Chapter 383: The Die(6)
Chapter 383: The Die(6)
I almost got smacked by Lina for my teasing, but I managed to smooth things over. I couldn't help but laugh at her reaction; the more I spoke, the redder her face became.
However, she did show a tiny bit—just a tiny bit—of interest. In this world, only novels and paintings exist; there is no such thing as video.
It might sound quite lewd, but Earth’s pornography is actually a byproduct of science and culture. Humans are born with sexual desires, after all, and they inevitably need a medium to satisfy them.
While it varies from person to person, no medium conveys information as vividly as video. Lina’s interest, however, was not in the pornography itself, but in the medium of video.
"So, even commoners can do that easily?"
"That’s right."
"It sounds like something even nobles would find hard to access, but I suppose your world is different. Just hearing about it makes me wonder if it’s even possible."
"It’s possible if science is sufficiently developed. Besides, there’s magic here."
Video call magic hasn't been invented yet, but it will likely appear soon. The elves have been researching it.
Even if their overall progress is slow, the elves possess a depth of magical knowledge that is second to none. Their only problems are their characteristic narrow-mindedness and isolationism. If they could fix those, their pace of development would far outstrip the other races.
"That aside, the concept of democracy is fascinating. The idea that the people, regardless of rank, choose the country's king through voting..."
"Does it sound good to you?"
"Beyond good or bad, I think it would be difficult to apply to our world. Fairness and equality seem similar, but they are strictly different."
She was spot on. Democracy doesn't grant power to a specific class; instead, political forces are repeatedly cycled through elections.
From the perspective of the high nobility, like Lina, it wasn't a very pleasant prospect. It would mean relinquishing all the authority and power they currently held.
Furthermore, just as she said fairness and equality are different, there would inevitably be people dissatisfied with democracy at this stage. Historically, the reason democracy became so firmly established on Earth was that people witnessed the atrocities of totalitarianism firsthand during World War II.
"You're right. Honestly, there's no need to rush the system itself. As I said before, radical development inevitably brings turmoil. Since individuals in this world possess great personal power, there are many factors to consider."
"Instead of blindly trying to transplant it, we should start with the basics. For example, the idea that even an Emperor has no right to deprive the people of their freedom without just cause."
"There's that, but basically, freedom must be guaranteed. And if that freedom is infringed upon, there needs to be someone to resolve it."
The most important element of democracy is civic consciousness—citizens clearly recognizing their own freedoms and rights.
Ironically, however, those rights are frequently suppressed by 'force.' Even in my home country, the Republic of Korea, the 5.18 Democratization Movement occurred, and in Myanmar, a coup d'état shattered their democracy.
Of course, there are many instances where democracy triumphs, but those are always the result of the citizens' own actions. There’s a reason people say the true power of democracy comes from the citizens.
In that sense, this world has a long, long way to go before democracy can take root. To begin with, even totalitarianism hasn't appeared yet, and since freedoms and rights are currently sufficiently guaranteed, maintaining the status quo is enough.
"Don't worry, democracy won't be taking root in your generation, at least. Unless a revolution breaks out in the Ters Republic."
"That makes me a bit nervous. Our people might be swayed if they see that."
"But you have no justification to stop a revolution, do you? You'll just have to watch. Let's see... Then, using the knowledge you've given me as a foundation..."
Lina asked to borrow a piece of paper and a pen. It seemed she wanted to organize her thoughts. It was impossible to keep everything she had heard in her head, so writing it down in a notebook was much better.
As she filled the pages, a smile gradually spread across her lips. Whether she had come up with an idea so brilliant it broke her poker face, or she was just happy imagining the possibilities, one thing was certain: a major shift was coming to the political system of the Minerva Empire.
"He-he."
She was so happy she even let out a peculiar little giggle. Whatever happened, it would likely have little effect on me. Still, I was curious. What kind of idea had she come up with that she couldn't hide her smile?
I leaned forward to see what she had written. Sensing my movement, Lina immediately flipped the paper over.
"What's wrong? Can't you show me?"
"It's embarrassing. You might think it's ridiculous."
She wasn't lying; a faint blush actually rose to her cheeks. She seemed determined not to show me, as if the paper were her private diary.
It was a different kind of shyness than before, but it was somehow cute. Even so, her imperial dignity and characteristic elegance remained intact.
"You could tell me a little bit. You don't have to tell me everything. You'll probably come to ask my opinion eventually anyway."
"You're quick on the uptake. It's actually nothing much. I just thought of a way to maintain the Imperial Family's power while decentralizing the power beneath us."
"And what is that way?"
"It's not fully organized yet. It's just about dividing power and departments more minutely. We place a head at each one and adjust things so they can keep each other in check. But since they might conspire together, we'll involve the Rekilis family."
"You're making it very obvious that you're trying to disperse their power."
It looked like she was trying to implement something similar to the separation of powers, but it was too transparent. Anyone could see she intended to scatter the nobles' power here and there.
In the first place, it wasn't a true separation of powers, as the Emperor would retain final decision-making authority. I wondered if it was too one-dimensional, but Lina's next words made me understand immediately.
"I told you earlier, didn't I? That the funds of the Kerison family were leaking to demon worshippers. If they were accomplices, they'd be executed, but if they didn't know, then as you said, it would be unfair. So, I'll use this as a pretext to decentralize power. The power of the counts has been growing lately, which has been troublesome in many ways."
"Is that kind of separation possible? You'll need a lot of manpower for that."
"Our Minerva Empire has plenty of talent. We just didn't have many places to use them. If we establish various new departments, it will solve the employment problem as well."
So she says. I don't know what kind of future Lina is envisioning, but if it's good, it's good.
But is it really possible to think of all that just from what I told her?
She really is a genius. Even with my memories of my past life, I wouldn't have come up with an idea like that.
Lina finished filling the paper with an expectant look and folded it neatly. Her desire to implement the policy immediately was written all over her face.
"Can I visit you often from now on? I want to hear more of your stories. We're already set to be married, after all."
Now she was openly declaring her intent to visit. Looking into Lina's sparkling eyes, I couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. I had seen that look in others before—eyes full of affection.
Receiving such a gaze from Lina, of all people, naturally left me feeling dazed.
"How often are you planning to come?"
"I have a mountain of work to do, so I won't be able to come right away. But once things are somewhat settled... maybe two or three times a week?"
"I think Mari will find that very annoying."
"Then let's make it once or twice a week. The more stories I hear from you, the more the Empire will flourish."
Lina was treating me like a certain robotic raccoon from a cartoon. I let out a bitter smile.
Again, Earth and this world are fundamentally different in many ways. Therefore, no matter how much I tell her about Earth's history, it's up to Lina to apply it.
To anyone else, this knowledge would be treated as nonsense. But I am Xenon, revered by the world as a prophet. Because I'm seen as a prophet, it's much easier for her to accept.
"Oh, right. You said your world developed rapidly over about 300 years, right? Wasn't there a specific cause for that rapid development?"
"Uh... yeah. It's called the Industrial Revolution. There was a time when accumulated technologies crossed a threshold."
"I should try to bring that time forward as much as possible. So steam locomotives will actually be invented?"
"Yeah."
"Then I'll need to get closer to Makina. If what you say is true, the age of the dwarves is coming. I should also consider recruiting Eins..."
Unable to contain her overflowing ideas, Lina began writing on another piece of paper. It was a bit strange to see her, usually so calm, acting so passionately.
From my perspective, these were just 'possibilities,' but it seemed they were more than that to her. One thing was certain: only someone with that kind of adventurous spirit can advance the world.
And most importantly, there was one more crucial point regarding this world's development.
"Lina."
"I should promote the study of science more... Yes?"
"There's something I forgot to mention. Development is good, but if you aren't careful, you'll eventually incur the wrath of the gods."
"...What do you mean by that?"
Incur the wrath of the gods. At those words, Lina blinked her large eyes and asked quietly. Her voice trembled slightly; she seemed to instinctively realize that my words were not to be taken lightly.
I finished the rest of my tea and spoke calmly. I told her about environmental destruction, which had become humanity's greatest challenge since the Industrial Revolution.
"Our world achieved radical development, but unfortunately, side effects are starting to appear. I'm not talking about science or culture. I'm talking about 'Nature'—life itself and the mother of all."
"Nature? What about nature?"
"Humanity consumed vast resources and destroyed nature indiscriminately. Trees on mountains were all cut down, rivers became murky, and the seas grew increasingly violent. Holes appeared in the sky, and all sorts of climate abnormalities are occurring."
"..."
Before I died, Earth's average temperature was steadily rising. Because of that, natural disasters with untraceable causes were happening more frequently every year. Some organizations even said that simply reducing carbon emissions wasn't enough; they had to be stopped immediately for the Earth to survive. Furthermore, several islands were on the verge of sinking due to rising sea levels.
"Fortunately, the gods didn't directly interfere where I lived, but if they had, we would have received divine punishment long ago. In this world, however, Lord Hirt or the other gods would likely give a direct warning."
"......Is there no way?"
"I wouldn't know. Since mana exists here, couldn't you make good use of that?"
"Nature is the mother of all life, yet humanity destroys it... That's nothing short of a disgrace to family morals."
Lina stopped writing and paused after hearing my warning. She seemed to have realized something.
Environmental destruction is inevitable once an industrial revolution begins. But here, perhaps mana and magic could serve as substitutes. Even Hirt and the other gods wouldn't be able to intervene hastily. If they blocked their children's progress, people would surely become dissatisfied.
In the midst of the serious atmosphere, I glanced at the clock. We had been talking for so long that quite a bit of time had passed.
"Let's end it here for today. You have a lot to do right now, don't you?"
"Alright. This was a very productive time. You'll tell me more later, right?"
"Anytime. Oh, I can even tell you more in bed later. I don't think I'll have much time otherwise."
"I suppose so. That's—HEY!! You really!!"
As expected, teasing Lina is the best.
*
A day passed, and just as the Xenon Biography was being released...
"Father. Did Mother say anything at the mansion?"
"She said she'd let it slide this time."
My father, who had briefly returned to the mansion, brought good news. Perhaps Jin's demonization incident had served as a preventative measure, as my mother didn't come to find me.
"That's a relief."
"Instead, she said if Jin and Lily don't end up together, she'll tear you limb from limb."
"..."
I'll really have to run away then.