CHAPTER 457: CHAPTER 435: AFTER THE GENERAL MEETING, A SMALLER MEETING (PART 1)

The morning light shone on the spire of the clock tower in Rapids City, and the bell-ringer vigorously tolled the morning bell.

Smoke rose from the chimneys, and the sounds of footsteps, shouting, and splashing water made it seem as if the entire city was yawning.

On the streets of Cross Street, people dressed in various robes of linen, flannel, and blended fabrics, along with beige shirts, were heading towards the Uffizi Palace.

The Saintess festival from yesterday had just ended, and there were still a few bonfires not yet extinguished, yet they had already gathered in front of the Uffizi Palace.

The cool morning breeze brushed against their faces, which, in such a hot summer, made them all show expressions of enjoyment.

These people were not ordinary; they included leading figures from various groups in Rapids City—large merchants, the Chief Justice, master artisans, City Councilors, and representatives of small shop owners.

They gathered in small groups, discussing the phrase Horn left at the end of yesterday’s festival: "An administrative meeting of Rapids City, inviting important figures."

Those who received the invitations were naturally smug, while those who did not felt disgruntled, waiting outside with the others.

When Armand opened the doors with the monks, he was momentarily stunned by the crowd waiting outside but then smiled, saying: "Everyone, please present your invitation to enter. As for those without an invitation, you may also enter, but you will have to stand aside and listen in."

Seeing the black-clad soldiers carrying holy rifles and long halberds filing out from inside, the leading figures of Rapids City became obedient.

The tactics they usually used to create a fuss before meetings were no longer daring enough to use in front of these intimidating soldiers.

Following Armand through the doors, past the paneled walls adorned with stories of the Saints, and under a dome filled with clouds, stars, and gods, they arrived at the first-floor hall of the Uffizi Palace.

In the center of the hall was a table about five meters long, with rows of benches on either side.

Horn sat at the head, with Jeanne and Catherine on either side, followed by Armand, Martin, and others, with nearly half of the remaining seats occupied by the Meigedi Commerce Association.

The elites with an invitation happily took their seats, while those protesting occasionally were, under Catherine’s scolding and the suppression of the black-clad soldiers, reluctantly seated on the benches.

As for those without invitations, they could only huddle at the entrance, standing to listen to the meeting.

Once everyone was seated, Horn did not waste many words, directly patting Jeanne on the shoulder: "Please, Exorcist Leader Jeanne, give a brief report on the current war situation."

Jeanne didn’t look at any briefing; she stood up and began speaking without hesitation: "The reconnaissance reports indicate that the Church’s forces have mostly retreated, and Ansen Castle is back under our control.

The defenses of Ansen Castle are currently being repaired, and nearby small castles have also been captured.

Even if Prince Kongdai wants to come back and assist, it would take at least ten to fifteen days, not to mention they certainly won’t give up the Shangruifo Castle they have already conquered...

So based on the current developments, we have at least gained a temporary peace."

After listening to Jeanne’s report on the current war situation, the City Councilors felt much of their previous anxiety dissipate. Their greatest concern had been being caught by Prince Kongdai’s edict along with the main forces.

Rapids City could not withstand a second large-scale siege war.

"Since the situation has stabilized, we finally have the opportunity to discuss the management and reconstruction of Rapids City in the future." With his hands crossed under his chin, Horn said smilingly.

The previously noisy hall immediately quieted down, and everyone almost held their breath, intently watching Horn, waiting to hear what he would say next.

But Horn only faintly smiled, switching the topic: "I know you are urgent, but don’t rush. To hold meetings more efficiently and establish norms, we first need to set the rules for deliberation."

This was something he had long wanted to do, and in the upcoming administrative division reforms within the Salvation Army, this would also be a guiding principle.

Although Imperial Free Cities and small towns had the awareness of meetings and elections, their meetings were like watching elderly people argue at the village committee where Horn was in his past life.

Everyone would talk over each other, turning into a marketplace of chaos.

According to the investigations by the Saint Father’s Association and Cheka, even within the current Salvation Army, their meetings had massive issues.

The first was going off-topic; what started as a discussion about the city gate would devolve into ribaldry and ever more vulgar topics.

The second was bickering; grabbing onto a minor point and refusing to let go would often turn verbal disputes into physical altercations.

Even Jeska and Hakuto, good friends, would often come to blows during military meetings, sometimes requiring Legion Commanders to join in and make it a full brawl.

The Saint Father’s Association, though comprising intellectuals, was not much better, only substituting fights with sarcastic remarks and personal attacks.

Therefore, the first rule Horn set was the rules for political bodies’ deliberations, to improve efficiency and organization, to weed out this grassroots troupe’s unhealthy atmosphere.

Knocking on the table, Horn picked up the clipboard in front of him and read aloud:

"The rules for deliberations of the Salvation Army Rapids City Government are as follows:"

"First, the minority must obey the majority, and parts must obey the whole."

"Second, no small meetings are allowed. Attendees must meet the quorum requirement, with the minimum standard being more than half."

"Third, to speak, one must raise their hand, speak in order of raising, but must receive the host’s permission before speaking, and interruption is not allowed during others’ regulated speaking."

"Fourth, the content discussed in the meeting must be clear, specific, and actionable proposals."

"Fifth, personal attacks are not allowed, sticking strictly to the topic. The host has the right to expel anyone who violates this rule."

"Sixth, before speaking, one must first state their approval or opposition. If off-topic or speaking excessively, the host is obliged to interrupt."

"Seventh, after a hand-raised vote, only yes and no votes are counted; a tie is considered not passed."

"Eighth, the right to attend the meeting may not be transferred or sold..."

"Ninth..."

After reading out and explaining the twelve rules summarized based on investigation, personal visits, and previous life experiences, Horn put down the clipboard.

He smiled and glanced around at everyone present: "So these twelve rules are the specific procedures for discussions. These are the regulations of our Savior Pope Country.

All motions must be decided in meetings, and decisions made in meetings must be strictly enforced. I leave you the right to criticize and give opinions, but actions must comply.

In other words, you may disagree, you may complain, and you may even openly oppose, but decisions must be carried out strictly..."

"Tsk tsk tsk, who doesn’t know how to hold a meeting like this?" Petor, the head of the Blacksmith Guild, mumbled quietly beside Elindor, a senior partner of the Meigedi Commerce Association, "Setting rules for this is pointless."

"Heh heh, if you ask me, it’s just for show. They haven’t learned etiquette; they’re making up for what they lack."

"But this..." Petor turned his face away to whisper, but was interrupted by a cold shout.

"Petor! Didn’t you see His Eminence speaking?"

Catherine’s gaze was icy. Under this intimidating look, Petor quickly lowered his head.

"Yes, yes..." Elindor, being watched by so many people, murmured, almost shrinking his head into his neck.

With his head down, Petor grumbled under his breath, looking dejected: "Married daughter, poured-out water..."

"Haha, look at how they are." Lowering his voice while sitting on the first bench, Rudilo turned his head to Juer Dan and laughed.

Juer Dan lowered his head: "Isn’t it true? It cracks me up."

"Our little Jeanne is much gentler."

"There’s even disparity between the saintesses..."

"Rudilo! Juer Dan!"

An angry and delicate shout rang out. The two who were previously whispering straightened their bodies with a start.

Confronted by the stern look of their superior, Jeanne, Rudilo and Juer Dan showed their yellow-black teeth, forcing a peaceful and ingratiating smile.

Horn didn’t mind much. He casually pressed down on Jeanne and Catherine’s shoulders: "Don’t be so restrained, these discussion rules only start officially in a couple of days.

However, don’t mess around. When you return, you’ll have to apply these discussion rules too, not just them, but you need to learn even more."

The legion commanders’ faces instantly fell.

Seeing Horn babble about a lot of trivial things, just talking about how to hold a meeting, the city councilors and guild leaders couldn’t hold it in any longer.

It’s just a meeting, who doesn’t know how to do that.

As for Horn possibly inserting his men, they were already prepared for it. Isn’t that what the church did before?

As long as the Salvation Army doesn’t forcibly seize assets like the church did, the leaders of Rapids City could accept it.

The situation overwhelms people; no matter how much they resisted before, when the holy gun is at their head, the mind complies.

But the point is to talk about the main issues, which are the administration, reconstruction, and solutions for refugees.

As a seasoned player, Petor, formerly a Saint’s Servant, raised his right hand: "Your Excellency, I mean Your Eminence, can we talk about Rapids City’s management and reconstruction issues?"