The times were difficult and many struggled. However, the Emperor wouldn’t see it. He had gold and every luxury he wanted. His fellow rulers and minions agreed it was the best of times. The more isolated they were, the better things seemed.
Looking down at the land, he declared all was “Great!” The Emperor promised everything, but mocked the sick and hungry as unworthy and cut their services.
As he feasted, the Emperor ignored the shouts from below, the cracks in his glass tower and the increasing tremors.