Lord of The Mysteries: Eternal Suffering

Audrey was taken aback when she heard this and asked doubtfully,

"Mr. Death, can't you tell us why that information is dangerous? What does it mean?"

Seeing Justice step in, Klein sighed in relief.

'Having Miss Justice is a blessing,' he thought, 'but I can't rely on her forever. I have to quickly come up with a smurf account!' His thoughts were interrupted as Mr. Death began to speak.

"In the Beyonder World, knowledge is dangerous. If you don't have the strength to bear it, all you'll achieve is mutation."

"This mutation comes in different forms, but the most common case is death. And that's the best case!"

"That's horrible!" Audrey mumbled, fear evident in her voice.

Atlas nodded. "The Beyonder World isn't rosy; it's filled with madness, danger, and pain." He looked at Audrey intently. "And the further you go, the more suffering you'll experience. So, let me ask you—are you sure you want to be a Beyonder?"

Audrey paused. Her eyes shone with a steely determination.

"I already know the world I'm stepping into is dangerous," she said firmly. "My path will be filled with madness and danger, but I'm continuing this journey because nothing will change my mind."

Atlas smiled and proclaimed, "So be it!"

Feeling it was best to change the subject, he lowered his voice. "Is there anything else you'd like to share?"

Audrey hesitated before saying, "Yesterday, my etiquette teacher taught me how to faint—how to faint elegantly without any faux pas. It's a practical skill for social events to avoid awkward situations or nasty guys… ummmm." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "What I meant to say is that ever since the defeat at Balam's eastern shore, the king, premier, and gentlemen are under immense pressure. They're desperate for change."

"They believe the government's structure is too chaotic. Every election, a change in the ruling party means a complete personnel overhaul, which only leads to chaos and significantly lowers efficiency. It not only contributed to the recent defeat but also brings great inconvenience to the people."

Atlas slouched back, clearly disinterested. Politics had never been his preference, not in this life nor the last.

Klein tapped the table gently, drawing everyone's attention. He smiled faintly. "This is a simple problem."

"Simple?" Audrey asked, puzzled.

"An examination—like a college entrance exam," he suggested. "Hold a public exam, perhaps in two or three rounds, to objectively select the elite."

"But..." Audrey hesitated, knowing how controversial this could be.

Before she could fully articulate her thoughts, Klein continued, "Then, place these elites in key positions: the Cabinet, county government, city government, and various towns—particularly roles that handle day-to-day affairs, like Secretary of the Cabinet."

He paused before adding, "Different positions should require different qualifications. The second or third rounds could be based on locale and expertise. Professional matters should be handled by professionals."

"For political roles like ministers, governors, or mayors, let them be chosen by the elected parties. That's a share they've earned."

"There's no rush to replace everyone at once," Klein went on. "If the Cabinet and agencies are crippled, nothing will function. Hold exams annually or every few years for gradual replacement. As the kingdom expands, vacancies will naturally open up. This way, positions can be systematically allocated."

With a gesture, he concluded, "Such a system would bring the kingdom's brightest minds into government. Regardless of which party wins, the civil service will enable stable, effective operations."

Atlas inwardly sighed, recognizing that Klein's plan could aid in George III's apotheosis ritual. But, he had to admit, the proposal would greatly benefit the people.

Considering the idea, Audrey asked doubtfully, "Are you saying that even if the ministers were monkeys, it wouldn't matter much?"

"No," Alger interjected with a dry chuckle. "I'd actually prefer monkeys to the current ministers."

He paused, then added, "After all, monkeys only need to eat, sleep, and mate. They wouldn't come up with foolish ideas or insist on brainless projects."

Audrey mulled over Mr. Fool's proposal and eventually said in surprise, "It sounds like it could actually work…"

She looked at Klein, marveling, "Mr. Fool, you must be a wise elder with deep experience and intelligence!"

Atlas's mouth twitched. 'He's barely twenty-two, Audrey! Calling him old is practically an insult!'

"Let us end today's gathering here," Klein commanded.

"By Your Will." Audrey, Alger, and Atlas rose together.

Klein leaned back slightly and severed the connection, watching Justice's, Death's, and the Hanged Man's hazy figures shatter and dissipate.