Chapter 154: True Winner IV
Sofia, the capital of the Dragona Empire.
Though it was located on the outskirts of the empire, Sofia was by no means small for a capital city. Its name carried a legacy from the past, and for over eighty years, it had stood as the heart of the empire’s power and economy.
At the center of the city stood the Imperial Palace, the core of the Dragona Empire. While its structure had been expanded incrementally to meet practical needs, it lacked the grandeur of the Hangurian royal palace, let alone the splendor of the Tarkic Empire or the Holy Empire.
Although the palace was neat and orderly, it felt underwhelming as an imperial castle. There were no elaborate artworks, ceiling murals, or decorations in precious metals like gold or silver. This austerity wasn’t limited to the palace alone; it extended to the empress herself.
Mina Roseveta Dragona, the empress of Dragona, lived modestly. Her attire, though neat, was far from luxurious, and her meals were simpler than those enjoyed by monarchs from other nations who dined on rare delicacies. Even national holidays were focused on public service and relief rather than elaborate celebrations.
In the past, some nobles and servants had quietly criticized the empress’ frugality. One brave servant had even mustered the courage to voice the opinion that a certain level of luxury was necessary to uphold the dignity of the empire. However, Roseveta had only smiled and responded:
“Rather than showing dignity that way, putting smiles on people’s faces is a better way to demonstrate the empire’s authority.”
After this incident, the nobles of the Dragona Empire refrained from indulging in ostentation. If the empress herself, occupying the highest position in the land, lived modestly, it would be inappropriate for her subordinates to flaunt extravagance.
This shift in culture contributed to the disappearance of luxury within the Dragona Empire during Roseveta’s sixty-year reign, allowing high-ranking officials to focus solely on strengthening the nation.