Chapter 27

“Hey, I’ll be back in a bit after going somewhere with Lady Karlreya.”

“…Going somewhere alone with Lady Karlreya? What’s the reason? Don’t tell me…”

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it’s not what you imagine.”

I sighed as Serika stared at me like she couldn’t believe this for a second.

Hmm, how should I put this?

It feels like every time I walk down the street, two random high school girls pass by and chat about “Oh, isn’t that your boyfriend?” “Wanna die? ‘Cause he’s totally not your secret lover.”

‘Well, I guess it kinda makes sense why she’s acting this way.’

Objectively speaking, I’m nowhere near on the same level as Karlreya… Her Royal Highness the Empress.

Under normal circumstances, someone like me wouldn’t dare speak to her so casually or even make eye contact. But hey, maybe I’ve climbed up the ladder a little, huh?

“So anyway, it’s not anything else—Imperial Household called me. Said they just wanted to see me for a moment.”

“…The Imperial Household? For what?”

“Well, I’m not entirely sure, but it might have something to do with *Knight Shin Chronicle*.”

At my words, Karlreya beside me nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. As you know, Serika, *Knight Shin Chronicle* has gone beyond being just popular—it’s influencing the entire Empire. His Majesty probably wants to discuss something related to that with the director.”

“His Majesty wants to personally talk to Ragnar…”

After biting her lip, Serika opened her mouth as if making a decision.

“I’m coming too.”

“What?”

“If His Majesty is going to say something to you, Ragnar, I might be able to help out if things get tough. Like last time during the protests, I could testify that it wasn’t your fault or anything like that…”

Serika’s words made Karlreya chuckle wryly.

“It’s admirable dedication, but there’s no need for you to go through such lengths, Serika.”

“What? Why not?”

“The real reason His Majesty summoned the director isn’t to criticize him—it’s to boast publicly.”

“…Boast? About what?”

Could it be bragging that *Knight Shin Chronicle* was an animation supported by the Imperial Household?

“Uh… well…”

Karlreya gave a somewhat awkward smile as if explaining felt embarrassing.

“Maybe His Majesty just wants to show off his superior knowledge of what’s coming next in the series?”

“…?”

****

Inside the royal palace, where the Emperor usually discusses policies with his ministers…

There, the Emperor was laughing heartily, clearly in a great mood.

“Hahaha, Ragnar! Yes, yes, I’ve heard all about it. Recently, *Knight Shin Chronicle* has taken the entire Empire by storm, hasn’t it?”

As he spoke, the Emperor enthusiastically patted Ragnar on the back repeatedly, looking truly delighted.

“Recently, according to surveys conducted by the Imperial Household, nearly 5% more people are learning to read because they want to better understand *Knight Shin Chronicle*. Can you imagine how pleased I was when I heard this news?”

While hearing “5%” might make some think “That’s all?”…

For the Empire, which boasts the largest territory on the continent, 5% of its population is an absolutely astronomical number.

“For years, I’ve worked tirelessly to solve the literacy problem among our citizens. Too many people suffer daily due to their inability to read, missing out on rights they deserve.”

Despite decades of effort from the Emperor, the issue of illiteracy among the Empire’s populace showed no signs of improvement.

Even in Earth’s 21st century, where primary education is mandatory and information can easily be accessed via the internet and smartphones, eradicating illiteracy completely remains challenging.

Although this world uses magic to achieve extraordinary advancements, overall, their civilization still resembles the modern era. Thus, solving the literacy problem seemed practically impossible.

But then, everything changed thanks to Ragnar.

When the citizens were introduced to Ragnar’s creation, *Knight Shin Chronicle*, they quickly became obsessed with it.

And soon enough, they started voluntarily teaching themselves to read so they could better understand the intricacies of the series.

Because, let’s face it, *Knight Shin Chronicle* being a mecha anime often relied on documents and reports to convey key plot points, making it harder for illiterate viewers to follow along.

Of course, in reality, they weren’t learning to read purely out of educational zeal—they just wanted to become hardcore fans.

Still, for the Emperor, such trivial details didn’t matter.

“Indeed, trusting and supporting you has paid off, hasn’t it? Gentlemen, did you know that *Knight Shin Chronicle* is actually a project sponsored by the Imperial Household?”

The Emperor grinned as he announced this fact.

“Moreover, before the show aired, the Imperial Household also played a role in distributing televisions across the Empire. While Ragnar deserves most of the credit for *Knight Shin Chronicle*’s success, we too have a share in its achievements.”

Though technically, the idea to support the animation originally came from the Empress, and the plan to distribute televisions had been in place long before.

Yet, the Emperor shamelessly omitted these facts.

“Therefore, remember this: sometimes a pen is mightier than a sword. And culture can wield immense influence over people.”

Just then…

“But Your Majesty. While praising Ragnar’s accomplishments is justified, there are certain issues we must address alongside it.”

One of the ministers, who had quietly listened to the Emperor’s self-congratulatory speech, finally spoke up.

“*Knight Shin Chronicle* is undoubtedly a masterfully crafted work of art. We agree that it provides comfort and joy to the people. However, there are concerns we cannot overlook.”

“Concerns? What concerns?”

“For example, in the first episode, there’s a scene where the Empire’s army gets utterly annihilated by outsiders. This might give the public the impression that our military is weak—”

“Ahh, don’t worry about that.”

The Emperor abruptly cut off the minister mid-sentence.

“To begin with, outsiders aren’t beings that humans—or even the Empire’s army—can stand against. In fact, according to the setting—”

“…Your Majesty.”

Karlreya sighed deeply, interrupting the Emperor.

“Didn’t Director Ragnar explicitly ask you not to spoil the story? It’s fine if you watch it privately, but please refrain from revealing details to others.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right. Sorry about that, Karlreya.”

With a completely unapologetic expression, the Emperor apologized.

“…Lady Empress. Exactly what is His Majesty trying to say here?”

Naturally, the ministers present could only express their confusion.

What exactly is the Emperor talking about?

It’s almost as if… he already knows how *Knight Shin Chronicle* will unfold!

Silent glares demanded answers from both the Emperor and Karlreya.

Eventually, Karlreya had no choice but to reveal the hidden truth.

“The truth is… His Majesty has been watching upcoming episodes weeks ahead of schedule.”

“…Excuse me?”

“What does that mean, Your Majesty!”

Upon hearing Karlreya’s revelation, the ministers stared at the Emperor with shocked expressions.

After all, most of them were avid fans of *Knight Shin Chronicle*, eagerly tuning in every weekend.

They were all dying to know how the story would develop.

Some even wanted to corner Ragnar and bombard him with questions about the series—but restrained themselves out of social propriety.

Now, discovering that the Emperor had abused his power to watch future episodes early left them appalled.

How could such a disgraceful act be allowed under the sun?

“Ahh, don’t misunderstand. The Emperor isn’t oppressing Ragnar using authority; rather, he’s exercising his rightful privileges as a sponsor.”

The Emperor smirked confidently as he explained.

“I fully fund the production of *Knight Shin Chronicle* and act as its censor, ensuring the content doesn’t negatively impact the citizens. Hence, reviewing upcoming episodes beforehand is essentially part of my duties.”

“…T-That’s—”

“No matter how you justify it, how could you possibly—”

The ministers glared jealously at the Emperor.

Meanwhile, the Emperor basked in their envy, wearing an air of superiority.

“So, is that all you wanted to say? Is there nothing else you wish to discuss with me?”

“…No. There’s still one thing. In episode 17 of *Knight Shin Chronicle*, when Hero Kai destroys Knight Luke’s mech, it might be perceived as glorifying murder—”

“Ahh, that’s not the case.”

“…Pardon?”

“You may worry, but there’s no need. Because in the next episode, 18, Kai will—”

The Emperor paused mid-sentence, glancing at the nobles hanging onto his every word with bated breath.

“…Do you not understand?”

“…Your Majesty?”

“Ah, never mind. I almost spoiled another big moment for you. Such a terrible mistake I almost made. Very terrible indeed.”

“…”

“…”

Thus, the Emperor gleefully trolled his subordinates while Ragnar squeezed his eyes shut, unable to bear witnessing the Emperor’s descent into meme-tier villainy.