“That’s why I’m saying we cannot revoke the police department’s authority to reject applications for assemblies and protests!” The council member representing the goats emphasized his stance by forcefully tapping the documents on the table.

“Councilman, I believe we discussed this last time. Aside from creating additional headaches for us, this matter is fundamentally unconstitutional,” Police Commissioner Frankfurt said again with a hint of helplessness, his ears drooping wearily.

“That’s why I’m saying we cannot revoke…” Goat councilman Abel continued to repeat himself, as if caught in a time loop.

Frankfurt’s ears drooped even further.

I glanced at Anka, who was diligently using his self-invented shorthand system to take notes of the meeting. He had explained to me before that he recorded even the subtlest gestures and expressions. With him here, I could afford to space out and only refocus when this nonsensical farce finally ended.

The composition of the council was determined by the population of all animals residing in the Central Nation. There were 360 seats in total, allocated based on the results of a national animal census conducted every four years. Species with populations too small to merit a seat formed alliances with similar animals to share a seat. Those with no close relatives were still guaranteed representation, while the remaining seats were distributed among species eligible for multiple seats, aiming to include all animal species living in the nation.

Species with similar needs and substantial populations were grouped together. For example, red deer and Canadian elk were categorized under the same group. The large feline category included lions, tigers, and leopards due to their shared needs. Wolves and dogs had recently been separated as distinct groups, given the growing divergence between them from selective breeding.

Beyond seat allocation, these groupings also affected participation in committees, the primary means through which the council directly influenced administrative functions. While final legislation and broader discussions required a full council vote, direct administrative actions required committee involvement.

The Central Nation had 12 committees based on administrative responsibilities:

Order Committee: Managed police and military deployment, as well as political integrity investigations.

Diplomatic Committee: Appointed envoys, handled negotiations and communications with other nations, and oversaw intelligence agencies.

Academic Committee: Coordinated national research planning and supported academia. Its 12 affiliated academies wielded special authority, often bypassing council approval.

Financial Committee: Regulated domestic and international financial transactions and determined central bank policies.

Construction Committee: Oversaw development and use of state-owned land, national infrastructure projects, and public utilities.

Welfare Committee: Managed nonprofit public organizations and oversaw social and public welfare directly administered by the Central Nation.

Cultural Committee: Governed media, literature, and creative endeavors, as well as public cultural institutions and tourism.

Environmental Committee: Established and managed national reserves, monitored pollution, and handled environmental hazards.

Production Committee: Planned operations for primary industries, set development priorities, and managed subsidies and permits.

Transportation Committee: Planned regional and national transport networks, including air, sea, and underground transit.

Health Committee: Allocated medical resources, managed health insurance, and responded to major public health incidents.

Judicial Committee: Maintained legal institutions, including courts and corrections, and oversaw the largely independent Constitutional Court.

Additionally, ad hoc committees could be convened to address issues outside the purview of the existing committees, directly involving relevant administrative agencies.

Most administrative agencies fell under multiple committees, and complex issues often required cross-committee collaboration. Today’s meeting, for instance, involved the Welfare, Judicial, and Order Committees.

Committee members could vote on proposals within their committees, and each species group had one collective vote. This structure sometimes amplified the influence of smaller species groups during committee votes.

I recalled how much effort Anka had put into helping me memorize all the committees and their responsibilities. Without regular review, I’d have forgotten it all. I couldn’t help but admire Louis, who had seamlessly navigated these committees in his first year as Beastar.

The Beastar, as the highest leader of all administrative agencies, held an additional council seat by default, representing the administration in committee votes. Like species groups, the Beastar had only one and a half votes in total.

Anka cleared his throat lightly, pulling me back to the present.

“Well, as with last year’s decision, the application for the parade has been approved. Additionally, the Judiciary has instructed the police to shift to a notification-based system for managing assemblies,” Ontario summarized.

Frankfurt nodded helplessly, and as Councilman Abel tried to interject again, Frankfurt pressed his hands over his eyes and sighed deeply.

“Enough, Abel,” said Supreme Court Justice Perkin. “Stop making unnecessary work for us,” she added, fixing Abel with a sharp glare that made him sink back into his chair.

It seemed someone hadn’t gotten enough sleep, given the irritation in Perkin’s tone. As the Supreme Court Justice had already accepted the constitutional review case, yesterday’s court session must not have been pleasant.

Perkin was a standard poodle, and her striking pink fur often gave newcomers the impression she was some kind of decorative accessory. But don’t be fooled—she was the youngest animal in history to become a Supreme Court Justice.

“This should’ve been routine and shouldn’t have required everyone’s presence here today. However, as you all know, a new variable has emerged this year,” Ontario said efficiently, wasting no time on pleasantries as he prepared to delegate the impending troubles.

Several bold animals glanced at Perkin in silent complaint, only to be met with her menacing glare.

“Why can’t they just give it up after all these years?” Cougar Councilman Hoover grumbled.

“Because some animals still have principles,” retorted the liberal-minded lynx Councilman Linx, clearly aiming his comment.

“Do you think we care about these trivial matters? They can do whatever they want—I couldn’t care less. You young councilors may not have lived through the nightmare of those radical groups causing daily chaos two decades ago, but surely you know what happened in Central City five years ago, right? For a bill that merely changes terminology, are you prepared to take responsibility if it provokes those radical groups and leads to a repeat of past incidents?” Hoover said, and for a moment, the room fell into uneasy silence as everyone exchanged quick glances.

“I don’t recall the ‘changes terminology’ being just a trivial matter,” said Angora Goat Councilman Altwin. “I suppose this is a form of cowardice—showing weakness to terrorists will only embolden them further.”

“You’ve got some nerve. Is it because you know the current Beastar won’t touch nature animals that you dare to spew nonsense here? Usually, the moment trouble arises, you vanish. Yet you’re the one who proposed the ‘changes terminology’ in the first place? Don’t you think you’re pushing it too far? Now I can’t even raise my voice without worrying the Beastar might twist my head off,” Hoover grumbled, seemingly forgetting I was right there.

For the record, I would never do such a thing—who knows where they get these wild ideas?

“Councilors, please calm down,” Ontario said, waving his massive wing and creating a gentle breeze. “The Fusion Bureau and the Chief Justice have made their positions clear. We are not shifting policy direction, particularly since we’ve already ratified the Two Covenants.” Ontario’s explanation was punctuated by nods of agreement from Hoopoe Councilman McCann, whose crest feathers bobbed with his movement.

“The purpose of today’s meeting is to prepare for the inevitable repercussions. But let’s proceed in order,” Ontario gestured to his assistant, and a series of documents appeared on the screens before us. “We don’t know why conservative groups were informed of this matter,” Ontario said, casting a meaningful glance at the conservative councilors. “However, shortly after the Supreme Court Justice accepted the case and the Judiciary received the referendum proposal, this was sent to us.” As Ontario spoke, he transmitted the documents for review.

“This proposal is clearly unconstitutional, isn’t it?” asked Nick, the Arctic Fox head of the Household Registration Bureau.

The chamber grew awkward for a moment when Perkin used a particularly vulgar expression to describe "undisputed nonsense."

“Then why are we even looking at this?” Linx grumbled as he scrolled through the documents, acting as though they were filthy.

I shared his sentiment. Before the conservative councilors could speak, Perkin’s death glare silenced them.

Although the scene might seem a bit comical, how long can this situation last? The power of the conservatives had drastically weakened a few years ago, but recently, their influence has been on the rise. The design of the Council’s system was meant to yield outcomes through rational discussions—results that everyone could accept, even if they weren’t entirely satisfied. Yet, some fundamental principles cannot be compromised. Unfortunately, I suspect certain animals either don’t understand this or simply don’t care.

We cannot sustain an entire society by relying on the will or strength of one animal forever. Eventually, this will lead to exhaustion—or a new tyrant.

My fists clenched involuntarily as I read through the documents, the cracking sounds of my fingers reverberating in the air. How could I allow something like this to appear in this hall, which is supposed to represent the collective will of all animals, mocking the ideals we’ve fought for? Just as I was about to smash the electronic screen, Louis grabbed my hand.

“What are you doing?” he asked with a tone that carried a hint of exasperation. “Do you really not realize that you’re essentially the tyrant of Central City already?”

I do realize that.

“If it were someone else, they’d probably think you enjoy this position.”

No, I do not.

“The Beastar system was inherently designed to easily lead to such an outcome, packaging all responsibilities and expectations and placing them on the one thought capable of leading all animals forward. But that’s not enough. If we want what we’ve built to endure beyond us—even beyond our successors—we need a system that can protect and sustain itself, one with the flexibility for self-correction and the resilience to withstand pressure.” Louis guided my hand back to the table. “Achieving this goal won’t be easy, and it’ll require efforts on many fronts. Smashing things definitely isn’t the way to help. His unwavering determination was so strong that it seemed to be conveyed through that touch. “This is our fight. Remember that, alright?”

Yes, I won’t forget.

“Good.”

If I forget, will you remind me?

“Of course. Didn’t we agree on this? I’ll always be by your side. This is our fight.”

I know, Louis. Thank you. I know.

“...So, the referendum task force’s current stance is to only review the administrative thresholds for proposals without screening their content,” concluded Pegjeta, the zebra representing the judiciary responsible for referendum procedures.

“That doesn’t seem right. Allowing blatantly unconstitutional proposals to proceed to a referendum amounts to administrative negligence—and creates extra work for everyone, doesn’t it?” Linx glanced furtively at Perkin, who merely adjusted her glasses without responding.

“Are you playing innocent or what? Isn’t the relaxed management of referendums due to the amendments pushed by liberal lawmakers?” Hoover mocked, clearly enjoying Linx’s awkward expression.

“‘Centrists,’ who never defend any values, sure manage to have something to say in every situation,” said Fiora, a conservative lawmaker, in a matter-of-fact tone. Hoover, however, seemed intent on ignoring her.

“Council members, council members, we’re all grown animals here,” Ontario interjected to mediate. Funny how he never seems this responsible when dealing with me.

“Based on the earlier amendments, after the justices issue their interpretation of the clauses, two referendum proposals will simultaneously be approved and enter the first stage of petitioning,” Pegjeta said before sitting back down.

Ontario then flapped his wings, signaling Frankfurt to rise. “Next, we’ll have the Commissioner provide an overview of potential risks posed by radical groups.” Truly a master at passing the buck—I strongly suspect Ontario looked pleased with himself just now.

Dealing with politicians over this isn’t particularly meaningful. I’ll discuss it with the Order Committee later and see if Eire or Shuntaro have any new updates. I subtly signaled Anka that I intended to focus on other matters, and he acknowledged this, diligently continuing to take notes for me. His large brown eyes darted rapidly behind his glasses, observing every move of the animals present.

Louis lending me his secretary has been a tremendous help. Without Anka, I don’t know how I’d manage. I cast a grateful look at Louis, who responded with a faint smile.

“This is our fight.”

This is our fight.