Chapter 94: I, the Left Chancellor, Am His Deputy?
A new day in the upper echelons of the Azurevine Empire always begins with reading the “Long Live the Empress Gazette.”
Timeliness has always been the Empress’s unwavering pursuit in publishing. With the magic teleportation logistics system rolled out, this, the empire’s sole official newspaper, can appear by the bedside of nobles on the southernmost islands or on the dining tables of generals at the northernmost ice field fortresses before eight o’clock every morning. Nobles and officials in the City of Mysteries are also accustomed to reading the latest news from the continent and the empire to start their workday.
Today’s front-page headline in the “Long Live the Empress Gazette” is, of course, the Empress of Eternal Night personally attacking the capital of the Orc King’s stronghold, Skrena City, and capturing the high-ranking members of several tribes in one fell swoop. The magic portrait occupying half of the first page depicts the Empress of Eternal Night appearing above Skrena City, summoning the “carousel of death” to separate the orc chieftains into liquid and solid. Clad in a simple gray robe, she could not conceal her breathtaking beauty. The expressions of the despairing orcs behind her and the imperial soldiers charging the city walls created a stark contrast, amplifying the Empress’s might.
The second page reports on the crucial siege battle, after which Marquess Lacapas, Roger Charles, intervened, turning the tide for the Rommel Legion, which was surrounded by an elite orc coalition of 200,000. With his magical prowess, he single-handedly suppressed the magical power of the entire orc army, sounding the horn for the imperial army’s counterattack, and ultimately pursued the orc coalition until they were routed.
“In this battle, the Empress was as powerful as ever, and the new generation of powerhouses in the empire has also emerged,” the “Long Live the Empress Gazette” concluded regarding the battle. “The orc tribes in the Kamphusak Desert are no longer able to fight, and the Rommel Legion is gradually taking control of the region.”
The secret agreement between Roger and Tasika would not be disclosed to the public. The empire had not initiated a war for three years, and upon engaging, they decisively conquered the orc tribes, achieving glorious results. The empire, from top to bottom, was jubilant, celebrating the splendid victory.
“It’s a pity these orcs didn’t hold on a little longer to see more of Her Majesty’s valiant combat prowess.”
“Against the invincible Her Majesty, what use is their strength?”
“No way, that notoriously useless brother from the imperial capital has become so strong in just a few days?”
“Are they going to fight the elves or the dwarves next? How about the vampires? I’ll donate fifty gold coins!”
“You’re too stingy, I’ll sell a manor!”
The victory greatly stimulated the imperial people, especially the nobles’ enthusiasm for war. Before the fruits of this victory were fully digested, they were already anticipating the next one. The feeling of consecutive victories was so intoxicating that it made the Azurevine people frenzied, causing them to forget the reason for fighting and only wanting to make big news every day. The fact that the Azurevine Empire in the mid-to-late game could only survive through war, forcibly diverting domestic pressure, was also closely related to this atmosphere. Although the Empress was rash and warlike, frequent wars were actually a sign of the Empress of Eternal Night’s declining control over the empire. However, as the Empress, with external forces vigorously promoting her, she had to bear the responsibility for the empire’s continuous campaigns, with no escape.
Starry River Palace, Council Hall.
Because the Empress went to war yesterday, the cabinet meeting was suspended for a day. Therefore, it was not until today that the cabinet members saw the newly reshaped Star Throne of the Empress of Eternal Night for the first time. A combination of metal and bone, with a ferocious design, it reverberated with eternal roars and laments. Despite the sweltering heat, the cabinet members shivered as they entered, their backs growing cold, and their fists clenched involuntarily. In their hearts, they silently questioned what had happened to the Empress. What was with this sudden dark style? Had she watched some strange opening ceremony and learned this macabre aesthetic?
Only Marguerite, gazing at the flickering blood-red Star Throne, was so excited that tears almost welled up. “Cool, so cool, I can’t wait to see Her Majesty sitting on it!” The other cabinet members showed expressions of disgust, calling her a vulgar demon! Only someone from hell would appreciate this style, right? Marguerite was indeed captivated by the throne, and she took a step onto the nine levels of the platform, wanting to see it more clearly. Unfortunately, a warning lightning strike flashed, singeing her bangs and causing her to fall to the ground. Angelina, who had not received professional training, couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Marguerite glared back at her angrily. Reluctantly gazing at the throne, she dejectedly returned to her seat. No matter how curious she was, she couldn’t break through the protective spells set by the Empress of Eternal Night. Did the Empress not want anyone to approach the new Star Throne?
Because of its hard material and body-fitting design, the Star Throne would subtly reveal the Empress’s figure. While she didn’t mind people admiring her proud physique, being able to deduce her figure from the throne was strange. She couldn’t exactly put up a sign saying, “No peeking at the Empress’s derrière,” could she? After much consideration, she could only set up such a protective spell. Women’s psychology is peculiar; they can walk around in bikinis, but if you see them in their underwear, they’ll scream, curse, and call the police… It’s all the same, yet they get so agitated, which is absurd!
Not long after all the cabinet ministers had arrived, the Empress of Eternal Night teleported directly onto the throne, lounging lasciviously with her legs crossed, and spoke faintly, “Esteemed ministers, let us begin.” From her posture to her tone and demeanor, everyone noticed the Empress’s difference today. However, the dark-styled throne and her unpredictable expression created an even more powerful aura. Pressure brewed in the darkness, and naturally, no one dared to offer any opinions on the Empress’s bearing or words… Several male cabinet members instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to look too much at the current Empress. Although the Empress of Eternal Night’s movements were casual, even casually kicking off a shoe, it didn’t make her appear slovenly; instead, it elevated her accustomed peerless beauty to a new level. Many inwardly wondered if beauty also increased with strength? Like a raw jade sculpted into an artifact, having experienced trials in the domain of inner demons, the current Empress of Eternal Night, without having to deliberately do anything, had achieved an innate elegance.
The empire was too vast, and two days’ worth of matters had accumulated. Military and political affairs were discussed one by one by the cabinet. Soon, the Secretary-General announced that the disposition of the orc tribes was to be discussed. Marguerite immediately perked up, rubbing her hands together, ready to propose her meticulously prepared strategy for forceful annexation.
However, at this moment, the Empress of Eternal Night spoke lightly, “This matter need not be debated further. I have already entrusted Roger Charles with full authority for its disposal. Marguerite and the Minister of Military Affairs are to cooperate with him.” The Minister of Military Affairs: “As you command!”
Marguerite’s composure completely shattered. What? I cooperate with him? She quickly retorted, “Your Majesty, I believe Roger’s talent is insufficient for this great task!” I despise that blue-haired saint mother the most. Now, I, the Left Chancellor, have to be a deputy to her useless brother, playing support? I cannot accept this! If I’m not given the spotlight, I’ll just stand by the spring and whine!
The Empress of Eternal Night glanced at her. “My decision on this matter is final. Marguerite, your duty is to cooperate and execute.” Marguerite was about to say more, but the Empress of Eternal Night’s gaze shifted slightly downwards. With just that gaze, Marguerite instinctively tightened her legs protectively, guarding her posterior, and tearfully nodded, “As you command, Your Majesty!” She recalled the terror of being hung upside down that day, the death carousel above Skrena City, how could she dare to resist? Her voice trailed off with a sob. As long as it spins fast enough, even a small ceiling fan can achieve solid-liquid separation… But thinking that she would now be bossed around by a useless boy and execute a series of foolish orders… Marguerite felt wronged, distressed, and full of righteous indignation. *Sniffle, sniffle*, Your Majesty, you’ve changed! You’re threatening me for Roger! And you want me to be his subordinate and take his orders? Does my standing as Left Chancellor mean nothing? Marguerite lowered her head, her expression somewhat gritted, filled with a million points of dissatisfaction. How dare that Roger! How dare he climb above me! Is he better looking than I am, smarter, more capable in combat, or more loyal? Will I, Marguerite, be suppressed by the Charles family forever?
Marguerite dared not disobey the Empress’s orders, but she secretly decided to make things difficult for Roger during their cooperation! Anyway, he’s a good-for-nothing who doesn’t understand military affairs. If he messes up the matter of the orc tribes with his reckless commands, it would be perfectly normal, right? Then I’ll save the day, and His Majesty will naturally know that I’m still the most capable and will trust me, Marguerite… Heh heh heh! Roger, no; Marguerite, yes!
Other cabinet members, while not as intensely reacting as Marguerite, were also filled with confusion and bewilderment at Roger Charles being entrusted with such an important task again after “New Arcana.” The sudden appearance of Dio Brando as Minister of History had already caught them off guard. In the end, Dio proved to be quite capable, apprehending the true culprit of the City of Mysteries’ bloody night and setting a trap for him within a day of taking charge of the city defense forces, earning their respect. However, Roger Charles’s “New Arcana” had thrown the empire’s magical community into chaos, and whether it was progress or a disaster is still undecided. How could he be qualified to guide the work of cabinet ministers? Your Majesty, if you dislike our work capabilities, please dismiss us directly; don’t torment us with these sudden, “chosen one” tropes. They didn’t show it, but they all had a little resentment in their hearts.
Only Angelina remained silent, deep in thought. Managing a new territory is no simpler than conquering it; it may even be a more complex, difficult, and long-term undertaking. The Empress of Eternal Night abruptly entrusting such a heavy responsibility to Roger, even she, as his elder sister, felt uncertain. Can he truly be competent? Will he fail to live up to the Empress’s trust? Angelina was very worried. But then, she thought that her brother had come up with the brilliant strategy of “state-run farms”; perhaps he could really solve the post-war resettlement problem for the orc tribes.
As she was contemplating, she suddenly heard the Empress of Eternal Night say, “Marguerite, do not worry. Although you once proposed Roger’s execution, I will not inform him. You two will surely cooperate smoothly.”
“What? Execute Roger?” Angelina’s head shot up, her gaze sharp as she looked at Marguerite, extremely vigilant. You once proposed executing my brother? Everyone else also looked at Marguerite with disbelief. The discord between the Left and Right Chancellors and their competition was public knowledge. But Little Ma, you’re really narrowing your path by backstabbing your opponent’s family like this!
Marguerite almost burst into tears. I didn’t, I don’t have it, don’t spout nonsense! Your Majesty, my dear Empress, if you have any complaints about me, please punish me legally; don’t just blurt things out like this! My proposal for execution that day was just an opening bid; I thought you would eventually dismiss him, making the blue-haired saint mother lose face… To think that you would bring this up in the cabinet meeting now… Angelina, no matter how saintly she is, isn’t a pushover; she gets angry and holds grudges! We agreed to quietly scheme against her together, but how could you expose my strategic intentions on the table like this? Marguerite lowered her head, trying to minimize her presence, not daring to face Angelina’s angry gaze, her tail listlessly swishing back and forth. Angelina snorted, and ultimately said nothing. But she was already prepared to secretly monitor every decree and measure concerning the orc tribes going forward, lest Marguerite pay lip service while acting in bad faith and making things difficult for her brother. This little devil’s heart is truly wicked!
Marguerite also understood that she had no chance to trifle with Roger this time. Now her enemies were not just the blue-haired saint mother, but the siblings themselves… Oh, this is too difficult for me!
“Alright, let’s move on to the next agenda,” the Empress of Eternal Night said to the Secretary-General, a sly smile gracing her lips. This is checks and balances, these are tactics! Please stand and applaud, praise the bad woman for being the best in the world! The cabinet is her core organ for managing the empire. From now on, she would inevitably spend more time researching magic and managing the Arcane Assembly, unable to keep an eye on domestic affairs. This indirectly strengthened the cabinet’s power. If the cabinet members colluded and deceived her, she would be in trouble. Therefore, by making their relationships less harmonious and fostering infighting, the risk of collusion would be greatly reduced. As long as she controlled the intensity and let them quarrel and make noise, as long as they didn’t joke around with the empire. She wanted healthy competition, not hindering each other! Once they realized the Empress’s formidable power and dared not make rash small moves, the Empress could be more at ease copying their work in the future… “So, controlling people’s hearts is truly a skilled job!” The Empress of Eternal Night lowered her head, seemingly playing with her fingers, but in reality, she was diligently listening to each minister’s statement and then criticizing their errors and omissions. This move was known as maintaining a relaxed exterior while exerting strict control, deliberately appearing capable of effortlessly crushing opponents to cultivate an imperial mystique. Hurry up and finish the meeting, I still need to pick up Tasika, and by the way, find a soul for the random boss in the domain of inner demons…
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Yin Bing Manor.
Roger woke up early and, referring to the materials meticulously organized by Xiao Qiao Yi the previous night, essentially finalized the content for the first issue of “Arcane Musings.” Xiao Qiao Yi had prepared a sufficient number of manuscripts, with summaries and quality ratings for each submission listed, making it clear at a glance and greatly saving Roger’s time. Roger’s task was to screen and determine that the main debate direction for this issue would be “Is a mage a combat profession or a production profession? After that, it would be easier. He would revise it today and submit it for printing tomorrow, and it could be released the day after tomorrow.
As instructed by the Empress of Eternal Night, “Arcane Musings” would be distributed for free to every mage who subscribed to “New Arcana” by simply reciting the spell “All unknowns have answers.” This was also a strategy to entice mages into debate. “New Arcana” would be published bimonthly, while “Arcane Musings” would be released weekly, primarily publishing discussions on the new theses in the monthly “New Arcana.”
“Don’t work too hard; learn to delegate tasks to others,” Roger encouraged the editor-in-chief Xiao Qiao Yi, who was staying behind, and then teleported to the outside of the military department. Before entering, he suddenly became worried. Marguerite was a petty person; would she be angry that he was parachuted in as her superior? Recalling her fate in the game, it was precisely this trait that players exploited to orchestrate a tragedy…
