Chapter 1008 - 516 The Empire Declares War on the Kingdom of Frank
The Archbishop of Mainz said, "A great problem has emerged within the Kingdom of Frank. Today, within the Imperial Parliament, we shall decide the Empire’s stance towards the Kingdom of Frank."
Oyo III suddenly interrupted, "I will use the Emperor’s prerogative to change the original anonymous voting method to a roll-call vote."
Some murmurs of surprise arose in the chamber.
Oyo III’s goal was simply to use the Emperor’s authority to pressure some of the weaker lords into voting in line with the Emperor’s wishes.
The seven Electors exchanged glances. The Emperor had privileges, but so did the Electors among themselves. The Archbishop of Mainz was the convenor and maintainer of the meeting, the Elector of Münster was the recorder of the Emperor’s use of privileges and the utilization of imperial resources, and the Archbishop of Cologne was also the President of the Parliament, vested with the right to reject the Emperor’s prerogative. However, the Archbishop of Cologne only had the right to veto unconditionally once a year.
Such a privilege, even if only usable once, was like the last bullet in the gun barrel, enough to deter the Emperor.
At that moment, the six Electors looked towards the old and frail Archbishop of Cologne.
Because the Emperor had previously discussed this matter with them, it did not mean that the Electors would completely follow the Emperor’s orders. It was perfectly normal for them to recant and break their agreement at the moment of truth, which is why generations of Emperors had begrudgingly endured the system of Electors.
The Archbishop of Cologne gave a slight nod to Oyo III, who visibly relaxed.