Feeling one’s way across the river by touching Ian—though it might sound odd, this is currently the thought of Carlos.
"We can learn from this experience."
With this final evaluation, Carlos said, "Decas, keep an eye on the Xiawei Territory and the ’Supreme Spirit Sect’. I want to know everything about their every move, every decision—it is a rather important social experiment."
"For many years, I have been trapped in the Imperial Capital by the name of Great Prince, unable to implement personally, but it is still possible to learn from the experience of others."
[Following Your Will]
From the other side of the mirror, Viscount Decas replied respectfully.
The reason he follows Crown Prince Carlos, apart from the other being able to guide him towards the path of dreams, is this attitude that everyone can learn from, and the spirit of chasing the forefront of the era, which he aspires to but finds hard to emulate.
At this moment, Carlos slowly closed his eyes.
"Another dreamer wanting to change the world... I always feel admiration, always want to extol."
"Unfortunately, one in ten thousand succeed, and over centuries, not even one."
All these were not hard for him to guess. Ian’s ambitions, for other Nobles of the Terra Continent, might seem ’novel and incomprehensible’.
But for the offspring of Inega II, the Setal Imperial Family, what Ian is doing is merely a replica of what the Black Tyrant once aspired to do.
Only, on a smaller scale, with weaker force, more limitations, and slower progress.
Therefore...
It’s safer, more fitting, more stable.
More likely to succeed.
But just ’more likely’.
Carlos is very clear that Ian, this far-sighted visionary valuing technology, will face what kind of problems—hindrances from the human society, resistance from ancient traditions, people’s own desires defying order, and Sublimators, after adapting to a new era, overturning the rules of the new era once again.
Even though Ian very cleverly uses religion to alleviate many conflicts, if he cannot integrate Sublimators into this system as well, then no matter what changes, everything will eventually revert back.
But this is not important.
Stop it? Be vigilant?
At such thoughts, Carlos felt like laughing.
Sometimes, there are things the royal family cannot do, cannot do too swiftly. Wanting too many things done quickly can impede success, as it is with reforms... Since his own brother supports Ian in carrying out these reforms, then he has no need to interfere.
It’s normal for everyone to learn together.
And he, obviously learns faster.
"Ian... even I can hardly see the end of your dream, how intriguing. Even Father and Brother cannot compare with you..."
Upon opening his eyes again, Carlos’s eyes twinkled like the sun and moon, vast like the ocean with bright Spirit Energy Radiance.
He murmured calmly: "The younger brother of those days was merely a dream fire as trivial as mortals, not worth expecting at all, but after returning from walking through the Empire, his dream fire is as bright as the proud sun."
"And after interacting with you, his brilliance is even greater... yet I can’t even see how bright your dream fire really is."
"Interesting, what exactly do you guys have in common?"
"Right."
Thinking of this, Carlos asked Viscount Decas one last question before ending the call: "Before you left, did Ian ask you any questions? You can tell me if you don’t understand, as it might not have been a question for you, but rather, through you, a question for me."
[Yes, Your Highness]
After thinking for a bit, Viscount Decas answered, [There is something sensitive... Baron Silverpeak asked me, he asked... how much longer His Majesty will live?]
[This question was too sensitive, I dared not answer, and he did not continue to inquire further]
Carlos was momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing: "Hahaha, I understand—how interesting, this little guy."
Shaking his head while laughing, Carlos expressed, "His question actually meant to ask me... why Father is still alive and yet has not reached the end of his life, but I, Michael, and Allegria have already begun competing..."
"Indeed, it’s a good question. Ian has grasped the essence of why the current political landscape of the Empire is so peculiar."
Apparently, Carlos had no intention of revealing to Viscount Decas the answer behind this question there and then, and the viscount very tactfully took his leave, ending the communication.
The Great Prince quietly sat beneath the dome of the Sea of Mirror Light Dome, overlooking the cities below the Imperial Capital.
"Actually, anyone who cares to know the answer could find it..."
The man gazed at the most elite part of the country, murmuring softly, "For a thousand years, the Fifth Energy Level of the Setal Imperial Family has never been interrupted. When the old emperor passed away, the new emperor ascended the throne. Even when grandfather died, father quickly took the Master Throne to reforge order."
"The inheritance of the Fifth Energy Level... It is the most powerful force in the world, but also the most stubborn curse."
The events in the Imperial Capital did not directly affect the Xia Hui Territory, but the large number of foreign merchants who arrived and established cooperative channels rapidly changed the spirit of the entire territory.
To say nothing else, the simplest and biggest change was just one thing.
"My lord, our territory has money now!"
From the funds requested by Colonel Maress, boxes of Silver Taler and precious Alchemy Matrix were shipped to Xia Hui Territory, instantly overwhelming everyone, including Ian.
As the real person in charge of the various administrative affairs of the territory, moving from Harrison Port to Xia Hui Territory, Scott, who was used to tough days, had only one thought ’I’ve never fought such a wealthy battle!’.
What about the materials for the construction of the New Agriculture Building? Buy!
What about the full-time training program for the professional military? Train!