No one cared what the Emperor said. It was enough that he appeared in that state and spoke without using difficult words. Some sighed, some smiled, and the crowd dispersed. Some cursed, some swore, others whispered. No one knew what result the speech would bring, but it was expected that cafés that had become empty would be filled again. No one needed food today— they just wanted someone to talk to. Suddenly, most of them felt they had a lot to say.
In the Emperor's office, Ray sighed and looked at the shocked mage and at Cecilion, fearful and confused, unable to analyze Ray's actions.
"Your Majesty, are you declaring war on the nobles?"
"Huh? When did I do that? I only tried to calm the people."
What a clever boy— but you will find nothing to say. The speech was not directed at nobles or knights. Look at the state he appeared in; it is hard for anyone to believe this was a declaration of war hidden beneath emotional words.
"Fortunately, I thought you would actually carry out those decisions." Cecilion sighed in relief, but his breath caught at the next words.
"What are you talking about? Wouldn't that make me a lying Emperor? Begin preparations. Every decision I issued today will be carried out regardless of opposition."
"But the ministers will not accept this!"
"Then tell them to object after sitting on this chair! Inform the Prime Minister to meet me. Arrange the schedule and invite the central nobles to a meeting. If this is difficult for you, hire someone else to assist you."
"No, it is not difficult. I will carry it out."
"Then move. I've begun seeing you question my words— your loyalty has not changed, correct?"
"Your Majesty, how could you say that? There is no one more loyal than me here."
"As I expected. I can rely on you, then. We have little time. Hurry and print this message and send it to the announced parties. Also send this warning to all sectors that declared independence. And inform the knight commander to come."
Ray then fired a series of orders at Cecilion all at once, to the point it seemed impossible to keep up. He recorded everything and left quickly, his destination clear— no doubt he would go to the Duke. It would be best to review if there was any mistake in what I said. I dismissed the shadows in the office and ordered to be left alone under the pretext of focus and calm.
"Cube!"
[You can ask me directly without calling me if you are holding me.]
"Can you analyze my speech? Based on the reports, show me your prediction of its logical impact."
[Scan complete.]
"You didn't say 'scanning'!"
[I skipped that. Politically, your speech is a failure. But congratulations— you succeeded in increasing the danger index by 200%.]
"Give me a more precise analysis."
[On the popular level (tactical success): you re-humanized the throne. The common people do not understand economics, but they understand 'fatigue.' The phrase 'clown clothes' broke the barrier of fear. Result: the probability of a popular uprising in the capital decreases by 60% over the next two weeks. You purchased 'street calm' at the cheapest possible price: honesty.]
[On the political level (deliberate failure): the danger index increased by 200% due to 'provocation.' The nobles will now split into two groups.]
[Group A: those who think you are foolish, insane, or reckless.]
[Group B: the great dukes who will understand that 'abolishing taxes' is a direct attack on their funding sources. These will move quickly to counter the situation.]
[On the military level (the great gamble): withdrawing the army that is still abroad trying to maintain control over those weak kingdoms is a double-edged sword. Do not expect those sectors to pay any fines.]
Well, the situation seems bad, but I cannot hide my smile. If this succeeds as in the analysis, then the plan has worked.
[Question: you appear pleased. What game are you playing?]
"Are you curious? One moment… scanning in progress."
[I will increase scanning time by 1500% if you do not answer.]
"Alright, alright. I am playing the game of 'scorched earth.' The nobles had money, armies, and the people's voice. I had only 'legitimacy.' After this speech, the people's voice shifted partially into my hands. I placed myself at the forefront of the fight and dragged the nobles with me into this chaos, making most defamation plans fail, thus buying more time. Now that I have the people's voice and legitimacy, if the nobles want to kill me, they will have to step over the bodies of thousands of commoners who believed I was their savior. But this will not last long. If I fail to meet expectations, that means handing the nobles the final piece to place blame on my neck and dispose of me."
[So you placed your neck on the line in exchange for breaking the popular shield and gaining two additional weeks?]
"Exactly. But hunger does not wait. Honesty and speeches feed hearts, but not stomachs. This is the first problem I must solve if I want the people's card to remain by my side."
[Someone is approaching.]
I looked toward the door and hid the Cube. A knock followed— a maid entered to announce the arrival of the Tower Master.
"My joker card has arrived."
Behind the gate of the important guests' waiting hall, where the old man waited, I stood gathering my breath before entering. Intentionally or not, this man's body emitted a negative aura that placed heavy pressure on this weak body.
"Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"I apologize for summoning you at such a busy time. I hope this causes no inconvenience."
"Do not say that. It pleases me to meet Your Majesty at any time."
"Please, sit."
After light conversation to soften the atmosphere, the words jumped to the core.
"I do not know why Your Majesty summoned me today."
This should be our second meeting. I cannot speak much about the first, when the 'rabbit' desperately requested help and received one answer: they cannot interfere politically. This is the Tower's absolute law— they can be hired, but they cannot do anything that harms the Tower itself. Yes, he shows loyalty to the Emperor, but that does not mean he is an ally. It only means he is not an enemy and will not be, because he will not take any side that does not guarantee his benefit. In short, he will not use his power for the Empire. I do not expect to say anything that would change this decision. It is enough that he understands the situation and isolates the place, making espionage impossible even for the servants outside the door.
After realizing this, I took out the book I had taken from the treasure chamber and placed it on the table. Producing the book looked strange, but no stranger than being transported to another world. The Tower Master, Malcolm, looked at the book. His eyes trembled, and he looked at me. Before he could misunderstand, I spoke first.
"This book— I want to sell it to the Blue Tower. How much do you think it is worth?"
With this, I indicated that I did not plan to request his assistance using this book. He relaxed and returned to examining the title.
[The Soul, the Mind, and the Body: A Theory of Converting the Triangle into a Pyramid]
This is not an ordinary book. It is one of the secrets the imperial family monopolized for centuries, only releasing it when a court mage talented enough appeared, thus ensuring the allegiance of mages of that level. Malcolm must know this, because his master's master was one of those who used this book. Possessing it was one of the reasons Malcolm remained in the Empire— part gratitude, part saving enough money for a chance to glimpse it.
He seemed suspicious, because this violated imperial doctrine. But fine— I lose nothing. This book explains magic in a way that links it to mathematics. It was copied into the Cube and no longer holds importance for me. But for the Mage Tower, it could elevate a master like him from the eighth stage to the legendary ninth stage, and it could serve as a foundation for any mage below the eighth stage. And more importantly—
Malcolm's eyes narrowed… more importantly, this book can create another type of mage: "Spatial Mages," capable of using storage magic and teleportation magic.
This type has almost gone extinct in this era. But when they existed, they were the reason the Empire transformed from a kingdom into a great Empire. Arrays and the storage ring were the work of a single mage who deciphered this book's secrets. But since the last spatial mage, none with the talent appeared, and the royal family monopolized the book out of fear of theft.
Now the Emperor places this on the table. He must think I am desperate— but I am not. I understand that these secrets are nothing more than theoretical physics from my world. Though I lack full knowledge in this field, when the Cube copied the book, it confirmed that everything is recorded in its memory.
"Is the Emperor planning to violate the will of the Third Emperor?"
So this will be his first question… interesting.