They don't want me to try anymore.

...This was obviously Richard flattering him.

But even if he didn't say it, he wasn't entirely lying.

Although he could easily list a whole host of the empire's shortcomings, as the strongest human nation in the world, or rather, the strongest nation among all races, it also had real advantages. Many systems from previous modern societies had already taken shape here.

However, these benefits don't extend to those who are exploited by them...

But it's still better than Van Dant in the south.

Even on Norton I's wrinkled face, a hint of pride was evident in his words.

Yes, if Richard's account is correct, many of the aforementioned laws were indeed enacted during the reign of Norton I.

This shows that, in his youth, His Majesty the Emperor was at least a reform-minded ruler who was determined to revitalize the dynasty.

Having said he'd flattered him enough, Richard changed the subject:

"Times are progressing, the nation is developing, and I believe that Holy Roland's future will be even brighter than it is today. Therefore, I also believe that when the empire's glory shines upon us, even on the land of Connaught, the illegal activities of multinational corporations will disappear..."

"Hahaha, Maradona, look, this kid's got his sights set on this..."

After exchanging pleasantries with his close advisors, Norton I said to Richard, "Since I have been praised, I will grant your request. I will issue a decree to regulate the practices of overseas companies... but that will be all."

In other words, it's just an advocacy, right?

However, it was enough as a tiger skin; Richard never expected a holiday wish to rival the standard fruit and the Dulles family.

Moreover, if Norton I were to actually send someone to investigate, or audit the accounts and taxes of overseas companies, who knows what kind of trouble might arise, such as ships being destroyed, people dying, or airships crashing...

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Next, Norton I inquired about Richard's experiences and observations.

This was similar to a casual chat, and Richard answered each question humorously, even throwing in some novel ideas from modern people, which the Emperor found quite amusing.

When the time was almost up, or rather, when Norton I was getting tired, the Marquess of Marid led Richard out of the garden and into a nearby room.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty will soon grant your wish."

After Marido finished speaking, he smiled at Richard.

Richard guessed that this person was probably speaking well of him because of Lauren.

He quietly took a small gift bag from his pocket and handed it over.

Marino raised an eyebrow: "These aren't needed here..."

"It's not money, it's dragon scales. Thank you for explaining the matter of Guamara to His Majesty."

Richard stroked the gift bag, revealing its sharp edges.

These were the ones that Dahei had rubbed off during his fight with Luvia. He picked out a few that looked good and kept them with him for future use.

Compared to gold coins, this is much more prestigious.

Marido accepted the dragon scale without hesitation and then whispered, "His Majesty is quite satisfied with you. Don't worry about anything else. Someone will take you away from the palace in a little while."

"Thank you..."

Half an hour later, Richard left the palace.

However, his schedule wasn't over yet tonight. After waiting for a while at the hotel, he met Catherine and Sophia, as well as several reporters who came to interview him.

Oh, and there's also the long-absent clerk and Ambassador Connaught.

In short, it was another hour or so of miscellaneous tasks.

The only thing that brought Richard some comfort was the news from the clerk that Ms. Megan had been released from prison and returned to Connaught.

Lady Lauren has a reason to say that!

After the interview and photo shoot, the three members of the team were finally alone again in the hotel's meeting room.

Sofia teased, "You look like you just had another fight with William."

Richard shrugged: "I don't really like these kinds of activities, I find them tiring. By the way... if I may ask, what wishes did you all make?"

“I asked for a fiefdom in the north,” Sofia answered decisively.

Catherine said, "I have obtained the rights to develop and operate a shipping route from the Isle of Divine Grace to the High Elf Kingdom..."

Richard also expressed his wish, but before the two women could ask him why, he suddenly added:

"I want to publish a newspaper."

"what?"

The sudden change of topic caught Catherine off guard, while Sophia's pupils contracted.

Richard certainly wasn't making things up.

After his first two simulations, he wanted to launch the New Era newspaper in reality. However, unlike the simulations, he did not intend to take full control of everything, but only to provide initial strategies and guidance.

This necessitates that someone from the Empire take care of things.

Then Catherine and Sophia, and Lauren behind them, are the perfect match.

Furthermore, upon hearing that Sofia had been granted a fief, Richard also intended to use this opportunity to test her stance.

Veronica and Alice are staunch anti-Imperial allies. Although Luvia is an Imperial citizen, she is upright, close to conservatives, and willing to sacrifice her life to uphold her beliefs, so she is also an ally.

Therefore, even if they also had simulations, Richard wouldn't be particularly worried.

As for Sofia, given the current situation, it's hard to judge her stance.

Since the other party was well aware of the future potential of his newspaper, Richard took the initiative to bring it up to see if she would join him and to observe what she would do after joining.

Catherine tilted her head: "Starting a newspaper isn't impossible, and I'm willing to support it, but why did you suddenly think of this..."

“I’ll join!” Sophia responded enthusiastically. “Richard’s ideas are always novel and effective. If you want to start a newspaper, why not begin on my new fiefdom!”

That's what I want you to say!

Richard had a plan in mind...

Starting a newspaper isn't a big deal, but it's not something that can be done overnight. After deciding to cooperate, Richard only discussed the general direction with his two teammates before saying goodbye.

The official activities of the Easter competition have now concluded.

Richard returned to St. Goethe the following day at noon.

then……

He was then pulled into a series of private parties and celebrations by his enthusiastic classmates.

Well... after all, he won the competition as a student of St. Goethe, and the other students in the school felt proud of him, so they were more eager to find him than ever before.

Considering that Ryan, a fellow member of the Southband, was among them, and that little Zoe came up to congratulate him with a hug, Richard couldn't refuse, and thus had to spend another busy day...

Until the following evening.

“Richard, this newspaper is despicable. They even made sarcastic remarks about you in their article about you…”

Zoe accompanied Richard and Katyusha back to their dorm, pouting and clearly dissatisfied.

"Let them be."

Richard rubbed the back of the girl's head and said with a smile, "I'm exhausted these past two days, all I want to do is go back to my dorm and lie down."

"Okay, then I won't bother you anymore!"

Zoe happily accepted the petting, then skipped away, humming as she went, "We're the champions~ We're the champions~"

This girl.

Richard shook his head, went into the dormitory, and said to Katyusha, "You should go to bed early tonight too."

"Your Highness should also get some rest."

of course!

The social activities are finally over, and I can't wait to get back to studying tomorrow!

Richard let out a long breath, buried himself in the soft mattress, and his thoughts drifted away...

I do not know how long it has been.

He felt the bed shake slightly, woke up from his sleep, and squinted to look.

Under the gentle moonlight, someone stood by the window, gazing at him silently.

"You are... huh?"

Luvia?!

Before she could utter another word, Luvia suddenly lowered her body and straddled the bed in a rather familiar posture. She raised her fair and delicate hand, which showed no trace of having ever held a sword, and gently covered Richard's lips with hers.

The female swordswoman brought her crimson lips close to her ear and whispered:

"Shh, the noise is too loud, it'll wake Katyusha up..."

Well……

So why don't you come to see me during the day?

Reading the meaning in Richard's eyes, Luvia smiled slightly and said softly, "I'm sorry, but I really... really..."

"...I miss you so much."