The Aningsbe exercises had ended, but the farming continued.
Most efforts were focused on increasing yields.
Developing more mines and building more factories.
Improving the economy and increasing fiscal revenue.
The North was charging ahead with industrialization.
Of course, the clever powers elsewhere in the world were developing themselves too.
And in the Empire,
a dramatic upheaval was beginning.
The Emperor summoned Louis.
"Louis, how have you been lately?" Charles sat upright in his study, flipping through a book as he asked unhurriedly.
Louis, too, remained perfectly composed. He bowed elegantly. "Well, Your Majesty, I'm doing all right. I can't say I'm doing particularly well, but I can't say I'm doing badly, either."
"Is that so?" Charles chuckled. "You should put a stop to those little schemes your people have been cooking up. That sort of thing won't do you any good."
"Father, what are you talking about? I don't understand."
"Red eyes aren't anything special. They simply let you see the corruption hidden beneath the glittering, vain surface, because you've been subjected to so much discrimination. As for making better decisions..." Charles spoke of his feelings like a father. "Those who've endured discrimination naturally aren't very pleasant-tempered.
"Even an obnoxious servant, after becoming stronger than his own lord, will go out of his way to humiliate him."
"Father, what are you talking about?" Louis asked in confusion. From his expression, he seemed to have no idea what Charles, the king of riddles, was saying.
He looked utterly harmless.
"Never mind. You may go."
"As you command, Your Highness."
Louis left, his expression unreadable.
Charles opened a drawer, revealing a ruby inside.
He shook his head helplessly. "Why are all of them seeking forbidden powers?"
Snap!
Louis returned to his Underground Base.
Furious, he set about clearing everything off the