While the hundreds of mid-level officials hadn't been subjected to the Phantasm Orchids, following Konrad's mental orders, their families were all seized by the high-ranking officials' forces.
Therefore, all those pedantic scholars who usually swore by "righteousness,""order," and "the common people" now facilitated the glaring takeover. And as soon as the play ended, Konrad got to work.
The former state rulers were forced to dispatch their treasuries' reserves to the capital, using Semi-Saints as couriers and space treasures as containers. Konrad seized all he needed, and following a redistribution of resources, left them enough to keep their domains running without disturbance.
The rest fueled the capital's activities. At the same time, he also had them dispatch their Semi-Saint and Saint-level experts to feed the imperial guard.
Second chapter served!