◈ Chapter 105 - 16-Fourth Power
Asili responded angrily as she scribbled through the book I handed her.
"The titles are all grandiose, but the Empire is not happy that they only received three books. Did you write this?"
"No. It's a book written by Sir Ember Cutter. You know that? A resourceful knight who brought victory to the Human Lighthouse in the Great Slalom on the Plains of Leuktra. Let's leave it at that."
Just like Barton, they decided to rely on Amber's reputation this time as well.
There is no denying that all three books are excellent.
No matter how roughly I pieced it together, it contains content that is close to the essence of Earth humanities.
The problem was how to get this book into people's minds.
No matter how excellent the content is, if it comes to light after I've searched for it, what's the use of it all?
So the name 'Knight of Resourcefulness' was needed.
It would work much better for wizards if it was written by a knight from a commoner who had already proven his abilities, rather than a nobleman like me.
"Read it first. Once you've finished reading it, you'll understand why it's called a gift for the empire. It'll take a few days to understand the contents, so let's end the conversation here."
It is a book containing philosophical topics and discourses that do not yet exist in this world.
Just reading it will take some time.
As I thought about that and was about to finish the story, the chair hit me again.
"Do I need to say who I am? Don't look down on the dragon race that controls wisdom. Just sit there and wait quietly for 10 minutes."
Before she could say anything, three books floated in the corner of her gaze.
She took turns reading books.
From the perspective of someone watching from the side, it was closer to just 'passing through' rather than 'reading'.
As someone who specializes in speed reading, Asili's speed was beyond the scope of human cognitive ability.
Strangely enough, her face became more and more surprised as she read the book, as if she had absorbed all the information into her head.
"...Tell me honestly. You wrote all three of these books? You didn't just copy them from somewhere?"
"It wasn't me, it was written by a knight of resourcefulness. And where did you copy this content? Have you ever seen a book with content similar to this?"
Probably not.
No philosopher would come close to the philosophical theses and discourses contained in the three books, let alone similar content.
Asili, who knew it, told me with her astonished face.
"These three books are books that could cause quite a stir if released on the market! Even if you search through history, you won't find anyone who achieved this level of achievement in the three fields of philosophy, politics, and economics at the same time!"
I guess so.
Because one person gathered people who achieved that level of achievement and compiled it into a book.
On the contrary, Asili's insight in recognizing this is surprising.
"First of all, the theory of freedom! The philosophical discourse contained in this book, starting from the idea of what freedom an individual enjoys and moving on to how far society has the right to justly oppress an individual, was shocking. I was shocked by the philosophical discourse on the right to freedom. The way it connects ideas and discussions was also amazing. Above all, I think the discourse on freedom of association is also groundbreaking. People who read this book will think about their own rights that they didn't know they had. And that were taken away without them knowing. And that it was."
Asili tapped a book called On Liberty and spoke to me as if he was asking me if I had understood it correctly.
When I nodded her head, she picked up the theory of governance this time.
"The same applies to the theory of government. I did not expect to philosophically refute the claim that the power enjoyed by the emperor came not from the lord but from the citizens. Life, freedom, and property, which humans have protected since the beginning, are integrated into the concept of natural rights, and those natural rights are A way of thinking that states were created by making contracts with people to protect the world. Based on this idea, all political power in the world is in the hands of citizens, and they can resist if those in power misuse the power entrusted to them. . It is also excellent to propose a new method of governance through the principle of majority rule and separation of powers! Who would have thought that any literate intellectual would summarize the thoughts that come to mind at least once in such a poignant and simple way! Wizards will use this book You will especially like ."
Lastly, Asili scribbled over The Wealth of Nations and spoke as if the emotion the book gave him had not subsided.
"Furthermore, it was interesting to explain how the actions of individuals working for their own benefit, starting from the concept of private property established in governance theory, moving on to division of labor, economies of scale, and mass production, help the overall national interest. At first, I wondered why I wrote this book because it was so different from the previous two books, but in the end, the subject that produces the wealth is people, and the country cannot become rich by suppressing the freedom of those people. Rather, the power of the state cannot become rich. "The discourse that says the direction we need to take is to protect that freedom is refreshing. I'm worried that merchants will read this discourse and change it to suit their own tastes."
At this point, I'm the one who can't help but be shocked.
I never thought I would be able to summarize the contents so neatly on a topic that I read through three books in less than 10 minutes.
"These three books build discourse in different fields, but they are all organically connected. And after reading them all, you can't help but come to one conclusion: the empire is old, so it needs to change. You This book transformed the people of the empire into subjects of the nation and even laid a philosophical basis for justifying the revolution."
Asili asked me as if she had realized what she was saying.
"I see. I understand why you wanted to set up a newspaper. Your intention is to become a new person with power that never existed before. With these three books, you will create a stir and unite the people of the empire, wizards, and merchants to overthrow the existing order and create a new era. Are you trying to open it and sit on that throne?"
As Asili and her conversations progressed, her opinion of her continued to rise.
Although I have actually witnessed such a future on Earth, she may have never seen it, but she read a book and predicted that it would happen.
But there was one thing wrong.
"I hate thrones. I gave up the Crown of the North, so why use it? All I want is for the Empire to become stronger, so that when I'm done with my job and go down to the southeast to wallow in the vineyards, I'll be safe from demonic invasions." Wow, these books are the foundation for that."
This is an empire that will soon fall into chaos anyway.
If so, I will directly intervene to minimize the damage.
With that, all my work in the empire is over.
If you have made it this far, from now on it is up to the gods and saints.
Okay, that's it.
"Kahat, what you said at the party wasn't a joke? I never thought you were thinking the same thing as me."
"Even if you and I think alike, you shouldn't play."
If someone with the power of a god, even a fragment, plays with me, who will protect the empire?
I continued, cutting her foolishness like a knife.
"You did something wrong to me, right? In return, you spread these books around the magic tower. Especially to those who study magic philosophy. Then, they will chew, open, taste, and enjoy themselves. After about five months, all wizards will be in an uproar because of these books. ?"
"In the meantime, your newspaper will be widely spread among the people of the empire. Then the Estates General will be convened, and wizards and merchants will be angry at your majesty's tyranny. In the past, they would have just been angry, but now they have grounds to justify their anger. "
"And I have a channel to spread that anger. I will publish the complaints of the wizards and merchant class in newspaper editorials and build public opinion. Thanks to that public opinion, the people of the empire will side with the wizards and merchants, and public opinion will change. Having taken control, I can determine the end to which the revolution will reach."
"If that happens, the emperor will be in a lot of trouble. Kahaha, kahaha!"
"Even the nobles who control the empire as they please will be embarrassed. Haha,haha!"
Emperor, Duke von Lorraine.
You may not know this, but a new power called the media was born in this place.
It's something that doesn't exist in history, and that's why you can't deal with it.
And the person in power hates you so much.
Well, I won't kill you.
Because there is much more to be gained by keeping you alive than there is to gain by killing you.
So just wait a moment.
Still, I'm glad the story was resolved without having to bring out the fourth book.
If Asili had presented a negative opinion, he would have released the sealed Red Book.
Fortunately, it appears that this book will not be released any time soon.
At least I hope it doesn't come loose while I'm in the Empire.
Because the world this book will change is difficult for me to handle.
Asili, who was laughing together at the unfolding future, announced the official position of the Magic Tower.
"Officially, I will be watching the revolution that will take place, but behind the scenes, I will be on the same page with you. On the contrary, I am willing to cooperate most actively. I have been having a hard time being dragged around by the Loeb Alliance. If this is a plan, I will take the initiative. Can you take it away?"
It was the moment when the magic tower, the emperor's greatest power, turned to my side.
Actually, I was annoyed.
"You couldn't disobey me anyway, even if it was because of Jin. What can a bitch who was already on a leash say so loudly?"
"There is a difference between putting a leash on Jin and putting a leash on you. Are you now interested? How could you write books like this at such a young age? Thinking like this is possible through long-term observation and thinking, it is the realm of innate talent. "No."
Asili flicked her tongue and clung to me as if she was going to eat me.
◈ Chapter 106 - 16-Fourth Power
But I wasn't interested in a woman who didn't pay.
She said, pushing away Asili's face as it tried to twist around her body like a snake.
"Some people are born differently from others. So don't stick around and stay away."
"You like it, but you deliberately pretend to hate it. It's cute."
"Okay, let's get the weather forecast right. We will soon establish a foundation in the name of the De Jeevitz family, and we will provide donations to the Magic Tower from there."
It's called the De Jeviets Foundation, but in reality it's a piggy bank for my comfortable retirement.
Björn Snacks Foundation would be a more accurate name.
Currently, we are starting our business as a newspaper company, but we plan to soon transfer the various interests stolen from the Empire to this foundation.
"How much do you think it will roughly cost to develop a magic spell?"
"For the capital alone, it costs about 300,000 Libra. I think you can build a system with that amount. I have to consider the entire central region, so I can't tell you for sure here."
"Then let's pay 100,000 Libra first. We can discuss the rest later."
"Okay. This concludes your gift to the Empire. What's left in your envelope?"
Asili, like her stray cat, took her items from the carton that contained the book.
What she had in her hand was a bottle of alcohol.
"Oh, if things went well, were you planning on having a celebratory drink with me? I guess you had a strong memory of that day?"
'Look, am I right? Asili looked at me with her triumphant smile, as if to say, 'You like me.'
What is he saying to himself?
I brought the congratulatory gift as a bribe because I had a favor to ask.
Okay, I kept my mouth shut and watched her reaction, wanting to see how far it would go.
"But what can I do? My taste in alcohol is very picky. You seem to know something about alcohol, but I have been drinking for more years than any mortal can imagine. I have a huge private liquor store. I hope you can satisfy my taste buds." "I don't think it will happen."
It wasn't like he refused to join me at a drinking party, he just played the drums and janggu and made a fuss.
But what struck me was the subtle disregard, like asking what you know about alcohol.
I'm not the type to drink alcohol, but how dare you mock someone who was brought here after drinking and singing and dancing at a young age?
This was like a provocation towards my past life.
"Do you know what that drink is and are just talking about it?"
"Well? Didn't you bring something expensive to seduce me? It must be some old whiskey that was left in the corner of a liquor store somewhere. Isn't it the kind of common trash that has turned into water because of its obsession with soft water? I fall for the numbers game. "No."
"Oh, I only look at that level, right?"
Grinding my teeth, I responded with a sneer.
"Then Asili, have you ever heard of fortified wine?"
"What fortified wine?"
Asili tilted her head as if this was the first time she had heard this expression.
Of course so.
In the Oxburgh Empire, where there are no colonies far out to sea, there is no reason to do something stupid like add eau-de-vie to wine to increase its alcohol content.
So, fortified wine was not created in this world.
Since there was no fortified wine, there were no oak casks that contained fortified wine, and no whiskey was aged using reused casks.
In other words, sherry cask whiskey did not exist in this world.
Oh hotongjaera.
Although I don't prefer sherry cask whiskey, I was in a situation that would be heartbreaking to anyone who likes alcohol, so as soon as my memory returned, I crawled into the De Jeevitz family warehouse and made fortified wine.
Pour eau-de-vie into moderately unripe wine, stop fermentation, and check the sugar content.
The oak barrel is allowed to absorb the fortified wine for a few months and then the wine is discarded.
After that, whiskey aged for about 20 years was added and left to marinate for two years before being taken out recently.
An act similar to seasoning.
Additionally, because the cask finishing technique was used, the taste is inferior compared to that fully matured in sherry casks.
The original finishing technique itself was close to the act of reprocessing the unsalable concentrate, so the level was naturally low compared to what exists on Earth.
But not in this world.
"...Wine that has stopped fermenting has a higher sugar content, so it has a different flavor from existing wine. Then, whiskey was added to the barrel in which the wine was aged to add flavor?"
Gulp - Asili's uvula moved.
For her, who has enjoyed her liquor for over a thousand years, whiskey is a new genre that appeared relatively recently, but it will still be a familiar drink.
However, none of the techniques used for the whiskey I brought were familiar.
You wouldn't be able to guess that it would taste roughly like this.
Do you know when a person who likes alcohol is most excited?
When picking highly aged liquor?
Of course, it's a heart-pounding moment, but people like me and Asili who have many opportunities to drink alcohol like that tend to grow dull over time.
Rather than that, the most anticipated moment is when you can expect a new taste from a familiar drink.
I drink so much that the taste completely blows away the boredom.
The next question is whether it is delicious or not.
Hehe! I'm not satisfied, but I'd still like to have a drink to celebrate! Where was the cup..."
The memory of her ridiculing her for not knowing anything about alcohol had already disappeared, and she returned her eyes to her drinking.
I poured cold water on her as she searched for her glass and stirred it around, as if she wanted to quickly pour the drink down her throat.
"Who wants to have a drink with you? What are you doing?"
"What? You're refusing to have a drink with a beautiful woman like me. Are you a eunuch? No, I'm guessing you're not a eunuch. I definitely felt you standing up when you were dancing."
I couldn't hide my discomfort at the sexual harassment I was experiencing.
"You're so self-conscious! I just hate women who make fun of kids like you!"
"That's a lie. But you don't say that I'm ugly."
I couldn't really refute that much.
There is only one thing that is the same between the dragons in this tablet and the dragons in the commercial store.
The point is that the polymorph appearance is incredibly beautiful.
Although she was a hair short of Jin or the cross-dressing Mion, Asili was also a beauty with no flaws.
I felt like I was going to stop him if I continued like this, so I quickly changed the topic.
"Anyway, I have no intention of not drinking with a boy who drinks alcohol."
"Huh? Bjorn, you're such an arrogant kid that I really want to punish you. Then why did you bring this drink? To show off?"
"No, I have a personal favor to ask of you that has nothing to do with sponsorship. I brought this in return."
"So, you're trying to manipulate a 10-circle archmage with a bottle of alcohol! You have to match the price."
As he said that, I could see that his eyes had already turned, so he seemed ready to listen even if I told him to take off his clothes and dance.
I told her.
"It's not a difficult request. Please make a golem that Jin can use in place of his body."
[Huh? Why is my body suddenly gone? Are you using the doll you gave me well?]
Jin, who had been floating in the air as if bored, waiting endlessly to find out when her conversation would end, reacted tremulously to the arrow that suddenly flew at her.
Yes, well said.
The doll I gave you.
As I watched Jin toddling around with that doll, I came to a realization at some point.
"Why? That's right, Jin. You've been playing around with the excuse that you don't have a body!"
The reason I go through so much trouble is to find Jin's body.
But what has Jin done so far?
[No, playing! I have my own work too?!]
"Your job? That's right, you said it right! We already don't have enough reliable hands, so what's the job of a bitch named Shin who can't even work the most actively? She floats around and picks fights with me from time to time, enters the doll and scares Barton by rolling her eyes, Is entertainment like hiding in lukewarm arms and going out for drinks in the neighborhood something you should do?!"
[What?! Is that what you say to God?! In the meantime, I helped you with your training, increased your dantian, and not long ago, I even saved your life in the fight with Antenor!]
"Yes! But since the dantian was shattered, there is nothing to do now! Now I really feel like a useless piece of luggage other than a wet baby!"
[Ugh! Are you calling me a burden?! Hey! Have you said everything you wanted to say?! Uh?!]
However, no matter how much Jin burned my mouth, my anger that had been condensed over the years would not stop.
This is probably how parents feel when they see their children locked in their rooms playing games.
"There might be a great devil in the capital, so how long are you going to float next to me, playing and eating? I can't sleep properly and I'm having a hard time, and you're watching it all from my side! Don't you have any sense of shame?! I'll give you a body right now! "You work too!"
[Do you know who didn't do it because they didn't want to do it?! Good! If Asili creates a golem to replace my body, I can work too! OK?!]
I became irritated with Jin, who spoke as if he was benevolent.
I will definitely make you regret it.
I promised myself that I would pamper Jin until he died.
"It's surprising. I had no idea you two would get along so well."
Asili, who was watching the scuffle, responded that the sight was quite surprising.
"As you know, Jinnim has never had anyone by his side. After killing Moloch..."
[Stop. Don't say any more.]
What, why are you cutting off Asili so urgently?
I looked at Asili with curious eyes, but her pupils were shaking as if she had made a big mistake.
"I'm sorry. I thought Bjern already knew..."
[It's a story you don't need to know. Rather than that, you're going to make a golem, right?]
"Well, of course! I got some good drinks, so what's the problem with that golem?"
Anyone can see that both of them hastily change the subject.
It's very unclear and very suspicious.
I felt like I wanted to ask some questions.
However, as I was leaving soon, I wondered if there was any need to know the information they were hiding.
Just as I have my own story, Jin also has his own story.
Now we have to head towards our own stories.
Just as the story was about to come to a close, Asili spoke to me as if something was on her mind.
"Oh, by the way! Bjorn, let me point something out. During the argument with Jin earlier, you said there might be an archdemon in the capital, right? Don't worry, there definitely isn't one."
"I guess you don't know, but there are no absolutes in this world."
"Really? Give me your hand."
Thinking that she would indeed often take her hand, I gave her hand as she led.
Asili placed my hand on the giant sphere spinning in the center of her room.
Then, the view of Octantium beyond the glass window looked different.
A huge magical barrier surrounded the entire capital.
The barrier, which was made up of a hexagonal plate, drew a tight pattern without any gaps and rotated around the magic tower.
"What do you think? The barrier for demons that the 10th Circle Archmage has set up? Isn't it magnificent? From heaven to earth, there is no way for demons to enter the capital without being detected by me."
Was the Magic Tower for this barrier?
My mouth dropped open at the enormous scale.
With a barrier of this level, not only demons, but even demon cultists with demonic power mixed in, will be hunted out without exception.
At least there were no devils above the capital's heaven and earth.
So I knew more clearly.
The devil is underground.
◈ Chapter 107 - 16-Fourth Power
*
There was a rumor floating around among passers-by who recently came down to the capital from the north.
It is said that wagons filled with gold and silver treasures are heading towards Octantium.
Beggars who were fascinated by the sacrifices and tried to steal as much money as possible followed the wagon, and its length was so long that it connected village to village. One day, a group of hungry bandits tried to attack the wagon, but when they saw the guard, they said, 'The emperor's guard. There were all kinds of exaggerated stories floating around, such as shouting, 'I won't be this cruel again!' And running amok.
In a time where all kinds of rumors were rampant, passers-by who heard the rumors must have been in doubt.
That is, until the wagon entered Octantium.
I never imagined that they would send that amount at once, not by bill but in kind.
The bundle of gold coins that filled the luggage compartment as much as it could bear made a jingling sound every time the carriage rattled.
Under the fierce escort of the Lighthouse Corps of Humanity, the procession continued for a while at the northern gate of the capital.
It was quite large, including the maid and servant that came with it.
Moreover, in order to arrive in the capital now, it means that you at least sent the money as soon as you received the letter.
I would have been causing trouble in the capital, so there would have been opposition.
It must have been quite a stretch.
Aidan's dark circles, which must have reached the tip of his chin, were visible.
"Commander. The 500,000 Libra worth of wealth you requested has been safely transported."
The Human Lighthouse driver, who seemed to be in charge of transportation, bowed his head and reported to me.
I patted his shoulder as encouragement and pondered.
But why 500,000?
I definitely asked you to send me only 300,000 Libra.
That question was resolved by reading Aidan's letter that came with it.
[To my dear brother.
As my brother said, the northern part is still the same, and the high-ranking officials are not going anywhere.
Count Yakhok is urging me to take care of this issue due to the imperial troops staging a sit-in at Handar Castle, and Count Sorang is scratching my head like it's someone else's business.
Now, even my mother is going so far as to stage a sit-in protest to demand active intervention in the Haenlelle region, which was damaged by the civil war of the De Jeevitz family.
In the meantime, his brother also led his troops and headed to Octantium, so even ten bodies are not enough.
So, from next time, I would like to be notified in advance, even if it is not discussed. Commander of the Human Lighthouse Corps.
So that I can actively help my brother.
I read the letter my brother sent.
I would gamble with the emperor with the fate of the North at stake.
I can't keep up with my brother's distribution.
As the Marquis who protects the North, let me say something.
Definitely win.
The North is his brother's anyway, so it doesn't matter if he loses, but if he loses and his brother dies, the Djeviets family will rebel against the Emperor.
So, if you don't want to see the empire dismembered, try to win somehow.
The reason I added 200,000 more is my personal support for him.
Then I'll wait for the news of victory.
Aidan de Jeevitz in an alcove in Stemwind.]
After reading the letter, I felt an inexplicable eerie feeling.
I think my personality is a bit warped.
He seems to have changed as a person due to the heavy workload he faced while taking charge of the Marquis.
Even so, if I were to die, you wouldn't really commit suicide while holding the North, right?
Giving an uncertain answer, I moved the wagon to the mansion originally owned by the Human Lighthouse.
On that day, the De Jeviets Foundation was established.
After clearing the note given to the printing company, donating money to Magic Tower, and announcing the creation of the De Jeviets Foundation, I immediately set up a newspaper office.
Barton Wigner, who had returned to his civilian status, was installed as president, and Amber Cutter helped him whenever she could.
At first, since both of us had little experience with newspapers, I had no choice but to receive samples myself and point out each one.
"Listen carefully. The article must be thoroughly based on facts. The sentences must be short and concise. The title must be specific and written so that the contents of the article can be understood at a glance as much as possible. There is no need to mislead. The article is not propaganda. . It is enough to convey objective facts. It is your role, Barton, as the president of the newspaper, to compile all the articles and make a single argument."
"Put the articles that are most likely to be hot topics at the front of the newspaper. Send articles judged to be of low importance to the back. Editorials will be placed after the articles. The novel serial section will be placed at the end. Weather forecasts will be placed between the editorials and novels. That way, only the weather will be included. People who want to know more should read it if there is an interesting article."
"How are you going to sell newspapers? First, let's set up stalls and sell them in places with a lot of floating population. As the scale grows, we will consider delivering directly to readers' homes, but for now, that's enough. Newspapers will be released early in the morning on the same day. "It has to be delivered to the store, so readers don't read it in the morning or go to work to share their opinions."
"Newspaper salespeople are instructed to wear octagonal hats. This marks them as employees of our newspaper and at the same time gives readers confidence. Uniformizing uniforms costs a lot of money, so please at least match them with hats."
Barton, who had followed my instructions half-heartedly at first, adapted quicker than expected and went to great lengths to establish a newspaper company.
About two weeks after starting the undercover work, Barton reported to me.
"We have recruited most of the novelists and bards who are useful in the capital. The concept of a knight is somewhat unfamiliar and requires training, but soon the reporters will get used to it and start running around the field. However, in the beginning, I will have to write the articles myself. I think so."
Perhaps unexpectedly, Barton found and gathered some pretty good novelists and bards.
Different novels will fill the novel column every day.
The people of the empire, who already lacked entertainment, would buy newspapers to read the novel.
"It looks like the Lord of the Magic Tower has completed all preparations. He said he can provide information on the weather forecast to newspapers every morning right away. The stalls are all ready, so newspapers can be sold starting next week."
Barton did not forget to give credit to Amber for her hard work.
He had even prepared a weather forecast, so success was already a given.
As soon as it appears, it will cause great upheaval throughout the empire.
I nodded as I reviewed each and every last sample from the print shop.
"Good. There are still a lot of things missing, but it's a great start. We'll start selling newspapers right away next week."
Central Newspaper.
It was the birth of a new power that would shake up the Oxburg Empire.
*
"Newspapers! Buy newspapers! Newspapers!"
Early in the morning, a man wearing a bun hat shouted in front of workers heading to the factory.
"Newspaper? Did the emperor distribute a new edict?"
"Wasn't the gazette published some time ago? But already?"
The newspaper salesman explained to the workers who were talking among themselves.
"It's not a gazette, it's a new newsletter. It delivers the news of the empire faster than anyone else. Would you like to buy one?"
"Hey, the Gazette is free, so what kind of money do you pay to buy one newsletter? That's okay, I won't buy it."
"Don't hesitate, just buy one. It contains novels by famous bards, and also has a weather forecast so you can know the weather for today and tomorrow in advance. It's only 5 shillings each."
Despite the salesperson's solicitation, most of the workers reacted indifferently and ignored him.
Newspapers were unfamiliar, few people could read, and what's more, they even received money.
Some people even spat phlegm on the floor with a dissatisfied face.
The moment Central Newspaper first appeared in front of the people of the Empire, every stall was opened.
"Hmm, really? Give me one. Let's see if it's worth a glass of water."
Only a few of them could not resist their curiosity and paid money to buy newspapers.
They carefully read what was written in the newspaper.
"Oh, the bread at the bakery across here is the cheapest in Okstantium? Is there a comparison table?"
"Hmm? I know this bard! I saw him perform a while ago. Aha! He said he was going to write a novel, but it looks like he's publishing it serially here! It's more interesting than I thought? It comes up every Tuesday, right?"
"Ashes will fall heavily tomorrow, so fasten your clocks? Seriously, you're not a fortune teller, so how do you know this? Huh? The Magic Tower provides a weather forecast? Then, let's give it a try."
People who read the newspaper thus gained useful things.
Which house has the cheapest items, what the weather is like, or even just a moment of entertainment.
And those who felt its usefulness could no longer go back to the days when there were no newspapers.
A month later, the Central newspaper began to spread among the people of the empire by word of mouth.
"No, you! It's such a clear day, why did you take the clock? It's already getting in the way of my work."
"Uh-huh, this guy. The Central Newspaper reported today that ash would fall, but you didn't bring a clock? It's going to start pouring in the afternoon, so hurry up and get a clock!"
"Central Newspaper?"
"Ha, have you seen such an old-timer? Don't you know what Central Newspaper is?"
◈ Chapter 108 - 16-Fourth Power
The temperamental weather of the Estirian continent.
Being able to know exactly what the weather will be tomorrow brings convenience beyond imagination.
Previously, we would have had to deal with the sudden fall of ash, but now we were able to prepare in advance.
The owners of the Okstantium Industrial Complex, who inevitably suffered damage every time ash fell, were able to minimize their damage by reading the newspaper.
The people of the empire paid close attention to the weather forecast exclusively provided by the Magic Tower to the Central Newspaper.
At most, I only had enough money to buy a beer at a bar, so I didn't feel burdened.
"Now, stand in line properly! If you cut in line, you will be pushed to the back! You can buy everything before you go to work, so don't push!"
The advent of newspapers changed the landscape of the capital.
Every morning, a long line formed in front of a stall selling newspapers.
A vendor selling simple breakfast snacks also appeared for those waiting in line.
Workers went to work with the Central newspaper at their side and read the newspaper while enjoying the leisure of the morning.
These scenes were not limited to factories.
Civil servants from various ministries who went to work on the tram that was built in the capital the year before last also sat in narrow seats and read newspapers.
"What have you been reading for so long?"
"Huh? Today is the day of the serialization of 〈 Cruson's Deserted Island Adrift 〉. This is more interesting than I thought. You should read it too."
"If I can't read it from the beginning, I'm the type of person who won't read it."
"Then there is nothing I can do about it. They said they will soon publish the novel serialized by Central Newspaper once it is completed, so be sure to read it when it comes out."
Among the contents of the Central Newspaper, the novel section was, of course, unrivaled in popularity.
Even if you initially bought a newspaper with the intention of finding out about tomorrow's weather, human psychology is so cunning that you end up reading it to get your money's worth.
What really caught their attention was a novel by a novelist or bard who was already famous in the capital.
And a month after the newspaper appeared in the world, the novelists and bards who serialized their novels in the newspaper were able to make a considerable amount of money.
Haha! Look! I said we should publish a series together back then, right? I made several times more by scribbling at a newspaper than I did by cutting my teeth at a bar!"
"Eye! You earned that much too, so what's there that I can't do? Is it too late now? I don't know! I have to go to the newspaper with the article right away, even tomorrow!"
With the news that one could escape poverty, novelists and bards in the capital visited the Central Newspaper with their respective writings.
The amount was so large that it was difficult for a newly established newspaper company to handle.
It was Barton Wigner who read it all and categorized the useful ones.
As if he had finally found his role, he judged the rise or fall of his novel without even reading a few pages.
In fact, it was Barton's contribution that made the novel a success.
This is because he was the one who weeded out many of the chaff among writers making a living in the capital.
Although he had the title of knight of wit, I had no idea that he would display his talent in this field so much.
All of the novels categorized by Barton's keen eye were high-quality works that could be put into serialization right away.
But he shook his head.
"Increasing the space is a waste. Even now, the sales amount of newspapers and the production cost are similar, so losses will only increase, so I would rather deal with good novels by signing a separate contract with the author and publishing them."
"Yes? But if that happens, there is no reason for writers to come to our newspaper..."
"I plan to solve the problem by publishing editorials or comments about the work in newspapers. If the writers currently publishing the novel read the novel and leave a good review, we can promote it by publishing it in the newspaper. That alone is enough."
Later, when I received Barton's report on this matter, I nodded and added.
"It's all good, but if we keep doing it like this, it will be too much work. Let's set a time frame and rush it in. We'll receive submissions at the end of the year, select the most outstanding work, and give it the Novel of the Year award."
Korea's New Year's Literary Festival appeared in the world in a different form.
Writers will work hard to win this award, and of course I will be able to control the world's writer class.
Taking control of those holding pens was an important starting point for the coming revolution.
"Bjorn, it's a good idea, but you can't just suck up the foundation's resources forever, right? If it continues like this, it will only be a loss-making business."
Barton was unexpectedly quick in his calculations with money.
I think it would be better to be a finance officer than a knight.
Actually, the person who suits me best would be a novelist.
However, it was disappointing to look beyond the times.
I dismissed Barton's concerns.
"Are you saying this is a loss-making business? Soon, merchants will come here with all their money. Just wait and see."
As I expected, there were some merchants who realized something when they saw the long line in front of the stall.
A significant number of people in the capital now read newspapers.
What if I could promote my product in such a newspaper?
With that alone, my product can be several steps ahead of other companies!
With that in mind, businessmen knocked on the newspaper office's door one by one.
"I would like to advertise our product in the newspaper. How much will it cost?"
"It varies depending on the size allocated to the paper. If you want to put it on the front page, the size is fixed, but it is the most expensive. How much did you research?"
Of course, of course, Central Newspaper was preparing for such a future.
Advertising costs were not cheap, but businessmen who placed advertisements in the Central Newspaper reaped the benefits.
It also spread through word of mouth, and advertising costs soared through the roof.
Although there were some complaints, businessmen had no choice but to come to the newspaper office with pockets full of gold coins.
As new marketing tools have already emerged, both consumers and sellers are using them.
If a business owner does not want to be left behind, it goes without saying that he or she has to spend money on product promotion.
Barton always handed a book to businessmen who visited his newspaper office.
"Boss, what is this?"
"Ah, it's a book written by Sir Ember Cutter, a knight of resourcefulness. It's called The Wealth of Nations. It's a great book for business people to read, so I'm giving away a copy to each person who visits the newspaper."
After reading a book she never wrote, Amber Cutter complained that she was planning to cut off my head for treason.
Still, the ripple effect was much greater than if I, a nobleman, came forward as the author.
Because the response from the capital class was coming faster than expected.
Aren't good things good?
In any case, the Central newspaper was firmly established in Octantium.
Of course, the content so far has been closer to a magazine than a newspaper.
But of course, I had no intention of creating a magazine that sold gossip.
What I want is the media.
It was thanks to Barton Wigner's articles that the Central newspaper was transformed into that role.
The incident started like this.
Since I couldn't just make fun of the Knights of the Human Lighthouse Corps stationed in the capital, I ordered Ember Cutter to catch a few criminals under the pretense of conducting a cursory investigation into the Demon Cult.
Then, the person who got caught was a merchant who ran a clothing factory.
"Mr. Bjorn, after a secret investigation, he was found to be a human trafficker. Shall we notify the Imperial Army and have them take care of it?"
"Before that, let's try using the newspaper in times like this."
I handed over the merchant's information to Barton.
After hearing the story roughly, Barton eventually wrote an article.
[Disappearing children. Where have they all gone?]
[A businessman who took advantage of a child with nowhere to go to engage in human trafficking, a shocking story!]
[It's not just a businessman's problem. National-level kidnappings are taking place even on the streets.]
[For the war, kidnap orphans and vagabonds wandering the streets and force them to join mercenary companies.]
[The strange sadness of children who lost their parents due to war being sent to war just like their parents.]
The next day, the people of the empire were shocked by the article that appeared on the front page of the Central newspaper.
The mere fact that a businessman kidnapped children to satisfy his own personal interests makes me angry, but to think that the empire was doing something no different from that.
Sighs and cries beat the morning of the empire that day.
"What kind of outrageous act is this? Just leave these behind!"
"No, your Majesty could have done something like this? Isn't this article completely nonsense? Who wrote it?! Barton, Wigner? That's a familiar name...?"
"Barton Wigner? The knight of wit?! The knight of wit wrote the article himself?!"
Even those who tried to claim that the article was false had no choice but to remain silent when they heard the name of the person who wrote the article.
A knight who fights the great evil, saves other knights with wit, and returns alive.
How can anyone easily criticize an article written by someone who is the embodiment of chivalry under his own name?
The public opinion of the people of the empire was more heated than expected.
There were also people who raised their voices in front of the imperial residence demanding to reveal the truth.
Even though it was still a typhoon in a teacup, it was a moment that confirmed the power of the media.
After that, a different scene unfolded in the empire.
It became fashionable for young people protesting against the tyranny of the empire to wear octagonal hats like newspaper salesmen and carry Central Newspapers under their arms.
◈ Chapter 109 - 16-Fourth Power
A rapidly changing situation.
In this situation, the emperor was not playing with his hands.
Rather, he started working soon after the newspaper company was established.
This was around a time when even the aristocratic faction, which was advantageous to the establishment of a newspaper, was reacting lukewarmly.
"Your Majesty is impressed by its usefulness in weather forecasting. Therefore, the Empire would like to share the information in exchange for a portion of the funds provided by the De Jevitz Foundation for research on the Magic Tower."
Even before Central Newspaper was established, an official from the empire came to the villa and spoke to me.
The emperor's thoughts were clearly visible.
You must have read the Central Newspaper and immediately realized its power.
Thus, a new power emerged.
So, are we going to take away our selling point and grow the gazette?
In that respect, the emperor was definitely a high-class person, as befits his nickname, Emperor.
Normally, they would block the weather forecast itself, saying it poses a threat to national security.
I'm not the type of person who would be punished for doing that, but I never imagined that someone would use the weather forecast I created.
The emperor was intent on gaining a share in the new power system I had created.
So, is it possible to maintain an empire while waging an unreasonable war with the Kingdom of Junta?
It would be nice to use your extraordinary brain for something better.
"That's right. The donations will be split half between the empire and our foundation."
I gladly accepted the Emperor's offer.
I was planning to cover it with the rights I got from the empire anyway, but it worked out better.
Because it can simultaneously increase the financial burden of the empire.
Because of the nature of the press itself, it would not be possible to grow the gazette as the emperor wanted.
"The gazette! The gazette! Find out the latest news about the empire for free! It also includes the weather forecast, so be sure to read it!"
As I expected, after receiving the weather forecast, the Empire began publishing gazettes every day like Central Newspaper.
Since the Gazette was free from the beginning, people who only needed weather forecasts flocked to it.
In addition, since they had published several newspapers earlier than Central Newspaper, their growth was incredible.
Meanwhile, a businessman's human trafficking case broke out.
As the Central newspaper poured out strong criticism, public opinion among the people of the empire rapidly deteriorated.
Recognizing this, the Official Gazette also hurriedly included an editorial written by an anonymous person believed to be a member of the imperial faction.
[It is a clear logical error to link a businessman's deviation with an empire.]
[Mercenary companies are private companies. It has nothing to do with the empire.]
[Voluntary enlistment of vagabonds with nowhere to go. There was no compulsion.]
[Barton Wigner. It is absurd for a person who has been articled to criticize the empire.]
The people of the empire became even more angry at the excuse that was no different from Aung's.
What is a gazette?
Isn't this a newspaper run directly by the empire?
In addition, they published an editorial defending the empire, so anyone can see it as if their arms were bent inward.
The credibility of the Official Gazette plummeted.
There were many who believed that the emperor himself must have ordered it to be written this way.
This is why the state must be careful when directly handling public opinion.
I, who had a lot of experience with newspapers, would not have made such a mistake, but it was different for Empire, which was new to promoting public opinion.
After the incident occurred, the gazette was completely shunned by the commoners.
Furthermore, some energetic young people even lynched anyone they saw reading the Gazette.
When this happened openly, the Gazette was reduced to a public service for the few who read it or secretly read it.
In this way, the official gazette's donations to the Magic Tower were disbursed according to the donations, and it became a fruitless effort.
In return, Central Newspaper was able to secure its undisputed first place.
"Your Majesty, if the rumors floating around are true, this incident must be thoroughly investigated and severely punished!"
At the same time, a pack of hyenas, who never miss an opportunity like this, also started running rampant.
Duke von Lorraine pressed him in the Peace Room, intending to bite the emperor's neck properly this time.
If you knew that the Central Newspaper was yours, you would have felt very uncomfortable using it, but the Central people were different from the Northern people in that they had no idea.
When the nobles also came together to support Duke von Lorraine, the emperor reluctantly raised the white flag.
The businessman who engaged in human trafficking was sentenced to death, and all the children who were harmed by him received appropriate compensation.
And a full investigation was launched to see if the mercenary company had actually kidnapped vagabonds.
Since the mercenary company was half owned by the state, there was no need for the empire to reveal its own shame.
The situation reported by Central Newspaper soon ended with several people being hit on the neck.
[Children who returned with everyone's wishes]
Although it was a somewhat unpleasant ending, I gave instructions to Barton and told him to focus on the bright side.
The people of the empire formed public opinion, protested against injustice, and defeated the will of the emperor.
It was a slight but clear victory.
The people of the empire needed to enjoy that victory.
Now that you have experienced success once, you will receive even more strength in the future.
Meanwhile, the spark of change began to spread in the Magic Tower.
*
"I'm busy with work, but what kind of book is this so that the Lord of the Magic Tower is urging me to read it?"
Margery, an 8th Circle Archmage and Northern Court Mage, was currently working as a professor in charge of philosophy-related classes at the Mage Tower. He received a book said to have been written by Sir Ember Cutter, the knight of resourcefulness, from the Mage Tower owner, and gave a somewhat lukewarm response.
Under the belief that philosophical thinking is necessary to reach the truth, he was a wise man with a deep knowledge of philosophy despite being a magician. There was no way he would be interested in a book written by a knight named Naburangi. Marjorie was not very pleased with the behavior of the Magic Tower owner recommending such a book. My eyes are already blurry and my back hurts, so I can't believe I'm being forced to read at this age. However, no matter how he was, he could not disobey the instructions of the Magic Tower Lord. Late at night after finishing his class, Margery opened the book in his studio.
"...Oh, no. This?!"
As she turned each page, Margery realized the impact these books had. The Wealth of Nations was not his interest, so he left it aside, and the theory of freedom and government was the ideological foundation that would shake the empire from its roots. In particular, when reading his major's work on freedom, Margery was almost moved to tears by the fact that the proposition of freedom could be so profound.
"Everyone should read this great book. Cancer!"
A few days later, he visited a magic professor in charge of political administration and handed over a theory of governance. The professor who read Government Theory also had a similar reaction to Margery. As the writings were passed back and forth between professors several times, the three books were copied by assistants and distributed throughout the Magic Tower.
"Yes, why don't we have the freedom to express our opinions, discuss, and think as we please? Isn't thinking the only characteristic that distinguishes humans from other beasts? But if the empire blocks that, how are we any different from the beasts? They will see us as animals for the rest of our lives. "It's about living!"
"That's right! Ultimately, the roots of a nation are its citizens. Citizens came together to create an empire, not God gave it to the emperor! If your Majesty makes a wrong choice, we should be able to hold you accountable!"
"We too must resist and organize in our own way. Otherwise, we will live like livestock for the rest of our lives. Why should we be dragged into His Majesty's war for no gain and die? At least we have the freedom to express our opinions!"
The theory of freedom and government gave relief to magicians who had been dissatisfied. That their complaints are justified. And that it is not a crime to express that dissatisfaction. As expected of the elite group leading the empire, the magicians' movements were as strong as a waterfall.
Of course, there were magicians who expressed concern about the radical behavior.
"No matter what, Your Majesty is the center of the empire. Even if you make a mistake, do we have to go and ask about it? If that happens, you won't be able to do your job properly."
"Freedom depends on freedom. If the empire overturns because it is not satisfactory, what will happen to the chaos that follows? Isn't it selfish greed to enjoy freedom even at the expense of others?"
Soon the magic tower split into two axes and raised their voices towards each other. Discussions continued for several days inside the Magic Tower, drawing parallel lines, and no conclusion was easily reached. Meanwhile, his emotions intensified, and he even attacked others with magic. Meanwhile, Margery stepped forward to mediate the situation.
"Instead of doing this among ourselves, shouldn't we ask the people of the empire? Freedom, association, empire, and the right to resistance are not just ours."
"It's a good idea, but how can you ask the people of the Empire who is right?"
"Isn't there a Central newspaper? If you ask them to summarize each person's claims and publish them in the editorial section, they will listen. After that, wouldn't it be okay to ask the people of the empire to give their opinions?"
All wizards who heard Margery's opinion nodded. A few days later, the positive and negative factions on the theory of freedom and government visited the Central Newspaper office to organize their opinions.
"Welcome. We've been waiting for you."
Seeing the wizards coming into the newspaper office with their robes scribbling, Barton clicked his tongue at Björn's extraordinary brain for even anticipating this.
◈ Chapter 110 - 16-the Fourth Power
*
An unusual editorial was published in the Central newspaper.
Wizards who were members of the elite class and respected as pillars of the empire contributed their own writings.
[Ask the people of the empire.
What is freedom?
We all want to be free.
What is large joint freedom?
But not everyone is free.
Of course I agree that it will be so.
Here is a conventional abstraction of freedom.
Run as fast as you can along the fields, eat fruit when you're hungry, and sleep when you want to sleep.
Needless to say, it is freedom.
But that is the freedom of an animal that is faithful to its desires.
Humans do not run around private property, steal fruit, or chase others to lie down in a sunny place.
I do not take away other people's freedom in order to enjoy my own freedom.
For that purpose, humans created a nation and transferred some of our natural rights to the nation.
It is clear that the freedom that humans pursue is not a form bound by desire.
So what does human freedom look like?
What should we value as freedom and pursue it?
Freedom and indulgence, country and people.
There is someone who suffered in the midst of it all.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Sir Ember Cutter, the operational staff of the Human Lighthouse Corps and a knight of resourcefulness who was active in the Plains of Leuktra.
Three books written by Lord Cutter reached the Magic Tower.
The wizards gathered together to share Sir Cutter's agony, but were unable to come to a common conclusion, which is deplorable.
To ask that question to the people of the empire, I, Margery Haterab, a magic philosophy professor at the Magic Tower, took up the pen.
I hope to hear the opinions of wise men.]
Starting with the foreword by Margery, a magic philosophy professor at the Magic Tower, the editorial section of the Central newspaper included summaries and opinions for and against the three books written by Sir Cutter.
The people of the empire who read the editorial were each lost in their own thoughts.
The terminology was vulgar and the thinking was rough, but it was no different from wizards who first encountered this book.
The people of the empire, who experienced the association and resistance firsthand as they encountered the businessman's human trafficking case, quickly absorbed the ideology.
Among them, merchants and administrative classes who had eaten a lot of ink became trumpeters and preached about the ideology.
"Yes, the Empire is ours! We have the right to raise our voices and participate in the country's decision-making!"
"Yes, it is rather strange that we cannot be involved in decisions that will change our lives! Moreover, absolute power without checks is bound to become corrupt. We need to improve the constitution by dividing the rights of the empire so that they can keep each other in check! "
"Can't you read the book that Lord Cutter wrote yourself? I don't think you can really understand her thoughts just from the summary."
As if they knew this would happen, Central Newspapers expanded its business and branched out into publishing.
A completed newspaper serial novel, a submitted work, and three books said to have been written by Lord Cutter were revealed to the world.
People who really wanted to read Lord Cutter's book and people who just wanted to show off went to the bookstore to buy the book.
The passion of the people of the empire did not stop there.
Some of those who were passionate about freedom came together to create a forum for discussion.
In this space called Salon, wizards, merchants, administrators, and young people of interest gathered and talked all night about freedom, government, and the wealth of nations.
The stories they shared were reprinted in Central Newspaper.
Meanwhile, critiques written by wizards about their writings took up a space in the editorial.
It was the emergence of professional critics.
Commentaries annotating each book were also released to the public, making it possible for even those with limited knowledge to understand the work.
Meanwhile, the wizard class, which was on the side of the nobility, naturally blended in with the merchant and administrator classes.
This is because their voices were ultimately unified by the progressive idea that the empire must be changed.
"What kind of nonsense are you talking about? It's good if you're full and your back is full, right?! How much has your Majesty done for us, so you can change it just because you don't like it?! Have you ever seen these ungrateful servants!"
"Tsk, tsk, nonsense, nonsense. Those ignorant and ignorant people are raising their voices and acting as if they are their masters, so the empire's fortunes are doomed. If this continues, even slaves will demand freedom!"
"Isn't it because of that bastard, Duke von Lorraine? He's a scum who is eating away at the empire by drinking a lot of rubbish like breaking the class system and all that! Your Majesty should behead that bastard as soon as possible!"
As the ideas spread in the Magic Tower and Salon became more radical, conservative voices grew louder in return.
Those words were mainly spoken by imperial nobles, knights, clergy, slave traders, and large landowners who were still able to make a living.
They had a lot, but they were few, and they had a loud voice, but they were afraid.
The world has suddenly changed.
*
The emperor's bedroom. Three books were on the table. The emperor quickly flipped through the book he had brought from the Magic Tower.
"...I didn't know you were also deeply knowledgeable in philosophy."
The author's name was Ember Cutter, but the emperor knew immediately whose mind the book came from. Was the newspaper ultimately a stepping stone for disseminating this book to the people of the empire? He was purely amazed by Bjorn's extraordinary ability to change the landscape of the capital city in just three months.
The content contained in the three books was beyond words. The contents of the books were different, but the end goal was empire. It was a ceremonial sword forged for the emperor. Drich couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected attack.
"You always exceed our expectations, Bjorn."
The emperor muttered as he closed the book. It bites the magicians, who are the weak link in the ruling class, and connects them with the people of the empire. The newspaper company was that knot. No, if you think about it, it's the same as laying the groundwork to make the people of the empire read this book. Where did you calculate it from? Perhaps, he had planned a large framework before leading the Human Lighthouse Corps and advancing on the capital. The emperor's prediction was spectacularly wrong. Of course he knew how to use demons and saints to put pressure on him. He used it in reverse and was able to subdue him. However, I did not expect that they would establish a new power system and use the people of the empire. This method was not useful for nobles. Who could have guessed? I had no idea that just a newsletter business would shake up the empire so much. Every time he wriggled like a giant catfish, the emperor, the duke, and the nobles could only be swept away.
Björn was clearly a dangerous man. Even if he is somewhat injured, he is a nemesis that must be eliminated. He had to be outnumbered somehow before he was further outnumbered. The emperor ordered Ergi.
"It is a subversive book that will shake the empire. Subversive ideas lead to subversive actions, so it is right to nip them in the bud."
Erji knelt down and spoke to the emperor.
"Your Majesty, I have not been able to find out the family connections of Barton Wigner, the president of the newspaper. It is certain that he is from the Southeast, but there is no one in the Southeast with the surname Wigner. There are no personal connections to him in the Lighthouse of Humanity either."
"Then I guess I can't use him to threaten me."
The emperor had a listless look on his face, as if he had expected this to happen. He is a man with the nickname "Knight of wit." He ostensibly took off the knight's armor and became the president of a newspaper company, but he was only acting as Björn's agent. He may not be as good as Ember Cutter, who is known as Bjorn's right-hand man, but Barton is definitely a capable man who has proven his ability in addition to his wit. He must be protecting his identity as well. Originally, the emperor would have criticized the director's incompetence. But he knew that Bjorn was not the type of man to be manipulated like that. Before we knew it, the emperor had recognized Björn as his family friend. Rather than criticizing the head of the cancer department for his incompetence, he gave instructions on what to do next.
"Vice-captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lunea, at his call, looked at her lord with his stern countenance.
"Arrest all those who possess or read this seditious book. Also, all wizards who submitted editorials to the Central Newspaper. The Magic Tower is a place to study magic, not a place to teach useless ideas."
"Your Majesty, if you arrest me like this, there may be a backlash within the Magic Tower. A while ago, I would have been able to handle it, but now..."
"The aristocratic faction, thanks to the support of the people of the empire, may raise their voices. Is that what you want to say?"
The Emperor stood up and approached Runea. Without realizing it, she shrank her neck. The emperor's hand touched her shoulder.
"Vice-captain, we have placed a burden on you. Please do not forgive us for being unreliable."
"Your Majesty! That's not what you mean...!"
"I understand your concerns, but what you are worried about will not happen."
Following the emperor's words, Runea had no choice but to keep her mouth shut.
"We have learned something from our past mistakes. Since the Official Gazette is still alive, we will publish the scandals of the aristocratic faction that we have obtained from the secretariat."
"Scandal...Are you talking about?"
"Yes, this way, we can avoid a direct confrontation with the Central Newspaper and divert the attention of the people of the empire. The people of the empire will realize that the aristocratic faction they support is also an aristocrat after all, and wizards will be reluctant to cooperate with their ugliness. . At the same time, merchants will also become more cautious. There is no merchant like the aristocrats who would want to see their scandals published in the official gazette and fall into ruin."
Runea opened her mouth at the emperor's trick. So, if the interest of the people of the empire waned, it would not be a task to eliminate the unsound wizards who had sprouted up in the Magic Tower. Although he suffered several times in the past due to Bjern's wicked moves, the emperor was still the emperor. A powerful emperor who led and will continue to lead a wealthy empire. At least when it came to political affairs, it was absurd for Runea to interfere.
The emperor gathered momentum and ordered Ergi and Runea.
"Director of the Secretariat. As soon as public opinion turns and the Estates General secures capital, assassinate Barton Wigner. It doesn't matter if it's a bit too much. Provoke Björn and lead him to do too much."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Vice-captain of the Knights of the Holy Cross. As soon as the Estates General is sorted out, imprison Ember Cutter along with the evil Tower mage. It is his crime to throw the empire into chaos with his seditious books. Cut off his limbs before purging Bjorn. "I need to let go."
"Your Majesty, I will follow your orders!"
The moment the De Jeevitz family returns the right to appoint the commander of the Lighthouse of Humanity, Bjorn will no longer be able to find his body in the hands of the shadows. The emperor pictured that moment in his eyes. The gamble on the empire was speeding toward its end.
◈ Chapter 111 - 17-Give Me the Liver and Gallbladder.