Chapter 256: A Marriage Proposal?

Even now there is still only a single step between you and me, but in an attosecond, this is a heavenly trench that even light cannot cross.

Wizards' Magic appears wondrous to Muggles, yet it can be imagined, whereas the feats of Muggle technology are utterly unimaginable to Wizards.

They can control a single atom, even an electron, with such precision as if carving a city model on the tip of a needle, as if a cosmic giant whose eye is as large as a planet were performing an amputation on the ant in my hand.

Murphy said, extending his hand to let an ant on the ground crawl onto his palm, presenting it to the Empress.

At such a minute observational scale, the perturbations of Magic can no longer remain hidden.

The exposure of Magic is inevitable.

If we maintain our current state, within fifty years Muggles will inevitably discover Wizards.

The Empress stared at the ant in Murphy's hand, imagining a giant with an eye as large as a planet, whose massive hand capable of bearing hundreds of worlds held a tiny scalpel shorter than her finger, performing surgery on the ant.

The stark contrast between the colossal and the minuscule gave her a brief dizziness, yet also made her grasp Murphy's point.

If Muggles truly could achieve such feats, that would indeed be something she could not even imagine possible.

The collapse of the Wizard Confidentiality Law is merely a matter of time; in fact, this trend has already shown signs. The reason we must establish contact with Muggle Society leaders is that we alone can no longer fully conceal the existence of the Wizard World.

The exponential development of technology is an unstoppable tide; unless we begin now to interfere with Muggle technological progress, halt their development, or reduce their population to a level that cannot threaten us, establishing a Wizard‑ruled Muggle world, we have no choice but to adapt to this trend.

Moreover, it is already too late to start blocking now. You may have heard of Grindelwald's name; that era might have been the last chance to prevent the Muggle World's technological explosion. But now, that chance has passed.

Imagine, if we continue to cling to that ancient law from three hundred years ago, desperately hiding our existence, what will happen when, decades later, Muggles discover us?

By then, Muggles will possess powers beyond our imagination; even with Magic, our kind will still hold no advantage. In the best case, we will be enslaved, corralled, and used as vessels for Magic, becoming subjects of study.

A more likely outcome is that we will resist this fate and then be eradicated.

The Empress looked at him, a hint of astonishment, and asked, "So, you intend to save the world?"

"No, that's merely incidental. I've said it: my sole purpose is to explore Magic."

Suo Feiya pondered for a while and said, "What you speak of is something I've never heard before; I lack knowledge of the Muggle World, but it sounds plausible. Assuming what you say is correct, why choose Su Nation? You are clearly from the United Kingdom."

The United Kingdom is unsuitable; first, its military strength is insufficient and easily manipulated. Second, its industrial capacity is lacking, making self‑sufficiency impossible. Moreover, its system cannot concentrate power.

Su Nation is the most suitable.

"Then, do you intend to rule the Muggle Society of Su Nation?" the Empress asked.

"You've misunderstood, Your Majesty. I have no interest in ruling anyone."

"I simply need more people to take part in building the scientific Magic enterprise; scientists are naturally primary, but beyond that we also need a market capable of absorbing this massive industry, as well as forces to protect it."

"The reason I wish to accomplish this through the President of Su Nation is that it is the most convenient and feasible plan."

"At the same time, what I do will inevitably benefit the people of Su Nation; I do not need to forcefully overturn anything, only a stable, safe environment to develop my own endeavors."

"So, this is merely your interest, yet you want billions of Muggles in Su Nation to work for it," the Empress questioned.

"Therefore, I am very fortunate, Your Majesty. My interest aligns perfectly with the interests of Su Nation's people and with the future world's trends. Advancing my own interest while doing something for those billions of Muggles and also for world peace—what's not to like?"

"Do you think you can change the world?"

"I have already done so," Murphy said.

"You are a madman, Mr. Murphy."

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."

The Empress stared at him for a while before looking away, "But my family has always seemed easily attracted to madmen."

Suo Feiya stood up, facing Lake Lajia Duo.

After a moment, she said, "I already know your ambition."

"Very crazy, but I see your sincerity."

"Su Nation is my territory."

"Even though my authority extends only over the Wizard World, any Wizard wishing to act within Su Nation must obtain my permission."

"Of course." Murphy bowed, "That is why I am here."

"To obtain my permission, you must do something for me," the Empress said.

"Give me your command."

"Kill Ivan Frederick for me."

"I thought you merely wanted to reclaim your rightful power," Murphy said, "Isn't Grand Duke Ivan your uncle?"

"He is a traitor, having betrayed his sister's trust and his own sovereign."

"Is that the sole reason you wish to kill him?" Murphy asked.

If that is all, Murphy might reassess the value of cooperating with this Empress; an emotional ruler is not a good partner.

"Ivan's mother Margaret's family holds great power in Alkayam; as long as Ivan lives, they will not obey me. Killing Ivan is the least bloody solution."

Murphy looked at the fifteen‑year‑old girl before him; her silver hair was coiled into a bun, and beneath her sharp eyebrows a pair of azure eyes shone like morning stars, containing a will strong enough to tread over corpse mountains and blood seas.

That girl is pretty crazy.

But interesting.

"Do you have a plan? Or are you preparing to let me dive in directly and unleash slaughter?"

"Ivan is protected by two Grand Salman‑level Wizards, making him hard to capture. Or can you freely unleash that attack from Buliangsi Forest?"

Murphy knew she referred to the "Avada Star‑Annihilation Cannon" fired via the crow‑array antenna.

He shook his head, "No."

The pre‑shake was too long; if the opponent wanted to flee, they'd have escaped long ago.

"Among the two protectors of Ivan, one is former Royal Guard Captain Sophie Christian, Ivan's half‑brother by the same mother, and the other is 'Song of the Earth' Felipe Carlos, Ivan's cousin‑uncle and currently a rotating Salman of the ancestral tomb."

"I will find a reason to distract Felipe and have Madam Yaga block him for you. But Sophie stays by Ivan's side; he is powerful—some say he is the greatest battle mage. You must break through his barrier to kill Ivan."

Murphy nodded, "I have a question. I heard Alkayam is sealed from the outside; how can I enter?"

"In order to continue the royal bloodline, Alkayam still maintains intermarriage with the other European magical kingdoms; although we have not had contact with the British for several centuries, you can still… as a marriage‑proposal delegation enter the city."

"... a marriage proposal?"

I will turn 16 next month, and according to the Alkayam Law, I am already an adult. Yi Fan wants me to marry his son La Si, so he can continue as his regent. But as Empress, I have the right to choose my own husband. Therefore, half a month ago, Alkayam sent invitations to several ancient Wizard families in Europe.

The Empress said, handing a lavish letter to Murphy's hand.

The envelope bore a totem of a double‑headed eagle and a bear, deer, wolf, and wild boar.

"Dachkhom isn't really an ancient Wizard family…" Murphy said.

The Empress glanced at him, "This is merely a tool for entering the city. It's not to have you marry me."

Murphy exhaled in relief, "Then I'm at ease."

Suo Fei Ya's gaze seemed to sharpen for a moment, "Someone will discuss the upcoming matters with you; you may depart now."

(End of chapter)