In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 16 The Initial Victory, the Beginning of Everything

Chen Qi had indeed seen through the White Queen's plan.

After all, the core support of the "Son of the Witch King" consists of the people of Letania who have suffered greatly from the policies of the Twin Queens and are dissatisfied with the exploitation by the nobles.

If Chen Qi were here, he would have accepted the countship and territory offered by the White Queen.

He would then transform from a hero who led the common people in rebellion against tyranny into a member of the aristocracy who was hated by the common people and exploited to the bone.

By then, could Chen Qi still overthrow himself?
Even if he were aware of this, would the common people of Letania still be willing to believe in such a high-ranking count as him?
So, a refusal?
In Letania, openly refusing an empress's bestowal would likely solidify the charge of treason.

The position of a mere earl could completely dismantle Chen Qi's foundation in the slums.

It must be said that the White Queen is well aware of the importance of solving problems at their root.

Faced with this predicament, what should Chen Qi do?

"—I'm so sorry, Your Majesty, I cannot accept your conferment of the title."

"Oh?" The White Queen was a little surprised by Chen Qi's answer, and asked with a smile, "You dare to disobey the imperial decree?"

The White Queen's tone was incredibly gentle, but everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

After all, she was an empress, although the white empress was a gentler person than the black empress, who was known as the "second witch king".

But no one thought that a kind and gentle person could overthrow the many electors who saw him as a weapon and become empress.

The White Queen had already prepared two countermeasures.

If Chen Qi is willing to obey her, then everything will be fine. Considering the need to appease the resentment of the people of Letania in the future, it's not unreasonable to give him some power.

But what if he really is someone who will fight to the bitter end and is determined to take revenge on them...?

Therefore, she wouldn't mind letting this "warrior" die a valiant death as he wished after the court session ended.

The White Queen has never forgotten that she is a monarch.

She certainly wouldn't leave behind a dangerous group that could destabilize her rule.

"—You've misunderstood me, Your Majesty."

However, all that could be heard was Chen Qi wearing the same kind of benevolent smile as the White Queen, turning his gaze to the people in the audience who supported him.

"Even if Her Majesty the Queen approves that our actions are just, this march could never have caused such a sensation on my own."

"So I think that, more than me, Her Majesty the Queen needs to reward these people who are willing to stand with me and win this great victory."

"...especially those martyrs who fell before the dawn of victory and were unable to witness this moment."

As he spoke, Chen Qi slowly closed his eyes. Although his tone was not heavy, the unconcealed sadness he conveyed touched people's hearts more than any loud crying.

This was especially moving for those in the gallery and those who had crowded into the courtroom to support Chen Qi.

After all, in their hearts, Chen Qi was a warrior who stood in the front row as the leader of the parade, holding the national flag, and who was fearless in the face of nobles, the army, and even death.

But this warrior now showed sadness for the poor and lowly.

Ordinary people are mostly very simple and honest people.

They are deeply moved when someone they genuinely respect shows them unexpected care.

“They all sacrificed themselves because of me, risking their lives for freedom and survival. I owe them and their families an explanation.”

White Queen: "...I agree."

When Chen Qi said these words, the White Queen instinctively sensed that something was wrong, but she could not voice any objections.

After all, the dead should be respected. Even an empress wouldn't want to break this taboo.

Especially after they had just legitimized their actions.

“I have a suggestion, Your Majesty.”

Finally, Chen Qi seemed to have figured something out and opened his eyes. With an incredibly magnanimous attitude, he smiled faintly at the White Queen and said:

"Since these were bestowed upon me by you, then I have the right to dispose of everything you have bestowed upon me, right?"

“I do not want an inch of the land you have bestowed upon me.”

"I voluntarily give all of this territory to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this march, and to their families."

"As for the title..." Chen Qi paused, then quickly gave his answer:

“I would prefer that this would give us a seat in the High Tower Council, allowing me and my organization the opportunity to speak to the nobles of the Council about the needs and voices of the people of Letania.”

"Now, I am the only one who can speak for them. We do not want more oppression and tragedy to be repeated."

White Queen: "...Since the monarch has already granted you the territory, it is up to you how you handle it."

"As for the seats..."

This time, the White Queen paused for a rare moment. She instinctively felt a slight unease about the point Chen Qi had specifically mentioned.

Ultimately, however, under the watchful eyes of the public, the White Queen made a slight concession out of consideration for their image in the eyes of the Leitanian people.

"That's for sure. There should definitely be a voice representing the people's will in the parliament."

The Tower Council, similar in nature to a parliament, was usually convened when nobles gathered to discuss matters of state.

Logically, a count should be entitled to participate in parliamentary discussions. However, most of the time, the Emperor of Letania would hold small meetings directly with the electors of several regions to discuss countermeasures, and then the electors would convey orders to the nobles in their respective jurisdictions.

In a council like this, where all nobles participate, the nobles usually hold their own opinions and check and balance each other, so it is rare for them to reach any conclusions.

Therefore, the White Queen can allow an extra person in the council to represent the so-called "public opinion".

This will have a positive effect on their rule.

Moreover, it's just one seat. The White Queen, who is well aware of the intrigue and backstabbing among the nobles of Letania, doesn't believe that Qi can cause any trouble here.

Even though deep down he still harbored hatred towards them.

But unifying the thoughts of these nobles... that's no less difficult than conquering the entire Letania by force.

Therefore, the White Queen chose to accept Chen Qi's terms.

Seeing that the White Queen had given her permission, Chen Qi immediately turned his back and looked at the commoners whose eyes were red with emotion. His voice became kinder than ever before.

"If people don't want the territory, they can exchange it for a title or an official position, or for some gold and silver."

"I guarantee that I will deliver to you the land and wealth that you are entitled to, without missing a single penny."

“My Lord…”

Finally, moved by Chen Qi's generosity, the common people, who were already in tears, repaid him with the most simple and sincere actions.

Led by an elderly man, the crowd knelt before him with the highest level of respect, their hearts filled with gratitude.

That was a grand gift reserved only for the Gemini Queens.

"Waaaaah, my lord, I... I want nothing but to serve you for generations to come!" "On this land, only you, my lord, are willing to speak for us... Waaaaah..."

“If you abandon us, sir, we will not be able to defend this land. Please, sir, let us continue to follow you.”

“My husband died at the hands of those soldiers. Our family is now destitute and helpless. We only beg you, sir, to allow us to continue to follow you…”

"—Who said I don't care about you anymore?"

Looking at the crowd of commoners willing to follow him, Chen Qi revealed an even more benevolent expression.

"Her Majesty the Queen has approved of our actions. As long as you are part of our party, as long as you have been treated unfairly, you are welcome to join us."

“My party, our members, are all willing to stand up for you and charge forward again for our brothers and sisters.”

"I believe that victory will still belong to us next time."

"My lord... Waaah... Thank you, my lord... Thank you, my lord..."

Under Chen Qi's patient persuasion, the ordinary people, who were already moved to tears, could only thank Chen Qi again and again.

"Also, I don't need, nor do I want, you to kneel before me."

“In my party, there are not so many formalities. Once you join, you are all our family, our brothers and sisters.”

"The victory we have achieved together will be shared by all of us."

After saying that, Chen Qi helped each of the people kneeling on the ground to their feet.

Only after Chen Qi finished doing all this did Jian, who was in the audience, remove all her pretense and come straight to his side.

Their eyes met in mid-air, and after a long while, Jian finally spoke with a faint smile:

"I'm glad you're still alive."

“You are still alive, and you haven’t abandoned me.”

Looking at the mace covered in wounds before him, and seeing her gradually shed her disguise, Chen Qi understood what she intended to do for him.

Overwhelmed with warmth and emotion, Chen Qi nodded heavily at the mace and said from the bottom of his heart:
"……very nice."

"Hmph." Jian responded to Chen Qi's sincerity with only a snort tinged with amusement.

Neither of them said anything more. The bond they had formed through thick and thin, even life and death, was more than enough to express in a thousand words.

"Do you need me to help you up?"

"Okay, please. My injured hand is hard to use."

Jian walked naturally to Chen Qi's side, took his arm, and led him slowly toward the courthouse.

Gertrude suddenly realized what was happening and, fearing she would fall behind, followed Qi to her side.

However, watching Jian and Chen Qi supporting each other, the countess already had her answer in her heart.

Within this party, I'm afraid my status will never be as high as that woman whose mind is all about muscles.

Although somewhat unwilling, Gertrude was overjoyed to have witnessed Chen Qi's miraculous escape from danger.

The power personally granted by the Gemini Queens, along with the legitimacy of political parties, is destined to boost public opinion once again.

All of this is destined to elevate their party's status!

As one of the earliest investors to support Qi, I believe Qi will definitely give me greater power in the future.

Sure enough, he was not wrong about the person.

This kid... regardless of whether he is a descendant of the Witch King or not.

I've made up my mind to follow him to the end!
Gradually, Chen Qi, supported by Jian, walked to the entrance of the courthouse.

Meanwhile, the steps below were now filled with his supporters.

Facing the crowd, Chen Qi, who had already won, felt no ripples in his heart.

Right now, he only wants to do one thing.

That is to declare victory to everyone!

"victory!"

"Victory!" XN
When Chen Qi raised his only movable hand high, he was met with hundreds of other hands raised in response!
Under Chen Qi's scrutiny, those raising their hands were members of the "Son of the Witch King" organization.

Most of them were ordinary citizens who participated in that march.

Some nobles and busybodies who came to watch his trial were now stunned by him and raised their hands as well.

But he didn't care about any of that.

Having experienced this near-failure, Chen Qi now has more answers in his mind.

In this country, the support of the Letanian people alone is far from enough to achieve one's goals.

He wants to recruit more people.

He needs to recruit more powerful and influential people who can be of use to support him!

I must not fail again next time.

Next time, I will definitely be the one to win!

Behind Chen Qi, the White Queen, who maintained a perfect smile on her surface, was already on high alert as she watched Chen Qi's retreating figure...

She knew that the man in front of her was definitely not a descendant of the Witch King.

He possessed neither the Witch King's terrifying talent for Originium Arts, nor his cruel and tyrannical personality and methods.

However, after witnessing his prestige, his ability to inspire and lead millions, she began to doubt her own judgment.

This man may have no connection whatsoever with the Witch King.

But his ambition... seems to be no less than that of the Witch King!
Fortunately, he couldn't possibly possess the terrifying power of the Witch King; if they wanted to kill him, it would be incredibly easy for them.

Moreover, the nobles are not to be underestimated. If he alone wanted to organize an army strong enough to rule Letania by force...

Putting aside the sheer difficulty of this task, the nobles around him who felt threatened would certainly not stand idly by.

Moreover, although he had gained some public support, without weapons, soldiers, or funds, how could he possibly resist them, no matter how ambitious he was?

Thinking of this, the White Queen felt relieved and temporarily put aside her concerns.

You're scaring yourself; it seems you're overthinking things.

No one can take Letania from their hands on this land... absolutely no one.

P.S.: Waaaaah, please add this to your favorites, dear readers! (rolling on the floor) I really want to gather everyone who reads this here! (rolling on the floor)

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(End of this chapter)