CHAPTER 238: CHAPTER 174: PLEASE CAST YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE! _2

The current cabinet system the Empire is attempting somewhat references the system of the Deep Sea Council.

The aristocratic version of the council system.

"Lewis is also in the shop."

Lindong’s sharp eyes immediately spotted Lewis walking out from a booth in the barbecue restaurant. She had gained a lot of knowledge today, and many things left her feeling somewhat incredulous.

Lewis is a member of the Deep Sea Council, and the policies he proposes can directly influence the country’s future development path. He is undoubtedly one of a few people who hold the highest power, and she found it hard to imagine such a person would appear in a commoner’s restaurant, greeting the ordinary people in the shop with a smile, appearing to have no airs of a grand figure.

"Councilor Lewis takes a populist approach. As long as he doesn’t lose the Paradise Island stronghold, he’ll always maintain his position as a councilor," Ethan said, "And if you think about it, isn’t Sister Bi’an the same way? When she was the Knight Commander, she often went to commoners’ restaurants to eat."

The populace of the Imperial City broadly supports Sister Bi’an. It’s said that when they heard of her "resurrection," many were so happy they were moved to tears.

"She’s just a glutton."

Ave thought it over and felt there was still some difference between the two. She had always been observing Councilor Lewis and felt that his every move, every word, even down to the details of his smile, seemed premeditated—all to leave a good impression on the demi-humans of Paradise Island.

As for Sister Bi’an... she truly is just gluttonous.

Moreover, in the Empire, the opinions of commoners matter very little. Sister Bi’an became the Knight Commander because of Henry VI’s grant. To the great nobles who hold power, letting commoners have houses and food is already a display of mercy.

Even though this perception has been challenged by the "Great Plan," a true reversal may not be achievable anytime soon.

"It’s such a pity she didn’t come this time."

The aroma of the barbecue restaurant could be smelled from across the street. Ave could imagine that if Sister Bi’an came, she would be so excited she could eat an entire cow.

Indeed, this is a barbecue restaurant that specializes in beef.

She looked at the shop’s promotional brochure, which said that the yak tribe could breed the best cattle in the world, boasting top-notch quality whether for meat or milk production. The brochure even included pictures, detailing how the cattle that could be served on the table were meticulously raised. They even listened to music every day—symphonies performed by the Ophira Grand Theater!

This was also Ave’s first visit to the Western Continent; no one in the Empire raised cattle like this.

Ethan said, "Since Councilor Lewis was elected, he often brings his subordinates here to discuss work. The barbecue restaurant has a room specifically for them to discuss work."

This was the information he gathered earlier while chatting with the shaved ice stand owner,

The owner was a loyal supporter of Lewis. Upon learning that they were foreign tourists without voting rights, he regretfully sighed.

Voting for a councilor grants a 30% discount—this was the promise the owner gave to all customers.

After Lewis paid the bill, he returned to the booth briefly, then walked out of the barbecue restaurant with his subordinates, chatting and laughing. The demi-humans along the way all smiled at him, as if bidding farewell to their Savior.

The door of the barbecue restaurant was pushed open.

A brisk figure approached from afar—a robust woman with wheat-colored skin and a long, lion-like tail. Ethan noticed she had been waiting anxiously outside the barbecue restaurant for a long time, waiting until Lewis and the councilors came out.

Her movements were quick, leaving only a blur.

By the time the surrounding people realized, she was already standing in front of Lewis with a bulletin board.

"Councilor, please pay attention to my husband’s case. Clearly, it was that group who provoked first, but he’s the one the enforcement team arrested, and they won’t let me see him. You’re the only one who can help me!"

The lioness’s voice was loud, audible even across the street.

Ave was secretly startled.

If someone were to block an official in the capital like this, and if it were a high-ranking Judicial Court executive being stopped, her entire family probably wouldn’t suffice to fill the jails.

However, Lewis was not angry. Instead, he bent down to support the lioness’s arm and helped her up, "It was the assault that happened seven days ago in the western suburbs, correct? I’ve been following this case."

The lioness, overwhelmed with gratitude, quickly said, "It was those people who first attacked my husband, stabbing his arm with a knife and trying to kill him. My husband only fought back in defense! Please, you must help him no matter what!"

"Don’t worry."

Lewis, as always, smiled kindly, "As long as I’m a councilor, I won’t allow unjust incidents to occur. I’ll make sure your husband gets the best legal counsel!"

"Thank you, thank you so much!"

The lioness stayed bowed until Lewis’s shadow disappeared at the end of the street, after which some demi-humans gathered around to offer her comfort. The barbecue restaurant’s manager, who looked to be in his early forties, invited the lioness to sit in the shop for a meal on the house.

"It’s so wonderful."

Ave looked on a bit mesmerized, wondering if this friendly social atmosphere and the councilors who cherished public opinion were not her ideal societal model.

Although injustices would still occur, they would ultimately be managed appropriately.