(9)
Our greatest Empress, Meryl's Zoldyck, after her coronation ceremony, issued her first decree: the prohibition of corsetry.
The late former Empress Kikyo was an ardent fan of corsetry, constricting her waist to an astonishing 40 centimeters with steel corsets and advocating "waist training" nationwide. A "40-centimeter waist" became a symbol of "elegance" and "ladylike" demeanor, and countless women eagerly pursued it, valuing a slender waist as beauty. Some men even took to wearing corsets to achieve more flowing body curves.
At that time, as the Empress Kikyo's sole cherished daughter, Meryl was, of course, forced to adhere to the same aesthetic standards. During her first corseting, she fainted from the constriction, and her normal eating was also affected.
She loathed Empress Kikyo, and she loathed the "corsetry" trend left behind by Empress Kikyo.
To eradicate this social trend, she ordered the heads of opponents to be cut off and all corsets on the market to be burned. Opposition voices thus vanished, but people privately continued to uphold the aesthetic of a slender waist. Without corsets, they used cloth strips or leather belts as substitutes, and the practice persisted despite repeated prohibitions.
"Your Majesty." The eldest prince, no, now Prince Illumi, he actively advised, proposing the use of severe punishment, public execution in Horu-Ru Square, to make an example of others.
Under the eyes of all, those who violated the Empress's ban were strangled to death with corsets by executioners, their ribs cracking and internal organs expelled from their throats.
Coupled with a system of rewards for informants, the use of both benevolence and authority in tandem, everyone lived in fear. A "40-centimeter waist" was no longer a symbol of "elegance" and "ladylike" demeanor; a "60-centimeter waist" became a symbol of the death line. Any adult woman with a waist circumference less than 60 centimeters was considered to have violated the Empress's ban.
"You have done very well, Prince Illumi." The first decree had achieved excellent results, and the Empress was in a very good mood. "Come here, I shall bestow a reward upon you."
Prince Illumi ascended the steps and knelt on one knee. "Gladly."
The Empress raised her whip high.
*Crack.*
The pain caused Prince Illumi's body to tremble. He raised his head, but a look of pleasure appeared on his face.
"Gladly," he repeated.
(10)
The second prince, Milluki Zoldyck, who participated in the eldest prince's coup, had also become a prince. His magical talent was rather mediocre among the royal family, but fortunately, his intellect was outstanding, and he was appointed to manage internal affairs.
The third prince, Killua Zoldyck, and the fourth prince, Alluka Zoldyck, were placed under house arrest, their magic completely sealed.
The decision not to kill these two princes was not out of mercy, but rather out of consideration for the value of royal blood. In other words, once they grew into adults, they could be used to produce offspring with magical talent.
Our greatest Empress, Meryl's Zoldyck, had a strong interest in expanding her territory. Prince Illumi, under the Empress's command, frequently led the knightly orders on campaigns.
Given the precedents, the late former King Shai'u only trusted and relied upon the three oldest noble families of the country of Batorchia, and was particularly wary of enemy spies.
In contrast, our greatest Empress, Meryl's Zoldyck, widely recruited talented individuals, disregarding their identity or nationality, and even the means they employed. Anyone with talent could be given important positions.
When the Empress appointed a traitor as Duke, the nobles' dissatisfaction reached its peak.
The traitor, Pariston Hill, Duke of Puto, was the third son of the most prominent hereditary ducal family, the Hill family, of Puto. Innate wealth and status could not satisfy him, and he actually chose to betray his country.
"With the assistance of Duke Pariston, Empress, the country of Puto was obtained at minimal cost."
"However, traitors should be condemned by all in any country."
"The victor becomes king, the loser becomes a bandit. Puto no longer exists, so how can there be talk of 'treason'?"
"Duke Pariston was merely born in Puto. His will belongs to the country of Batorchia, therefore Batorchia is his homeland."
Some nobles outwardly supported the Empress's decision, but in reality, they were waiting for the obstinate Empress to suffer the consequences of her actions.
This was because the Empress also drew Duke Pariston into her inner circle.
In the end, the Empress was nothing more than a young woman whose soul had been captured by a glib and handsome man.
A young woman who had lost her senses was no different from a blind person.
Prince Byan'd Netro of Puto and Marquis Chidorr Yorksia of Puto, who had been captured, escaped from the heavily guarded prison. The investigation results all pointed to Duke Pariston, yet the Empress remained unmoved.
"Duke Pariston's family members are still in prison, which is sufficient proof of his loyalty," the Empress retorted. "Moreover, why would he help those he has already betrayed?"
Duke Pariston's smile remained as flawless and brilliant as ever. Although the nobles could not articulate specific reasons, they firmly believed that Duke Pariston must have ulterior motives.
The key was the lack of evidence. All that could be used to accuse Duke Pariston was circumstantial evidence.
(11)
Duke Pariston was not simply the "dissolute and wanton" figure rumored to be. The nobles gradually discovered his cunning and formidable political acumen. He proposed the strategy of "forming alliances with distant states and attacking proximate states," effectively accelerating the territorial expansion of Batorchia. In addition, he actively recommended newcomers with shallow roots and suppressed the three major noble families, his ambition evident.
The Empress's unwavering protection and indulgence of Duke Pariston allowed him to wield immense power, making it seem as though Batorchia might soon change hands.
The nobles privately expressed their willingness to support a coup to Prince Illumi, but he flatly refused. "If I hear such proposals again, I will bring you before the Empress on charges of treason."
After Duke Pariston gained power, he began to amass wealth with impunity, and the common people, heavily oppressed, lived in dire straits.
"Duke Pariston not only feathered his own nest but also intended to secretly cultivate his own power," some nobles advised.
"These are necessary expenses for territorial expansion," the Empress turned a deaf ear to this.
Prince Milluki inwardly cursed the noble as an idiot.
This idiot simply didn't consider where the vast sums of money supporting the Empress's daily extravagant lifestyle came from. Duke Pariston had already figured out the Empress's preferences; as long as he kept the Empress perfectly pleased, she would naturally shield him as much as possible. Opposing Duke Pariston was tantamount to opposing the Empress.
Prince Milluki also harbored extreme dissatisfaction with Duke Pariston, but his dissatisfaction stemmed primarily from personal reasons.
Rapid territorial expansion was followed by a large amount of consolidation and governance work. Prince Milluki was certain that Duke Pariston was perfectly capable of handling this work, but instead, Duke Pariston either did a perfunctory job or made excuses using the Empress as a shield, burdening Prince Milluki with most of the work.
Prince Milluki gradually grew thinner amidst his day-and-night toil.
When the nobles, disappointed with Prince Illumi, set their sights lower and tried to lobby Prince Milluki, he finally couldn't help but curse loudly and blast them out with magic.
Prince Milluki now had no further desires. He was tired and just wanted peace.
(12)
The territory of Batorchia had more than doubled in size.
Her Majesty the Empress lifted all border restrictions and opened the country's gates, resulting in an impressive population figure.
"Friendliness, warmth, and acceptance! Welcome to Batorchia!" Duke Pariston, who had made significant contributions to diplomacy, spoke eloquently. "This is the most important characteristic of Batorchia—tolerance! Our greatest Empress never discriminates based on anyone's origin or past; everyone here can receive respect and fair treatment."
People from all walks of life flooded into Batorchia, including many criminals wanted by other countries. As Prince Milluki was already overwhelmed with the impending severe public security issues, Duke Pariston, with his ever-present brilliant smile, told him not to worry.
"Prince Milluki, look at them again. They are not humans at all; they are the best mineral resources."
"Give them job opportunities, raise their cost of living, make them run around tirelessly, and leave them with no time for other matters."
"As for those villains, deter them with 'severe penalties for minor offenses' and monitor them with 'collective responsibility.' Informants will be rewarded, otherwise, they will all be treated as criminals."
"If there are still those you cannot handle, use our greatest Empress's usual saying, 'chop off his head,' and it will be done."
Prince Milluki's forehead broke out in a sweat.
Rather than being troubled by state affairs, he might as well be troubled by other matters.
Milluki, who was originally broad-minded, plump, and ordinary-looking, had, after growing thin from day-and-night toil, become a handsome man who inherited the Empress Kikyo's appearance. Thus, Duke Pariston offered a gift, and that devilish man actively suggested to the Empress that Prince Milluki participate in the meeting that evening.
"I didn't expect Her Majesty the Empress to agree either," Duke Pariston feigned surprise. "To receive the Empress's recognition is indeed an honor."
"Yes, the same 'honor' that Count Kite, Baron Shai'u, and Vice-Captain Vongle of the knightly orders received, correct?"
"You are indeed well-informed."
"Tsk."
(13)
"It seems I've arrived at just the right time."
The blonde, baby-faced youth looked up from the crowd at the Empress, who was out riding. The young Empress, dressed in a fiery red cloak, had skin and hair as white as snow. The Empress was as beautiful as rumored, but also dangerous; it was said that the Empress ascended to the throne by killing her parents.
The Empress's retinue suddenly stopped. It turned out someone had collapsed on the road.
The guards, accustomed to such occurrences, helped the person up and brought them before the Empress. The Empress glanced at him.
"Dispose of him," she said.
So, the person was tossed aside by the guards and scurried away amidst the laughter of the onlookers.
"Someone with no self-awareness," a handsome youth beside the Empress also laughed.
There were always infatuated commoners who, believing they could capture the Empress's attention, came to showcase themselves during her outings. After all, the Empress truly did not care about anyone's origin or past. She granted political asylum to Hisoka Morow, the most notorious criminal from the Meteor City, and drew him into her inner circle.
That Hisoka Morow from Meteor City was originally a priest, but in reality, a con man. It was rumored that his eyes had a hypnotic effect, and he was notorious for all sorts of deceit and fraud, single-handedly plunging Meteor City into chaos. Due to surviving three death sentences, Meteor City chose to banish him permanently.
"No, the Empress must have been bewitched by him; his eyes can make women fall head over heels."
"I heard he likes to collect women's hair; one strand from each woman, and he has collected over ten boxes."
"Don't be ridiculous, then I heard he has a 28.5!"
"Is that handsome youth by the Empress's side Hisoka?" the blonde, baby-faced youth joined the conversation of the onlookers. "I don't see anything special about his eyes."
"That's not him, of course. I heard Hisoka's eyes are golden," the onlooker replied.
"In that case, the Empress is not bewitched by Hisoka," the blonde, baby-faced youth said. "If she were truly bewitched, wouldn't the Empress favor only Hisoka? Why would she bring others along on her outing?"
"I haven't seen you before," the onlooker suddenly became wary. Due to the "collective responsibility" system, people paid close attention to unfamiliar faces. "Who are you? Where are you from? What are you here to do?"
"My name is Kalluto. I'm from the northern border," the blonde, baby-faced youth replied with a look of honesty. "I heard that Batorchia is a powerful country and I want to find a better job."
"A better job?" The onlooker scrutinized Kalluto. "I've seen plenty of people like you! I think you're also an opportunist, trying to try your luck with our Empress!"
"Ah," Kalluto scratched his head and chuckled. "You've seen right through me."
"I can help."
"Really?"
"You'll have more prospects than the guy before you," the onlooker patted Kalluto's shoulder. "From this moment on, you and I are brothers. If we prosper, let's not forget each other."
At this moment, within the Batorchian cathedral.
Hisoka, dressed in a black priest's robe, seemed to have returned to his old profession. His nearly 1.9-meter height and striking red hair were eye-catching. People's gazes were drawn to him, then they would nervously avoid meeting his golden eyes, fearing hypnosis.
If hypnosis were truly so effective, why would Hisoka have been executed three times by Meteor City?
But if hypnosis were not so effective, why would Hisoka have miraculously survived three death sentences?
The answer to this question was known only to Hisoka himself.
"Hi~" Hisoka approached a pink-haired nun. "I feel you are very special~"
"You said the same thing to the previous nun," the pink-haired nun said coldly.
"No, you are even more special~" Hisoka pursued her gaze. "Besides Her Majesty the Empress, you are the other woman unaffected by my eyes. Let me guess..."
"Light and darkness, like shadows follow."
"You have the talent for light magic, don't you?"
(14)
Magic is divided into five attributes: Fire, Wind, Thunder, Earth, and Water.
These five attributes have a cyclical counter-relationship: Fire counters Wind, Wind counters Thunder, Thunder counters Earth, Earth counters Water, and Water counters Fire.
In addition to these usual five attributes, there is a sixth attribute, "Darkness," which is not countered by Fire, Wind, Thunder, Earth, or Water attributes. It is considered a forbidden attribute, and it is said that only by making a pact with a demon can one obtain the power of dark magic.
The last attribute, the seventh attribute, is Light. It is not countered by Fire, Wind, Thunder, Earth, or Water attributes, and it counters Darkness. It cannot be learned by external means.
Light attributes are extremely rare. People with light magic talent are few and far between worldwide, and they are usually heavily protected or hidden by their countries.
For example, Sister Machi, the pink-haired nun in front of Hisoka, was thought by many to be just an ordinary nun who helped prepare the dead for burial in the church.
Originally, she specialized in serving the royal family, using light magic to heal their injuries. Unexpectedly, after the Empress ascended the throne, the royal family no longer required her abilities, and she became idle. Thus, she requested to work at the church. Unless ordered by the Empress, she would not leave the church, nor would she expose her light magic talent.
After appreciating the nun's nervous yet feigned composure, Hisoka smiled. "Don't be nervous; my relationship with Her Majesty the Empress is quite good~"
"What a pity... or perhaps, as expected~" Hisoka shook his head.
Individuals with light magic talent generally only possess healing magic, and it is quite draining of magical power. Therefore, once they appear, they are immediately monopolized by the powerful and wealthy, serving as their exclusive doctors.
Light and darkness, like shadows follow.
Her Majesty the Empress possesses a powerful dark magic far exceeding the usual specifications. Correspondingly, there should exist another person in the world who possesses light magic of the same specifications.
If it were someone close to the Empress, they would easily be discovered by her and eliminated early.
*Coo coo.*
White doves are the most common creatures in the church.
However...
Hisoka narrowed his eyes. The dove suddenly flew up and landed on Hisoka's shoulder, tilting its head. Its blood-red eyes reflected Hisoka's face.
Every animal can be an informant for Her Majesty the Empress.
Her Majesty the Empress knows more than anyone imagines.
(15)
"Oh? You have visited many divine sites and even received divine pronouncements?" The Empress became somewhat interested in the blonde, baby-faced youth before her. "What is your name?"
"Reporting to the greatest Empress, my name is Kalluto," the blonde, baby-faced youth replied respectfully.
"Omit those tedious prefixes." The Empress, rumored to be extremely tyrannical, unexpectedly showed no great airs. "Kalluto, sit beside me and tell me your story."
"...Your Majesty!" The handsome youth accompanying the Empress on her outing looked somewhat frightened.
This was because there was only one seat beside the Empress, and it was the low stool he was currently occupying.
"Your Majesty, I can sit at your feet," Kalluto humbly lowered his head.
The Empress turned to look at the handsome youth beside her.
One second. Two seconds. Three seconds.
"...Your Majesty." The handsome youth, as if his parents had died, left the low stool and walked out of the door, looking back three times.
Kalluto's enthusiastic voice continuously emanated from within the door. The handsome youth clenched his fists, filled with resentment. "Bitch!"
As the saying goes, "Only hear the laughter of the new, not the cries of the old."
With the Empress, without genuine skills or new tricks, one cannot long remain in her favor.
The newcomer, Kalluto, was skilled at narrating his travels across the land and could also bestow blessings in a certain special way, generating considerable buzz.
"Kalluto, what other surprises are there that I don't know about you?" The Empress was quite pleased with Kalluto.
Even Duke Pariston recently could not get an audience with the Empress.
He saw the handsome youth, who had been neglected by the Empress for many days, outside the palace and casually said a few words. As a result, the other person's emotions became even more distraught. "Duke Pariston, what do you think I am to Her Majesty?"
"You know, it's quite fortunate for you to resemble Prince Kuroro of Meteor City a bit."
"...Would you like this fortune?"
"What I mean is, you should cherish these last precious moments," Duke Pariston said with a smile. "Prince Illumi's target for this expedition is Meteor City."