An Interview with the Emperor
We recently had the opportunity to interview His Highness, the Emperor. We will begin with a few questions submitted from across the nation.
What would you say is the most important moment of your reign so far? That's a good question, actually. I mean, there could be an argument for my enthronement being the most important, but that's just a ceremony. No, I would say that the most important event of my reign so far has been the accession of the Empire to the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization. I will make it no secret that, after my service back in 2017, I felt that our nation needed allies if we were to survive. Just in case. Otherwise, I cannot deny the significance of the attacks earlier this year, as well as, of course, the drafting and adoption of our new constitution. But yes, our accession to the CSTO is, perhaps, the most significant event so far, though I suspect that my answer
will change by the end of the year.
You mention that your answer to the previous question will likely change. Would that be due to the upcoming moon landing? Yes, actually. Sure, it's been done before, our allies in Rokkenjima and Tytor have both done so to great success, but this will be a... personal achievement. As you know, I've been selected to take part in the mission as a Mission Specialist. I know, I know, people always ask whether my position has anything to do with this. The truth of the matter is, however, that I was selected for the program back in 2018 from a batch of candidates. And yes, I am aware of the risks as well, but I have the utmost faith in the men and women of the Daitōjin National Space Agency.
Moving on from those matters, I would like to ask a few questions regarding the attacks earlier this year. Do you believe that the Rusani National Front was behind the attack? What I believe and what we know are two completely different things. But, to answer your question, I
want to believe that they are, but... Part of me cannot help but think there is more to it. Maybe it's just because my father was killed in the attack. Maybe. But in spite of that, we are not entirely certain at this time as to whether they are responsible, and as a result, I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to find those responsible and to... neutralize them before they may strike again.
Assuming they are not, in fact, responsible, what do you believe should be done regarding the RAC? Well, the easy answer would be to force it to disband, but nothing is ever quite that easy. Frankly, I'm not at liberty to go into detail, but we would need to put more pressure on the organization. Nothing extreme, mind you, unless they do strike. And of course, if they do launch an attack, they will be met on all fronts with and equal, opposite, and terrible reaction. I cannot stress this enough: Anyone who is a member of an organization like the RAC
is an enemy of the state. Whether they wish to lay down their arms peacefully or by force is of no consequence to us.
Final question. With news coming in regarding the Clysperi government's ratification of the Uppsala Convention and abolition of indentured servitude, many have been left wondering just how willing they are to holding themselves accountable for any breaches that may occur. What is your take on this matter? Admittedly, it is too soon to be certain, but I have to admit I have my doubts on it, in light of the behavior of their forces during their civil war. Truth be told, I don't have any reason to suspect that similar breaches will not occur in any future wars. However, we cannot ignore that this is but a single step on the path forwards, and it will take time for their government and military to become accustomed to the provisions of the convention. As for their abolition of indentured servitude, I am... Pleased to see this result. As you know, I am staunchly opposed to the practice of slavery, regardless of if it is titled as something else, which is why I am, admittedly, overjoyed by this news. However, I do feel a certain... trepidation as they move forwards with this. As you undoubtedly could guess, those in the business of using said former "servants" are unlikely to willingly give up their so-called "property" without a fight. I fear that the formerly enslaved will just be forced into another system of oppression just so that they can survive. But of course, that's just my thoughts on the matter. I would love to be proven wrong, so we'll see what happens.