Empire of Shadows

Chapter 86: Rumors and a New Dinner

Jason's death had unified the group in a way few other events could have. Perhaps this was the Federation’s equivalent of the saying about weighty matters... what was it? Something about a mountain?

Lance wasn’t sure of the exact phrase, but the sentiment seemed fitting.

At 9 a.m., Lance arrived outside St. Naya’s Cathedral. His reputation among the Empire’s immigrant community had been growing steadily, and many greeted him warmly as he passed.

Lance skillfully cultivated this public image, knowing that greater success required him to become a figurehead—a “representative.”

People, after all, were a multi-purpose resource. To a capitalist, they were endless mines to be exploited. To a politician, they were weapons—capable of being swords or shields depending on the need.

In the hands of different leaders, people could take on vastly different roles. They could even be reused, like a washed condom—so long as it wasn’t broken.

Many people, such as Mr. Jobav, failed to grasp this concept. Jobav had a solid base of support but didn’t know how to utilize it. That lack of understanding made him weak.

If Jobav saw people as power instead of as a means to generate money, his strength would grow exponentially.