Ch.383Dice (6)

I almost got hit by Rina for joking, but somehow managed to avoid it. How much I laughed at her reaction as her face grew redder the more she listened to me.

But she showed just a tiny, really tiny bit of interest. This world only has novels and pictures, no videos.

It might seem quite obscene, but even Earth’s pornography can actually be considered a product of science and culture.

Humans naturally have sexual desires, and they definitely need means to satisfy them.

Though it varies from person to person, nothing delivers as effectively as video. Rina was interested not in pornography, but in the video medium itself.

“So even commoners can easily do this?”

“That’s right.”

“It’s something even nobles find difficult to access in our world, but apparently not in yours. Just hearing about it makes me wonder if it’s really possible.”

“It’s possible if science develops enough. Plus, there’s magic too.”

Video call magic hasn’t been invented yet, but it will appear soon. The elves were researching it.

While elves are slow to develop overall, when it comes to magic, they possess an unrivaled depth.

The problem is their characteristically narrow perspective and closed-mindedness. If they could just fix these issues, they could develop much faster than other races.

“And this concept of democracy is fascinating too. People regardless of class electing the country’s king through voting.”

“Does it seem good?”

“Beyond good or bad, I think it would be difficult to apply to our world. Fairness and equality seem similar, but they’re clearly different.”

Very accurate. Democracy doesn’t grant power to a specific class but repeats the cycle of political power changing through voting.

From the perspective of high-ranking people like Rina, it’s not very welcome. They would have to give up all their authority and power.

Also, as she said about fairness and equality being different, there would definitely be people dissatisfied with democracy at this point.

Historically, democracy took firm root because people witnessed the atrocities of totalitarianism during World War II with their own eyes.

“You’re right. Honestly, there’s no need to rush the system itself. As I said earlier, radical development inevitably brings turmoil. In this world, where individual power is strong, there’s much more to consider.”

“Rather than recklessly implementing it, we should start with the basics. For example, even the Emperor has no right to deprive citizens of their freedom without just compensation.”

“That’s true, but fundamentally, freedom must be guaranteed. And if freedom is infringed upon, someone needs to resolve it.”

The most important aspect of democracy could be civic consciousness—citizens clearly recognizing their own freedoms and rights.

But ironically, these are frequently suppressed by “power” quite easily.

Even in South Korea where I lived, the May 18 Democratic Movement broke out, and in Myanmar, a coup destroyed democracy.

Of course, there are quite a few cases where democracy prevails, but those are all actions taken by citizens themselves.

There’s a reason they say the true power of democracy comes from the citizens.

In that sense, for democracy to take root in this world, it must go through a long, long process.

To begin with, totalitarianism hasn’t even emerged yet, and freedom and rights are already sufficiently guaranteed, so maintaining the status quo is enough.

“Don’t worry, democracy won’t be established in your generation. Unless a revolution breaks out in the Kingdom of Teres.”

“That would make me a bit nervous. Our people might be swayed by seeing that.”

“But there’s no justification to stop a revolution either, right? We can only watch. Let’s see. Based on the knowledge you’ve shared with me…”

Rina asked to borrow a sheet of paper and a pen from me. Apparently to organize her thoughts.

It’s much better to write things down in a notebook than to try to organize everything she’s heard just in her head.

As she wrote more and more pages, a smile gradually appeared on her lips.

Whether she had come up with such a brilliant idea that her poker face completely crumbled, or she was just happy imagining it, one thing was certain.

There would be major changes in the Empire of Minerva’s political system.

“Heehee.”

She was so happy that she let out a peculiar laugh. Whatever happens, it will hardly affect me.

Still, I’m a bit curious. What kind of idea made her unable to hide her smile?

I stretched my neck to see what she had written on the paper. But she must have noticed, as Rina immediately flipped the paper over.

“What’s wrong? Can’t you show it to me?”

“It’s embarrassing. It might seem absurd to you.”

Whether it was a lie or she was truly embarrassed, a faint blush appeared on Rina’s cheeks.

Whatever was written on that paper must be like a diary entry, given her determination not to show it to me.

It was a different kind of embarrassment than before, but somehow adorable. Yet her dignity as a princess and unique elegance remained intact.

“You could tell me just a little bit. You don’t need to tell me everything. You’ll come to ask for my opinion anyway.”

“You’re quite perceptive. Actually, it’s nothing special. I just thought of a way to maintain our imperial power while dispersing the power below it.”

“What’s the method?”

“It’s not completely organized yet. Just dividing power and departments more finely. Placing a head in each one and adjusting so they can check each other. But since they might join forces, we’ll include the Reckyless ducal family.”

“Isn’t it obvious you’re trying to disperse power?”

It seems she’s trying to implement something similar to separation of powers, but it’s too obvious. Anyone can see she’s planning to scatter the nobles’ power.

It’s not even proper separation of powers to begin with. The Emperor will still hold the final decision-making authority.

I thought it was too one-dimensional, but I soon understood from Rina’s next words.

“I told you earlier, right? That Carryson Count’s funds were flowing to devil worshippers. If he was an accomplice, he’d be executed, but if he didn’t know, it would be unfair, as you said. So I’ll use this as justification to disperse power. The counts’ power has been growing recently, which has been troublesome in many ways.”

“Is separation possible? You’ll need a lot of manpower for that.”

“Our Empire of Minerva has many talented people. But there were hardly any places to use them. With this opportunity, creating various departments will solve the employment issue too.”

So she says. I don’t know what future Rina envisions, but if it’s good, then it’s good.

‘But could she come up with such ideas just from what I told her?’

A genius is indeed a genius. Even with my memories from my previous life, such ideas didn’t occur to me.

Following this, Rina filled the paper densely and folded it carefully, her face showing excitement.

Her expression clearly revealed her desire to implement the policy right away.

“Can I visit you often from now on? I want to hear more of your stories. We’re going to be married anyway.”

Now she’s openly saying she’ll visit. I couldn’t help but feel awkward seeing Rina’s sparkling eyes.

I’ve seen such eyes from others before. Eyes filled with affection.

It was natural to feel bewildered receiving such a gaze from none other than Rina.

“How often do you plan to visit?”

“I have mountains of work to do, so I can’t come right away. But once things are somewhat resolved, maybe two or three times a week?”

“Marie will find it really annoying, I think.”

“Then let’s make it once or twice a week. The more I hear from you, the more the empire will develop.”

Rina treats me like some raccoon robot from a cartoon. I gave a bitter smile.

Again, Earth and this world are fundamentally different in so many ways.

Therefore, no matter how much I tell her about Earth’s history, applying it is up to Rina.

If someone else heard this knowledge, they would dismiss it all as nonsense. But I am Xenon, revered as a prophet.

Since I’m regarded as a prophet, it’s easier for her to accept what I say.

“Oh, right. You said your world developed rapidly over about 300 years? Then there must be a cause for that rapid development, right?”

“Uh… yes. The Industrial Revolution—when accumulated technologies crossed a threshold.”

“I need to advance that time as much as possible. So steam locomotives are actually invented?”

“Yes.”

“Then I should get closer to Makina. As you said, the age of dwarves will come. I’ll consider recruiting Eins and…”

Unable to contain her overflowing ideas, Rina began writing on another piece of paper.

It was somewhat unfamiliar seeing her so passionate when she usually appears calm.

At least from my perspective, these are just overflowing “possibilities,” but apparently not for her.

Still, one thing is certain: only someone with such a spirit of challenge can develop the world.

Above all, there’s one more crucial aspect for this world’s development.

“Rina.”

“Science as a discipline should be more… Yes?”

“I forgot to mention something. Development is good, but if you’re not careful, you’ll eventually incur the wrath of the gods.”

“…What do you mean?”

Incurring the wrath of the gods. At these words, Rina blinked her large eyes and quietly asked back.

Her voice trembled subtly, suggesting she instinctively realized my words were not idle talk.

To this, I finished the remaining tea in my cup and spoke calmly.

About environmental destruction, which became humanity’s greatest challenge after the Industrial Revolution.

“Our world achieved rapid development, but unfortunately, side effects are gradually emerging. I’m not talking about science or culture. I’m talking about ‘nature’ itself, the mother of all life.”

“Nature? Why nature?”

“Humanity consumed vast resources and recklessly destroyed nature. All trees on mountains were cut down, rivers became turbid, and seas grew increasingly harsh. Holes formed in the sky, causing all sorts of climate anomalies.”

“…”

Until my death, Earth’s average temperature was steadily rising. As a result, natural disasters with untraceable causes were occurring year after year.

Some organizations even said that rather than reducing carbon emissions, we need to stop them immediately for Earth to survive.

Furthermore, some islands are already on the verge of sinking due to rising sea levels.

“Fortunately, in the place where I lived, God didn’t intervene directly, otherwise we would have received divine punishment long ago. But in this world, Hirt or other gods will likely give direct warnings.”

“…Is there no solution?”

“I wouldn’t know. Since mana exists here, perhaps utilizing it well could help?”

“Nature is the mother of all life, yet humanity destroys it… That’s the height of impiety.”

Rina paused her writing hand after hearing my warning. She seems to have realized something from my story.

When the Industrial Revolution occurs, environmental destruction inevitably follows. However, here they might be able to substitute with mana and magic.

Hirt and other gods probably can’t intervene rashly. If they block their children’s development, some people would be dissatisfied.

In this somewhat serious atmosphere, I glanced at the clock. We had been talking for so long that time had already flown by.

“Let’s end here for today. You have a lot to do right now, don’t you?”

“Alright. It was a beneficial time in many ways. Will you tell me more later?”

“Anytime. Oh, I can also tell you in bed later. I don’t think I’ll have much time otherwise.”

“I guess so. That’s… Hey!! You really!!”

Teasing Rina is always the best.

*****

A day passed, around when the Biography of Xenon was just released.

“Father, did Mother say anything at the mansion?”

“She said she’ll tolerate it this time.”

Father, who had briefly visited the mansion, brought good news.

Perhaps the previous incident with Jin’s demonization served as a preventive measure, as Mother didn’t come to visit.

“That’s a relief.”

“Instead, she said if you and Lilly don’t end up together, she’ll separate your bones from your flesh.”

“…”

I’ll really have to run away then.