Two days later, the fruits of Morrigan's plan began to show their effects. The new ideological movement in Berlen, the Fairy-Human movement, was gaining popularity.
Morrigan had declared that the people of these lands had a holy bloodline descended from fairies while speaking. This quickly became popular, especially with Jülgen's clever tactics.
Supporters started to form among the people. Though still a minority, it was expected that the foundation would be established within two months. Morrigan had spent almost 500 million gold on various schools.
These schools were religious, with lessons focused on history, Genesis, and the God of Creation. In addition, the racial divisions among people seemed to be decreasing.
People began to slowly refer to themselves as Aryans, a name created by Seth. Though things were going well so far, racism was beginning to rise.
This was especially true against foreign nations. People were already blaming them for everything. Thanks to Morrigan, this had now transformed into an ideology.
Though Morrigan had heard of some racist incidents, she ignored them. After all, she needed hatred now, and she was overlooking the people's behavior.
Outside of Berlen, Morrigan's influence was nearly nonexistent, but the news of Morgana being crowned Empress had been passed to the people by the governors.
Newspapers had started reporting on it, but Morrigan had given them gold to prevent them from publishing anti-imperial news.
Some socialists and opposition groups were still persistent. Seeing this, Morrigan had them arrested. At that moment, it wasn't yet known that there was censorship in the country.
Morrigan was careful to carry out these plans secretly and skillfully. Meanwhile, relations with the Aurelion Republic were in a downturn.
The Harmonia Kingdom did not recognize the newly established Empire. Furthermore, the Holy Mary Kingdom had not yet taken any diplomatic steps. Therefore, they remained silent.
The civil war in the Holy Mary Kingdom was severely damaging. While the Kingdom could not intervene, the armies of the Church of Light were still strong.
For this reason, Morrigan continued to maintain good relations with the Wargans. The harshest part of winter was approaching, and the Wargans were becoming increasingly aggressive in their attacks.
Many small skirmishes had already spread across the continent along the border. Stromwind was currently in a civil war. Therefore, the Church of Light would lead the war against the Wargans.
This was turning the conflict into a religious war. For the first time in 700 years, the Church would be at a disadvantage on the battlefield.
The Orcs, however, were strangely silent. This silence was unsettling. Despite rumors, Morrigan was unaware of what was happening.
It seemed that Thomas had a certain idea but was reluctant to speak. Morrigan didn't interfere with that.
The Elves, as always, were annoying. They constantly made empty threats, threatening the people. Morrigan was irritated by the hypocrisy of the Elves, who were always peace-loving.
The Dwarves were silent. Morrigan didn't care about what they were doing in the great mountains. After all, she had no issues with the Dwarves.
"Lady, are you ready?" George asked calmly. Morrigan nodded. The second purge was about to begin. The Church of Light and the old government had been destroyed. Now, the generals, officers, and commanders among the army who were partisan and posed a risk of rebellion would be targeted.
Afterward, the armies would be distributed to the borders, and some would go to patrol the countryside.
Morrigan had united three different armies and called George and the military leaders for a meeting. Four armies had merged, totaling 50,000 men. It was a good number of cannon fodder for war and enough to eliminate enemies.
At the meeting, there were three Generals, five division commanders, seven border commanders, 124 officers, and the former head of intelligence. Additionally, there were two influential figures in the army: Red Commander Bernard and the former captain of the Royal Knights, Hammer Jörg.
These two figures were especially targeted. They were respected for their many achievements and their status in the army, which made them a serious threat to Morrigan.
Morrigan knew Bernard was a good person, helpful, and kind-hearted. She knew that someone with such a reputation would not hesitate to lead a rebellion to protect his men from death.
Though it was a shame when a good person died, Morrigan could only sigh. As her thoughts ended, she stood up. Just as she was about to leave, she felt Seth's aura and stopped.
"George, will you wait for me outside?"
"As you wish, Your Majesty." George obeyed and stepped out. Morrigan turned around. Upon seeing Seth, she wondered why he had come.
"Do you know, Bernard," Morringan said. "You resemble Mordred. He was a handsome young man like you. He was smart. He was my favorite son."
Morringan tried to make her expression as gentle and sad as possible. Bernard looked at Morringan oddly.
"Every time I look at you, you remind me of him," Morringan said, creating a touch of sorrow on her face. Bernard felt the need to comfort her, but his rank held him back.
"You felt like I called you here for something else, didn't you?" Morringan looked into Bernard's eyes. "But no, I just wanted to see you up close."
Morringan then lowered her gaze. "I truly thought you were Mordred. How foolish of me, huh?"
"You're not foolish, you are a loving mother, Your Majesty!"
Bernard nearly shouted. Then, he froze in embarrassment. Morringan laughed. "Thank you. Don't hold back your words. You are truly a good boy. Your family must be proud of you."
Hearing this, Bernard stopped and looked at Morringan with sadness. "I don't have a family, Your Majesty..."
"I didn't know. I'm sorry." Morringan apologized with a slight concern. Bernard didn't mind and looked at Morringan with a half-smile.
"You haven't done anything wrong, Your Majesty. Please don't apologize."
As Bernard became more withdrawn, Morringan fell silent for a while. She gave him a thoughtful look. Then the deep silence was broken by Morringan.
"Bernard, come here," Morringan called him gently. Bernard received the command and walked to her side. Morringan indicated for him to sit down next to her.
"Come and rest your head here."
"I'm sorry, but this—"
Morringan gently took Bernard's head and placed it on her lap. She then gently stroked his hair. Bernard didn't resist and simply froze.
For two minutes, Morringan gently stroked Bernard's head. Then, she spoke softly, "Look, this is a mother's love for her son. Something I never did for my sons before."
Morringan spoke in a nostalgic and sad tone. Bernard was surprised by the warmth rising inside him and curled up under Morringan's hand like a child.
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"I don't know what to say, Your Majesty."
"Would you like to be my son?"
"What!"
Bernard tried to lift his head in surprise, but Morringan held him down and didn't allow him to rise. Bernard could no longer hide his astonishment.
"I—"
"I told you to be my son." Morringan said seriously. "Accept me as your mother. Call me 'Mother'."
Bernard hesitated. Then, he took it as an order. "Y-yes, Mother..."
As Morringan smiled, Bernard couldn't help but smile back, a smile appearing on his lips. Morringan gently stroked his hair.
"People often call me cruel, loveless, a demon, a witch. Despite all that, do you still want to be my son?" Morringan continued, asking seriously. Bernard, feeling the love in Morringan's voice, was very surprised and smiled gently.
"I don't care. You're my mother, and I'm your son, aren't I?"
"Yes, you are my son, and I am your mother," Morringan said gently. Bernard smiled even more and allowed himself to grow in the warmth.