Even if Emperor Deorte did not want to, the things that he used were bound to be luxurious. His actions, appearance, and every single thing he used was directly associated with the face of the empire. If a modest king were to wear worn-out clothes in a worn-out palace, what would the other kingdoms say about them?

[He is a modest king!]

[We must follow his example!]

Would they actually say that? No way.

[It seems like that’s how much money the Lyndis Empire has.]

[Tsk tsk, how can an emperor be like that? How demeaning.]

In a way, social phenomena could be seen as extreme brainwashing and mind games. Logic did not work most of the time. This hadn’t changed from ancient times to modern times, not even in Davey’s past life.

“They are amazing pawns.”

“They are made from the horn of a single-horned elephant. It’s a rare animal with small horns, so dozens of elephants are needed to make one set of these pawns.”

“It’s a luxury.”

“That’s right.” Emperor Deorte chuckled.

It seemed like he actually wanted someone who could have a conversation with him without being afraid of his rank.

“All the princes, too. Everyone finds me difficult with the exception of that Alberth.”

“It is because...