BXBX NOVEL Chapter 427: The Qing Empire
"I'm not Koyuki, so I don't know what you're thinking right now… and why you're so reluctant to rise to power. But if I were to talk about my own experience... I never planned on becoming a Grand Councilor in the first place.
Honestly, if Merlin hadn't asked me, I couldn't have imagined being one of the three leaders. That's because I hate the idea of seeing myself as a villain and becoming the oppressor." Envy explained, opening up about her feelings.
"The phrase goes, 'You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself as a villain,' right?" Daniel asked.
Envy nodded, and Daniel let out a sigh. "Envy, the reason I'm reluctant to head the new organization is that I don't have time."
"You don't have time?" She repeated, concerned. "What do you mean? Are you... dealing with some kind of terminal illness?" Envy asked.
"That's not the case," Daniel shook his head, offering a wry smile. "I mean... look at the five of you: you, Koyuki, Greed, Penthesilea, and little Sylvana. I'm afraid I don't have enough time to spend with all of you. As I told Anastasia, being both the founder and chief inventor of Astral Tech keeps me incredibly busy.
I don't want to become a failed father and husband who didn't even have time to spend with my wives and daughter," he clarified.
"Nah, you're not becoming like that. I know you," another voice chimed in from another direction, Koyuki's voice. She, along with Greed, Penthesilea and Anastasia's group, had come to see him since Daniel didn't return to them.
"If you're worried about it, why don't you find someone to take care of it for you? Perhaps General Nicholas Sullivan could do it? Or maybe your two teachers, Lord Atlanteus and Lord Hermes? What about Odysseus?" Koyuki suggested.
Daniel shook his head at the suggestions. "No, Nicholas is only good at leading the army; he doesn't have enough skill to manage a large organization. Teacher Atlanteus and Lord Hermes aren't the leader types, although Teacher Atlanteus can temporarily lead, he's not great with administration.
And as for Odysseus, he has a lot on his plate right now, and I don't want to overwork him," he explained one by one and continued.
Daniel hesitated, his gaze lingering on Penthesilea for a moment. "Also…" he began reluctantly, "I'm not questioning your abilities. But leading a global organization... wielding that kind of authority... it wouldn't suit you, Penthy. You're not cut out for that kind of role."
Penthesilea's smile remained unchanged. "I understand, my lord," she replied. "Your judgment is sound. I wouldn't want a burden that doesn't suit my strengths." She replied, showing no offense at Daniel's straightforwardness.
Daniel let out a relief sigh at Penthesilea understanding, he then went silent for about a minute, then nodded in determination. He then turned toward Anastasia.
"Your Highness, You can tell your father that I'll create an organization to replace the Hightower. This organization will take over North America and South East Asia from the Hightower first. Then we'll see if we can expand our influence from there. I'll contact you once again after I have a good candidate to oversee this organization." Said Daniel.
"Ah, thank you very much, Lord Emberweave. With this, I can tell my father that we have very good news," Anastasia said gratefully.
Envy's eyes widened in surprise at Daniel's declaration. "So you're saying..."
"Yes," Daniel confirmed. "Let's stabilize the situation. I'll create an organization to oversee the Curtained World, one that can maintain global order in extreme cases."
Envy glanced at the other women, then back at Daniel. "Then we'll do everything we can to help you, right ladies?"
Koyuki stepped forward. "I may not be as cunning as Greed or as knowledgeable as Envy, but you can count on my support and Japan's resources."
Greed shrugged. "If you're looking for money or want me to lobby any business or political party in the US. You can count on me."
Penthesilea bowed her head. "My unwavering loyalty is yours, my Lord."
"Thank you," Daniel said, his heart full of warmth. He pulled them into a warm embrace, drawing envious stares from all the single dogs nearby who looked on with resentment and unwillingness.
"Alright, Casanova over there, enough with the PDA. (Public Display of Affection), or I'll have to arrest you for causing a public disturbance," one of the officers securing the scene boomed through his speaker with a playful smile. The hint of envy in his voice was clear, drawing laughter from the girls. With the rogue mage subdued, it was time to head home.
— Meanwhile - Qing Empire —
— Jingshi - Forbidden Palace —
In Jingshi, the heart of the Qing Dynasty's power, the Forbidden Palace sprawled across a vast expanse. Centuries of imperial authority left their mark, with imposing walls and intricately carved gates guarding the secrets and splendor within.
Inside the grand Audience Hall, officials and dignitaries, all in traditional Chaopao attire, awaited an audience with the Qing Emperor. Some, loyalists or traditionalists, sported the Bianfa hairstyle – a statement not of mandated orthodoxy, but perhaps a subtle bid for the Emperor's favor on this momentous occasion.
This wasn't a routine meeting. In modern times, court gatherings were rare, reserved only for emergencies or matters of exceptional importance. Today, the assembled officials – each a high-ranking Grand Councilor, representing powerful families under the Emperor's wing. They awaited a decision of the Emperor with bated breath.
Upon the dragon throne, a figure radiating authority sat draped in the opulent folds of a dragon robe - a garment reserved solely for the Emperor. This was Emperor Tianhao Wenzhong, the current ruler of the sprawling Qing Empire.
A chorus of "Long live the Emperor!" erupted as he settled onto the throne, marking the commencement of the court gathering.
"Does anyone have confirmed reports on the current situation in North America? Is the rumor true about the Hightower withdrawing their forces and relinquishing control globally to focus on reinforcing their influence in Europe?" Emperor Wenzhong's voice carried authority as he posed these questions.
"Reporting to the Emperor!" An official stepped forward to deliver his report. "We have received confirmation from our sources in North America that the Hightower has indeed withdrawn from the country," he continued.
"Considering the recent giant monster incident and the absence of the Hightower, it is highly likely that the rumor is accurate, Your Majesty," the official concluded, awaiting the Emperor's response.
"What about the Ming Federation, Korea, and Southeast Asia? Have they abandoned those regions as well?" the Emperor inquired further.
"Your Majesty, the Hightower has indeed retreated from the Ming Federation. However, regarding Korea and Southeast Asia, we are still awaiting definitive confirmation," the official replied.
The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin before posing another question.
"Has the man in the Owl mask arrived yet?" he asked the head Eunuch, his trusted right-hand man.
"Yes, Your Majesty, he has arrived," the Eunuch replied with a cupped fist. He then adjusted his posture and announced loudly, "Calling for Lord Owl of the Olympian Court!"
With the Eunuch's voice, the court doors swung open, revealing a man in a velvet robe with a wooden owl mask striding in.
"Long live your Majesty!" The man in the owl mask, clearly a foreigner, showed his respect in the traditional Qing manner with a cupped fist, though he did not kneel.
"Insolence! Why don't you kneel?" One of the officials shouted, stepping forward in an attempt to earn the Emperor's approval.
In response, the man in the wooden owl mask turned toward the Emperor. "Oh? Since when has Your Majesty become more powerful than Lord Zeus of Olympus? If that's the case, then I'll kneel immediately."
As he spoke, he began to kneel, but some mysterious force prevented his knee from touching the ground. This puzzled many officials, but some discerned the Emperor's intentions.
It was widely known that Zeus was petty, lustful, and vengeful. If he were to learn that the leader of his followers, who's the leader of the movement to revitalize the environment for god, had knelt before another ruler, it would certainly lead to trouble.
While it might seem like an exaggerated concern, the possibility of such a scenario was not implausible. In fact, it was quite likely.
"There's no need, Lord Owl. You are not our subject; you don't need to be subject to our rule," the Emperor said magnanimously.
However, everyone in the court knew this was merely a facade to avoid angering Zeus when Zeus could walk among mortals once more. They all understood that Emperor Tianhao was a tyrant. If not for Zeus's deterrent, the Emperor would have demanded the man in the owl mask to kneel before him.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the man in the owl mask said in a happy tone, but he still glanced at the official who had interrupted him.
Sensing this, the Emperor decisively shouted, "For disgracing the envoy of the Olympian court, you are subject to 100 lashes!"