Chapter 196

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

Weilan's Magic Method Exchange Conference also reached its final day.

As the host of the conference, Duke Luosen took the stage for the third time to deliver the closing speech.

The Voice of High Heaven remained as clear and gentle as ever, like a babbling stream flowing by the ear.

"An undeniable reality is that Weilan cannot yet be called a magic nation, with most areas still in a very backward state."

"But this situation will soon undergo change."

"Our Magic Method Center has accumulated many new magical achievements, and as Duke of Weilan, I will spare no effort to turn these achievements into power that changes the world."

"In the near future, Weilan will build countless new magic factories. According to the preliminary estimate of the Magic Department, in the next five years Weilan will create at least 4,000,000 new magic positions."

The figure of 4,000,000 moved the attendees deeply, for it meant countless opportunities.

Even if the attendees were renowned mages who had already achieved fame and success and did not need it themselves, they each had many apprentices.

Although there were some unscrupulous instructors who exploited apprentices, there were also many instructors who sincerely hoped their apprentices would develop, preferably achieving fame and success, so that their own efforts would not be in vain.

Thus, everyone paid close attention.

The duke on the podium continued to report the figures.

"At the same time, as Duke of Weilan, I will do my utmost to raise mages' incomes."

"I hereby solemnly pledge that, among the 4,000,000 magic positions, the lowest monthly income will definitely exceed 5,000 clae. Positions with a monthly salary over 100,000 clae will number more than fifty thousand!"

5,000 clae is roughly equivalent to 3 ogre per month, which is a full thirty percent higher than the average income of low-ranking civilian mages on the White Continent.

A monthly salary of 100,000 clae equals 67 ogre per month, or 800 ogre per year.

For mid‑ and high‑rank nobles this is naturally not a glorious income, but for minor nobles and commoners it is an extremely generous income, enough to let them live extremely decent lives.

Many of the renowned mages present were commoners; they had decent achievements in magic but were not good at management, so at least half of them had not reached this income level.

More importantly, since the duke made such a promise in this important setting, he will certainly try every means to guarantee it.

Thus, many mages were moved by it.

They also believed Duke Weilan was telling the truth, and their observations in Mondania City these past days fully confirmed it.

Luowakado turned to his friend and said, "When the conference ends later, don't rush off; I'll take you to meet the duke."

Refa's heartbeat quickened slightly: "Can this work?"

Everyone knows this is an extremely precious opportunity; a single word from the duke could change his fate, saving him a dozen years of struggle.

But Refa was not thinking of profiting for himself; he wanted to use this opportunity to explain his views on Weilan's political situation to the duke.

Having stayed in Weilan for so many days, he had not only attended the magic conference but also carefully observed conditions across Weilan society, and already had many ideas in mind.

He thought Weilan was now very good, better than any other nation in the Natural Alliance, especially friendly to commoners, yet Weilan also harbored many potential dangers.

If these dangers are not removed, Weilan will soon decline.

Although he had been there less than a month, he already held great hopes for Weilan, wishing it could become even better than now, even a perfect state in the world.

On the other side, his friend's surprise made Luowakado very pleased, and he chuckled, "Others certainly don't have this ability, but I am an old acquaintance of the duke, so it's naturally possible."

After saying that, he added, "Of course, I can only bring you to meet him once; whether you can seize the opportunity still depends on your own ability."

Refa nodded repeatedly: "That's already enough."

He would certainly grasp this precious opportunity tightly.

At that moment, the duke's voice came again from the stage.

"On the beautiful shores of Swan Lake, a higher magic academy belonging to Weilan is under construction, covering more than 50,000 mu, and I will personally serve as its first president."

"The academy will be completed in half a year, and is expected to enroll 500 senior professors, 2,000 magic instructors, and 5,000 assistant magic instructors."

"The admission requirements are simple: one, be from the Natural Alliance; two, have sufficient ability; three, possess good character. Other factors such as background, gender, and age are not considered."

"The benefits for academy staff will be at least thirty percent higher than those of the Natural Alliance's top magic academies, and we will resolve the housing issue for staff families."

"Those who wish to teach at the academy can submit their applications to the Weilan Magic Department after the conference."

"Finally, thank you all once again for coming to the conference."

"This Magic Method Exchange Conference is now concluded; let us pay homage to the magic ring!"

This recruitment invitation was very attractive, even stirring Refa somewhat.

Because compared to outside society, academy life is far more peaceful and tranquil, and as long as one wholeheartedly focuses on magic, one can enjoy lofty prestige.

Perhaps life is not as exciting as the outside world, and the income will not be too high, but it is enough to maintain a decent livelihood, making it the most desired profession for many scholar‑type mages.

The mages invited to the conference were all scholar‑type mages, and thus they were all greatly moved.

Everyone could see that Weilan was about to undergo vigorous development, and a magic academy guarded by an eighth‑circle mage would surely become the holy land of magic in the Natural Alliance.

To be able to teach at such a magic academy is the honor of every mage.

Thus, many people secretly planned to go to the Magic Department after the conference to submit their applications, and some even calculated using connections to go in through the back door.

Seeing the duke walk toward the podium, Luowakado immediately stood up, lightly patted his friend's shoulder, and said, "Hurry up and follow."

Refa felt his heart go 'thump‑thump' and immediately followed.

Although Luowakado is old, his leg strength is tremendous; walking he raises a wind like a gust, hardly different from a twenty‑ or thirty‑year‑old youth.

Refa followed him, weaving through the crowd, exiting via the side door, and finally indeed caught up with the departing duke in the private corridor outside the venue.

"Duke~ Duke~~"

Luowakado trotted after him.

Such a rash state made Refa feel a sudden pang of alarm.

Because in Aaron, if a commoner dared to greet the Lion King in this way, without the Lion King speaking a word, his guards would rush forward, making this rash fellow realize the vast gulf between ordinary folk and the king.

He saw the duke turn his body, noticed a smile on his face, and saw him raise a hand to stop the guards from blocking.

Then he saw Luowakado pass through the guards, like an old friend, and using the ogre etiquette lightly pat the duke's back.

"Huu~~"

Ruifa exhaled the breath he had been holding due to nervousness, and at the same time clearly realized that this Duke Weilan was indeed different from other kings; his approachability was not an act but natural.

This gave him much courage, for the words he was about to speak were like daggers stabbing people, and the harshest stab was aimed at the duke himself.

If the duke were as overbearing as a lion king, he might be in mortal danger today, but now it seems he might only get a scolding, be driven away, but certainly not face mortal danger.

Immediately afterward, Ruifa saw Luwakaduo chatting and laughing with the duke for a few words, then turning to point at himself, after which he saw the duke beckon to him.

He felt his body seemed to act on its own, involuntarily breaking into a light run toward him.

Upon arriving before him, his body tensed and he shouted loudly, "I pay my respects, Your Grace!"

This state was exactly like when he was a young student encountering the dean of the academy.

On the other side, Luosen couldn't help smiling: "Master Ruifa, in private there's no need to be so solemn."

He also carefully scrutinized this former minister of government from Aaron.

In his early forties, he had a square, upright face shaped like the character for 'field', with brows naturally furrowed like the character for 'river', as if harboring some unresolved thoughts.

Upon seeing his visage, Luosen knew this fellow's life rarely went smoothly, and the likely cause of this state was that his personality had too many sharp angles.

Among nobles, such a straightforward personality is rare; the vast majority of nobles are taught from childhood various social etiquettes and principles of conduct, so they become smooth and accommodating—even if they secretly do things to the extreme, they never speak their minds outright.

Like a smiling fox.

But commoners are different; most commoners, in order to acquire a skill, have already exhausted all their strength.

If the vast majority of commoners excel in one area, they will inevitably have major shortcomings in other areas.

Like a cheetah that has given up everything for the sake of running.

The former always thrives like a fish in water, but never thinks of changing the world, for the present world is already the most suitable for his survival.

The latter constantly hits walls, and thus naturally possesses the drive to change the world.

In this era, only mages of commoner origin are the greatest source of power to change the world.

Thus he continued, "Master Luwakaduo introduced me to your situation, saying you are an extraordinarily talented mage."

"In fact, I have also read your works, especially the book Inquiry into the Essence of Existence, which left me with a profound impression."

In this book, Ruifa argued for the existence of 'space' and, from a magical standpoint, proved the proposition that 'pure force is equivalent to earth's gravity'.

It is practically the intermediate stage between Newton and Einstein.

Therefore, in terms of intellect, this person is extremely high.

Ruifa was greatly surprised; he never expected the duke to know his most prized work, and he instantly felt a deep sense of honor, as if meeting a kindred spirit.

He wore a humble expression: "Those were just youthful fantasies; although they count as some achievements, in the end I never found any concrete application."

Luosen raised his eyebrows: "Youthful fantasies? Then what does the master now pursue?"

"To change the world from the standpoint of national politics."

After saying that, Ruifa's lips twitched slightly, as if he wanted to say something but hadn't yet organized his words, so he hesitated.

Luosen instantly understood, and said at once: "This isn't a formal setting, Master—feel free to speak your mind."

Ruifa gritted his teeth and indeed spoke.

"Your Grace, I have carefully studied the citizen participation system you proposed, and I have also heard you say, 'Weilan should belong to all Weilan people.'"

"That's right, and then?"

At this moment, Ruifa noticed Luwakaduo repeatedly giving him meaningful glances; he also knew why, because he had previously discussed his views with him. The other party thought the idea was good but unrealistic, and no noble lord would accept it.

Luwakaduo also thought that if he spoke these words in front of the noble lords, not being thrown into jail would already be a great mercy.

Ruifa certainly understood this; previously he wouldn't have dared to say it, but these days of observation have given him some courage.

He also believed that some words must be spoken by someone, so that as many people as possible can hear them, and after pondering and reflecting, they can guide toward a better world.

Even if doing so incurs a cost, it is worthwhile; otherwise the world will remain forever in this miserable state.

Thus, ignoring his friend's warning, he gritted his teeth again and, as tactfully as possible, said: "Your Grace, since everyone is a citizen of Weilan, you and your family should also be Weilan citizens, right?"

Luosen nodded: "That's correct, and I have never denied that."

Ruifa continued: "First, I greatly admire your political wisdom in handling the nobles of the Northern Prefecture, but a legal difficulty arises therein."

"Cough cough~~ cough cough~~~"

Luwakaduo coughed loudly, feeling that if Ruifa continued speaking, something serious would happen.

Ruifa acted as if he hadn't heard.

"That is, since the nobles have been stripped of Weilan's main political power, what justification does the duke have for continuing to dominate Weilan's political scene?"

Having said that, Ruifa waited to bear the duke's wrath.

But he did not receive anger; instead he got a reply tinged with a smile.

"Because Weilan is still a duchy, put plainly, it is the domain of the Dawn Duke."

"My ducal position comes from my wife's relinquishment, and has received joint recognition from Mother Nature and the Adrian Family, thus granting me legitimate authority to rule Weilan."

Ruifa startled, thought it over carefully, and found this reason truly flawless, yet he still felt something was off, so he couldn't help scratching his head.

Luosen now knows why this fellow was removed from office by Dange in such a short time—his blunt, straight‑talking, head‑on‑clash temperament is something the old‑era noble kings truly cannot tolerate.

Soon, Ruifa thought of an unreasonable point from another angle.

"But, Your Grace, you said the Weilan Citizens Bank belongs to all citizens; the wealth stored therein belongs to all Weilan citizens."

"That's right, I said that."

"Therefore, logically, to use this wealth one should obtain the consent of all Weilan citizens, yet you seem not to have done so."

Luosen certainly knows this approach has a loophole, but he still has a way to defend it.

"I have indeed not used it, for the gold remains safely in the vault; I merely issued these unnamed deposit certificates for the gold."

"."

Ruifa felt a bit dizzy from being led around; he knew this was definitely wrong, but couldn't immediately pinpoint what was wrong.

Luosen knew he had encountered someone who truly loved to nitpick.

Such a person may have terrible interpersonal relationships, but they often become thinkers, enriching the wealth of the human spiritual world.

Thus, he also answered seriously: "Master Ruifa, the Weilan Citizens' Assembly granted me the authority to manage these funds. Every penny I control has been discussed and confirmed by the cabinet meeting, and ultimately used for the development and defense of Weilan."

Does this explanation satisfy you?

This explanation is much more reasonable than before; Ruifa nodded slowly: "Not bad, but there is still a small flaw."

Please speak.

Ruifa had already thought it through, so he spoke directly.

Duke, as an eighth-circle mage, you surely have many of your own arcane achievements. Following the simplest principle of 'who labors, who reaps,' these achievements should belong to you personally, not to all Weilan citizens.

I also believe these achievements will surely bring great wealth. Following natural reasoning, a large portion of them should rightfully be under your personal control, right?

Luosen understood: "Master's idea is to distinguish private personal property from government public property, right?"

Ruifa's eyes lit up, and he immediately nodded: "Exactly, that's what I mean."

I believe that rulers, by conflating the concepts of self and state, to achieve personal encroachment on state wealth, constitute a great injustice.

Duke, you have made enormous contributions to Weilan, yet you have not received wealth that belongs to you personally; this is an injustice to you personally.

If your successors lack your arcane achievements and wisdom, unable to contribute to Weilan, they will inevitably appropriate state wealth for personal use, which is an injustice to all Weilan citizens.

At first, his speech was somewhat halting, but as he spoke, his thoughts became clearer and his words more fluent.

After he finished speaking, Luosen lightly applauded to show his appreciation.

Well spoken, Master Ruifa.

Then I want to ask: how can we completely eliminate this injustice?

Ruifa immediately said: "Besides the Duke's earlier suggestion of distinguishing public from private property, we must also enact various regulations, strictly prohibiting officials from using their public authority to seek private gain."

Because officials' authority comes from all Weilan citizens, it should be used for all citizens. If used for oneself, it is essentially stealing the wealth of all citizens.

If not prohibited, after a while—perhaps a few decades—a new nobility will actually arise.

Their existence will be more concealed than the old nobility, and far more terrifying, like borers hidden deep within trees.

By the time they are discovered, the trees will have become rotting wood on the verge of death.

These words are rather profound, and they will touch the interests of countless people, naturally offending countless people.

Luosen gazed deeply at Ruifa: "Master, I must remind you that your approach is opposing human nature."

Ruifa replied without hesitation: "To be precise, it is opposing the lowly bestiality in human nature."

The Arcane Master's square face was filled with solemn seriousness; his voice rang high, as if he were proclaiming truth.

I believe that human nature contains lowly bestiality and lofty divinity.

If a person submits to bestiality, they will surely be a mediocrity, destined their whole life to be manipulated and controlled by others, never achieving anything great.

Likewise, a nation composed of countless people, if it submits to the bestiality of its populace, will inevitably be a mediocre state, fit only to be a slave to stronger nations, a pawn to be moved about at their whim.

Only by suppressing bestiality and pursuing rational divinity can a person become a sage, and a nation become a great state that masters its own destiny and even commands the fate of the weak.

Luosen applauded again: "Well said, Master Ruifa, truly well said!"

This guy is truly a sharp, swift blade.

This blade from Aaron cuts not external foes, but the nation's heart-demons! He wishes to follow the tide of the era and use its power to unite the Natural Alliance, and this blade's aid is indispensable.

Heart-demons cannot be completely eradicated, but with this blade, one can always keep the mind clear and avoid falling into the demonic path.

Coincidentally, Luosen has also been thinking about this lately; now that he has the blade in hand, he naturally gets started right away.

Thus he said: "Master Ruifa, my cabinet lacks a Supervisor Minister, and the current Weilan government also lacks a formal Supervisory Bureau."

The establishment of the Supervisory Bureau is to ensure that Weilan's government constantly suppresses bestiality with divinity, always serving the citizens' interests.

Master, would you be willing to serve as Weilan citizens' Supervisor Minister?

Ruifa felt a surge of joy, then a start: "Weilan citizens' Supervisor Minister? Aren't you the Duke's Supervisor Minister?"

Luosen smiled: "If it were mine, who would supervise me?"

"Ah?" Ruifa exclaimed in surprise, he never expected Luosen to do this.

He couldn't help but say: "Then wouldn't my authority exceed yours, Duke?"

Luosen smiled: "Master Ruifa, ideals are ideals, reality is reality."

We should make reality as close to the ideal as possible, but this is obviously an unattainable state.

Just as in reality one cannot find a mathematical circle, right?

Supervision is supervision, execution is execution; as long as the Duke holds executive power, supervisory authority is essentially null.

Luosen does this not to bind himself; given his prestige in Weilan, no one can truly restrain him—he does it to bind his descendants.

Our earthly ancestors long ago said, "He who does not plan for myriad generations is not fit to plan for a moment."

A lord must consider not only the present, but also ten years, a hundred years, even several centuries ahead.

In this otherworld, even high-circle mages can live for thousands of years, making it all the more necessary to plan for myriad generations.

As an Arcane Master, Ruifa naturally understood Luosen's words.

He stepped back a step, solemnly bowed to Luosen: "Duke, I am deeply honored to become Weilan citizens' Supervisor Minister."

Luosen also grew solemn: "This is a major undertaking; it cannot be rushed in a short time. We must proceed step by step. Master Ruifa must prepare for a long-term struggle, and absolutely not think of achieving everything at once."

He also planned to give Ruifa protective gear, a high-circle talisman, lest he be killed by a sneak attack.

Ruifa's heart shuddered; he immediately realized he had been overly idealistic, and said: "I understand, Duke."

Very well, come with me to Swan Castle; let us discuss this matter in detail.

After speaking, he then said to Ruwaka Duo: "Master Ruwaka, this time you have found me an outstanding talent. According to the agreed remuneration, I will give you a reward of 1000 Ogres."

After saying that, he turned to Ruifa, smiling, and explained: "This money is a talent recruitment fee, discussed at the Weilan Citizens' Assembly, and counts as legitimate government expenditure."

Ruifa felt quite surprised, and at the same time sensed that he had still underestimated this young Duke; the other's thoughts were far more comprehensive and realistic than his.

Soon after, a thought rose from the depths of his heart.

According to the duke's method, the strength of the Vilan Duchy will surely become as solid as Orkin, while the other allied nations will remain as loose as heaps of soil, and will undoubtedly be crushed one after another by Vilan.

Then he dimly discerned the duke's concealed ambition, and a fierce fire ignited in his heart.

Excellent! Excellent! Such a sage should rightfully rule the Natural Alliance!

Once Vilan defeats Allen, I'll head to Lion's Castle to check Dang's face.

(End of chapter)