Politics

(Arthur POV)

The news couldn't stop talking about "market destabilization" and "multi-currency proposals" lately. Every TV channel and newspaper speculated about how my film's earnings might reshape the economy, with constant chatter about new currencies being introduced.

Sure, it seemed like fear-mongering to discourage entertainment spending, but my gut told me there was more to it. Something about these stories felt orchestrated, as if powerful figures were laying groundwork to limit my profits.

Following my instincts, I started moving fast. First stop: real estate. I bought properties across Horn Kingdom and expanded into Tiger Kingdom, where foreign ownership faced fewer restrictions. If the dollar weakened, land would hold value.

Next came rare magical materials - worth more than gold and likely to appreciate if currency values shifted. Then I turned to the stock markets. I acquired shares in promising companies, especially dwarven corporations listed on the Empirica Stock Exchange and valuable firms on the Horn exchange.

I didn't stop there. Precious gems, ancient artifacts, magical equipment - anything that would hold or gain value went into my portfolio. I even had my eye on this expensive villa at Victory Peak. With the way things were heading, living lavishly made more sense than holding onto currency that might lose value.

Politicians started showing up too, suddenly eager to befriend me. Can't blame them - earning hundreds of millions in five weeks tends to get attention. But their timing just confirmed my suspicions that bigger changes were coming.

***

On July 26th, I became owner of Victory Peak's most prestigious villa, securing it for 4 million dollars.

The property took my breath away - sprawling gardens stretched into the distance, perfectly manicured with ancient trees and flowing fountains. The mansion itself rose majestically against the skyline, its classical architecture blending seamlessly with modern luxuries.

Only the Horn royal family's castle surpassed my new home in grandeur.

"This estate suits you perfectly, Mr. Pendragon. Truly worthy of a genius prince," said Malakar Ironwrath, leader of the Royalist Unit Party. He'd been trying to establish a connection with me for days now.

"I owe it to your assistance, Mr. Ironwrath," I replied diplomatically. "Without your intervention, neither the four million price tag nor the owner's willingness to sell would have materialized."

Malakar beamed. "Please, it was nothing. You deserve this, Mr. Pendragon."

I smiled politely, recognizing his true motives. With October's election barely two months away, he was clearly fishing for campaign contributions.

"Can we check out the inside?" Firfel whispered eagerly, flanked by an equally curious Vivienne and Sylwen in her Megan Fox appearance.

"Go ahead. I'll join you shortly."

After they hurried toward the mansion, I turned to Malakar. "Your party must be busy preparing for the October election. Perhaps there's some way I could assist?"

His smile widened. "Hehe, we would welcome any support you feel appropriate, Mr. Pendragon. The decision is entirely yours."

We strolled through my vast garden as Malakar pressed his case.

"Your influence could do wonders for us, Mr. Pendragon. With your TV network behind us, our message would reach every home."

"True," I nodded. "TV coverage could significantly boost your chances."

Internally, I scorned the Royalist Unit Party and their obsession with nobles and royalty. As a businessman without titles, their policies offered me nothing. Still, playing along with Malakar served my purposes.

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "With Hellfire Network, we'd win by a landslide!"

Perfect opening. "But promoting only your party could backfire," I cautioned. "Other parties would cry foul, claim media manipulation. They'd argue that denying them equal TV coverage violates election laws. The Election Commission might even invalidate results if they prove unfair media coverage."

Malakar's enthusiasm dimmed. "I hadn't considered that."

"I suggest giving all parties fair coverage on my network," I offered reasonably.

His frown showed his true colors. "Then any party could win. That's... not what we had in mind, Mr. Pendragon."

I chuckled, while internally plotting. The Economic Prosperity Alliance, currently unpopular and under-supported, would make the perfect puppet. If I could maneuver their prime minister into power, I'd have far more control than dealing with these royal bootlickers.

"Perhaps we could be subtle," I suggested. "Cover everyone, but with strategic... emphasis. Much harder to prove bias that way."

Malakar's eyes lit up. "Tell me more about this plan of yours."

I had to hold back laughter watching Malakar fall for my deception about "subtle promotion." After thirty minutes, he'd completely bought into it.

"This plan sounds excellent," he said, practically bouncing with excitement. "Such an innovative approach!"

My proposed strategy involved modern campaign techniques - demographic targeting, prime-time slot manipulation, and subtle visual framing that would actually hurt his party. Color psychology in political coverage, camera angles making his party appear disconnected from common people, and strategic placement of their segments between unpopular news items. All presented as brilliant marketing, when it would actually diminish voter trust.

As Malakar left, practically skipping with enthusiasm, I snorted. "No use for a royal bootlicker, unfortunately." Hands clasped behind my back, I entered my new home.

The place was alive with activity - Firfel, Vivienne, Sylwen, and Old Rocky exploring every corner. Klein's voice echoed through the halls: "This house is amazing!"

Watching my actors and employees wander freely, I questioned the wisdom of giving them such open access. With a resigned shake of my head, I let it be.

***

The next day, I dispatched Sylwen to bring in Valerie Blackhand, leader of the Economic Prosperity Alliance.

The thirty-year-old demoness carried herself with quiet dignity, her thin golden-rimmed glasses completing her professional appearance. She greeted me with understated politeness.

"Please, have a seat," I gestured.

"Thank you for the invitation," Valerie responded simply.

As Sylwen brought tea, I got straight to the point. "Here's what I envision. Hellfire Network seems to favor the Royalist Party on the surface, but our coverage will subtly reveal how out of touch they are with everyday people. At the same time, we'll present the EPA as the voice of economic reform—the underdog challenging the entrenched nobility. When viewers see RUP representatives in their lavish mansions while EPA leaders talk about market reforms from factories and trading floors, the contrast will be powerful."

An hour later, Valerie sat back, clearly impressed by the layers of deception. "Such an intricate plan... I never expected this level of strategic thinking from you."

I took a measured sip of tea. "Entertainment and emotional manipulation aren't so different. Both require understanding what moves people."

Admiration flickered in her, "As a demoness, I must say that you are the true demon among demons, Mr. Pendragon." She added, "I find it hard to believe why the royal family of morningstar would exile you."

"Let's not venture there," I chuckled softly.

"Of course." Valerie nodded, respecting the boundary.

"Aren't you concerned about backlash?" Valerie asked. "The Royalist Unit Party represents royal and noble interests. Opposing them could be dangerous."

I smiled confidently. "I'm not worried about them. RUP has controlled this kingdom's politics long enough. It's time for change."

That word - 'change' - would become the cornerstone of our strategy. While Hellfire Network appeared to support RUP and criticize EPA, Valerie's party would champion change, speaking directly to citizens' frustrations. The more my network seemed to dismiss them, the more compelling their message would become.

The beauty of this plan lay in its flexibility. If EPA won, I'd have a grateful ally in power. If they lost, I'd still have RUP's goodwill, since they'd believe I'd supported them while attacking EPA.

Whether this "underdog" strategy would succeed remained to be seen. Public sympathy often favored those who fought against established power - but theory and reality didn't always align.

One thing was certain though: if EPA won, everything would serve my interests perfectly.