The effects of the poison I’d scattered were instantaneous.
I started by putting on a virtuous front, streaming harmless programs like Ikkyu-san and old folktales.
On that channel, I included content that showcased the culture and sights of the Empire.
At the same time, I broadcasted programs on gardening, Shogi, and Go.
I even sold traditional game sets through the Battle Dome.
I didn't bother claiming any rights. People were free to do as they pleased.
Up to this point, it was all medicine.
Next came the poison.
On a separate channel, I broadcasted classical music, opera, and Gagaku.
During the day, at least.
After gauging the reaction, I started playing idol songs and popular hits with relatively low stimulation late at night.
Since the response was terrifyingly positive, I also launched an educational channel for children.
I put serious effort into producing nature programs about bug-catching, introductions to literature, and a version of Mama's Worry Corner localized for the Battle Dome.
I researched the local approach to childcare extensively and flooded the airwaves with an absurd number of genres.
In the midst of that chaos, I slipped in programs on morality and philosophy.
It didn't matter if they didn't fully understand it yet.
As long as it clicked for some people, that was enough.
Content that wasn't accepted at first began to permeate the culture all at once.
After observing for about two months, the real show began.
I threw in entertainment programs like dramas, movies, anime, and manga.
Variety shows, too.
"...I’ve decided that Leo-kun is the one person I should never make an enemy of."
My accomplice, Fairy-san, was looking at me with total disdain.
Viewership numbers were skyrocketing.
After all, the local content from the Battle Dome and the Ogre God Nation just wasn't interesting.
The foundation was laid.
It was time for the main event.
I was ready to drop books, manga, games, and sports equipment.
My plan was that by the time the Ogre God Nation started producing their own content, Imperial culture would already be the established norm.
Saria was also looking at me with a look of pure dread.
"T-Too vicious..."
With Wifey’s backing, the budget was essentially infinite—or rather, it was significantly cheaper than going to war.
Today, we were going to broadcast a soccer match at the Battle Dome.
Why soccer?
Well, setting up a professional league environment costs a fortune, but just getting the appearances in order was manageable with our budget and Shaping Printers.
When we’d previously aired a match from the Imperial Capital at the Battle Dome, the response had been massive.
So, we formed teams for each region using Battle Dome employees.
Instructors were provided by members of the Officer Academy Soccer Club and alumni from the military’s soccer clubs.
Heh heh heh... sports are a drug!
Saria had seen right through my scheme.
Actually, the plan was out in the open.
Saria was whispering with Wifey.
"Your Imperial Majesty... is the Grand Duke always like this?"
"While my husband is a warrior, he is also skilled in those kinds of underhanded tactics... To be honest, he does not care about the means he employs..."
"I knew it! I had a feeling!"
They were certainly saying whatever they pleased.
"If we can avoid a war with this, it's a bargain, isn't it?"
In parallel, I ran commercials saying, "Won't you come study at the Imperial University!? The Government-funded Study Abroad Exam is in six months—"
It’s all for the sake of mutual understanding.
It’s definitely not to get them addicted to our content.
As for Shar, she wasn't being treated as my wife or anything; she was serving as a test subject to see how much content the Ogre God Nation could withstand.
For now, it seemed that wholesome Magical Girl for Girls shows were her limit.
She was currently obsessed, completely addicted to the content.
She seemed to be watching anime happily with One-oh-one and Tatiana. It was a good trend.
I also had Shar, along with the muscle-bound guy from Melissa's place and the girl from Eddie's place, try out various sports as test subjects.
Baseball, rugby, and American football seemed to have rules that were too complex for them.
As I expected, soccer, with its simple fundamental rules, was the most appropriate choice.
Now then, would a riot break out after the match, or would they praise each other with sportsmanship?
I had scenarios prepared for either outcome.
Just as I was thinking about going to stir things up before the soccer match, Wifey called me to the Bridge.
"Did something happen?"
When Wifey asked, the Civil Official in Charge of Foreign Affairs bowed.
"A Diplomatic Representative of the Ogre God Nation has arrived."
"Do they have an appointment?"
"They do not."
Hearing that, Wifey broke into a smile.
"Lord Groom, did you hear? The operation was a success."
They moved faster than I’d anticipated.
It felt very much like the Duke Association’s style.
When I went to the meeting room of the Battle Dome, I found an old man who looked every bit the Bureaucrat.
His horns were small.
Perhaps horn size correlated to combat power in their culture.
"I offer my greetings to Her Imperial Majesty, the Galactic Empire Emperor."
The old man bowed low.
"Umu. Diplomat, make yourself comfortable. So, what is your business?"
Wifey, dressed in her ethnic attire, maintained a composed expression.
"Yes... well. How should I put it... our people, having seen the broadcasts from the Empire, are astonished... yes."
The man was dripping with cold sweat.
Well, yeah. If you’re bombarded with Imperial content after those boring programs, that’s bound to happen.
And I’d only aired things that were several degrees milder than what’s normally circulated in the Empire.
I haven't even launched the operation to leak dōjinshi to underground organizations yet.
"And what is your request?"
"No... the Great King of the Ogre God Nation desires an audience with Your Imperial Majesty."
"Very well."
"T-That is... he has already arrived... and says he wishes to watch the soccer... yes."
What light footwork!
The boss actually showed up!
"Lord Groom, call Saria."
Figures.
I stepped out of the room and made the call.
"Ah, Saria-san. You there?"
"I am on standby. Did something happen?"
"The Great King of the Ogre God Nation is apparently here. To watch the soccer match."
"Father is—!? What in the world!? I have to get ready!"
"I'll leave the mediation to you."
"No, wait! Even if I am a prince, I am just a misokkasu..."
"It's fine, it's fine."
"Ah, geez!"
Well, this was getting interesting.
This was my first time engaging in peaceful diplomacy.
If possible, I wanted to win the Ogre God Nation over and avoid the Ghoul Battle Route.
After all, I didn't want to have to fight cannibals.
Compared to fighting something like that, I’d much rather face a stronger, more civilized force.