"Knock, knock, knock-"
A soft knocking sounded inside the Candel Empire's imperial palace, following a distinctive rhythm.
His Majesty Emperor Alfonso Candel set down the official document in his hand and called out softly.
"Come in."
The door opened gently, and an unremarkable-looking middle-aged man strode inside.
After watching him bow respectfully, the Candel Emperor asked in a seemingly casual tone, "How effective was it?"
The middle-aged man raised his head slightly, keeping his gaze on the desk before the emperor rather than daring to meet his eyes. He answered with utmost respect, "Your Majesty, after News Weekly aired, we conducted twenty spot checks among those who watched the program. The results showed that they placed great trust in the news it broadcast and no longer viewed the Xinfei Merchant Guild's earlier unilateral actions with suspicion."
"Oh? So... this News Weekly really is quite powerful. They refused to believe the official documents issued by the empire's two parliamentary chambers, yet this News Weekly, which has no authority whatsoever, won their trust so easily?" A trace of self-mockery colored the Candel Emperor's voice.
"Your Majesty, I believe the main reason was that News Weekly accompanied its report with an illusion film recorded at the scene. According to our investigation, the vast majority of viewers only truly believed it after seeing Marshal Sudiman appear in the projection," the middle-aged man immediately explained.
"Why they believed it is unimportant." The Candel Emperor waved a hand. "What matters is that they chose to believe this outcome."
At this point, the Candel Emperor pondered for a moment before continuing gravely, "Tell me... if some of the news reported on News Weekly were unfavorable to our empire, or to me personally, would they choose to believe that too?"
The middle-aged man startled and immediately answered solemnly,