NOVPUBAutumn daylight and golden leaves whisked past the window; a slightly open window allowed a faint aroma of wood, similar to the scent of pine and cypress, to permeate the compartment.
"I believe that the Cerryti Empire is undergoing unprecedented changes; ever since the National Revival faction became dominant, many aspects have undergone drastic shifts," Lanci, who looked like an old man, said in a serious and profound tone as he tapped on the table.
"Firstly in the cultural domain, the Royal Family vigorously promotes nationalism and heroism, rekindling a sense of pride in the Kreti Nation. Literary figures and thinkers like Julius Wolf and Felix Roth have been exalted like never before, and their ideas have become crucial components of the national ideology. At the same time, modernism, expressionism, and other ’degenerate’ arts have been purged and suppressed, which is actually quite an unfavorable phenomenon."
"In terms of social life, Emperor Baldo Hoffman Temple has implemented a series of policies aimed at shaping the image of the Kretians. For example, advocating for robust physiques and tall stature, and promoting traditional roles for women to bear more children. Meanwhile, commoners like the Estet People and Romu People, whose ancestors migrated from the northern kingdoms, face increasing exclusion in central city-states, rekindling aristocratic-commoner divides."
"Currently, by vigorously developing the military industry and improving employment conditions, the Cerryti Empire has strengthened its position in the South Continent. Even though we are in turbulent times, the internal issues of the Kreti Nation have gradually begun to spread outward under the banner of imperial revival. It should indeed appear vibrant in the short term, but do you really think this is good..."
The Magic Power Rail Train continued to sprint along the horizon.
Disguised as an old publisher, Lanci started discussing imperial culture, fashion, recent conditions, trade, and politics with the young man in the compartment.
He leaned back on the soft seat cushion, chatting at times and occasionally gazing out the window at the vast mountains, figuring out approximately where they were.
They towered into the clouds, majestic, making one feel involuntarily insignificant.
Such magnificent scenery always soothes the soul, calming one’s anxious and irritable emotions.
At this rate, they would probably reach the Capital Bulerida of Crystal in less than an hour.
"Exactly, Mr. Lovia, the Empire does indeed have real underlying issues; the disadvantages of this war are just selectively ignored by many. I believe we should not only research this direction further but study it seriously," the black-haired, blue-eyed young Landry agreed.
The two continued their conversation throughout the journey.
As they talked, Lanci noticed that although Landry, this brilliant Empire Person, held an anti-war stance, his far-right ideologies were subtly unmistakable.
He believed in resolving internal threats through non-warlike means, vigorously developing the Imperial Department of Magic Engineering, overcoming the trade wars with the nations of the South Continent alliance, co-opting and gradually dissolving the alliance, and leading it through the Cerryti Empire, essentially restoring hegemony through peaceful methods.
Upon reflection, someone directly hired by the Saint Kray Temple as a young teacher, whether in professional skills or knowledge, wouldn’t be ordinary; indeed, he exhibited a depth beyond his years.
Just as Lanci was about to continue discussing the development strategies of the Empire, a familiar female voice rang in his mind.
"Lanci, don’t get too absorbed in your acting. I know you’re a top infiltrator, but sometimes you’re too genuine, making it hard to tell if you’re just an infiltrator or truly an iron-blooded Empire Person."
Talia knew Lanci was adept at blending into his surroundings.
Accordingly, since his arrival in the Empire, he indeed appeared too much like an Empire Person.
It was as if he had already considered himself one, even thinking from the perspective of an Empire Person.
She somewhat suspected he had been the same way in the Protoss Empire.
"Don’t worry, when the time comes for our glorious return, my true nature will be immediately obvious; I’m clearly a bona fide Kingdom Person," Lanci assured himself internally.
This was merely adapting to local customs as usual.
"That’s good."
Talia feared that if she continued following Lanci in the Cerryti Empire, she might end up as a spy herself.
After all, now she was a steadfast Old Ichrite, intending to retire in the Hutton Kingdom for life.
Just as Lanci’s thoughts were about to drift off, he distinctly felt the train slowing down.
It gradually came to a stop.
Lanci and the young man instinctively looked up at each other with a hint of perplexity in their eyes.
"Do Magic Power Rail Trains ever stop?" Lanci asked puzzledly.
It was his first encounter with such a situation.
"They rarely do," the black-haired, blue-eyed young Landry agreed.
They felt that passengers in other compartments were also starting to get noisy, seemingly puzzled by what was happening.
Right then, along with a buzzing sound and the lifting of a microphone.
A magnetic male voice came through the train’s announcement system, drawing their attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the interruption. We have received reports that there are potentially dangerous extremists on board. Our officers are currently conducting searches for suspicious individuals. Please remain calm, do not panic, and do not move around unnecessarily. We have requested assistance from the Bulielda City State, and the Imperial Army’s reinforcements are en route. Thank you for your cooperation."
