Chapter 27: Chapter27-You Want to Make Me a Senator?
The waves emanating from the glowing orb gave William an extremely familiar yet far more terrifying sense of an array ripple.
His spiritual energy quickly delved into the orb, and his expression turned to one of shock.
This Starlight Array was absolutely genuine!
Although his inspection was only cursory, he could clearly sense that the enhanced version of the Starlight Array not only had its power increased severalfold but also significantly expanded its range!
It was a groundbreaking evolution compared to the previous Starlight Array.
William stared at Velen in utter disbelief.
How could Velen have something like this?
The Starlight Array was already incredibly intricate and ever-changing, created by the first Duke during the founding of the Ducal Manor. Very few awakeners could even identify its flaws, let alone fully enhance it!
However, before William could ask, Velen beat him to it:
"This is just something I happened to acquire. If you find it useful, that's all that matters."
Naturally, he couldn't explain that it came from the system.
Judging by William's reaction, this enhanced version of the Starlight Array would indeed serve its purpose, leaving Velen quite satisfied.
"Was it really just a coincidence?" William's sharp gaze fixed on Velen.
He found it hard to believe that such a perfect coincidence existed.
However, since Velen clearly didn't intend to elaborate, William respected his decision and refrained from pressing further.
Still, given everything Velen had offered—advanced mana stones and now the enhanced Starlight Array—William felt it necessary to reward him appropriately.
Thus, William spoke with solemnity:
"Velen, from this moment forward, you shall be an independent senator of the Ducal Manor! Your status will be equal to ours, and even Anthony must address you as Senator!"
Understanding that Velen likely lacked interest in material wealth, William decided to offer a spiritual and status-based reward instead. No half-measures, no token titles like "chief watcher."
Instead, he granted Velen the highest honor—a position befitting his contributions.
For the younger generation of the Ducal Manor, a title like "chief watcher" might be an esteemed role, but for someone like Velen, a mere watcher's title would be an insult. Only the position of independent senator was worthy of Velen's contributions.
The title of senator in the Ducal Manor carried immense weight, outranking even the Duke and granting participation in the House of von Michelstein's core decision-making. It was truly a position of supreme authority and influence.
However, upon hearing this, Velen refused outright:
"Senator William, give the title of independent senator to someone else. I'm really not interested!"
For Velen, quietly flaunting his wealth was enough. Holding too high a position might only lead to complications.
He didn't want to be bound by obligations or entangled in additional responsibilities.
William, however, took Velen's refusal seriously and replied earnestly:
"Given your contributions, the role of independent senator is more than fitting. Please, don't decline. If you wish to remain low-profile and avoid disrupting your daily life, that's simple enough!"
"You can still act as a member of the Hatchling Order and stay on Uranus Star, continuing to follow Anastasia. But you will still hold the title of independent senator, and we won't make this public for now."
Seeing William's resolute attitude and how he had even accounted for his preferences, Velen found it hard to refuse any further. After taking a deep breath, he relented:
"Senator William, if the Ducal Manor ever lacks gold coins or mana stones, feel free to come to me. But I won't be able to help much with anything else."
William nodded without objection.
At that moment, Anthony suddenly arrived and said:
"Velen, since you love rabbits so much, would you like to visit the Forbidden Tower in the Ducal Manor and see the ferocious spellbeasts imprisoned there?"
Given the immense contributions of a tycoon like Velen, Anthony naturally wanted to show his appreciation and care.
However, upon seeing William already present, Anthony was taken aback.
"Anthony! The name Senator Velen is not one you can casually utter!" William scolded sharply. "From now on, in formal settings, it's acceptable to conceal Senator Velen's identity. But in private, you must address him as Senator!"
Senator Velen?
Anthony was utterly dumbfounded.
When did Velen become a senator?
Wasn't he just a talented member of the Hatchling Order?
Noticing Anthony's confusion, William explained:
"Velen is now an independent senator within the House of von Michelstein. As you know, an independent senator holds equal status to us. Henceforth, you must treat Senator Velen with proper respect and heed his guidance and instructions!"
Anthony was completely stunned.
Independent senator? Velen?!
He felt as if he were hallucinating.
The process for appointing an independent senator was exceedingly stringent, requiring monumental, irreplaceable contributions and unanimous approval from all five senators.
Anthony didn't dare question this directly, so he leaned closer and whispered curiously:
"Velen becoming an independent senator… isn't that a bit premature?"
"Senator Velen has contributed more to the House of von Michelstein than anyone could imagine! The resources he's provided are so abundant that even the title of independent senator doesn't do him justice!" William replied.
So many resources?!
Had Velen given William something extraordinary?
Overcome with curiosity, Anthony looked at Velen and transmitted a private message:
"Senator Velen, William is a stickler for rules, yet he broke protocol for you. What exactly did you give him?"
Though he didn't understand the full context, Anthony's expression carried a mix of curiosity and newfound respect.
Velen quickly replied, "Just call me by my name. The title of independent senator was forced on me by William—it's just a title. I didn't give him anything special."
"Well, apart from 10 million advanced mana stones and the enhanced version of the Starlight Array."
10 million advanced mana stones?!
Anthony's jaw dropped, unable to close.
Advanced mana stones were a rare commodity that even top-tier factions struggled to amass. A stockpile of thousands or tens of thousands was already considered exceptional.
Yet Velen casually handed over an amount that was beyond imagination.
And then, as if recalling something, Anthony's expression shifted again.
"Velen, what's this enhanced version of the Starlight Array?"
To ensure their home planet's safety, the Ducal Manor had long sought ways to strengthen the Starlight Array. However, the array was so intricate that it was beyond their comprehension, let alone systematic enhancement.
If what Velen claimed was true, the Ducal Manor's defenses had silently undergone a massive upgrade.
After learning the full story, Anthony's doubts evaporated, and he looked at Velen with an awe that had never been there before.
With the resources Velen had provided, the title of independent senator was a bargain.
Seeing Anthony's excitement, Velen said, "Since I have some free time now, let's go check out the spellbeasts."
After all, he had yet to encounter a spellbeast and was curious about them—especially since they would be his primary foes in the Singularity Battlefield.
When William returned to the grand hall in the rear courtyard of the Ducal Manor, the other four senators immediately asked:
"Did you return the mana stones to Velen?"
As senior members of the Ducal Manor, they adhered to their principles.
However, before they could continue, William shook his head.
Jake and the others were momentarily stunned, unsure if they had seen correctly.
William had gone specifically to return the mana stones, so how could he have failed?
That didn't make sense!
"Five billion mana stones is a lot, but we're not desperate for them."
"Exactly. Velen has already contributed so much."
Jake and the others voiced their opinions in unison.
But before they could say more, William replied gravely:
"Not only did I fail to return the mana stones, but I also accepted even more valuable items from Velen!"
"What?!"
"I initially planned to decline, but what he offered was so vital that I couldn't refuse."
Confused, Jake and the others stared at William.
What could Velen possibly offer that was so indispensable?
Under their curious gazes, William retrieved several advanced mana stones from a storage pouch.
The moment they saw the advanced mana stones, Jake and the others were left utterly speechless.
They knew the Ducal Manor's stock of advanced mana stones had been nearly depleted.
Where had William acquired so many advanced mana stones?
Could it really be from Velen?