Inside the imperial palace of Tren, the capital.
Uler X sat upon the lofty throne.
Even his splendid imperial robes couldn’t hide his haggard face.
The grand hall brimmed with ministers. They performed the highest noble courtesies, yet not a shred of respect for the king could be felt.
“Rise, all of you,” the king said weakly.
Facing this crowd of ministers, Uler X felt a slight tremble.
[If I don’t obey them, tomorrow the king might be replaced.]
Uler X would never allow that. He still had his beautiful concubines and vast wealth to enjoy. So he always obeyed the ministers below.
The ministers exchanged glances, smiling in satisfaction.
“Your Highness, I have a policy for your review,” one said. He signaled a servant to hand a document to Uler X.
Uler X read it for a long time.
[What are they planning...]
“We ministers believe the current land distribution is deeply flawed. This policy fixes it.”
“Redistribute all lands under the Uler Empire based on current merits?”
“Yes, Your Highness. The present allocation is unreasonable.”
“Archduke Edward is right. Many lands are inherited, but that’s unfair. Lands should be awarded for current merits.”
“Hohoho, Archduke Yisi shares our view.”
The ministers ignored the king entirely, praising each other freely.
[It sounds reasonable. A good policy. I won’t be troubled.]
Uler X concluded with his simple mind.
Well, the policy seemed fair, but the political system was rotten. Faking merits in black boxes was child’s play.
Generals and lords could be ignored. Commoners’ voices? They didn’t care to hear.
In the end, every minister here would get what they wanted. They’d done this for years.
Thanks to this foolish king, the ministers thought gleefully.
“Then, I approve. Issue this policy.”
“Your Highness is wise!”
“Truly decisive judgment!”
“Such leadership blesses our empire!”
After Uler X approved the document, the ministers flattered him endlessly.
[I am truly a king! Ahahaha.]
Uler X, lifted by praise, grew dazed.
Watching him on the throne, the ministers were pleased. The dumber he was, the easier to control.
“Your Highness! No! Though it’s a good policy, it needs further discussion!”
A clear voice rang out.
The speaker was a young girl.
Her eyes gleamed like emeralds, piercing through hearts.
Long purple hair flowed past her waist, a pale purple flower adorning one side.
Her purple gown shimmered with silver patterns.
The hem ended just above the knee, revealing legs wrapped in black stockings like art.
Custom black high heels accentuated her cold, noble beauty.
The ministers’ hearts quivered, craving to possess her.
Known as [The Library of Knowledge, Doria], Doria Sweetanford had astonishing memory. After awakening her [Knowledge Library] talent, her knowledge equaled the royal library.
More crucially, she was the eldest daughter of the Sweetanford family.
Their ancestors fought beside Uler the Great to build the empire, granting them unshakable status.
In this era of noble corruption, they alone upheld loyalty. Much of the empire’s survival owed to them.
“Oh, Doria. What’s wrong?” Uler X valued her words—for her wisdom and beauty.
“I fear this policy will spark violent backlash. The consequences could be disastrous.”
“Hmph. Lords resisting such a fair policy deserve punishment.”
“Exactly!”
“Hah! Any unrest proves disloyalty to the nation.”
[Yes. Good policy. Backlash means ill intent!]
“Hahaha! I’ll crush any rebellion!”
“Oh, Your Highness!”
“This old minister is moved!”
“But—”
Before Doria could speak, someone cut in.
“Ah, Miss Doria, no worries. Trust our wise king.”
[That’s why I can’t trust! This will throw the nation into chaos!]
Doria burned with anxiety, but her words drowned in the crowd.
“Enough. Dismissed.”
“Hah, farewell, Your Highness.”
The meeting ended under their chorus.
“Hahaha.”
After the king left, the ministers laughed freely.
“I’d love to own her~”
“Hehehe, such a beauty~”
They swallowed hard, thinking of Doria.
In the carriage, Doria bit her lip in frustration.
[Him... if it’s him... he’d find a way.]
With the carriage’s rumble, the farce ended.
