CHAPTER 445: EXAMINATION

Before tangible achievements are made, the credibility of any words remains extremely limited, especially when facing this iron-blooded emperor who once briefly brought prosperity to the Valeria Empire. Anyone can engage in empty talk; the key lies in action, and who takes that action.

"Alistair has already failed. Although Lucas narrowly escaped, the abilities he displayed are far from sufficient to carry the entire empire."

Amalia met Hibbort’s gaze without flinching or shrinking back. Her cold, aloof red eyes resembled two brightly colored rubies.

"I believe the Emperor’s intention in controlling him is different from Alistair."

"He seems more like a secondary contingency plan after yet another hope has crumbled. If my performance proves even worse than the Crown Prince’s, His Majesty will most likely help Lucas eliminate Alistair’s remaining forces, purge the internal parasites, reorganize factions, and install a ruler who may not lead the empire to victory in war, but can best avoid internal turmoil."

This echoed Astrid’s earlier explanation of acting out of necessity, although the order of succession had shifted.

Amalia, previously the lowest-ranking illegitimate daughter, became the most suitable candidate for emperor after both of her elder brothers catastrophically failed, while Lucas became the backup option. The weight each held in Hibbort’s mind had completely reversed after the assassination attempt.

"In other words... Your Majesty...."

Amalia straightened her posture. The pure white sleeves are adorned with iris patterns gently overlapped. The sweet, delicate aura of a petite girl had completely disappeared from her surroundings, replaced by solemn composure and calmness.

"If I’m not mistaken, your decision to keep Lucas alive was to balance the situation, avoid the outcome where only I, the daughter of a criminal, can ascend the throne."

This approach allowed for optimal selection, while also preventing Astrid’s faction from becoming dominant. Should this adopted princess harbor ulterior motives, with her current influence, she could easily overthrow the empire after Hibbort’s death.

Of course, this perspective considers paternal affection and considers only what must be weighed from the standpoint of an emperor.

"...Otherwise, Mr. Trin wouldn’t have intervened at that crucial moment."

In the crystal-projected illusion, Lucas was about to be erased by Alistair’s spell when Trin, the imperial guard, stepped in to save him. In a sense, his intervention represented Hibbort’s own will.

Listening to Amalia’s meticulous analysis, which accounted for nearly every move he’d made publicly, Hibbort’s eyes deepened. His long, wheat-golden hair shimmered under the light.

"Your sister has taught you well."

At least far better than he, the so-called father, could have managed. Yet, it still wasn’t enough to make her a qualified emperor.

"Your deduction is entirely correct. I cannot place all my trust in an heir with no political accomplishments, even if her guardian has performed exceptionally."

That wouldn’t be responsible. Although the word "responsible" carried some irony when applied to Hibbort, the truth remains. The dimension he cared about was the entire empire.

At the mention of "guardian," Astrid paused mid-sip, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows over the tea’s surface.

That statement wasn’t wrong.

Hibbort had fathered Amalia, but it was her sister who had raised and educated her.

The moment the words left his mouth, the man continued.

"I heard that in Kost Town, Astrid took you to observe its political structure and commercial composition."

Without dwelling on Amalia’s status, Hibbort shifted the topic to that journey they’d made accompanying Lyra back to her hometown.

Since Amalia clearly understood the purpose of her summons, there was no need for him to beat around the bush.

With practical examinations temporarily impossible, he might as well hear the theoretical knowledge of this imperial candidate.

"What insights do you have on that border town?"

The low voice echoed through the room. Without Astrid’s assistance, Amalia had to face Hibbort’s questions, or rather, tests, alone.

"My knowledge is shallow, and my insights may not be profound. But if His Majesty wishes to hear them, I will speak honestly."

Realizing the entire examination was still ongoing, Amalia calmed her emotions. Her delicate, white-stockinged ankle accidentally brushed against Astrid’s un-crossed black-stockinged leg. Her voice remained steady.

"Kosy Town is located in the northeastern part of the empire. It normally achieves self-sufficiency through suburban farmland and surrounding villages. Its primary connection to the outside world is the imperial highway in the northwest. Transporting military supplies and supporting the empire’s eastern expansion were once the town’s main functions."

"Its territory falls under Duke Charles, and its annual agricultural tax ranks at a medium level within the region. Small-scale commerce is mainly supported by animal hides, ores, ale, and some rice..."

To ensure the Valeria Empire’s grand edifice does not collapse, understanding the underlying logic of power operation is essential. A capable heir can see the big picture from small details, discerning the essence through minor phenomena.

This is the first step toward becoming emperor.

Candles flickered in the study. Amalia set aside all resentment and hatred toward Hibbort, smoothly recounting everything Astrid had once taught her.

"Under the town regulations established by Duke Charles according to the Power Act, the mayor holds only limited control over the town. Although nominally the town’s leader, in reality he is merely an agent exercising the duke’s and emperor’s authority..."

"After years of development, Kost Town has begun aligning with neighboring Karos Town..."

"...The Florites Mountains, stretching from southwest to northwest, cut off Kost Town’s communication with the southern ports, but simultaneously left behind monster hunting zones suitable for magical crystal mining."

"In summary, even though the empire’s eastern expansion has been restrained by war, Kost Town remains a settlement with developmental potential."

This was just one among millions of towns in the empire, many others being similar.

After hearing Amalia’s account, Astrid’s fingertip slightly touched the cup’s side, and her tensed leg relaxed slightly.

If she were graded, this white-stockinged girl’s answer would rank at the very top tier.

She didn’t know whether Hibbort was satisfied.

After a long silence, Hibbort finally spoke again without commenting on her previous words.

"What about the Imperial Capital?"

"If the empire were to relocate its capital, where would you consider most suitable?"

In the original story, the Valeria Empire never relocated its capital enduring prolonged warfare. Hibbort’s question now was likely just testing Amalia’s familiarity with the empire as a whole.

"Different situations naturally call for different considerations. Assuming we’re responding to threats from the northwest, relocation would represent the worst-case scenario. But if such a necessity truly arose..."

"I believe two cities would be suitable for establishing the imperial capital..."

............

Under the night sky, Vorelter, son of Duke Thomas Redgrave, anxiously stared at the clock in his residence, seriously contemplating his next move.

According to the original plan, once the assassination succeeded, Alistair would quickly eliminate the relevant personnel and return to the capital to discuss the final arrangements.

It had already been an hour past the scheduled time. Not only had Alistair sent no message, but even the intelligence officer he’d planted within the estate had disappeared without a trace.

All related information had disappeared into thin air. An eerie atmosphere permeated the capital. As the true mastermind who had orchestrated Helen’s assassination plan, Vorelter gradually felt an indescribable pressure mounting.

Alistair had boasted... that he could block any distress signal and kill Lucas within the estate...

Yet now, why had even their own people been silenced?

Was Lucas alive or dead? Where was Alistair now? All these questions piled up in his mind, yet no accurate answers could be found.

Slow, heavy footsteps echoed through the room. Vorelter paced back and forth. An ominous premonition quietly rose in his mind, and before he knew it, cold sweat had begun to seep from his back.

No... he had to do something...

Stepping outside to breathe fresh air, Vorelter signaled a servant to approach, gave a few instructions, and was just about to leave the residence when he saw the Imperial Guards standing at the gate in full alert.

Why weren’t they patrolling the streets? Why were they stationed here?

The sense of foreboding accelerated. Vorelter released his mental field to scan the entire residence. The next second, he felt his limbs go cold. The evening breeze against his face felt like sharp blades, stinging his skin.

The heavily armored Imperial Guards had already surrounded the residence. Once this defensive formation, composed of Master Knight-level experts, closed in, not even a bird could escape.

Such a scale... surely couldn’t be just for training...

Could their operation have already failed?

As he pondered, a black-armored guard in dark armor walked into the residence and approached Vorelter. The voice, muffled through the helmet, sounded hoarse.

"Mr. Vorelter, you’re requested not to leave the residence for the time being."

"This is the Emperor’s order."

The Emperor’s order... But even if they’d failed, how could the response have come so quickly?

Moreover, does Hibbort still have the energy to monitor outside affairs?

Meanwhile, similar incidents occurred in various locations both inside and outside the capital. However, those involved didn’t possess Vorelter’s relatively noble status as a duke’s son, so their treatment was far harsher than his.

Returning to the Emperor’s private study in the imperial palace, after listening to Amalia’s exposition on various political structures and their purposes, Hibbort’s expression was no longer as stern as before. His facial muscles had relaxed slightly.

Noticing these subtle changes, Astrid’s heart finally settled.

Sipping her tea, she found the liquid already slightly cooled. Her soft, pink tongue gently stirs it, savoring the lingering sweetness.

So far, Amalia’s performance had been outstanding, faintly revealing the contours of a qualified heir.

"Then, what are your thoughts on magical devices?"

Hibbort suddenly changed topics, shifting his gaze from Amalia’s face to Astrid beside her.

Regarding magical devices, Hibbort held undoubtedly a positive view. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have strongly supported the development of magical energy weapons.

But this question was clearly not simple.

Feeling her father’s gaze, Astrid sat upright with grace, elegantly placing down her silver spoon, quietly waiting for Amalia to speak.

"Magical devices are the inevitable trend of future development." The black-haired girl’s voice was crisp, her head also turned slightly to look at the beloved mentor who had nurtured her.

"But this doesn’t mean those in power can fully accept the variables and dangers it brings."

"Base determines superstructure. Productivity determines production relations." These were the concepts Astrid had once taught her. Initially, Amalia had only a vague understanding. But after immersing herself in groundswell life and returning to the empire’s center, the imperial capital, she had finally gained some clarity on her sister’s words.

"In the war against the Kingdom of Velys, magical energy weapons shone brilliantly, undoubtedly confirming the necessity of the empire’s development in this field."

"In my sister’s and Professor Charlotte’s vision, magical devices wouldn’t merely provide nobles with more lifestyle conveniences, but also boost production and accelerate transportation, just as the appearance of magical energy airships provided new channels for wartime logistics."

"In time, when magical devices capable of faster irrigation for farmers emerge, and water-extraction devices operate continuously in deserts, everything we know will undergo earth-shattering changes. The Valeria Empire’s national strength will climb to unprecedented heights."

"Meanwhile, we’ll face the risk of magical devices being abused. Its widespread use will trigger a series of safety issues."

"Once agricultural magical devices surpass human labor in efficiency, it will inevitably replace manpower, leading to massive unemployment. In the more distant future, a surplus population unable to be sustained by fixed land output will create even sharper conflicts."

This was also the dilemma facing the Kingdom of Velys.

"Furthermore, the nobility internally resists the widespread adoption of magical devices, because within it lies the code of their rule, the knowledge related to magic."

"No one willingly gives up their interests. A sudden, sweeping change would only trigger an earlier eruption of contradictions."

The conflicts between lower and upper classes, commoners and nobles, these were the main reasons stalling the development of magical devices.

"So my stance is to support the development of magical devices, but also to implement a certain degree of macro-regulation." Amalia said.

Rather than immediately seizing the nobles’ share of the pie, it was better to proceed gradually, like boiling a frog in warm water. After all, the benefits of magical devices wouldn’t only reach the common people, but the nobles would taste them too.

"The emperor two reigns ago believed that weak securities guaranteed stable rule. In reality, such a view is ignorant of the outside world."

Hearing Amalia mentioned this history, which she’d never discussed with her before, Astrid sat up straight, a flicker of astonishment in her eyes.

"The empire’s citizens’ weakness only plunges the empire into vulnerability. Although the royal family may maintain internal control on the surface, the foundation has already been planted with hidden weakness."

"One person can cultivate only so much land, brew so much ale, or process so few goods. How then, can they defend the nation against external enemies?"

Amalia’s gaze was sharp. Her refined features seemed to briefly mirror the silhouette of another timeline, [White Dressed Blonde Tyrant].

"Only when the people’s strength flourishes can the imperial treasury be full, and the empire maintain prosperity."

"The emergence of magical devices aligns perfectly with this principle."