Chapter 109: The Premiere of "Fate Zero" (9)
Hey, Saber, tell us your wish as well."
Startled by Rider's sudden question, Saber hesitated for a moment before calmly—perhaps even proudly—replying, "I want to save my homeland. I want to change the fate of Britain's destruction."
The response from Saber brought an immediate hush over the audience. Everyone fell silent, and even Rider, holding his wine cup mid-air, couldn't help but speak up, "Knight King, did I hear you right? You want to 'change fate'? You mean to overturn history?"
"Yes, no matter how impossible the wish seems, as long as I have the omnipotent Holy Grail, it can be realized—"
"Ah, Saber? I want to confirm... The destruction of Britain happened during your era, under your rule?"
"Yes! That's why I can't forgive myself!" In response to Rider's question, Saber resolutely stated, "I am filled with regret and want to change that outcome. It was my actions that led to that end..."
Suddenly, as Saber finished speaking, Archer couldn't hold back any longer and burst into laughter.
"...Archer, what's so funny?"
Saber frowned, but Archer kept laughing as he replied, "To call yourself a king, to be extolled by the masses—and yet, to feel 'regret'? Ha! How can that not be laughable? What a masterpiece! Saber, you're the greatest jester!"
Simultaneously, Rider, also displeased, said, "Wait—just wait! Knight King, do you intend to deny the history you created?"
"That's right. Are you surprised? Is it ridiculous? As a king, the country I sacrificed myself for was destroyed. I mourn that. What's wrong with that?"
Despite Saber's insistence, Archer laughed again, saying, "Hey, did you hear that, Rider? This girl who calls herself the Knight King... actually talks about 'sacrificing for her country'!"
"I don't see what's so funny. As a king, it's natural to stand up and strive for the prosperity of one's nation!"
"You are mistaken. It's not the king who sacrifices; it's the country and its people who dedicate everything to the king. Do not get this wrong."
"What did you say—"
Saber could no longer contain her anger and shouted, "—That's nothing but tyranny! Rider, Archer, you are utterly mistaken in how a king should be!"
"Indeed, but we are not just tyrants; we are heroes. So, Saber, if a king is dissatisfied with the outcome of their governance, it only shows that they are a foolish king, worse than a tyrant."
"Iskandar, your empire was ultimately divided into four parts. Do you feel no regret? Do you not wish to try again, to save your nation?"
"No, if my decisions and those of my followers led to that outcome, then its destruction was inevitable. I will mourn, I will weep, but I will never regret it, much less attempt to overturn history! Such foolishness would insult all the people of my era who built that time!"
...
On screen, as Iskandar the Conqueror passionately expounded his kingly philosophy, the cinema erupted into intense discussion.
This kind of debate about the ideal nature of kingship was unprecedented. It was a subject the public would only encounter in a more advanced society. But now, Fate/Zero had forcefully brought this discussion to the fore. The audience, almost bewildered, was swept along by the movie's portrayal of the kings' debate, experiencing for the first time the thrill of discussing statecraft.
However, due to their limited knowledge, most viewers couldn't offer informed opinions. They could only parrot the sentiments in support of the King of Conquerors. Many seemed almost brainwashed, loudly proclaiming that Iskandar was the most fitting king. This was clearly an abnormal reaction.
Indeed, although the empire had made considerable strides in public education due to prolonged peace, elite education remained largely the purview of the unique group of mages. Consequently, most commoners lacked any substantive knowledge of high-level politics. Even the aristocracy often relied more on intuition than reason. Thus, while watching Fate/Zero, this group of "newbies" naturally found themselves easily swayed by the logical arguments of the King of Conquerors.
Thus, among the hundred people watching Fate/Zero, ninety-nine instinctively agreed with the King of Conquerors' words.
Whether this phenomenon was good or bad was irrelevant for the moment. What became immediately apparent to anyone with even a slight sense of awareness was the side effect brought about by the film—the power of public opinion!
Public opinion refers to the collective beliefs, opinions, and attitudes of citizens at a specific time and place regarding a certain behavior. While it might not directly impact people's lives in an age where information flow is not swift, once society reaches a certain level of development, manipulating public opinion can even lead to the downfall of a country.
Therefore, during the movie, Emperor Habbard, seated behind Durin, refrained from commenting on the ideologies of the three kings. Instead, he directly remarked, "Baron Durin, I hope you understand the impact of creating something like this."
"Well, there's probably no one who understands it better than I do," Durin replied confidently. He had anticipated this impact even before making the movie Fate/Zero.
To reassure the emperor, he quickly added, "At least for now, I don't think the film will have the terrifying effect you're imagining. However, one day, when movies or communication technology reach a certain level, the danger of this 'weapon' will be undeniable. To be prepared for that day, I suggest Your Majesty consider setting up a regulatory body."
In essence, Durin was advising the emperor to establish a department to regulate the film industry. Otherwise, when the film industry was no longer dominated solely by Edward Film Studio, the influence of movies on public opinion could become unimaginable.
Emperor Habbard continued watching the movie screen, then said, "It seems my visit was indeed worthwhile. It's a blessing for the empire to have such a talented individual as you. Can I entrust this matter entirely to you, Baron Durin?"
"?? Such a task isn't suitable for a businessman like me," Durin replied, clearly taken aback. Even though he had prepared for many possibilities, he hadn't expected the emperor to make such a decision. As a modern young man from Earth, Durin didn't believe in the myth of a market that could entirely self-regulate.
For Durin, matters of regulation should ideally be handled by a more independent and impartial body.
In truth, Durin actually wanted to take on the task himself, given his skepticism that the locals of this world would quickly grasp the concept of film regulation. However, he understood his current position and felt it inappropriate to forcibly make such a request.
The emperor simply smiled and said, "I'm not entrusting this task to Durin, the director of Edward Film Studio, but to Durin, the baron and imperial mage. What do you think? While I haven't achieved any grand accomplishments in my life, I am confident in my ability to recognize and use talent. If you agree, I have no issue with elevating the Edward family by two ranks to earls."
"Your Majesty, please, I'll take the position of overseeing the film market, but let's skip the higher title. My family estate is already quite extensive, and if you grant me more land, I doubt even Winry could manage it all..."
Indeed, accepting a higher title would mean managing more land. The Edward family's current territory already gave Durin headaches. Adding more would overwhelm Winry, although nobles technically weren't obligated to fully oversee their territories.
The emperor laughed heartily at Durin's response, clearly pleased with his answer, though the reason for his amusement remained unclear.
...
At the Imperial Mage Academy's main square, the discussions continued.
"Initially, it seems that the King of Conquerors represents an ideal king. However, on closer inspection, it's evident that his perspective is that of a ruler in a prosperous era. Every kingdom experiences periods of both strength and decline. Simply dismissing Saber's viewpoint feels wrong. While I agree her desire to change history is somewhat problematic, considering that altering history might also change the very nation she seeks to protect, doesn't that undermine her goal?"
"The problem lies in Saber's lack of resolve. The first rule of debate is to remain unwavering even if you're wrong and to counterattack by highlighting your opponent's flaws. Saber's quick self-doubt in response to the King of Conquerors shows a lack of confidence. However, this is understandable, as she is, after all, a fallen king. Defeated individuals can't maintain the same level of confidence as victors."
"True, but our limited knowledge about these Heroic Spirits makes it difficult to judge."
"The King of Conquerors' viewpoint reflects the arrogance of a successful ruler in a golden age. Because he succeeded, he assumes his path is the only correct one and dismisses Saber's as incorrect. This attitude is typical of successful individuals towards those who have failed. In reality, no success is achieved through perfect decisions alone, just as no failure is entirely devoid of merit."
"Exactly. Different eras and perspectives shape different worldviews. While Saber, the Knight King, may not be as assertive as the King of Conquerors, if she came from a chaotic era, her efforts to save her kingdom already mark her as a wise ruler."
"Indeed, though the two kings exhibit vastly different attitudes, neither embodies the perfect model of kingship. Each has their limitations; otherwise, they wouldn't be fallen Heroic Spirits. The King of Conquerors' overwhelming presence made it difficult for Saber to counter him effectively."
"However, both have their strengths. One is a ruler who seeks to bring peace to a tumultuous era, while the other is a king who thrives on war and seeks prosperity through conquest. Each has their own ideals, and that's enough. What a nation fears most isn't a foolish king but a mediocre one. Inaction is the greatest disgrace."
"True. So far, only the golden Archer hasn't revealed his philosophy. Yet, he strikes me as more of a tyrant. What kind of era and powerful nation could produce such an arrogant ruler?"
Clearly, compared to the ordinary populace, who could only absorb the values presented by the movie, the official mages at the Imperial Mage Academy were much more knowledgeable and insightful.
After all, the academy's curriculum included genuine history and governance courses. Although these were considered secondary subjects, their mere presence significantly broadened the mages' horizons.
This foresight was thanks to the wisdom of the first great archmage, Roland, who declared, "Mages should not engage in politics, but they must not be ignorant of it. Even the weakest mage cannot advance in magic without understanding the fundamental truths of the world."
Under the influence of such a broad educational perspective, the mages could easily identify the flaws in the King of Conquerors' seemingly grandiose statements and grasp the essence of the three kings' debate. They were not easily swayed by the values presented in the movie and could offer their own insights on what seemed like a rather superficial argument.
In contrast, the new students who had just arrived at the academy found themselves in a more challenging position. Having only received a general, commonplace education thus far, they were unable to fully grasp the deeper discussions of their senior peers. They could only look on in awe, admiring the knowledge and sophistication of the upperclassmen with expressions that said, "These guys are amazing."
In summary, while the three kings' debate stirred considerable discussion, the world's inherent limitations prevented it from having a wider impact. Most people engaged in casual chatter without genuinely changing their perspectives or capabilities due to the grandiose statements in the story.
As the debate drew to a close, the climax arrived with Rider using his Noble Phantasm to instantly defeat the suddenly appearing Assassin. This dramatic scene left a lasting impression on the audience, underscoring Rider's power and resolve.
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