Two months was far too short to persuade the continent, but more than enough to carve my will into its very fabric. As I traveled across nearly the entire land, it occurred to me that persuasion was unnecessary. There was no need to explain the workings of a lighter to apes; simply placing it in their hands would be enough.0

The weight of intimidation, the image of a villain—these were powerful tools in moments like this. I applied steady pressure on those unwilling to heed my predictions.0

With Empress Sophien’s full support, I had countless means at my disposal, including patrols carried out by the Elite Guards, edicts issued directly from the Imperial Palace, and even subtle threats backed by Yukline’s financial influence.0

"Professor! At this rate, the entire territory is on the verge of bankruptcy. I implore you—please, reconsider..."0

As a result, a procession of troublesome nobles showed up at my doorstep. Although I had forced their hand in order to secure the survival of their own lands, these lords and aristocrats arrived, pleading for me to save them instead.0

I stared at the nobleman standing on my doorstep and said, "Gehan,...0