’s spokespeople.

Clearly, this was an action with a premeditated plan.

Some parliamentarians recalled a previous political bigwig’s remarks at a banquet.

”The Fei Alliance is an unsinkable giant ship,” the bigwig leaned on a cane, with a faint taunt and disdain on his age-spotted face, ”no matter who’s steering.”

He then posed a vivid metaphor: ”Have you seen a python? No matter how big, it can’t swallow an elephant. Even if it tries, it would take a long time. I don’t think I’ll live to see the Western Alliance devour us. Nor does any of you have such a long lifespan.”

The bigwig’s words brought laughter from parliamentarians holding wine glasses gracefully.

”We cannot abandon our democratic system because of a war,” the bigwig gestured with his hand, ”This is the foundation of the Fei Alliance, a principle every one of us must uphold. Even if I trust Lord Hastings’ character, one person’s virtue isn’t a reason to put democracy at risk by letting the military control everything.”

With an aide, the bigwig settled onto the sofa, where his beautiful wife, forty years his junior, lovingly served him a glass of water.

”I’m old, the doctor has already put a ban on alcohol.” The bigwig sighed, ”You all are the elite of the Fei Alliance. This world is consistently led by a small group of elites. We represent public opinion, we represent the fundamental democratic system of the Fei Alliance; whether in peace or war, we should not abandon our responsibilities.”

He glanced around, somewhat proudly expressing, ”Lord Hastings is unwell, the situation is deteriorating, public dissatisfaction is high. The Fei Alliance now needs reform, needs a strong military leader to guide this war.”

”Being able to fight isn’t the most important quality of a military leader,” the bigwig said meaningfully, ”The most critical is to have a democratic heart, capable of representing the majority’s opinion!”

This statement might have been the most straightforward words coming from a politician recently.

Everyone could understand what the bigwig, who had retreated but still held considerable influence, meant. This was too straightforward; it was impossible not to understand.

The majority’s opinion - isn’t this the meaning behind Leefer’s financial groups, arms dealers, and these parliamentarians!

People like them, they represent public opinion!

At the time, some worried about the bigwig, but now, everyone understands; revealing the dagger from the map was just the signal for battle!

Hastings’ inaction had stirred unrest, and Leefer’s rise accelerated the process.

And when the Twelfth Generation Mecha jointly developed by the Fei Alliance fell into militia hands, leaving several arms dealers embarrassed at the Mecha test conference, it had become a life-and-death confrontation!

But, as Hastings’ staunchest supporter, would the current Feiyang President, Francis, yield to the United Parliament?