Piltover's system of governance is an oligarchy of the elite. Occasionally, the city holds public elections for council members to maintain appearances, but in truth, these votes are tightly controlled by the prominent families.
Public hearings and referendums on citizen matters are merely last-resort compromises for the councilors. In reality, Piltover's policies are decided by a simple majority vote among the seven council members.
Of course, Heimerdinger, serving as the council's "mascot," rarely has his opinions taken seriously—unless the matter pertains to Hextech research.
Most of Piltover's authority rests firmly in the hands of the council. Occasionally, the Ferros family is involved, requiring Camille to step in.
However, since the death of the Ferros family's previous patriarch—Camille's younger brother, Stevan, who succumbed to heart disease—Camille, known as the "Gray Lady" who wanders through the haze, has frequently appeared in public yet rarely interfered with the council's proceedings.
Cassandra had marveled at this over dinner more than once, speculating that the death of Camille's brother and the rise of her most beloved grand-niece, Abel, must have had a profound effect on her.
When Li Lin heard his mother-in-law's complaints, he merely chuckled and kept silent.
He wasn't one to boast about his achievements, but if Cassandra were to discover how he had once threatened the Gray Lady, she might very well have a heart attack on the spot…
Returning to the matter at hand, aside from Cassandra, Mel, and Heimerdinger, the other four council members had begun to realize that the Ferros family was no longer interested in political affairs. This newfound freedom had emboldened them in certain ways.
Unifying the Twin Cities isn't something that can be accomplished on a whim or by sheer impulsiveness.
Li Lin wasn't after an empty shell of power seized through coercion. What he wanted was genuine support, true unity—only then could all forces be mobilized to resist the impending cataclysm.
The councilors must willingly resign from their positions. This couldn't be achieved through intimidation, as it had been with the Chem-Barons in Zaun.
Cassandra, Mel, and Heimerdinger would be relatively easy to convince, but the other council members required a different approach.
Time passed swiftly, and three days later, the weekly council meeting arrived.
In Li Lin's quarters, mechanical attendants were helping him tidy his attire and hair.
The council meeting was about to commence.
Li Lin gazed at his reflection in the mirror and waved the mechanical attendants away. As they retreated, he spoke to no one in particular, "Have the pieces of evidence been gathered?"
A moment later, the AI's response reached his ears:
[Everything is in order, including materials on the Salo, Hoskel, Bolbok, and Shoola families. Please review them.]
A holographic projection screen appeared before him, displaying neatly arranged data and high-resolution photos. Each name could be selected for more detailed information.
"Hmph. These families have engaged in so many dirty dealings!" Li Lin's expression darkened. "And yet they shamelessly proclaim themselves as 'servants of the City of Progress'?"
[Their actions have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, public support for these four families has been in sharp decline, and they are well aware of it.]
[However, given Piltover's current political climate, the citizens lack the power to truly affect them.]
[Your leadership over Piltover is the natural course of events.]
Li Lin shook his head but said nothing.
Moments later, his door was knocked on for the second time in less than five minutes.
[It's Miss Caitlyn.]
"I know. I'm very familiar with her particular way of knocking."
A slight smile broke across Li Lin's otherwise tense face as he walked to open the door.
Standing there was Caitlyn, dressed in formal attire suitable for public events.
Her outfit was a sleek, calf-length dress in an elegant shade of cobalt blue. Its design was simple, with the Kiramman family crest embroidered on the shoulders. Her dainty feet were clad in closed-toe high heels, exuding an air of grace and poise.
Her flowing blue-violet hair was pinned up neatly, adorned with a decorative hairpin and ribbon. Her flawless face bore subtle makeup, and a heart-shaped ruby pendant rested against her fair chest. Her lightly tinted lips, a soft shade of red, made Li Lin want to lean in for a kiss.
"Cait?" Li Lin blinked, momentarily stunned by her formal appearance. "Why are you dressed like this… Are you attending the council meeting as well?"
"Of course." She arched an eyebrow at her beloved. "It's a request from my mother."
Cassandra…
Li Lin scratched his cheek in confusion, unsure of her motives.
"Oh, relax~~ It's about Piltover's law enforcement."
Caitlyn giggled, covering her mouth, then leaned forward to tap Li Lin's nose lightly.
"Sheriff Grayson is nearing retirement age. Since I became a detective and helped solve several major cases with Piltover's law enforcement, she's decided to recommend me as the new Sheriff of Piltover."
"Really?" Li Lin's face lit up with surprise. "Did you agree?"
"You're such a silly thing… If I hadn't agreed, would I be wearing formal attire to accompany you to this council meeting?"
"Fair point."
Li Lin couldn't help but marvel at how the butterfly effect he'd caused had led Caitlyn to accept the position without hesitation.
In the original timeline, she had outright declined the offer to become Sheriff.
[If not for the pursuit of uncovering "C's" identity, the role of a police officer would have undoubtedly suited her better than that of a detective. Perhaps, in the end, she would never have become the sheriff.
However, with his involvement, ever since that trip to Zaun two years ago, the seeds of change for the two cities had taken root in her heart. Thus, when she was internally nominated as sheriff, she neither resisted the idea nor hesitated—in fact, she embraced it.
Caitlyn waved a hand in front of a dazed Li Lin. "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing, nothing at all," he said with a quick smile, pointing to the clock on the wall. "It's almost time for the council meeting. We'd better get going."
"Don't you have your hovercar? What's the rush?"
"I'm not in a rush, but I'm afraid your mom might be."
"Hmph! Never serious," Caitlyn huffed, but something seemed to spark in her mind. "Oh, right. You still haven't told me—what's your sudden inspiration to attend the council meeting today?"
Li Lin's lips curled into a sly smile. "It's a secret. You'll see soon enough."
"Hey, what's with you? Even keeping me in the dark now?" Caitlyn raised her voice slightly and gave him a once-over. "Hmm… let me guess. Does it have something to do with Katarina Du Couteau and Talon?"
Ever since Katarina and Talon were imprisoned, it seemed as though Swain had abandoned them. So much time had passed without so much as a diplomatic response.
Li Lin suspected it was likely the Lady of Blood working her schemes behind the scenes, disrupting Swain's plans and strategies.
Currently, the western regions of the twin cities, within Noxian territory, were erupting in rebellion.
The rebels had slain Swain's envoy before news could even reach the Immortal Bastion and seized control of every city.
On top of that, certain nobles in the Immortal Bastion were openly challenging Swain, accusing him of leading Noxus toward destruction and calling for a new leader.
In short, Noxus was once again mired in internal conflict, leaving them with no time to negotiate about the fate of two assassins with Piltover.
"How are they doing now?" Li Lin deflected the topic, steering it toward safer ground.
"They're holding up. Although Katarina's mental state isn't great, she's clearly come to terms with her identity as a prisoner," Caitlyn replied, her growing familiarity with Piltover's law enforcement and leadership giving her some insight into the situation.
"So, you're planning to lock them up for a few months and then banish them, like you did with the Warmasons, barring them from ever returning?"
"Their value isn't the same as that of the Warmasons. Katarina is a member of the Du Couteau family. Wouldn't it be a waste not to make full use of that?"
"Hmm, true… Wait a minute. Are you trying to change the subject again?"
Caitlyn suddenly caught on, lightly punching Li Lin in the chest.
"You know me. Once I get curious, I won't stop until I've uncovered the truth. Spill it—what are you really scheming?"
Her face tensed as her sharp blue eyes locked onto his, deliberately adopting the tone of an interrogator grilling a suspect.
"'Scheming' seems like such an inappropriate word," Li Lin retorted. "Do I really come across as someone so devious to my dear wife?"
At the word "wife," a flush of pink crept up Caitlyn's cheeks. She gave him another light punch to the chest.
"You're impossible," she pouted with feigned annoyance. Her eyes, however, sparkled with warmth. "If it's not something serious, why are you keeping it from me?"
Li Lin sighed and reached out, intending to pinch Caitlyn's cheek.
But noticing her light makeup, he pivoted his hand mid-motion, gently brushing her delicate nose instead.
"What if I said I plan to overthrow Piltover's current political system and bring both cities under my control? Would you believe me?" Li Lin asked, his tone deliberately playful.
To his surprise, Caitlyn froze, her expression subtly shifting. "I knew it. I had a hunch you were planning something like this."
"Huh?"
Her reaction was far from what he expected.
Li Lin had thought she'd dismiss his words as a joke, but instead, she took him seriously.
"Have you discussed this with my mother?"
Li Lin stared at Caitlyn, caught off guard by her seriousness, and slowly shook his head.
"Something this major, and you didn't even inform her?" she chided. "I suppose you haven't told Mel or Professor Heimerdinger either, have you?"
"Cait…"
Li Lin opened his mouth to respond but was cut off again.
"It's too late to discuss this now; the council meeting is about to start. There's no point saying more."
Their eyes met, and Li Lin could only see concern reflected in her gaze. "You've prepared yourself for this, haven't you?"
"…Yeah."
"Then that's enough," Caitlyn said with a sigh of relief. "No matter what decision you've made, I'll support you."
She stood on her tiptoes and planted a light kiss on the corner of his lips, fleeting as a dragonfly's touch on water.
"Behind you stands the Kiramman family."
(End of Chapter)
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