"Latveria is an experiment for The Republic. I admit that many people will die in the process, but even so, I will not regret it. I will pay what I should pay, and the Latverians should pay what they should pay. The weak lack the ability to win their own future, so I will shape them into what they need to become."
Salomon bluntly stated what he was doing. He seemed cold-blooded and heartless, but little Lorna had grown used to his way of thinking and raised no objection. With his head lowered, he slowly flipped through a book he had read many times before. Unlike collectors, who handled books with extreme care, Salomon was far more relaxed when turning its pages. He had not even put on gloves before opening this illustrated Latin edition of Ten Books on Architecture, printed in Venice in 1511. The book had appeared on the reading list Athena gave him when he was thirteen. He had repeatedly consulted it while designing this manor, the fortifications of the City of Immortals, and its workplaces, adapting its contents to better suit his own circumstances and needs.
"Next, go read that book. After The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State, you also need to read Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right, On the Jewish Question, The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, and Volume One of Das Kapital. That is your reading list for this week, and you need to write the accompanying papers as well." Salomon did not look at little Lorna's expression, which was on the verge of tears. He knew that if he looked, his heart would soften, and he would have to agree to her bargaining again. "Lady Minerva has spoiled you far too much. Do not expect the same treatment