Emerson pondered Todd's remarks on the separation of powers and suddenly proposed a hypothesis: "If the king were a wise monarch who could listen to his ministers' opinions and modify the kingdom's policies and course accordingly, wouldn't there be no need for the separation of powers? Power would still be concentrated in the king's hands, and the ministers would only be responsible for making suggestions and carrying them out."

Todd nodded and said, “What you said is indeed a method. In history, there have been some wise monarchs who had a broad perspective and understood the principle that listening to all sides leads to enlightenment, while believing only one side leads to darkness. In their hands, the kingdoms did indeed flourish and become increasingly powerful... But have you considered this question? These wise kings will eventually die, and their sons will inherit the kingdom. Who can guarantee that this heir will be a wise ruler? Well, assuming his son is also a good king, what about his grandson?”

Emerson sat in the chair, completely stunned.

Todd, recalling the fall of countless empires, said with endless sigh, "It may take the efforts of dozens of generations to build a kingdom, but it only takes one tyrant to destroy an empire."

"It may take the efforts of dozens of generations to build a kingdom, but it only takes one tyrannical ruler to destroy an empire."

Emerson repeated King Muxi's words, but what came to mind was the centuries of turmoil and upheaval in the Silver Ring Kingdom. He thought of the crumbling faith, the people at the mercy of others, and the cities reduced to ashes. Immediately, tears streamed down his face, and he wept uncontrollably.

Cumberland was a little flustered. He didn't know where his old friend's sudden sadness came from, and he said to him, "Emerson, there are some things that are too complicated for me to understand. But the only thing I know is that our king is a wise monarch, and that is beyond doubt."

Emerson wiped his face with his sleeve and nodded, saying, "You're right. His Majesty may truly be the first monarch in history to demand the restraint of royal power. This is not foolishness; it is actually a kind of unprecedented wisdom."

After the meeting, Cumberland led Emerson out of the Knights' headquarters.

The latter glanced back at the tall building bathed in sunlight, pulled a wine bottle from his pocket, and tossed it into the bushes. The count muttered to himself, "I'll gamble with this old man's body one last time. I'll follow him all the way and see if I can truly build Muxi into an empire that will never fall!"