Arthur stood before a vast digital map in the New York penthouse, the Empire's veins glowing like rivers. Yet, even as his empire pulsed with wealth and loyalty, he knew it wasn't enough.
"Arteries give wealth. Veins give obedience," Bianca remarked, tracing the glowing routes. "But a body dies without capillaries. They reach every cell, every household, every heartbeat."
Arthur smiled faintly. "Then we will be the pulse in every home."
Thus began the Capillary Campaign.
Media as Bloodflow
Eva unleashed her digital brilliance, weaving algorithms that reshaped social platforms. Overnight, trending topics aligned with Ashford ideals. Songs praising the Empire dominated charts, television networks suddenly signed exclusive deals with Arthur's conglomerates, and even morning news anchors echoed phrases subtly crafted in Vivian's political office.
"Influence them while they sip coffee," Vivian said coldly. "By the time they reach work, their thoughts will already serve you."
Education as Vessels
Yesenia stepped forward, taking control of religious and educational institutions. Private schools flourished under Ashford funding, blending old aristocratic etiquette with modern innovation. Textbooks rewrote the legacy of nobility—not as relics of the past, but as the future under Emperor Arthur.
In churches, synagogues, and mosques, donations from Ashford foundations ensured sermons carried a new theme: unity, loyalty, legacy. Even the cult priestess spread whispers of divine prophecy—that an Emperor had risen, chosen to restore balance to a fractured world.
The Digital Homefront
Roxy's shadowy control of the darknet and Eva's corporate firewalls converged. Every smartphone, every search, every late-night chat passed under their dominion. "People think the internet is free," Roxy sneered. "But now it's just another set of veins. We own the oxygen."
Arthur approved. "So be it. Let them breathe Ashford air."
The Old Guard Shifts Tactics
But while Arthur's capillaries spread unseen, the Old Guard struck back with subtle poison.
Across Boston, whispers of rebellion spread—anonymous pamphlets painting Arthur as a tyrant. In Chicago, a noble family loyal to Arthur found their daughter kidnapped, her safety threatened unless they renounced his banner. Online, shadow-bots launched smear campaigns, calling him a false emperor.
Arthur read the pamphlets in silence before tossing them into the fireplace.
"They try to infect my bloodstream with disease," he muttered, flames curling around the paper.
Aurora's voice was sharp. "Then purge them as a physician would—with fire."
The Pulse of an Empire
That evening, Arthur stood on the balcony of his Manhattan fortress, staring down at the glowing city grid. Each light represented not just wealth or loyalty—but dependency.
They ate Bella's food.They cheered Candy's sports and culture.They studied in Yesenia's schools.They worked in Bianca's industries.They prayed under Aurora's aristocratic legacy.They breathed Roxy and Eva's networks.
The arteries, the veins, and now the capillaries—all led back to him.
And as the Old Guard schemed in the shadows, Arthur whispered into the night:
"You can fight an army. You can fight a king. But how do you fight the blood in your veins?"