To deal with the annexation that would follow the war, Vias needed to change.
Vias had always appeared on the Western Continent as a purely commercial state, but that was absolutely not enough. Since Vias possessed immense wealth, territory no less vast than that of the Gallic Empire, and even more citizens than empires such as the Gallic Empire and the Great Flame Dynasty, why could Vias not become a true great power?
A standing army—one whose scale and combat strength could rival the Gallic Empire—would be enough for Vias to handle the threats posed by the human empires after the war. And a standing army could better strengthen Vias's internal cohesion, drawing all the nobles tightly together around a powerful, wise, and efficient government.
Lin Qi spread his hands. Looking at Qi Aran, he said slowly, "Then stop hiding behind all those beautiful turns of phrase, Count Qi Aran. What you mean is... replace the ruling government with an imperial family?"
Lin Qi smiled kindly, even with a touch of benevolent gentleness. The two young eunuchs standing nearby wore equally benevolent smiles. Together with Lin Qi's expression, their smiles looked as though they had been cast from the same mold.
Qi Aran fell silent for a while, then nodded. "Why not? To be frank with you, why can't Vias become an empire? We have such a fine opportunity now! The invasion of the other races has gathered Vias's armies together. As long as we can take control of that army..."
Lin Qi cut him off. "Who will be emperor?"
Qi Aran stared fixedly at Lin Qi. Faint halos of seven-colored glazed light slowly revolved within his eyes. "Naturally, the family with the greatest strength!"
Lin Qi's smile became even brighter. Rising to his feet, he smiled and nodded at