With Cipher taking the lead, the signing went smoothly. Even Janna, perched on Cipher's shoulder, guided currents to inscribe her name upon the contract.
It was clear to anyone paying attention that refusing at this moment would be fatal
This magical contract doesn't bind overly powerful beings; someone like me can survive its backlash if broken.
Janna's voice whispered directly into Cipher's mind.
Among everyone present, only she truly possessed such power. The reason she signed at all was because she had read everything within Cipher's heart and intentions.
It's not important. What we needed was only a public stance. The magical safeguards are merely a precaution.
Cipher sipped his tea calmly, then poured another cup and brought it close to Janna's form, allowing her to absorb its essence through the contact.
She refused to take fully physical form even for such occasions. Even for something as simple as tea, she required assistance. And letting her feed directly from his hand? Absolutely not, those sharp wind currents stung like needles.
"The incompetent parasites have held positions of authority in the Empire for far too long. I will ignite the flames of rebirth for Noxus. The Empire will enter a new chapter."
Swain opened the meeting with explosive words, bluntly declaring to everyone present that he had endured the puppet emperor Darkwill's regime long enough. Now he would raise the banner of rebellion to liberate Noxus from its corrupt leadership.
"From this day forward, the Trifarix Council is officially established. Before long, I will personally execute Darkwill. By then, Noxus will cast off the chains of feudal monarchy and embrace a modern republican council system."
"The Trifarix Council shall replace the emperor as the supreme authority of the Empire, handling all affairs of state."
"No matter your birth, no matter your race, no aristocratic bloodline, no political favoritism, only demonstrated ability will matter. Any who prove themselves capable will be heavily relied upon and may rise to council positions."
"Those who contribute meaningfully to the Empire, who build genuine merit through service, can become councilors."
"The Empire will open its full resources to aid worthy councilors in their personal advancement. If the Empire lacks something we need, then through negotiation or force, we will acquire it."
"The three most capable members will serve as chairman and vice-chairmen. They embody the will of the Empire."
Swain scanned the stunned faces around the table, took another sip of tea, and continued, "Now, I will announce the current leadership structure within the Trifarix Council. Merit is the sole criterion, any objections may be resolved through internal challenge."
"I serve as Council Chairman," he said. "The Vice-Chairmen are Cipher and Darius. The Councilors include Heimerdinger, Viktor, Powder, Vi, Vander, Draven, House Medarda, House Kiramman, and Jayce, whose position is held in reserve. Additional members are Lester, Quiletta, and Silco."
"Those holding councilor rank or above may now present your requests and policy proposals, or reserve them for future sessions. A new Empire will be forged by our combined efforts."
Swain held his teacup, his penetrating gaze falling upon Janna, who remained perched on Cipher's shoulder.
Her name was deliberately absent from the official roster by her own choice. As the incarnation of freedom and natural forces, she despised the burden of governmental authority and bureaucratic responsibility.
Rights came with obligations. Power meant endless administrative duties.
Especially the chairman's position, handling national affairs without rest, while countless enemies watch from the shadows for any sign of weakness. The very thought was suffocating to a being of pure liberty.
Otherwise, as a divine entity, she could have easily claimed one of the top three leadership positions through sheer power alone.
"This represents my proposal as vice-chairman. It will require a substantial share of the Empire's resources, plus cooperation from our scientific councilors."
Having prepared in advance, Cipher produced a thick stack of documents. With a subtle gesture, Janna sent copies floating through the air to each person present.
"Ascension Project, Gate Plan, constitutional policies, and proposals for citizen welfare."
Swain began flipping through the documents. His reading speed was remarkable, within minutes, he had absorbed the essential contents of each proposal.
"The Ascension Project and Gate Project are approved without reservation. We will need extraordinary power to face the threats approaching in the future. But your proposals regarding constitutional policy and citizen welfare require more careful consideration."
"The new Noxus is not identical to Zaun and Piltover. Our territory is vast, our population diverse, and the implementation of any major policy must be handled with care. I understand your noble intentions, but governing a great nation requires the same delicate touch as preparing a fine meal, too much haste will ruin everything."
He set down the papers. He had accepted most of Cipher's ambitious proposals without hesitation.
The god-making Ascension Project and the Gate Project aligned perfectly with his vision. Through the enhanced senses of his ravens scattered across battlefields, he had glimpsed the threats looming on the horizon. The Empire needed greater power, and it needed that power soon.
"I understand your caution completely. That's precisely why, regarding constitutional policy, I'm merely establishing foundational principles, laying groundwork and setting general direction."
"When it comes to practical governance, you are the expert. We will follow your judgment."
Cipher poured himself another cup of tea, unmoved by Swain's response. He had expected such consideration from a military strategist.
"I hope the reborn Empire can bring an end to these endless wars. They are too brutal, too wasteful, too unworthy of true civilization."
Following Cipher's opening, Heimerdinger also raised his hand to present a proposal.
"Absolutely, Professor," Swain replied without the slightest hesitation. "Endless warfare will only drain the Empire's strength and potential. I have no desire to exhaust our resources, or our people, in meaningless conflicts."
"I will bring these wars to conclusion. The new Noxus will discover innovative ways to demonstrate its strength, no longer chained to the primitive cycle of conquest and bloodshed."
Even if Heimerdinger hadn't spoken, he would have ended the wars anyway. The current military situation was insane.
At present, Noxus was fighting simultaneously on four separate fronts. Aside from the southern campaign against Shurima, where they enjoyed some advantages, the other three theaters were nothing but blood sacrifices orchestrated by his enemies.
Guided by Cipher's insights, he had developed a completely new understanding of resource acquisition and wealth generation.
With Noxus' territorial advantages, along with Zaun's and Piltover's technological capabilities, military plunder was actually the most inefficient, most counterproductive method imaginable.
Consider the eastern front in Ionia, for example. He didn't need warfare there at all. By leveraging advanced products and establishing trade networks, he could extract wealth and resources with profit margins tens, even hundreds of times greater than conquest could ever provide.
The Black Rose and Darkwill, acting like bloodthirsty madmen, had forced the eastern legions into a brutal invasion campaign, occupying sacred lands, slaughtering civilians, burning villages. All they had accomplished was awakening the vengeful wrath of Ionia's spiritual guardians.
Other than causing the senseless deaths of countless loyal Noxian soldiers, what had they actually gained?
Only an Ionian population who now hated Noxians so intensely they would attack them on sight, making any future cooperation impossible.
"If possible, I also hope the new Empire can prioritize scientific development, establishing legal systems and public welfare facilities."
"Just like... just like modern Zaun."
Cradling his teacup, Heimerdinger smiled as he continued.
Getting Swain to agree to ending the wars was already beyond his wildest expectations, but there was no harm in requesting additional reforms, after all, he loved the sweet progress of advancement. Why not ask for more?
"Scientific research and development will become one of the core disciplines promoted by the Empire. In every new educational institution, there will be dedicated space for a College of Technology."
Swain's reply carried absolute conviction.
Compared with the unpredictable, luck-and-bloodline-dependent field of magic, science suited his nature far better. It represented a domain where anyone could study and contribute, where ordinary citizens could achieve meaningful accomplishments, and where people could at least ensure they had food on their tables.
"That's all I needed to hear."
Heimerdinger sipped his tea.
In truth, he had also wanted to suggest developing music, literature, and the fine arts, but he restrained himself. One shouldn't be too greedy during negotiations. Those proposals could wait for another time.