Chapter 266: Using One’s Mind is What Matters Most

After the forged decree was read aloud, neither the Elder Council nor the two candidates raised objections.

The elders produced the golden seal representing the throne—a square base carved with the imposing figure of a demon.

This pure gold seal had been used by the Ghost Lord for official matters and now stood as the throne’s symbol.

As monsters stared at the golden seal, they truly grasped that the Ghost Lord who had ruled them for nearly a century was finally being replaced.

The royal selection process had three stages: first, speeches by both candidates outlining their policies, followed by voting, and finally the Elder Council’s tally.

This marked the first royal selection meeting since the system’s creation by the Ghost Lord, leaving many monsters intrigued rather than bored.

“All members shall maintain silence.”

The Elder Council chairman at the center rapped his wooden hammer, quelling the murmurs. “The candidates will now deliver their speeches.”

“Wait!”

A voice cut through the chamber.

A demon clan elder rose from the left side, papers in hand. “Before the selection begins, an issue must be addressed to ensure fairness.”

The hall fell silent—many monsters thought: *Here it comes.*

Chairman frowned. “Tsuzuki Tan, state your concern.”

Waving his documents, Tsuzuki Tan’s amplified voice boomed: “The Trade Minister Uka Kaori has neglected her duties! Human flesh can shortages caused unrest in Iron Fortress. Multiple violent incidents occurred over canned goods. As Ghost Lord decreed, incompetent officials lose voting rights. I demand Uka Kaori’s removal to ensure fair voting!”

The audience erupted. Clearly, Tsuzuki Tan backed Oni Rasha by attacking Uka Kaori—Oni Yuki’s key supporter.

Oni Yuki’s supporters grimaced. The seemingly minor supply issue had fueled widespread discontent recently, barely contained by police.

Officials had secretly urged Oni Yuki to resolve this, yet supplies remained unreplenished. Was it inability or oversight?

Oni Rasha glanced at his sister—her calm face surely masked panic. Nearby, the Fox Sisters fidgeted while Ghost Takizawa whispered urgently to Uka Kaori, likely scolding her failure.

Seeing their distress lifted Oni Rasha’s foul mood. *Outsiders can’t help—only brains matter.*

The chairman reviewed Tsuzuki Tan’s documents showing stark supply shortages and police testimonies about rising chaos. Though favoring Oni Yuki, he couldn’t ignore such evidence without risking his position.

“Order!” His hammer strikes silenced the crowd. “Your Highness the Princess, any defense? Confirmed negligence mandates removal per Ghost Lord’s rules.”

Oni Yuki rose leisurely. “Chairman, Uka Kaori’s convoy was ambushed by unknown monsters. This accident caused the shortage—she deserves leniency.”

Tsuzuki Tan interrupted: “Trade officials must secure goods! Should soldiers blame defeats on strong enemies too?”

“Uka Kaori served Iron Fortress flawlessly for years,” Oni Yuki countered calmly.

“Xia Yuanhai served well too!” Tsuzuki Tan shot back. “Yet Oni Rasha dismissed him fairly. Can’t the princess match that fairness?”

Ghost Takizawa and the Fox Sisters turned to Oni Rasha, noting his smug expression. Xia Yuanhai’s dismissal wasn’t mere posturing—it served multiple purposes. Likely, someone was advising the brute.

Oni Yuki remained unflustered. “Xia Yuanhai’s intentional error differs from Uka Kaori’s accident. Denying redemption chances would paralyze us all. What say you?”

The hall exploded in debate—monsters argued fiercely with opponents, exchanging saliva. Middle management monsters engaging in politics? Unprecedented since the Ghost Lord’s absolute rule.

As Tsuzuki Tan opened his mouth, Oni Yuki struck: “Elder Tsuzuki Tan, didn’t you embezzle supplies once? Yet Ghost Lord let you atone. Will you deny others what you received?”

The crowd buzzed with glee at this black history.

“Knew he was rotten!”

“Ugly rat dares criticize Uka?”

“How’d that fossil become elder?”

Oni Rasha snorted—he’d have picked another pawn knowing this. Below, Tsuzuki Tan flushed crimson, shamed before the assembly.

Gritting teeth, he barked: “I returned everything! Unless Uka Kaori restocks immediately, it’s negligence!” His kill-shot had failed—Oni Yuki’s counter left only this weak retort.

Oni Rasha stayed calm. Even with days, that fox couldn’t find supplies. He glanced at his sister, expecting fury—but found icy composure. The Fox Sisters and Ghost Takizawa had shed their panic, even smiling.

Unease prickled Oni Rasha’s heart.