FINIII

August 9, 1666, 10 minutes before the start of the Magic Net

The United Parliament Building, Lenny, the capital of the United Provinces

Interim Major Namen Soleydon stood at the end of the walkway, under the wind of cheers.

All the councillors in front of him twisted their heads and stared at him as if they wanted to nail him to the ground with their gazes.

It was not this so-called "war hero" who attracted the attention of the parliamentarians, but the rhythmic cheers behind him.

The more than 10,000 free soldiers outside were shouting that harsh word rhythmically, and cold sweat oozed from Namen's back when he heard it.

They shouted "Excellence Chapter!" and "Excellence Chapter!"

This kind of fanatical shouting was no stranger to him, and it was no stranger to every citizen of the free nations. Whenever the members of the Republic or the United Parliament are electing, there are large and small campaign rallies held in various places, and this shouting can be heard at every campaign rally.

It's just that the fanatical cries of all active military personnel are not so easy to hear.

In the midst of this deafening shout, the congressman who stood on the rostrum to speak seemed so weak.

Speakers are Speaker Webster, deputy leader of the Federalist Party, the largest party in parliament. The former lieutenant general, who retired from the army and was previously the chief of logistics and commander of the 2nd Interres Division, is now chairman of the Military and Armaments Commission and is recognized as one of the strongmen in parliament, temporarily leading the Federalist Party after the disappearance of the Speaker last night. In previous arguments, he and the Federalists insisted that Lennie should now be abandoned militarily, which was unanimously opposed by all remaining opposition parties.

"I admit that the Major's exploits are indeed remarkable. But the awarding of two medals of excellence to the same man in a single campaign has never been done in the history of the republics. Nor do I think that such a rash award of the medal can serve as a commendation, but only reduce the quality of the medal. ”

Webster paused repeatedly, leveling out his breathing and making his voice appear neutral. Even he had never dealt with such a tense situation. Sweat kept dripping down the forehead of the Interim Speaker, like a rookie politician who was speaking to the public for the first time. He didn't dare turn on the amplification magic because he was afraid of the shouts outside.

"Actually, you're just stingy! After the third medal was minted ten years ago, there is indeed only the last one left of the Medal of Excellence, but this is not a reason for us to be stingy! We can recast it!"

Senior MP Arnold, the leader of the largest opposition party, the Conservative Party, stood up directly and retorted in a fierce voice. If Fox hadn't mentioned Naimon earlier, he would really think that the Conservatives were on the side of justice.

"I do not deny that the budget is also one of the issues that we should consider......"

Speaking of this, Webster subconsciously glanced in the direction of Commander-in-Chief Fox with puzzled eyes, as if wondering why the old marshal, who had been silent, would make such a proposal that was obviously only interested in immediate interests.

Webster and Fawkes were former military colleagues and had long competed for the highest position in the Free Army, and in the end the heroes of the Northern Front defeated the Intertrays, but the two still cherished each other. Webster didn't believe that Fox would make such a messy proposal, and he felt that the "Kengal Fox" must have a further purpose, but he couldn't see what it was.

But in the midst of this pause, the shouting outside had grown louder, and now the whole square was roaring. Their roars interrupted all discussion in the council.

Commander-in-Chief Fox, who could make this request, had no intention of suppressing the outside troops. He simply sat in his seat, seemingly content in the position of a "military man questioned by Parliament".

Pushed by the shouts from behind, Naimon took a few steps forward and stopped, not knowing where he should stand.

He knew that, from a rational point of view, Congressman Webster was right. The Order of Excellence is not only costly, but it is also the highest martial honor of the free nations. In the absence of any idea when this war will end, it is tantamount to a dream to propose a new batch of new ones. After all, the High Enchantment Medal is different from the copper plate of ordinary medals, it is not something that can be made if you want to, and the manufacturing cost and mobilization of manufacturing personnel alone are a large expense. The Conservatives don't care about these expenses: the ruling party is always rational, and the opposition parties are always messy.

Eventually, Congressman Webster surrendered. He stretched out his hand towards Commander-in-Chief Fox and gave up the podium: "...... However, I also have more respect for the military's opinion. Your Excellency Commander-in-Chief, I leave it to you. The Federalists will not oppose your opinion. ”

Conti Fox did not stand up immediately, but leaned forward slightly, and his eyes fell on the Conservative leader MP Arnold, who was sitting below.

Arnold looked back at the door behind him, ignoring his reserved etiquette, and wiped the sweat on his forehead with his sleeve: "As long as Your Excellency Commander Fox and you go to war as soon as possible to destroy the imperial invaders, our Conservative Party will always be on your side!"

The new commander-in-chief of the Free Army and Navy finally stood up, slowly walked to the speaker's seat, and faced all the remaining councillors, turning on the switch of the amplification magic device. No one can use magic anymore, but luckily the magic items are still working as usual.

"Then, as a representative of the military, I suggest that you agree to this special award proposal. Extraordinary merit should be rewarded extraordinarily. Commander-in-Chief Fox said word for word, suppressing the noise outside for a moment, "Then, please vote." The situation is urgent, and I think it's better to stand up and vote, right, Your Excellency the Temporary Speaker?"

Congressman Webster opened his mouth, but finally sounded the gavel weakly: "Standing up to vote is also in accordance with the United Provincial Constitution." I agree, then, to the vote on the motion of His Excellency Commander-in-Chief Conti Fox. ”

The entire Conservative camp of MPs stood up in unison, and the members of the Federalist camp stood up with a little hesitation, many of them still abruptly surprised by Marshal Fox's sudden perverse act. Until today, former Field Marshal Fox had been an ally of the rational Federalists, and even the position of commander-in-chief had been passed with the unanimous support of both parties, and for some reason these proposals were suddenly introduced today that would clearly be opposed by senior Webster congressmen.

The corners of Fawkes' mouth rose slightly, and he waved Naimon to the speaker's seat. The new major looked around and approached the table at the end of the council with a little hesitation. The old marshal took advantage of this time to open the display case, and took out from it a medal of excellence, which was displayed as the highest honor, and hung it on his chest without saying a word.

Naimon was about to say a few words of resignation, when Fox suddenly slapped him on the back with his strong and powerful arm, and said loudly: "Let's applaud for the first double medal of excellence in the history of the United Nations!"

The applause of the councillors rang out sparsely, and the shouts of the soldiers outside became more neat and enthusiastic. Naimon held the hard wooden table of the speaker with both hands, and lowered his head a little embarrassed, staring at the coat of arms of the United Parliament, the coat of arms of the four republics, and various magic circuits engraved on the table, not daring to raise his head to face everyone.

Naimon noticed that the magic circuit on this table was quite complicated, and it seemed to be a match for the Speaker's table. In addition to the obvious amplification and defensive magic, there is also alarm magic and a loop similar to the inscription of the teleportation anchor carved into the table. It was also thanks to seeing the physical object of the teleportation location inscription at Anne's secret teleportation point that he was able to identify the location inscription. For some reason, the section representing the external alert request was flashing on, but Conti Fox acted like he hadn't noticed.

He looked up to find Councillor Webster, who had returned to his position as pro tempore speaker, staring at the external alarm magic prompt on his desk, his face slightly dazed. Commander-in-Chief Conti Fox is still gushing that he has already made a second proposal.

"In the last few hours, we have completed the preliminary loss statistics and reorganization plan of the Lenny Army, and the remaining troops will be reorganized into a new Lenny Army of about 22,000 men. Our plan and budget are here, and I invite you to vote on whether or not to allocate the budget......"

Every councillor cheered up, and they knew that the real drama was about to begin. The next course of action had been debated in Parliament, with the ruling Federalist Party advocating holding on and withdrawing Lennie if possible, while the Conservatives and their allies had advocated a counter-offensive, only to be denied a vote because the military had been slow to take a stand. Now that the reorganization plan of the new Lenny Army has been completed, the "next strategy" is the question that must be raised.

For some reason, the pro tempore speaker was a little absent-minded and did not ask the questions he should have asked. Councillor Arnold of the Conservative Party gave him a contemptuous look, stood up and asked, "So, when will we set out to crusade against the remnants of the Empire, Your Excellency Commander-in-Chief?"

Conti Fox coughed twice, and was about to speak. At this moment, Interim Lieutenant General McCash outside rushed in.

"Your Excellency Commander-in-Chief! There is a smoke signal from the militia siren in the north, and we have sounded the full alarm! There are a large number of Imperial troops advancing towards Lenny, and the General Staff is presumed to be the majority of the enemy's northern detachment, and its advance is expected to reach the outskirts of Lennie within two hours, and the total number will exceed ...... 30,000!"

More than one parliamentarian exclaimed.

"30,000 people?!Where did they get 30,000 people?!"

"How could the Northern Front detachment be so close to Lenny!"

Fawkes just nodded, signaled to the lieutenant general that he already knew the situation, and continued: "In such an emergency, the formation of the New Lenny Army will requisition all of Lennie's citizens and the resources in the remaining warehouses. I can submit a battle plan and budget to the legislators, but in this case, I am sure you all know that it is too late. We must act quickly. ”

Hearing this, Councillor Webster also raised his head sharply and stared at Conti Fox, his face seemed to change slightly.

"I would like to invoke Article 3 of the Constitution and put forward a bill. ”

"Article 3 of the Constitution!" almost all the senior legislators changed their faces, while the new legislators, who had only been qualified for one or two terms, exchanged their heads and wondered what this rarely cited constitutional provision was.

"Article 3 of the Constitution. The Speaker pro tempore stood up slowly, and recited the original text of the article, "In the event of a crisis in the Confederation above the republics, you may elect a dictator who will oversee all political, military, and economic affairs of the United Provincial Republic and its independent republics, as well as over the states, counties, and states. ”

"I hereby propose, and elect me, Commander-in-Chief Conti Fawkes, as dictator of the provincial republican federation, in charge of all political, military, and economic affairs. You are open to the vote. ”

Councillor Arnold's fists slammed on the table: "Personally, I fully support you in sending the Imperial Army back!, but before the final vote, should you submit an independent bill......

"No," repeated Conti Fox, "I ask that you now take a standing vote. ”

He ignored Arnold and fixed his gaze on the pro tempore speaker.

Congressman Webster hesitated. He didn't swing the gavel for a long time.

The roars of the soldiers outside the parliament have changed to "Long live the dictator!" and "Beat the Imperial Army back!". Naimon seemed to understand something. It is very difficult for a soldier who has been stirred up to calm down again.

But Webster was still hesitating, and the gavel in his hand was shaking.

Probably disdainful of his hesitation, on the Conservative side, there were already young MPs standing up, shouting "Bring the empire back!", and the senior Conservative MPs also stood up one by one, only the Federalist camp was silent.

Finally, even Councillor Arnold couldn't help it and stood up: "Speaker, do you want to dismiss or pass ......"

He was followed by a few more people who stood up. At that moment, Councilor Webster stood up and slammed down his gavel.

"I trust your judgment, Lieutenant General Fawkes. Even if it's just a reorganization of the New Lenny Army, you'll need this permission. This is already the last time that those of us will vote, and there is no need to engage in any formalism. We're going to solve it in the simplest way—"

His voice was deafening, overpowering Fawkes's amplification magic and the roars of the soldiers outside.

"—Federalists, agree with this proposal, please stand up!"

All the Federalists stood in unison, and the Tories, who felt that something was wrong, tried to sit down, only to find that they had missed the opportunity.

Councillor Webster went on to conclude loudly: "According to the standing vote, half of the votes in the Provisional Assembly have been passed, and the dictator's bill has passed!

After saying this, Webster snorted heavily and threw the gavel in his hand towards Fox.

Fox caught the gavel in his hand and expertly slammed it on the speaker's seat. The hammer smashed right on the amplification magic array, making a loud sound like a bell.

The soldiers stopped roaring, and they heard the sound that shook the heavens and the earth. The entire council fell silent, so silent that even the sound of a needle falling on the ground could be heard.

Naimon was shaken back half a step and covered his ears with his hands, stunned by the series of performances.

None of the actors had been approved in advance, but they had completed such a complex political drama! and all of this began with his proposal for excellence......

Marshal Fawkes pulled up the amplification to the maximum and began to give orders.

"Well, I now issue the first order of Conti Fox as dictator. I decree that the sixty-first United Assembly of the United Provinces of the Republic be dissolved immediately and that the sixty-second United Assembly shall not be re-elected until all the republics have recovered and a free government has been re-established. ”

"What?!You're going to disband......"

Naimon clearly saw that the face of the Arnold MP had turned pale, and there were some Conservative MPs. But no one heard what he was saying.

"And the second order, from now on, is that all the Free Army and armed citizens of the Republics in Lunny are to be integrated into the New Lenny Army, and to be integrated on the spot. ”

The old man paused slightly, then gave the third command.

"The third order, from now on, is that the New Lenny Army is responsible for covering all unarmed citizens, civilians and former parliamentarians across the Metbysi River. We are ready to leave Lennie at any time, and before we leave Lennie, we will burn everything that cannot be taken with us. This is the end of the public order, and the units are ready to accept the command of the military headquarters of the New Lenny Army, and it ends. ”

The Conservative MP Arnold suddenly yelled: "Traitor!"

He jumped onto the table and raced towards Fawkes, grappling his hand as he was about to knock the gavel off. Naimon was shocked, and hurriedly stepped forward, blocking between the two of them, pressing his left hand on the new Excellence Medal he had just received. Thankfully, Councillor Arnold wasn't crazy enough to commit murder, he was just going to speak to the PA Circle.

"You've dissolved Parliament, and you're going to give up Lennie!" the Conservative leader roared hoarsely, "You're not just a dictator, you're a dictator! you're going to end our union! you're going to end freedom! Don't listen to his ......."

Lieutenant General McCash and two guards walked briskly across the council hall and pulled Arnold away with Webster, the former pro tempore speaker.

Naimon shook his head lightly - if there were no deeds, the leader of the Conservative Party really looked like a man who was fiercely loyal to freedom. But it was this extreme behavior that made him trust Lord Fawkes's judgment even more. It must be not only a love of freedom, but also a hatred of the damage to one's own interests and opportunities.

To his surprise, the Fox dictator didn't immediately turn off the amplification magic array. He coughed twice and began to answer Arnold's question.

"Yes, Councillor Arnold's questioning is not wrong, we are going to give up on Lennie. This is the first time since the founding of the Free Nation that we have abandoned Lenny. ”

There was pathos in Fawkes's voice.

"As the commander and interim commander-in-chief of the reorganized Lenny Army, I have to regret to tell you that Lenny is no longer defensible. The Federation of Republics had to withdraw from Lenny before everything was irretrievable, before everything we held dear was reduced to ashes. And we don't know if we'll ever be able to come back. We've lost most of Jurok and half of Phaethus, we're about to lose Lenny, and maybe even more. for I will lead an army to the queen of the temple for those who depart. There are still 30,000 men in the Imperial army, and I don't know what my chances of winning are. ”

This was the common judgment of almost all career officers, but none of them said it. Even Lieutenant General McCash was surprised when he heard this: he felt that this was not something that could be made public.

"As the third dictator in the history of the United Provincial Republic, I am here to reinterpret the first order I issued earlier. Be sure to remember this command and communicate it to every citizen of the republics throughout the civilized world. ”

Conti Fox took a deep breath. It's not that easy to say.

"That's right, that's what the decree means: from now on, dissolve the United Provinces, and it won't be rebuilt until we regain victory. Our junta is only a temporary government, and I don't know how long it will last. ”

The soldiers in the square exchanged heads in a panic. Only now did they understand the gravity of the situation.

"This is the first time in history that we have dissolved parliament without electing a second parliament. Even under the first two dictatorships, Parliament was not dissolved. Technically, the history of the United Provinces is over for the time being. From then on, there were no more United Provinces, no United Provincial Republics, only free and independent Union Republics. Above them, there is no higher political entity than the Free Army, the Free Navy, which was formed purely for military purposes and the military junta that supports it. If even I lose, maybe we won't even have a dictator. ”

Fawkes's tone suddenly raised, "But that's not the end, guys!"

"We used to believe that all people should be safe and free. We once believed that we were the protectors and pioneers of the well-being of all humankind. ”

He turned away from "was" and used "future" instead.

"But we believe that even if we can't recapture Lennie, even if our government and army are reduced to ashes, even if the flag of the free nations no longer flies, humanity will still fight for its own freedom and that of others!"

Naimon was surprised to find that an old man's voice had so much power.

"Even if we give up on Lennie, the history of freedom will not end there! Even if the United Council no longer exists, the free people will still exist!"

The voice of the new dictator pierced everyone's eardrums, and even the warring Imperial soldiers in the Southern Side listened quietly to Fox's speech.

"All citizens of lands that have not yet been conquered by the Empire, and their chosen governments, have the right to decide for themselves whether or not to follow the spirit of liberty of the United Provinces. All citizens of the provinces who have been conquered by the empire are also free to choose whether or not to be loyal to the new ruler! I firmly believe that a government ruled by the people, owned by the people, and enjoyed by the people will never perish! Those who inherit this spirit will build more free countries and let the banner of freedom fly! The victory or defeat of the war of the free army is undecided, but freedom will not fail!

For some reason, people did not despair when they heard that the new dictator had confessed to his previous defeats and unfavorable war situation.

"Even if the provincial council has been dissolved, it does not mean that the freedom has disappeared with the provincial assembly. To the south of Lenny, there is the free Interre, the free Italian, the free New World states, the free Far East and the islands! There are so many lands that are still free, beckoning to the people who yearn for freedom!"

Even when they heard about the unfavorable future, they did not despair.

"Our ancestors, the Komans, once drove out the Elven Empire and regained their freedom. It only took them two generations of elves to do this. ”

Everyone knows that the time between the two generations of elves is about five hundred years. Twenty generations of time.

"Our patience should not be lost to our ancestors. After all, our opponents are only humans, not elves. That's my answer to your question – I didn't end my freedom. ”

The mallet slammed down again, and the amplified magic array trembled, but this time Naimon didn't cover his ears.

"All who are or have been citizens of the Republic! all who do not want to be subjects of the Emperor!"

The routs who were scattered in the square all stood up, stood upright, and saluted.

"All those who will not submit to the knees of the nobles! all those who refuse to be slaves!"

Near the harbor of the South 3rd District, the soldiers of both armies stopped shooting and listened to this impassioned speech.

"Let's go, go to the land where freedom and dignity still remain, and start fighting! We have indeed lost the coalition government for the time being, but our cause has not yet failed! I believe that we will build a new parliament that is better than all the previous parliaments – and even a whole new country! A better, freer country!"

Fawkes's voice echoed throughout the city, and he was determined to make it hear, to ensure that Gustav Hugh Kerman had no chance of propping up a puppet regime. Even if he fosters a puppet regime, he will not gain anyone's heart.

"Even if it takes a month, three months, six months, a year, two years, five years, ten years, twenty years, fifty years, a hundred years, or a thousand years! We will also rebuild a whole new country! I will let future generations know that there was a group of people who fought for their own destiny! We have all sworn under this banner that in the name of freedom, we will unite forever!"

All stood up, without exception.

I don't know who gently hummed the first bar of the familiar song.

"Unite forever in the name of freedom, and the great alliance will always stand ......"

Hearing this familiar prelude, the rest of the councilors, soldiers, and civilians all subconsciously began to hum along. In this city, almost everyone sings this song.

"The United Provincial Republic will surely transcend the times, and all citizens will be proud of it!"

They used to laugh at the song's rigid lyrics and stale tunes, and dismiss it, but now they are all humming it.

"Long live, our free motherland! It was built on the hands of the people!"

"May the gods bless them with unity and freedom! May the four-color cross flag fly for a long time!"

They've met repeatedly to change the song, which is no longer out of date, to fill it with something more in line with the new era, but they're all humming the song's original lyrics.

"We will fight with all our might to destroy the invading enemy and bring back the crown of victory to the motherland!"

"Our honor will remain in history, shining with glory and passing on to future generations!"

The sound is getting louder. Even illiterate people who don't know the lyrics are humming the national anthem of the republic.

"Hooray! Our free motherland! It was built on the hands of the people!"

"May the gods bless them with unity and freedom! May the four-color cross flag fly for a long time!"

Even if the parliament has been dissolved, even if the military junta does not have a corresponding parliament, the spirit of freedom is still in their hearts.

"May the four-color cross flag fly for a long time! Fly for a long time!"

The song lingered for a long time.

Naimon held the table of the speaker, lowered his head, and grabbed the edge of the table with his fingers, suppressing his excitement.

To keep the tears from falling, he stared at the magic circuits, blinking and interpreting the effects. Reading and interpreting, his body trembled.

"That's politics. As I said, all the problems and all the obstacles you were worried about will be solved, Major. ”

The new dictator reached out and swiped on the table, turned off the effect of the amplification magic circle, and said to him in a low voice.

"It is obviously impossible for a captain who is not yet twenty years old to control the vast resources of a free country. If you're in an empire, you can become a royal family or a nobleman and get a jealous status, but in the republics, that's not possible. But things are different if even the provincial councils and the government itself no longer exist. ”

The new dictator patted Namen on the shoulder again, and his approval was palpable.

"Go ahead, Major. I have severed the chains of the Old Republic for you. Now, you have plenty of time and opportunity. You can go and form your team now, and I'll give you the power to form a special unit in the New Lenny Army......"

"The Imperial army is indeed invading, and will be there in two hours, isn't it? The retreat is about to begin, Your Excellency? You will definitely take command of the Broken Rear Army, right, Your Excellency?"

Naimon recklessly interrupted Conti Fox and asked two questions.

The old marshal was stunned: "Yes." Even I am not very sure of this battle, so I want you to direct the retreat of the main forces, to set up a makeshift camp on the other side of the Metributsi River and to prevent the enemy from crossing the river......"

"If possible, please retreat first, and I'll sign up for the final broken rear troops. ”

Naimon made a categorical request, "Because I still have things to do, and it is impossible to enter the evacuation force now." Until then, I'd like to take a leave of absence. ”

He gave a military salute in a panic and ran out of the parliament building, throwing only a word at the great dictator.

"I'll be back in time!"

Ten minutes before Anne told him the time the net was activated. He counted the time, concentrated his mind, and read the flow of the nearby web and the magic it contained.

"Sir, borrow a horse! Acceleration Technique! Animal Sympathy Technique - Hurry! Hurry up! Be sure to arrive before the magic net is activated!"

He snatched a horse at the door, bypassed the crowd, and galloped east along the path.

Welcome the majority of book friends to come and read, the latest, fastest, the hottest serialized works are all here!