MTLNOVEL Chapter 230: Chapter 230: The Candidate
"We need to look at this matter dialectically. Imperial rule is a relic of feudalism, but the core problem lies in the opposing interests of the ruling class and the people. The direct flaw of imperial systems is the instability of rulers' capabilities—their grip on power cannot always be strong or effective. However, stripped of these issues, its advantage lies in its true centralization of power: once a decree is issued, it is unstoppable."
"I'm not proposing a return to the old feudal system. First, we need a determined and capable emperor to suppress all discord from above. Simultaneously, we'll improve the governing bodies based on modern systems, creating an efficient and practicable administrative framework."
"Finally, imperial rule is merely a temporary measure to address the two major contradictions we face today. When the Honkai threat is resolved and the old decayed forces are swept away, we will transition to the republican system I envision, truly advancing toward a harmonious society."
Welt laid out his plan slowly and methodically.
The other three gradually began to understand.
Governments and systems, after all, are merely tools, not ultimate ends.
Welt's meaning was simple: concentrating power to get things done. As for the concerns of autocracy—instability, corruption, and other flaws—this would only be for one term. Pick a capable candidate, and the job is done. Besides, others would be there to provide support, so nothing could go too wrong.
In other words, the success of this plan hinged on the choice of the emperor.
The candidate needed to possess intelligence, political acumen, prestige, and, most fundamentally, the right ideological stance. They had to be capable of wielding this unprecedented power to unite all of civilization and resolve humanity's two major crises. At the same time, they had to be willing to relinquish the supreme position of power, along with the likely unparalleled prestige, once their mission was complete and the system needed to transition.
This would likely be humanity's first and last great emperor.
But, naturally, it was also a highly troublesome role.
"(ㅍ_ㅍ)..."
After processing the situation, Sigurd wore a deadpan expression.
It sounded like Welt himself was the most suitable candidate to "take this honor"—ahem, responsibility.
So, as the room fell silent, Sigurd broke it:
"I get your point. Both Honkai and the complete transformation you want indeed require immense power to support. In that case, this monumental task is yours—"
"Unfortunately, I'm not the right person for the job."
Before Sigurd could finish, Welt shook his head. It wasn't out of modesty but a serious declaration of his stance.
Surprised, Sigurd, Hera, and Einstein all turned their eyes toward Welt—logically speaking, he had proposed the idea. If not him, then who?
Welt sighed under their stares.
"I've been considering this matter carefully, and my conclusion is: I'm not suitable. Ideologically and in terms of not clinging to power, I qualify. However, compared to all of you, I lack the necessary wisdom. Governing the entire world involves countless details, and I might overlook something critical, leading to chaos. My reputation is also a disadvantage—I will always be seen as a Herrscher, a natural flaw. And lastly, Hera, you wouldn't submit to my rule, would you?"
Welt pointed out undeniable issues, any one of which could be catastrophic at crucial moments.
Most notably, Hera's radiant smile nodded in agreement.
Indeed, she respected the current Welt, willing to call him a hero, a sage, a saint, and a man worthy of her trust. But that wasn't reason enough for Hera to set aside her pride and bow to him.
Meanwhile, Sigurd stroked his chin, a sense of foreboding rising within him as he muttered:
"Einstein is out of the question—she's ultimately a gentle scholar lacking in certain key aspects. Otto... that's the worst option imaginable. Even if I lost my mind, I wouldn't choose him. So... could it be me?!"
Sigurd pointed to himself, dumbfounded, and looked at Welt in disbelief.
Welt responded with a radiant smile and a nod.
Sigurd's face darkened.
"No way! Just hearing about it sounds like a massive headache!"
"That's precisely why you're perfect. Your reluctance to cling to power ensures you'll cooperate in relinquishing it when the time comes."
"Otto wouldn't submit to me... would he?"
Sigurd initially tried to use this as a firm excuse, but he hesitated and turned to Hera.
"(＾ワ＾) Of course, he would~"
Hera's smile was pure and angelic, as if a pristine white lily had blossomed.
Yes, in her view, no matter how ideological or ambitious Welt was, he still didn't inspire submission.
Sigurd, on the other hand, was the savior who brought resurrection technology, a being of unparalleled strength and wisdom, far surpassing Otto Apocalypse. To Otto, if everyone could live five hundred years, Welt would still fall short. But Sigurd? He seemed to have reached an entirely different dimension.
Moreover, years of interaction had built a deep friendship. Bowing to Sigurd wasn't something Hera couldn't accept.
Most importantly, Hera found great joy in Sigurd's expression of disdain and discomfort. When he eventually took on this troublesome role, she imagined his future reactions would be even more amusing.
In short, Emperor Sigurd? Totally fine with her!
Hera's radiant, flower-like smile sent a chill down Sigurd's spine. He quickly shook his head.
"I'm not doing it. You'd better find someone else."
"Sigurd, I know this power is just a nuisance to you, but someone has to shoulder this responsibility. You're the best candidate. Don't you want to create a safe and beautiful world for Kiana and the others? Can you really entrust this all-encompassing power—even over them—to someone else?"
Welt placed a hand on Sigurd's shoulder, speaking earnestly.
Newton's Third Law: for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction.
Just as Sigurd had figured Welt out and believed he could control him anytime, Welt had also come to understand Sigurd deeply.
So Welt knew exactly how to persuade him.
As Welt expected, Sigurd fell silent at the mention of this possibility, considering the implications.
What if, in the future, the person sitting on the emperor's throne ordered Kiana to undertake a suicide mission, claiming it was for humanity's salvation?
Sigurd had confidence that no matter who that person was, he could crush their face into the ground and calmly say, "Fuck you."
But what if Kiana agreed? What then?
That possibility wasn't far-fetched. No, it was highly likely in critical situations.
And so, Sigurd wavered.
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