Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics

"People always think politics is far away from themselves, but that's not the case," Shiller shook his head and said, "Especially for a city's Manager, if you don't understand political maneuvering, you're bound to lose."

"The pale knight was a good mayor, and perhaps he has some talent in that area too, but he is clearly too conservative." Shiller assumed a somewhat melancholic posture and said, "In the political arena, there's no distinction between good and evil, only strength. It's either the east wind prevails over the west wind or the other way around."

"And he, like a miser guarding his treasure, reluctant Glan Tai, believes that keeping all wealth in his own hands is the safest, unwilling to turn them into chips, thrown onto the table to gamble. Naturally, this leads to passivity, even more passivity."

"It's too late to say these things now," Gordon said, "The State Council doesn't have our people, but they can easily dismiss me with a referendum result. Bruce Wayne might not be able to interfere either."

"Once I'm dismissed, the new Chief won't allow the existence of GTO, and that huge sum of money would be embezzled by the Upper Class as well. Everything we've done would become a joke."

"Don't be so pessimistic, Chief. I am here, aren't I?" Shiller said with a smile.

Gordon asked with some hesitation, "Do you have a solution?"

Before Shiller could answer, Gordon added, "I mean, a legal solution. At the very least it can't harm others, not even a homeless person. Sorry, that's my principle."

"I admire your integrity," Shiller said. "I do have some immature little ideas. May I speak?"

Gordon took a deep breath, sat up straight, made a gesture of all ears, and then said, "Please speak. It can't get any worse."

"For you, perhaps it can't," Shiller thought to himself, "But for Batman and the pale knight, that may not be the case."

"The reason the State Council is so angry is that you got a big cake, but you're unwilling to even share a crumb of it with them," Shiller explained as he spread his hands, "Everyone wants a piece; that's the rule of the game."

"Are you saying they want money? Then... it's not impossible to give them some," Gordon's expression showed hesitation. He didn't wish to do it but still compromised for Gotham's security situation.

This wasn't about lowering his moral standards; it's that in America, political contributions are legal, not considered bribery, merely support for the election. It's the legal political right of American citizens.

"If you had done this when you first got the money, it might have worked. But now I'm afraid it's too late," Shiller said. "You can't first put on an attitude of not being willing to stoop to their level to display your integrity, and then try to gain practical benefits with money. Life just doesn't work that way."

"If you go to them with money now, it will definitely be a cold reception. Not only will you damage your reputation, but you'll also not get any benefit. You can't afford such foolishness."

"What should I do, then?"

"Since you've already held the high ground for so many years, you might as well continue doing so, at least to earn some reputation. But I know you're worried about being dismissed, so let's not be so blunt about it but rather take a detour."

"A detour?"

"Yes, giving money directly looks subservient, but if we push someone forward, fund them, and have them speak for us, that's called fighting for our due political rights."

"You want someone to run for council?"

Shiller nodded. He produced a newspaper and handed it to Gordon, then said, "The representative for Brude Haven, Von Sk, is retiring this year, and his party is nominating newcomers. The leader from New Jersey State, Balk, is entangled in the Assaulting the City arms smuggling case and can't get out of it. If we spend some money to help him, he'll give our person a chance."

"The arms smuggling case? The one where the ocean shipping captain embezzled goods and there was a fire at sea?" Gordon furrowed his brow, recalling the details of the case.

But in fact, there wasn't much to say, as it was a case where all involved were villains. It was just a messed-up arms smuggling that sank several large ships, causing the behind-the-scenes boss to go ballistic and get everyone involved arrested.

"This matter has nothing to do with civilians," Shiller said. "And even with Balk himself, it's not very related; it's his son-in-law's problem. He can be considered unlucky."

"This guy can hardly be called a good person; he's ambitious, loves power, but hasn't done anything insanely wicked. At most, he's just skimmed some profits. And he's old, won't be able to sit in his position for many years, releasing him won't harm anyone," Shiller said.

Gordon looked at the information about Balk that Shiller handed over; he even felt this guy could be considered a good person. Indeed, after seeing the demons and ghosts of Gotham too much, he found every outsider to look pure and handsome.

Gordon took a careful look at his qualifications and felt that Shiller was telling the truth. If they could really get this guy out, they should be able to secure a council position.

"But is this really enough?" Gordon asked, "It's just one council member. The State Council has many members."

"Political maneuvering is not about the number of people," Shiller replied, "but about the methods of operation. Managed well, one person's voice can overpower everyone else. Managed poorly, sending ten or eight up there is futile."

"So the choice of candidate is very important?"

"Yes, very important," Shiller nodded and said, "Although we can help him from behind, in the end, it's still up to his own skills. This person must be smart enough, tough, flexible, and preferably seasoned enough. Because in this situation, we don't have much time to cultivate newcomers."

"That sounds easy, but we don't even have the old hands," Gordon sighed heavily and said, "The pale knight is capable, but he needs to manage Gotham. Bruce Wayne obviously won't do, Wayne Enterprises is in trouble enough as it is."

"What about you, Chief?"

"Me? I'm even less suitable. I told you I don't understand politics, and I probably never will learn it in this lifetime. And I guess age is a big problem, right? If we spend so much money just to sit there a few years and then retire, that would be too much of a loss."

"Well, it looks like we don't have a suitable candidate then," Shiller said with a hint of regret as he shook his head, "In my view, the innate craftiness and wickedness of Gothamites should be able to produce a few political geniuses. A pity..."

Gordon, holding his coffee cup, suddenly stopped. He took a slight breath and then, looking into Shiller's eyes, said, "Now that you mention it, I think I do have a candidate in mind."

"Who?"

"Penguin Man, Oswald Cobblepot."