(Luke Morningstar POV)
Who would've have thought that "my" younger son or more accurately - my nephew, would be able to achieve the impossible.
At first I thought that Arthur was just simply a talented actor, but who would've thought that he can invent incredible things such as this computer and barcode system.
I shake my head, turning to my economic minister. "Let's not talk about the things we should not be talking about." I gesture toward the computer on the desk. "Tell me what this computer is capable of, and why this device should be implemented in government operations."
Perah's tense shoulders visibly relaxed. He stepped closer to the computer, his earlier nervousness giving way to enthusiasm. "Of course, Your Majesty!" He pointed at the screen. "This device is capable of incredible feats. It can save documents and files with a memory system far more advanced than crystal data storage."
I lean back, maintaining my skeptical expression. "Crystal data is quite cheap. I still don't see anything special about this device."
A knowing smile crosses Perah's face as he moves to demonstrate. "Indeed, Your Majesty, but as I mentioned, it's capable of many things. It can cast basic spells..." His fingers move across the device, showing me function after function, from document creation to spell calculations.
I find myself nodding despite my initial skepticism, my interest growing with each demonstration.
Perah's excitement builds as he reaches what he clearly considers the most impressive feature. "Not only that, Your Majesty, this device can record important information and spell scrolls more efficiently and cost-effectively than crystal data or expensive scrolls." He pauses for effect. "And with sufficient magical power and core quality, this device can save high-level spells to be unleashed later... or transferred to scrolls through its 'printer' component." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NovєlFіre.net
I straighten in my chair, the implications hitting me. "You mean..." I can't hide my shock at this revelation. "With such a function, we could use this device to mass-produce single-use spell scrolls?"
Perah's smile widens as he nods eagerly. "Yes, Your Majesty. In Horn Kingdom, many scroll-crafting companies have already adopted computers for more efficient production." He spreads his hands. "While many scroll-crafting mages lost their positions, it's made scrolls far more affordable. The economic benefits have been remarkable."
I can't hide my genuine shock. The computer before me suddenly seems far more impressive than I initially assumed.
When Perah first showed it, I'd dismissed it as inferior to the barcode system. Now, seeing its true capabilities, I find myself viewing it in an entirely new light.
"There's more, Your Majesty," Perah continues, gesturing at the screen. "This device can send messages through the Hellfire Messenger application to other computers, even across long distances. However, it requires their communication network, which is currently most developed in Horn Kingdom."
"So we can't use long-distance messaging here?" I frown.
"We can, but it's limited compared to Horn Kingdom's capabilities," Perah explains, pointing to an antenna-like device atop the monitor. "Hellfire offers this 'internet receiver' - similar to a TV antenna but quite different. It allows us to connect with other computer users."
I watch as the screen displays "Hellfire Messenger," loading for several seconds before revealing a list of names under "registered users."
"What are these names?" I ask.
"Those are other computer users, Your Majesty. We can add them as contacts for communication."
"The internet receiver enables this," Perah continues, "though it's not as advanced as Horn Kingdom's network. It costs 4 dollars per day to use - expensive, but still cheaper than single-use long-distance communication scrolls."
He elaborates further, explaining how computers can connect directly over short distances without the receiver.
"You seem quite knowledgeable about all this, Perah," I observe.
He scratches the back of his head sheepishly. "I confess I've used these devices during my visits to Horn Kingdom."
I nod slowly. The device's utility is undeniable, yet I can't shake my discomfort. Every innovative feature, every clever solution reminds me of its creator - Arthur. The complexity of my feelings toward my nephew clouds even my appreciation of his remarkable invention.
After Perah bowed and left, I could still see the eagerness in his eyes - his desperate wish for me to approach Arthur about the computers. But how could I? After exiling the boy, crawling back to ask for free devices would be beyond humiliating. It's simply impossible.
I make my way to the throne room, guards bowing as I pass. Settling onto the throne, I rest my chin on my hand, elbow propped against the armrest, lost in thought.
Damn it... Why did that kid have to be the one to invent these devices? I sigh heavily at the irony.
Until now, I've never regretted exiling Arthur. His films, TV ventures, entertainment empire - none of it mattered to me. But these computers and barcodes? They could elevate our demon race to match human and dwarven technological advancement. Finally, we could compete with their economic might.
"I see you're wrestling with complicated thoughts again, my dear king?"
I look up to see my wife approaching. "Lily..."
Queen Lily settles gracefully onto my lap, her smile knowing. "Share your worries with me, my king."
Another heavy sigh escapes me. "I've been thinking about my nephew... He's created something truly revolutionary, something that could transform our kingdom."
"The computer everyone's discussing?" she asks.
I nod slowly. "Yes... I never imagined Arthur could be this competent. And I've been considering..."
Lily's eyes turn cold, her expression hardening. "You're not thinking of reinstating him as prince just because of some device, are you?"
"It's not just 'some device,' my queen," I frown. "Its capabilities are extraordinary."
Lily snorts dismissively. "Hmph. It's not like that device can't be replicated. We could hire the most talented mechanics and brilliant demons to create our own version, avoiding your nephew's patents entirely."
I frown, considering this idea that had crossed my mind before. "It's not that simple, my queen. I've seen the device's capabilities firsthand. The complexity behind it... I doubt we could easily reproduce something similar."
"My king," Lily persists, "if your nephew could create this with just basic mechanical talent, never having attended university - surely our educated geniuses and newly graduated experts could match his achievement."
I tap my fingers against the armchair thoughtfully, pulling her closer with my other hand. "We'll see if it's possible."
Her words give me hope. Perhaps we could create something similar...
"Let's set Arthur aside," Lily says, shifting in my lap. "Our eldest son, Azazel, returns from the Nether Realm in a few days. We should prepare a feast to welcome him home."
I nod, thoughts turning to my heir. "I'm relieved he's returning safely. The Nether Realm is treacherous - even its surface holds constant danger, let alone the deep territories."
"Our son is more than capable," Lily says proudly. "He could hold his own against an infant dragon on Eden Continent for a full minute." Her smile widens. "And that was six years ago. Imagine his power now."
I nod thoughtfully. The Nether Realm, situated in the Glacia Expanse beyond the Hades Gate... memories flood back of when my own father sent me there. Brutal and unforgiving, yet there's no better forge for shaping future rulers.
Azazel didn't face those trials alone. The heirs of our most prominent noble houses accompanied him: the proud Nevermore heir with his ancient bloodline, the cunning Asmodeus scion in his immaculate suit, the perpetually languid Belphegor youth, and the profit-obsessed Mammon descendant. Each family ensuring their next generation would be tempered by the Nether Realm's harsh lessons.
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