Construction was underway for an aquarium in the park.
“I’m sorry! Seriously, I just mentioned it in passing! Give me a break!”
I had offered a sincere apology. But then, the chamberlains and bureaucrats had simply smiled and told me, “We’re just relocating the National Aquarium.”
I couldn’t exactly say no after that.
Apparently, the zoo and the National Art Museum were being moved here as well. They asserted that since they were reorganizing the districts around the Palace anyway, it wasn’t a waste of money.
A significant number of cultural assets seemed to have been lost as well. Fortunately, we had 3D data of the oil paintings, so they could be restored to something very close to the originals. Still, the originals themselves were gone forever.
These kinds of cultural assets had significance just by existing. They were part of a nation’s grand, epic story.
“This kind of thing is painful, isn’t it?”
We in the Galactic Empire had lost many cultural assets during the Zork War, too. The buildings in the Imperial Capital were... well, they were almost entirely wiped out. Since I understood that pain, I had issued a statement.
“We will make every effort to restore them,” I’d said.
What I’d really meant was, “Private contractors, please help us out! I’m begging you!” But instead, the praise just kept piling up.
I had a feeling this would lead to tax hikes in the future. It felt like I was only being forgiven because this was a major power with a high level of civility. Besides, the Chronosians took immense pride in their country.
Destroying cultural assets was certainly an effective way to break an opponent's spirit, but the resentment lasted for centuries. In terms of occupation policy, it was the absolute bottom of the barrel.
Well, in the end, we just had to rely on new works from modern artists. The real problem was the potential for them to become entrenched authorities. I had to make sure they didn't start claiming they were "important" or deserved "preferential treatment." If they did, I’d have to crush them. When people made those kinds of delusional remarks, the government always seemed to take the damage for some reason!
Delusional remarks? No! Absolutely not!
I wasn’t important, and they weren’t important either. That was the line I intended to walk.
My plan was to stir up conspiracy theories and get myself forced out of power within a few years. To that end, I went searching for comrades in the sea of the internet. I found a video of myself from back when I was digging potatoes with the kids from the nagaya. I checked the comments.
“The King really loves kids, doesn’t he?”
Good, this was it! Hit me with a lolicon allegation! If they did that, I’d show them photos from my honeymoon with my wifey and make them all cringe!
“His eyes are glued to those potatoes. Just how hungry was he?”
“Look at that happy face while he’s eating a baked sweet potato.”
“I heard the King is actually a massive eater. But after he became the Grand Duke of Chronos, he only ate as much as everyone else.”
It was true that I’d lost five kilograms. I’d actually been startled when muscle lines started appearing on my chest. A doctor had eventually stepped in, and I’d been forced to adjust my diet with protein and soybeans. I believed the number of people who starved to death had been kept to a minimum, though I didn't have total confidence in that.
“Even so, he’s giving the food to the children before himself... is he a god?”
Wait... the atmosphere was shifting.
“I heard a story that the King was chosen by God, after all.”
“You mean the thing where the divine statue glowed!”
“Wasn't that staged?”
Yes, exactly! It was staged! Send me those death threats!
“No, he avoided commenting on it. He said he couldn't comment on things that haven't been scientifically explained.”
I mean, what was I supposed to say? "I’m the God of Chronos!"? How could I say that, you idiots!
“Are all people from the Galactic Empire like this? Isn't that a disadvantageous way to live?”
“I... I’m going to volunteer for the army tomorrow!”
“Me too! Me too!”
This was strange... why was this happening?
Furthermore, the topic I’d started with my throwaway account titled 【Expel the Grand Duke and Reclaim Democracy!】 was completely dismissed with comments like 【A Zen God Race spy! Die!】.
Why?! How tragic...
By the time I had enough leeway to plot such conspiracies, the investigation results for that divine statue finally came in. As expected, it seemed to react to Jesters. Then, the Chronos Religion... well, I couldn’t perfectly translate the original name, so I just called it the Chronos Religion... anyway, their Head Priest made a proposal to me.
“I shall guide you to the ruins of the First King.”
“Could it be the Mausoleum?”
“Yes, the Mausoleum... though his remains are not enshrined there. Records state the First King departed for parts unknown.”
Uh-oh, another ancient ruin. If I just wandered off, everyone would beat me up, so I held back.
“Umm, can I bring some friends, like the Saint and other Jesters?”
“Of course. From what I’ve heard, the people of the Galactic Empire are descendants of Matt, the Jester. By all means, please do.”
“I look forward to it.”
By the way, although I was using polite speech, I’d told them, “My Chronosian isn't very good, so please forgive the lack of formality, pyon.” Speaking in a commanding tone was exhausting. I was the athletic type who would have fumbled over honorifics and seating arrangements during a job interview.
And so, I brought along the Bachelor Clan—Tatiana, Alyssa, and Rikochi—as well as Claire, Melissa, and Ren. Kevin joined in too, claiming the girls' dormitory was far too boring. I left the task of guarding my wifey to Thomas and his group.
Our guest for this trip was Zashiki-warashi-chan. Apparently, she wanted to come along. She participated via the talisman that served as her divine body, which Suematsu-san was currently carrying. Our faith in Suematsu-san was truly boundless.
Rikochi was in full armor. Our escort was Heron, who had recently been appointed as the Commander of the Grand Duchy of Chronos Personal Guard Knight Order. He was still learning the ropes under his superior, Raven.
“His Excellency the Grand Duke, preparations are complete.”
“Alrighty, let’s gooo!”
Without my knowledge, this had been turned into an official state event, so I was stuck in an open-top car. I waved to the crowds alongside Claire and the others. Back when we were living in the nagaya, I’d used my schemes to appoint the Bachelor Clan to positions like Counselor! It had led to a physical brawl at the time, but I’d eventually made them accept it. They’d all been scolded by Ha-san and made to sit in seiza afterward, but that was a fond memory now.
We moved toward the temple while waving. I still didn't understand why it took thirty minutes to reach the temple—which had been relocated nearby—when it was only one train stop away.
...Well, whatever. The citizens seemed happy, at least.
When I’d said, “I’ll just go by train! Or a bike!”, almost everyone involved had gotten angry at me. Even though I’d brought my personal bike and everything... a road bike I’d bought on a loan, no less. How tragic.
We arrived at the temple. The Personal Guard Knight Order waited outside the ruins while I went in with Heron, Suematsu-san, my wives, the Bachelor Clan, and Rikochi.
“Is it not dangerous to reduce our escort this much?” Heron asked.
“Look at Suematsu-san over there. If it were a truly dangerous place, he wouldn’t be here.”
“Is Mr. Suematsu an Ability User?”
“We don't know, even after testing him. Everyone just assumes he is, though.”
He wasn’t detected by current tests, but he definitely possessed some kind of power. That was why I trusted him. Guided by the Old Man High Priest, we entered the Mausoleum.
“Ah, I see.”
Inside was a device that looked exactly like the gate Saria and the others had been trying to pry open. However, this one really was just a door. It was made of stone and looked incredibly heavy.
“To think this connects to another universe...”
“No, there should be an interior. Sketches from the Dynastic Era still remain.”
There was a control panel for the device.
“I’m going to place my hand on it.”
“Understood! Please, go ahead.”
Right. The authentication device seemed to still be functional. When I placed my hand on it, the device began to glow.