Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
Chapter 638: News from Winter City
To Layton’s surprise, the newspapers in Winter City were written in three languages: Common Tongue, Elvish, and Goblin. They were quite substantial, with each language comprising a separate section, the Common Tongue being the topmost.
Layton quickly understood the reasoning behind this. The Goblin language was intended to attract Goblin merchants, signaling friendliness. The Elvish language was meant to appeal to higher races such as Metal Dragons and Light Spirits. For these advanced races, Elvish was more widely understood than the Common Tongue of the continent.
The person who conceived this strategy was either a genius or a madman! A flash of brilliance appeared in Layton’s eyes. As a minor prince of the Saint Lodia Empire, while not the most gifted, he was widely recognized as the most intelligent. The best way to gain the acceptance of a race was to acknowledge their language. This was especially true for Goblins, a race that was relatively weak and relied on their wits for survival. They would undoubtedly prefer to reside in Winter City, which recognized their language, rather than other empires.
Indeed, as he was pondering this, a group of Goblin merchants, clad in silk and brocade, swaggered past. Normally, these short individuals wouldn’t dare to walk so boldly in the streets. Even when selling goods, they would hide within powerful alchemical golems. Without golems, they would wear black cloaks and walk on stilts to appear taller, then lower their voices to imitate an elderly human’s tone. Their current freedom was a clear indication of Winter City’s excellent public safety.
This was a valuable lesson for the Sllote Empire, Layton noted mentally. He would definitely report this matter to his father upon his return. Goblin alchemy was full of imaginative wonders. Although Goblin alchemy lacked the scale and formalization of Kalun’s alchemy, Kalun could at best be considered a prolific factory that merely imitated others. Goblin alchemy, however, was the true source of the art, embodying imaginative alchemical principles and the racial wisdom that pushed boundaries.
This newspaper alone had revealed so much wisdom. Layton couldn’t wait to read its contents. He eagerly read on:
[King of Winter’s Sayings]
1. To admit one’s own incompetence is to create opportunities for failure.
2. Close the door of fear behind you, and you will see how quickly the door of success opens ahead.
3. You have to spend money even when you die, or you won’t even have a place to be buried. Therefore, work hard and earn money!
The King of Winter only offered three sayings today, but Layton had already gleaned profound life philosophies from them. The last one, in particular, could immediately be applied to the people of the Saint Lodia Empire. A simple sentence that directly addressed market economics and consumption. It had to be said, the King of Winter was truly remarkable!
Further down were some news articles. What interested Layton was that these articles not only covered internal affairs of the Wintery Empire but also events outside of it.
[Wintery Royal City Latest News: Xin Kui and Xin Zhi’s Skill Scroll shop has opened in the Inner City of Winter City, selling various Skill Scrolls long-term. However, due to high demand, stock is limited, and advance orders are now supported. All Professionals are welcome. (Note: Winter City Maids are the private property of the King of Winter. Teasing is prohibited. Any discovery of sexual harassment will result in a minimum sentence of ten years, or immediate execution on the spot!)]
Accompanying the newspaper was a full-color photograph of Xin Kui and Xin Zhi.
[Kairid Empire News: Disaster is unfolding! Servants of an evil god have attacked Sol City, a Border City of Kairid. The Pope and King of Kairid have formed the Pure-blood Legion to suppress the evil god’s minions! Commentary: Look at the turmoil in other empires, while the Wintery Empire is so peaceful and prosperous. Therefore, we must love the Wintery Empire and offer our highest respect to the King of Winter, who protects our safety. Long live the King of Winter!!]
[Andor Empire News: The Naga Legion is launching an attack on the Royal City of Andor. Currently, the Andor Empire is in ruins, with people living in misery! Commentary: Look at other empires being invaded, while the Wintery Empire is so powerful. Under the protection of the King of Winter and the Wintery Army, no one dares to invade the Wintery Empire. Therefore, we must love the Wintery Empire and offer our highest respect to the King of Winter, who protects our safety. Long live the King of Winter!!]
“Emmm…” Layton finished reading. The newspaper stated that other empires on the North Continent were either being invaded, had underdeveloped productivity, or were experiencing imperial turmoil. For instance, Karari and Medon were specifically singled out for criticism. The text implied how wonderful the Wintery Empire was, how magnificent the King of Winter was, and how his policies had brought prosperity to the people of the Wintery Empire. The fact that these were indeed unfolding events made the report very convincing. However, Layton inexplicably sensed that this was a new method of controlling public opinion. It was also subtly brainwashing the people of the Wintery Empire who read the newspaper.
“Brilliant! Truly brilliant!” Layton exclaimed with a click of his tongue. The newspaper also featured various advertisements. For example, a bakery advertised with a catchy slogan: “Nutritious and healthy, delicate texture, multiple flavors to satisfy different needs! Come to our bakery and enjoy a unique taste!” This was accompanied by a picture of tender white bread, with a pink daisy placed between two slices. Even the dew on the daisy petals was rendered, making it look incredibly appetizing and tempting. Could one imagine that someone who bought the newspaper and had some spare money would feel hungry at that moment and go to buy a loaf of white bread? Layton himself felt a pang of hunger, and he was a mage with few desires! Ordinary people would be even more susceptible.
There were many similar advertisements, such as for barbecue restaurants, jewelry stores, tailor shops, the Adventurer’s Guild, job openings, and the Succubus Cafe… These advertisements were not mere eye-catching, meaningless items; they also promoted the economic circulation of Winter City to some extent.
Although newspapers had not yet become popular in smaller towns like Dawn Town and Black River Town, Layton had seen similar efforts on his way. For example, merchants would post banners outside their shops, display oil paintings of food, and the plaza bulletin boards would feature more of these seemingly trivial pieces of information and small advertisements.
The King of Winter was employing a very advanced strategy. Layton stroked his chin, his heart filled with turbulent emotion. In fact, any emperor would dismiss these small tactics as a waste of time. But upon closer consideration, they contained profound political implications.
