Section Forty-Nine: The Great Debate (Part One)

The Crow pushed open two heavy doors intricately carved with elaborate patterns. Beyond lay a hall at least three times larger than the grand auditorium’s lecture room. Above, a semicircular podium stood, reserved for speakers addressing the assembly on that day. Beneath the podium stretched rows of comfortable seats lined with red carpets. Whenever the council convened to vote on legislation or budgets, these seats filled with members of parliament. On either side were guest seats, typically reserved for foreign envoys or government officials invited to attend. Those seated there...

Yet, as Landia’s development grew ever more robust, the volume of affairs increased to the point where it became impractical for every matter, large or small, to be deliberated by the full assembly. Were that the case, the members would have no time to rest, forced to vote incessantly. Thus, after Warren Height formed his cabinet and consulted with both the Upper and Lower Houses, various specialized standing committees were established. These committees received authorization from the two houses to handle budget proposals below a certain threshold or to engage in preliminary negotiations during parliamentary recesses. This system ensured that significant matters would not be unduly delayed. The standing committees reported back to the houses, and if any proposed bills were problematic, at least one-third of the members could jointly demand a reexamination during the next formal session. Only when the requisite quorum was met could they overturn committee decisions. However, constitutional bills or special legislation still required full assembly approval; the committees lacked authority to vote independently on matters of constitutional import or those involving international treaties.

The two matters about to be voted on behind these doors were precisely those the Upper House’s Foreign Affairs Committee and the Lower House’s Legislative Committee lacked jurisdiction over. The issues brought by the two papal envoys demanded a full assembly vote, as they pertained to distinct functions of both houses. According to the treaty brought by Child, Landia’s accession would require approval from at least two-thirds of the senators. Furthermore, certain treaty provisions conflicted with Landian law, necessitating constitutional amendments—a function reserved for the Lower House—also requiring two-thirds approval.

After the Crow opened the doors for the two men, he stood aside as Child and Lind stepped in one after the other, crossing the threshold and following the red carpet toward the guest seats in the hall.

All 398 Landian members of parliament turned their eyes toward the two papal envoys. Among them were expressions of solemnity, worry, tension, anger, panic, and composure alike. The Upper and Lower Houses combined counted 400 members; except for two unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, all others were present.

“Welcome!” A tall, fair-skinned man rose and lightly applauded. This was Achilles, a senior member of the Democratic Party and the current Speaker of the Upper House. Within the Democratic Party, the most promising figure was undoubtedly the young Deputy Kidd, who had secretly met with Child. Kidd’s energy had revitalized the party’s standing in the Upper House, helping many Democrats reclaim their seats by inspiring voters with renewed vigor. Yet, due to Kidd’s relative inexperience, despite the party’s resurgence and his proactive proposals, the more seasoned and reputable Achilles was appointed Speaker.

“Please close this door,” Lind ordered coldly to the Crow upon entering the hall.

“Excuse me, but why must this door be closed?” Achilles asked with some confusion. It was not customary to close doors during joint sessions, as members prided themselves on transparency and openness.

“Oh, it’s a small personal request of mine. Lind is merely following my instructions,” the chief envoy spoke for the first time.

“Very well, we shall respect our guests this once,” Achilles shrugged and gestured to the Crow to close the door.

Once the door was shut, the Crow moved to a seat opposite the guest benches, where several cabinet ministers sat awaiting the parliamentary vote. Behind Warren Height stood the Crow, beside him the bearded Minister of the Interior, Voltaire, who was also on trial that day.

“Gentlemen, let us warmly welcome our distinguished guests, Archbishop Child and Knight Lind, envoys of the Glorious Papacy,” Achilles announced.

The members applauded quietly. Achilles continued, “Archbishop Child has brought us a treaty, but this treaty concerns not only foreign affairs; some provisions conflict with our constitution. Should we accede to this treaty, constitutional amendments may be necessary. Therefore, today we shall vote on whether to amend the constitution and whether to join this treaty. I trust you have all reviewed the treaty’s text. We shall begin with a free debate. Any member or invited participant wishing to speak may apply to me. We have a full three hours for discussion, after which a formal vote will be held.”

“Do we need to go up and persuade them?” Lind whispered to Child.

“Don’t rush. Someone will lead for us,” Child replied confidently, narrowing his eyes.

A tall figure rose first, signaling to Achilles. Upon receiving approval, he left his seat and approached the semicircular podium.

The Crow’s eyes widened; he recognized this man as Deputy Kidd.

Kidd placed his hands on either side of the podium, glanced around briefly, and began: “Honorable members, I am your dear Kidd. I’ve just returned from the southern Herdasin region, though I bring no good news, for dealing with the barbaric Feixians has exhausted me. Allow me to share my views on this treaty. I believe we should approach it objectively, without resistance simply because it requires legal amendments. Upon careful examination, this treaty poses no great harm to us. Moreover, I cannot understand why, if we can achieve peace with the savage Feixians, we cannot join a treaty embraced by the majority of human nations.”

Before he finished, several members requested to speak. Seeing their eagerness, Achilles consented to one among them.