“I?” Ferrell remained focused on driving. He glanced at the car behind them; the driver there was soone who had co out with Lynch—likely one of Lynch’s bodyguards.
For a mont, he felt dazed. It seed like only recently they had t for the first ti, when Lynch put a five-thousand-Sol check on the table seeking solutions.
In a flash, Lynch had developed to the point of needing bodyguards?
Snapping back to reality, Ferrell said, “It’s going alright. Everyone knows I’m just…” He pursed his lips with a helpless smile and shook his head. “Just a transitional figure. I have no right to complain—instead, I should thank you, the governor, and the mayor for their support.”
If all went as expected, Landon—the current mayor of Sabin City—would resign after the state election and recomnd Ferrell as his successor.
With Landon’s endorsent, the governor’s backing, and Lynch’s approval, Ferrell’s election as mayor faced almost no opposition. But he wouldn’t hold the position long.
Landon had clashed sowhat with the governor, who wanted to appoint his brother as mayor, but Landon refused, using his influence to secure party support instead.
This caused so tension between the two, which was now easing sowhat thanks to Lynch’s involvent. Landon was willing to step down as mayor in exchange for a new position as a congressional representative.
As part of the deal, Ferrell, Landon’s aide and secretary, would serve as acting mayor of Sabin City for two years.
After two years, Ferrell would resign, citing his inability to fully manage a city, and recomnd a state senator to replace him. The state legislature would then hold hearings to approve the replacent, who would beco the new mayor and prepare for the next mayoral election.
This arrangent had nothing to do with Ferrell’s identity. His relationship with the governor was ordinary, and it was not because he was another nephew of Edwin that unfair decisions were made.
Is it absurd to think being related to the governor disqualifies one from serving the federation?
Ridiculous.
This setup satisfied everyone’s needs and ensured a smooth transition to a new mayor. Ferrell would gain two years of experience in office, positioning him for party promotion. If he could secure support from capitalists like Lynch for the next election, he might truly beco a mayor and enter the political stage.
The process seed simple but involved many intertwined interests. For example, when the state senator—rumored to be the governor’s brother—beca mayor, his senate seat would open up.
Everyone knew the governor sought more terms. A senate seat would secure an ally.
Don’t underestimate state senators. Under the federation’s semi-autonomous state system, state legislatures are not very different from Congress. They can propose, review, and pass local laws, though their influence is limited to their own and neighboring regions.
From a practical standpoint, it wasn’t bad.
Behind the scenes, many unseen interest exchanges occurred. The public only saw one mayor resign and another take over.
“That’s not bad. At least I don’t have to campaign!” Ferrell smiled. He wasn’t truly afraid of elections; a glance at the clean streets around explained his confidence.
The unprecedented economic downturn had turned mayor into a high-risk frontline political job. It wasn’t about whether a politician had the right skills anymore—the question was who could handle it.
One would fall after another. This was why the conservative party withdrew completely. The previous president left a ss they couldn’t clean up. They chose to retreat strategically.
When people realized the progressive party was no better, they’d step forward again. By then, the economy would be improving, and people might want to try a new ruling party.
At that ti, they could bask in public approval. But now was not that ti.
No one was foolish enough to take on a ss and prove themselves as bad as their predecessor, becoming a laughingstock. Especially with Landon’s nomination, the governor’s support, and backing from businessn like Lynch. Anyone challenging Ferrell would be foolish.
Of course, there are always those who run just for the race. The federation is highly free, and fairness is valued.
“Approaching that position makes uneasy. You know, decisions used to be made by soone else, not . Now I have to face the consequences—good or bad—and that’s a heavy burden,” Ferrell said, slowly turning the steering wheel while keeping an eye on the road and rear vehicles.
“Sotis I want to back down for a mont, but I can’t.”
Ferrell was under imnse pressure. Though conditions improved, unemploynt remained high. Aid stations distributing food vouchers were crowded with ordinary citizens struggling to survive.
Landon had dared to oppose the governor’s private suggestions to run for mayor—and won. His departure wasn’t surrender but likely a recognition of the difficulty.
If things went well, everyone would be happy. But more likely, if results fell short, he’d be ousted in disgrace. So he withdrew in ti and preserved his victory.
Though the mayor outranks a congressional representative in practical power, the latter holds greater social influence and political capital.
The mayor could step down, but Ferrell had no choice but to push forward.
Their conversation continued as the car slowly stopped outside city hall. Landon was indeed leaving, but before he officially stepped down, he was still mayor. Lynch was expected to visit him first.
“Congratulations…”
The mayor greeted Lynch warmly, shaking his hand. “I knew choosing you was right. In just over a year, the club took a championship. They even held a small celebration yesterday—it was lively. You can watch the replay on the news; they covered it.”
As they spoke, they sat on the sofa. “Sports are very effective in boosting public morale. At least people don’t look as worn down. You did well. Yesterday, I discussed encouraging more investnt in sports with Ferrell.”
Ferrell, serving drinks, nodded and placed two glasses before them. Landon gestured to a nearby sofa. “You should sit too.”
Though Ferrell had no place in such formal settings, since he would soon replace Landon, he deserved respect.
No one knew how things would develop. Respecting Ferrell was necessary, both for their past cooperation and because he was still young.
After so polite talk, Lynch shifted to Landon’s future. “I heard your next position has been decided?”
The topic was awkward. Previously, the governor couldn’t guarantee Landon a congressional seat and might have had him remain in the state senate.
But then a party congressman suddenly fell ill.
The elderly man had dedicated his life to the federation. At 75, he was still working hard.
Doctors said he couldn’t continue. Though saddened, this opened a new opportunity.
The governor quickly mobilized support for Landon to be nominated by the congressman as his successor.
The process was complex. After resigning, Landon would work as the congressman’s assistant for a month or two to learn the job.
Then the congressman would announce his incapacity. After at least two rounds of voting in the state legislature, they’d select Landon as successor.
If Landon passed two public hearings by the congressional selection committee without majority opposition, he would beco a mber of Congress, representing another state and serving the people.
This involved a political exchange between the governor and another state, making it far from simple.
Now Landon seed to have accepted it. At his age, it was unlikely the governor would support him to stay. Rather than wasting ti clinging to a little power here, he preferred to serve the federation in Congress.
At least, that would give him a pleasant retirent, free from financial worries.
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