Before meeting Gesetta, William had already interacted with many individuals who had worked in journalism.
Thus, when he finally met Gesetta, he didn't waste time probing cautiously. He wasn't concerned about whether this overly flattering man before him might leak information.
William asked directly, "How do you think we can make people accept a pirate who was once a slave as their ruler?"
Gesetta's heart tightened. He was a clever man; otherwise, he wouldn't have seized the opportunity back then to fabricate sensational news about the "Young Godfather" to garner attention. This very resume was what William valued, as it demonstrated Gesetta's intelligence and adaptability.
In an instant, Gesetta deduced several crucial pieces of information from William's words:
First, the man before him was an ambitious figure who wasn't satisfied with the status quo. Second, this man was a ruthless pirate who wouldn't hesitate to kill. Third, he likely came from a humble background, possibly even having been a slave.
Whether William had been a slave didn't matter to Gesetta. Even if William had once been a slave, he was now a towering figure that Gesetta could only look up to—someone who could crush him like an ant with a mere flick of his finger.
For the sake of his future and survival, Gesetta's mind raced. After a moment, he lowered his head and said, "People love stories, especially compelling ones. If it were up to me, I'd use public opinion to craft a narrative, gradually transforming the low points of his life into an inspiring example. I'd frame his hardships as a story that commands admiration, portraying him as a unique, resilient, and unshaken figure who stands tall despite trials and tribulations. Through careful guidance, his origins and experiences would be seen as the necessary tests that forge a hero. But the key lies in contrast."
"Contrast?" William raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly. By contrasting him with someone born into privilege—someone who had everything from birth but is mediocre in ability," Gesetta said boldly, glancing at William's expression. Seeing his amused smile, Gesetta continued candidly, "Through that person's ignorance, we can highlight your wisdom. Through their absurdity, we can underscore your brilliance. Through their pettiness, we can emphasize your greatness. From their good fortune, people will see just how extraordinary your trials and hardships were! And as for the candidate for this role, we already have one."
William knew exactly who Gesetta was referring to.
It had been over three months since William took control of Kalmar City, yet he hadn't dethroned Norton I. The primary reason was that the rural resettlement and immigration campaigns were about to begin. Although these policies were fundamentally aimed at addressing urban population issues, in the short term, relocating residents to unfamiliar rural areas or barren islands didn't seem like benevolent governance. It would take time for their benefits to manifest. William kept Norton I on the throne to bear the brunt of public criticism during this transitional period.
He had even established a parliament, requiring all nobles to participate. Officially, its purpose was to enable the nobles to supervise administration. In reality, it was a form of surveillance. William mandated that all nobles must appear in parliament daily, as if clocking into work. Those who violated this rule would be stripped of their titles, leaving the perpetually idle noble lords deeply disgruntled.
Satisfied with Gesetta's response, William said, "I want to establish two newspapers. One will be a military gazette. The style and requirements will be sent to you within three days. I expect to see the finished product in one month. If I entrust this to you, can you deliver?"
"Absolutely!" Gesetta agreed without hesitation. As someone adept at seizing opportunities, he wouldn't let this one slip away. Whether he could actually accomplish the task was a concern for later.
"I'll have Sherlock assist you," William added, waving his hand dismissively. "You may leave now."
After Gesetta left, William pulled a newspaper from his desk drawer. Its bold headline read:
"World Nobles Set to Visit the East Blue."
The East Blue, the birthplace of the Pirate King, was touted by the World Government as a "model of peace." Both the Marines and the World Government frequently promoted this region as a showcase of their achievements.
The World Nobles, also known as the Celestial Dragons, were using this very reason to once again visit the East Blue to "offer their condolences" to the various nations there.
In William's eyes, these useless "condolences" served no purpose other than inviting trouble for the nations of the East Blue. Yet the newspaper was filled with flattering rhetoric, making William frown as he read.
"A mouthpiece..." William sighed. As a transmigrator, he understood that the form of warfare on Earth in his previous life had long evolved beyond mere physical combat. Propaganda, public opinion, and trade had all become critical tools of war.
The Celestial Dragons' status in the minds of this world's natives wasn't something that could be changed through mere words. Even among pirates, who defied ordinary royal nobles, there were many who feared the Celestial Dragons like the plague—this fear was practically universal.
That's why William had been so determined to establish newspapers: to create his own mouthpiece and subtly influence the thoughts of many.
A knock at the door interrupted William's thoughts. A young man, formerly part of Kalmar City's youth military, entered and saluted William. "Sir, representatives from the Goa Kingdom have informed us that their banquet preparations are complete."
William stood up, returned the salute, and adjusted the hem of his coat. Looking out the window, he saw a row of carriages waiting below.
William was not currently in Navia Kingdom territory. He was visiting the capital of the neighboring Goa Kingdom on a diplomatic trip.
Three months ago, shortly after taking control of Kalmar City, William had Norton I issue a decree appointing him as a viscount of the kingdom and its First Executor. This role granted him authority over the military, parliament, administration, legislation, and even representation in foreign affairs.
With such extensive powers, particularly military command, William was practically indistinguishable from a true monarch. Compared to kings who had lost power due to lack of talent or prestige, William was far stronger.
After three months of suppression and purging, the domestic situation had stabilized. William then actively pursued diplomacy as the First Executor, seeking external recognition to solidify the current state of affairs as an established fact.
His first stop on this diplomatic tour was the Goa Kingdom.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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