Chapter 138: Kingdom First!
After declaring the name, Baron John Constantine paused for a moment, then added, "I know Baron Chapman has declined several positions in the past. But his father was once a minister of this kingdom, and his forefathers served in various prominent capacities throughout our history. This is the time he must step up and fulfill his family’s legacy. If we hope to win the next election and restore the reputation of our party, then as co-chairman, it is his duty not to shy away. He is the most suitable candidate I can think of to lead us to victory. I formally request both the house and Baron Chapman himself to consider this proposal."
Anthony, who had been suddenly thrown into the center of attention, smiled bitterly. He had attended every session of tonight’s meetings but had not spoken a single word. It was nothing unusual for him. Anthony Chapman had always been the silent presence in party meetings. His position as co-chairman was granted not because of any political ambition but due to the weight of his family name. His ancestors had built their legacy through decades of loyal service, and Anthony inherited not just that legacy, but also an enormous fortune.
Because of his wealth and silence, he had always been well respected... neutral, uninvolved, and thus, untouchable. He had turned down multiple chances to gain political office, showing no interest in power or influence. Yet, here he was... nominated to be the next leader of the party, and potentially the next Prime Minister.
As the murmurs of agreement echoed around him, his thoughts suddenly drifted back to his strange encounter with that black clothed man a few days ago. The memory sent a chill down his spine.
That man’s cold voice echoed in his mind again:
"You don’t have to do anything. Just accept what’s being offered to you. Your party is going to nominate you as the leader. All you need to do is accept the honor gracefully. Later, they’ll name you the next candidate for Prime Minister. You just have to smile, campaign, and win. My boss will handle the rest."
The memory of those words made Anthony shiver. Despite sitting comfortably in his study, dressed warmly, and with the room heater humming quietly, he felt a chill creep up his spine. A cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
"The entire political structure of the kingdom is being manipulated by this mysterious ’boss’... just to fulfill his wish? Who has this kind of power?"
He thought back to how this scandal had erupted. It started with a tip about an MP... someone without much standing in the party. Yet somehow, that single MP had access to enough evidence to bring down dozens of powerful figures. MPs, ministers, advisors... names that had once seemed untouchable were now being paraded through headlines. The authorities looked like they had been too lucky to struck a gold mine.
Anthony clenched his fists under the table. "Only I know the truth. Or maybe the chairman and a few others who were unusually proactive tonight," he thought.
But when he thought about the daughter he had never met, his heart hardened. The DNA test he had personally conducted left no room for doubt... she was his daughter. And yet, he had no idea what she was doing under the wing of her incredibly powerful boss.