He realized that so-called evolution could not be rushed.
Shiraishi Yoshijo asked tentatively, "En, can evolution be carried out gradually, step by step?"
"Of course. That's the safest approach, but it's still dangerous. During the evolution process, your body's weaknesses will remain exposed the entire time. Taking it slowly means facing a prolonged threat to your life. You know how many people want you dead. The longer it drags on, the greater the risk."
Shiraishi Yoshijo fell silent.
Leaving his weaknesses exposed all the time was indeed extremely risky. Unless he had someone trustworthy guarding him... No, one could never be too cautious about something involving one's life. Who in this world was absolutely trustworthy? Nor could he tell anyone else about this.
"If you truly want to take it slowly, you'd best isolate yourself from the world."
En offered a solution.
Someone narrowed his eyes and pondered for a while before suddenly smiling.
"That's easy enough, though it'll waste a bit of time. Forget it—time no longer means anything to me anyway. I just hope this final bit of entertainment won't disappoint."
At the routine council meeting, the Emperor was absent once again.
As both heir and president, Nianze sat upon the lofty throne.
"Your Highness, last month the council approved the Ministry of Scientific Research's proposal for increased funding, but the Ministry of Finance has delayed the disbursement. Please make a decision."
Money again!
Nianze's head instantly swelled, and he immediately turned his gaze toward Sanzō, the Minister of Finance.
Sanzō rose with an expressionless face and said, "It's not that I refuse to release the funds. The treasury simply has no money. Over the past few months, tax revenue from the Land of Fire has been steadily declining, while there are simply too many domestic expenditures: