Lucian felt every pair of eyes in the imperial court locked onto him, waiting for his next profound statement. His palms were sweating, his throat dry, and Dorian looked like he was about to collapse from sheer panic.

  "Uh, right," Lucian continued, his mind racing. "The key to a thriving economy is… not taking money from people?"

  A few nobles nodded sagely, murmuring amongst themselves.

  "Brilliant," one whispered. "So simple, yet profound."

  Lucian swallowed. "Exactly! The government should, uh, trust its citizens! Allow them the freedom to create, to prosper, and to—" He waved a hand vaguely. "You know, do business things."

  The Emperor leaned forward. "And what of military funding? Infrastructure? Protection of the realm? Surely governance requires resources."

  Lucian's stomach churned. "Oh. Right. That. Well, people… people like safety, right? If they have a vested interest in their own protection, they'll naturally… uh… defend themselves?"

  The chamber fell silent.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Then, a noble in an elaborate velvet robe slowly stood. "You propose a self-sustaining, community-driven defense force?"

  Lucian blinked. "I do?"

  The noble turned to the others. "Imagine it! An empire where every citizen takes responsibility for their own security! No bloated standing armies! No corrupt tax collectors siphoning the wealth of the people!"

  Lucian’s jaw went slack. What is happening?

  Another noble stood. "His Excellency’s words ring true! Have we not seen how bureaucracy stifles innovation? Lord Veilwood’s county has flourished under minimal interference! Perhaps the entire empire should take heed!"

  Dorian made a strangled sound. "Oh no. Oh no no no."

  Elaine grinned. "This is getting good."

  The Emperor steepled his fingers, considering. "Lord Veilwood, you present a radical vision. If such a system works in Duskwatch, could it work elsewhere?"

  Lucian stared at him, mouth dry. "Uh…"

  The chamber erupted into debate. Some nobles were fervently for the idea, others violently against it. Heated arguments broke out, and before Lucian knew it, factions were forming.

  Dorian buried his face in his hands. "You’ve done it. You’ve started an imperial-wide debate on governance. We are all going to die."

  Lucian exhaled sharply. "I just wanted a nap."

  The Emperor raised his hand, and silence fell. "Lord Veilwood, you have given us much to consider. We shall deliberate on these matters in the coming days. You will remain in the capital as our guest."

  Lucian forced a smile. "Fantastic."

  Elaine clapped him on the back. "You just might go down in history, my lord."

  Lucian groaned. I was afraid of that.