On the day of the Island Nation Special Zone's inauguration ceremony, Empress Kaguya took the stage to deliver a speech as its first ruler.
"The establishment of the Island Nation Special Zone is a blessing for every person of the Island Nation."
"There will be no discrimination here, no exploitation. All races will coexist as equals."
"The incident involving Imperial Princess Euphemia two years ago was not Britannia's doing, nor was it a Britannian conspiracy as the rumors claim."
"The true source of it all was Zero."
"Through illegal means, Zero took Euphemia hostage and forced her to order the massacre of the Island Nation People, using it to spark a war against Britannia."
"This was Zero's conspiracy!"
"His objective was..."
There was no telling how many people believed that explanation, but at least it gave the public an answer.
Besides, the live broadcast that day had been cut off in time, and almost everyone at the scene who knew the truth had died. No one knew what had really happened.
Even the Black Knights, the organization the Island Nation People hailed as their savior, publicly endorsed Empress Kaguya's words.
That made them considerably more credible.
"So, I pledge on the bloodline of the Island Nation Imperial Family↗️~"
Bzzz-
"I hereby... call upon all people of the Island... Nation... to... join the Special XZ Zone..."
"You will... enjoy-"
Bzzzz-
"Enjoy, mm, all-"
Click-
"Whew!"
"Enjoy all the same rights as the people of Britannia."
Bzzz-
Bzzzz-
Bzzzzzz!
"Next! I! Turn! This! Over! To! Governor! Nunnally! ...Mmph!"
Empress Kaguya hurried off the stage with her legs pressed awkwardly together and sat down in her seat.
Fortunately, there was a table in front of her to conceal her.
She pretended to read the documents, lowering her head beneath the table and biting