"This plan requires imperial approval, no matter what."

As Rupert stood waiting at the now-familiar gates of the imperial palace, he recalled Esteban’s words.

"Rupert Somerset, second son of the Marquis of Somerset, your identity has been verified."

After completing the by-now familiar identity verification process, Rupert stepped through the gates.

Due to the immense size of the imperial palace, most visitors were assigned an attendant to guide them. However, Rupert, having visited multiple times, now knew the paths well enough to navigate alone to the Emperor’s audience chamber.

"Twice for commendation ceremonies, several visits to see Lady Iolin, and a few more meetings with His Highness the Crown Prince," Rupert mused. "Among nobles without official positions, I must be the one who visits the palace most frequently."

Even the palace attendants now recognized him, greeting him warmly as he passed.

"Thank you for coming. Sir Rupert, your turn is next, so please prepare yourself."

"Understood."

Count Julius, the Emperor’s chamberlain, moved swiftly between the audience chamber and the waiting room, organizing those waiting to meet the Emperor. Rupert had encountered him before during the commendation ceremonies. Julius briefly reminded Rupert of the necessary etiquette and precautions before hurrying off again.

"Finally, my turn. And honestly, considering how these things usually go, this is fast," Rupert thought.

Even as the heir to the Somerset family and a professor at the Imperial Academy, meeting the Emperor was no trivial matter. This audience, requested two months prior, had only just been granted. For most nobles, even having such a request acknowledged was rare, and waiting six months or more for a meeting was not unusual.

"The Emperor will see you now."

After a brief wait in the lounge, Rupert’s turn arrived, and he entered the audience chamber.

Up until now, Rupert had always met the Emperor in the presence of others, which helped ease his nerves. This time, however, the meeting was private, and even Rupert could not help but feel tense.

Though he had met the goddess herself, the Emperor wielded an authority akin to divinity within the empire. Unlike the goddess, however, the Emperor had the power to directly affect the living, making him an even more dangerous figure.

"Sir Rupert—or should I call you Professor Rupert? You’re so young, I find myself slipping up," the Emperor remarked with a light tone.

"It is my great honor to be granted an audience, Your Majesty."

"Not at all. I was thinking it was about time for you to come and see me."

The Emperor’s unexpected comment set Rupert’s mind racing.

"About time? Did I have business with the Emperor?"

No matter how much he thought, Rupert could not recall any recent matters that involved the Emperor. But questioning the Emperor’s words was out of the question, so Rupert nodded as though the Emperor was entirely correct.

"Your Majesty, as a loyal servant of the empire, I have brought you a gift to present."

"A gift?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. These items."

Rupert stepped forward, presenting the gift with both hands while bowing deeply. An attendant standing by the Emperor carefully examined the items before passing them to the Emperor.

"Books and… cards?"

"Correct, Your Majesty."

The items Rupert presented were a book and a set of cards.

"Rupert’s Fables?"

The Emperor read the title on the cover aloud, prompting Rupert to explain.

"This is a book created for the children who will one day become the pillars of the empire. The stories within are designed to provide both education and inspiration."

"Hmm."

Intrigued, the Emperor opened the book and began skimming through its pages.

Rupert’s Fables was composed of multiple short stories, each structured to deliver clear moral lessons in an engaging manner. The Emperor quickly realized that children would find the book highly appealing.

"Do you understand the significance of this?"

"I would not dare present such a gift to Your Majesty without understanding its implications."

The Emperor’s probing question was met with Rupert’s resolute reply, and a faint smile appeared on the Emperor’s face. Only then did Rupert allow himself to feel a sense of relief.

"I was right!"

The Emperor, too, was pleased.

"Whether this idea was yours or inspired by those around you, you’ve understood my intentions perfectly," he thought.

Emperor Leonious Bell harbored a personal ambition: to strengthen imperial authority before his son Alex inherited the throne.

At the time of the empire’s founding, imperial authority had been absolute. However, as peace settled over the land, the nobility’s power had steadily grown, eventually surpassing that of the imperial family.

Though no single noble faction had yet unified against the throne, the Emperor knew it was only a matter of time. If left unchecked, the empire would inevitably fracture, with regional lords declaring themselves kings. Foreign nations, seizing the opportunity, would divide the empire, reverting it to the chaotic state it was in before its founding.

The Emperor could not bear the thought of leaving such a future to his son. To prevent this, he needed to curb the power of the nobility.

This was why he had instigated the war with Sylvanya and secretly supported emerging noble factions to foment conflict between old and new noble houses.

Yet these measures were temporary. Further wars without justification were unfeasible, and fostering internal conflicts only served to increase the power of the nobility as a whole.

Ultimately, the Emperor needed a new power base to counter the nobility, and that base was the common people.

"Father, please allow this book to be distributed throughout the empire," Iolin had once pleaded.

Her proposal to use manga as a tool to promote literacy among the commoners was revolutionary.

Although a small number of merchants and commoners had begun to rise socially, most remained illiterate and powerless, perpetually exploited by the nobility.

"This book should indeed be distributed throughout the empire."

"I will ensure that Your Majesty’s grace reaches all subjects of the empire."

Although the majority of commoners were still illiterate, the trend was shifting. Books like Rupert’s Fables could elevate their education and societal standing.

The Emperor envisioned a future where the imperial family could mediate between nobles and commoners, maintaining balance and stability.

"Your dedication to the empire is commendable. I will allocate funds for its distribution. Coordinate with the chamberlain before you leave."

"Your Majesty’s benevolence humbles me."

Satisfied, the Emperor regarded Rupert with renewed respect.

Although Rupert had once been a source of irritation, his recent conduct revealed a sharp mind, admirable execution, and the ability to inspire loyalty.

The Emperor even entertained the thought of pairing Rupert with Iolin, confident that he would be a valuable asset to the imperial family.

Setting aside Rupert’s Fables, the Emperor turned his attention to the cards.

"Are these the cards that have been all the rage recently?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Emperor had already received reports about their popularity but struggled to understand the fervor.

"I’ve heard that disputes—among both nobles and commoners—are frequently breaking out over these. I fail to see the appeal."

Rupert smiled confidently.

"Your Majesty, these cards have the potential to bolster imperial authority."

"These cards? Really?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I have a plan, and it is…"

As Rupert began to explain, the Emperor’s skeptical expression gradually softened. By the end of Rupert’s explanation, the Emperor was smiling broadly.