"The council has reached unanimous decision," Lady Helena announced from the platform. "For the first time in Seron's history, we are holding a public vote for our next Lord."The council chamber was packed beyond capacity. People filled every available space, crowding the doorways and windows. Outside, thousands more waited in the streets for news.Jacob sat beside Anna, both of them exhausted from the trial and its aftermath. He had not slept in two days, spending every hour managing reconstruction and dealing with the political chaos following the arrests."All citizens over eighteen may cast votes," Helena continued. "We will conduct the election over three days to ensure everyone can participate. Voting stations are set up throughout the city."Lord Hammond stood, looking uncomfortable but determined. "I formally withdraw my candidacy and endorse General Jacob Krigg for Lord of Seron."That announcement sent ripples through the crowd. Hammond had been the last serious opposition

"We need to discuss the structure of the new government," Jacob said, spreading maps and organizational charts across the council table. "The old system is broken beyond repair."Anna sat beside him, now officially confirmed as Lady of Seron after the public vote had given her an even larger mandate than Jacob received. Together they faced the council, ready to propose changes that would shake Seron's foundations.Lady Helena looked tired. "What exactly are you proposing?""Complete restructuring. End hereditary positions, implement merit-based appointments, create accountability systems." Jacob pointed to the organizational chart. "No more noble families automatically controlling districts. No more inherited council seats."The chamber erupted immediately."This is madness!" Lord Drake shouted, jumping to his feet. "You cannot simply erase centuries of tradition!""Watch me.""My family has governed the western district for eight generations! You have no right to take that away!"Ann

"We have punished the guilty," Jacob announced at the council meeting. "Now we reward those who stayed loyal when it mattered most."The chamber was packed with people who had fought for Seron during the darkest days. Soldiers who had held the line against Argo. Workers who had rebuilt neighborhoods. Doctors who had saved lives during the cholera outbreak. They stood nervously, unsure why they had been summoned.Anna stood beside Jacob, holding a scroll containing names and appointments they had spent weeks finalizing. "Loyalty and competence deserve recognition. The new government will be built on those who proved themselves through actions, not ancestry."Lady Helena looked curious. "Who are you appointing first?""Ben Tate," Jacob said without hesitation. "Step forward."Anna's grandfather walked to the front, looking uncertain. He had supported them from the beginning, but his merchant background made him an unusual choice for high office."Ben Tate, you organized the water crisis

"The Argo delegation has arrived at the city gates," Leo reported, entering Jacob's office early the next morning. "Fifty soldiers, three ambassadors, and a lot of very nervous border guards wondering if they should let them in."Jacob looked up from the intelligence reports he had been reading all night. "Let them in. Full diplomatic protocol. Treat them as honored guests but keep our own forces ready.""You think this could be a trap?""I think Argo's new government is testing us to see if we are weak or strong. We show them strong."The delegation was received in the grand council chamber at noon. Jacob and Anna sat on elevated chairs at the head of the room, flanked by Ben Tate and the full council. An intimidating display meant to remind Argo that Seron was unified and powerful.The Argo ambassadors entered with military precision. Two men and one woman, all wearing formal diplomatic robes but moving like soldiers. Their leader was a tall woman with gray hair and sharp eyes that

"I have made my decision," Jacob announced to the assembled council the next morning. "We accept Argo's treaty with modifications."Ambassador Thorne looked cautiously hopeful. "What modifications?""Minor war criminals receive amnesty. Officials who followed orders, low-level officers, soldiers who committed no atrocities. They go free." Jacob's voice hardened. "But major war criminals face justice. Anyone who planned attacks on civilians, ordered torture, or personally committed atrocities will be prosecuted by international tribunal.""That was not our agreement," Thorne protested."It is now. Take it or leave it."The room waited in tense silence while Thorne considered. She pulled one of her assistants aside for whispered consultation, then turned back to Jacob."How many officials are we talking about? How many face this tribunal?""Approximately thirty based on our intelligence. Mostly senior commanders who gave direct orders for civilian attacks.""President Zhao will want to