Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters
Chapter 1093 - 90: The Last Chance for Peace (Part 2)

Chapter 1093: Chapter 90: The Last Chance for Peace (Part 2)

Therefore, the play "Romulo and Lemus," which clearly alludes to the reigning Emperor, has gained unanimous admiration from both the nobles and commoners alike.

But what happened today has already gone far beyond mere "mockery."

Because the Empire’s supreme Emperor is presently sitting in a theater box on the second level, directly across from the stage.

...

The young man asking questions was even thinner than Marvey and much younger in age—his voice still carried the immature tone of a child’s. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be a young noble from a family newly entering the social scene. However, his hair was disheveled, and his clothes, though made from fine fabric, were wrinkled and untidy.

Upon hearing the question, Marvey, who had already raised another glass of sweet wine, put down his cup, reined in his smile, and solemnly corrected the other party, "Mr. Aaron, I have never insulted the Emperor. In fact, I am His Majesty’s most loyal and fervent admirer. I believe His Majesty will ultimately become the greatest Emperor in the history of the Empire."

The questioner, called Aaron, frowned and scrutinized Marvey for a while, trying to discern whether he was lying.

Unfortunately, unable to find any evidence of falsehood, Aaron looked somewhat deflated but quickly raised new doubts: "Then how do you explain changing the play right on the spot? Was that not a deliberate attempt at humiliation?"

"Changing the play on the spot? So what?" Marvey replied, puzzled. "I often change plays as they are performed."

"Then, then, then... why did you modify it like that?"

Marvey picked up his wine glass and proudly answered, "I merely spoke a little truth."

"Truth?" Aaron asked, clearly indignant.

"What else?" Marvey retorted. "Did you think His Majesty would feel pain or regret for executing Grand Duke Karl?"

"You don’t know the Emperor—how can you be certain he did not?"

Marvey burst into laughter. "Do you know the Emperor? Are you certain he has regretted it before?"

Aaron was at a loss for words. After a pause, he countered indignantly, "If the Emperor had another chance, he would surely pardon his brother."

"How naive of you to think that way." Marvey displayed a faintly pitying smile and said, "His Majesty executed Grand Duke Karl because Grand Duke Karl needed to die."

"Why?"

Prodded into his favorite topic, Marvey decisively put down his glass, grabbed Aaron, seated him at the table, and unleashed a barrage of sharp, unanswerable questions: "Do you know how many high-ranking court officials sided with Grand Duke Karl during the succession war? How many regional vassals backed him? Do you understand the precarious and desperate situation His Majesty was facing?"

Aaron had no answers to any of these questions.

"Let me tell you!" Marvey exclaimed enthusiastically and answered his own questions: "At the outset of the war, nearly all the court officials supported Grand Duke Karl. Among the seven Electors, three backed Karl’s claim to the throne, three remained neutral, and only Duke Lothair openly supported His Majesty.

As for the southern nobles who fled to seek refuge, they were all unwavering in their loyalty to Grand Duke Karl because they believed only Karl could lead them back home, while they distrusted His Majesty, who had been forced to seek loans from southern rebels to pay the soldiers.

Those were dire, nearly hopeless circumstances! Yet His Majesty maneuvered brilliantly, step by step, steadily reversing the tides, turning defeat into victory—what a spectacular, legendary triumph that was! Someday, I intend to base an epic poem on His Majesty’s achievements..."

Marvey spoke with exuberance, while Aaron was left dazed and overwhelmed.

After quite some time, Aaron finally pieced his thoughts together and countered, "I already know how extraordinary the Emperor’s victory was, but what does that have to do with Grand Duke Karl’s death? Hadn’t Grand Duke Karl already surrendered?"

"Hmph." Marvey sneered. "It’s true that Karl surrendered, but that doesn’t mean everyone else would willingly do the same. As long as Karl remained alive, some rebellious conspirators would inevitably attempt to rescue him. As long as Karl remained alive, there would always be traitors using his name to launch revolts.

Karl’s continued existence represented an alternative for anyone dissatisfied with His Majesty’s rule. Thus, rather than leaving hidden dangers unchecked, it was better to eliminate them entirely. Karl had to die—not because of His Majesty’s personal desires, but because the preservation of imperial authority demanded it as a necessary decision."

Aaron could offer no rebuttal. After a moment of silence, Aaron whispered, "The Emperor is actually quite gentle. He can laugh and feel joy; it’s just that people don’t understand him..."

"Gentle, compassionate—those feeble emotions are for people, not for an Emperor." Marvey interrupted impatiently, his cheeks flushed, brimming with fervor as he declared, "As the supreme authority of the Empire, an Emperor must transcend ordinary humanity. Morality, religion, law—those serve to restrain common citizens and should never bind an Emperor. To fulfill his duties as a ruler and achieve immortal greatness, an Emperor must cast off those shackles and wield power with the mastery and precision of an elite swordsmanship master.

In my opinion, His Majesty is the ideal ruler. He does not shy away from employing necessary means. While mediocrities insult His Majesty, calling him an ’Oath Breaker,’ I regard ’Oath Breaker’ as a badge of honor! And the play I modified on the spot was, in fact, my most fervent ode to His Majesty!"

Aaron stared in astonishment, utterly speechless.

Having finished his lengthy discourse in one breath, Marvey lifted his wine glass and drained it to the bottom. Then he cleared his throat and added: "His Majesty surely understands me! You see, he hasn’t punished me, has he? If His Majesty desired my life, would I still be sitting here, joyously drinking fine wine?"