"Arad, thanks to you, the lingering knot in my heart and in Renslet’s has loosened, even if just a little."

"I only did what I had to, Your Grace."

"Truly… you are a blessing and a savior to both me and the North. Truly, truly… thank you."

As I was thinking about business expansion and the academy, Arina suddenly stood up and expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

‘?!’

Arina’s display of gratitude felt unusually excessive.

‘What is this? Why does Arina suddenly feel so approachable?’

Strangely enough, it didn’t feel uncomfortable or awkward.

‘But still, is this really okay?’

The problem was that there were bureaucrats, witches, and high-ranking knights present here as well.

“Hmm…”

In particular, Suun, the man I’d only recently met, gave me a peculiar look as he observed this interaction between Arina and me.

‘This is bad!’

My instincts immediately set off a warning alarm.

Wherever you go, there are always a few who overstep their bounds.

I couldn’t shake the unease that one of these overly loyal individuals might misinterpret the situation and cause trouble.

To mitigate the risk, I quickly shifted into ultra-humble mode, bowing deeply as I spoke.

"Your Grace, a ruler should not express such unreserved gratitude to a mere vassal. Please, withdraw your words—"

"But from the looks of it, it seems creating those arms and legs requires mid-grade mana stones, doesn’t it?"

Before I could finish, Arina interrupted me.

"Ah… yes. It cost quite a bit of money. And making multiple pieces on my own is rather difficult."

In the end, I had to continue the conversation with her, maintaining an awkward expression and posture.

"If mid-grade mana stones can be used to treat disabled soldiers and knights, it’s a price worth paying. The issue, however, is that Sir Arad cannot produce them all by himself, correct?"

"That’s right. But if we hire witches and skilled craftsmen among the people, we could produce arms and legs with performance similar to mine within a month."

"Indeed, I’ve heard that you’ve been recruiting people through Sir Theo and searching for land to build what you call a factory."

"Yes, Your Grace."

With the security concerns largely resolved, the path forward seemed clear. However, there was still one pressing issue.

"Your Grace, as you mentioned earlier, these prosthetic arms and legs require not only mid-grade mana stones but also expensive medicinal ingredients and monster byproducts. Additionally, we’ll need to hire workers, which means paying wages."

The issue was, of course, money.

With the banquet just held, High Castle’s budget wouldn’t be in great shape.

And let’s not forget the massive upheaval caused by the recent psychic disturbance.

I, too, was out of funds.

The 70 gold I had received along with my title of Count had been completely drained by countless research projects, experiments, and production costs.

‘This time, I really can’t do it for free! I can barely cover salaries for my employees! On top of that, I need to start the business projects I’ve been postponing!’

Honestly, paying heavy taxes would be better than this!

Even in its infancy, Arad Company had no real perks as a state-affiliated merchant group. In fact, it was riddled with drawbacks.

And it’s not like this impoverished High Castle could lend money freely. The concept of government bonds was still foreign in this era.

"Your Grace, may I humbly request an advance on the 70 gold scheduled for next year?"

Resolving myself to be unyielding, I addressed the Grand Duchess.

Though I had worded it rather indirectly, she’d surely understand what I meant.

"Don’t worry."

To my surprise, Arina replied with a confident expression.

"…?"

I tilted my head, puzzled as I looked at the Grand Duchess before me.

‘Did she suddenly find a new source of funding?’

For someone who always grew excessively cautious when it came to finances, her current demeanor was inexplicably bold.

***

*The Roguit Empire*

‘So, they’ve come at last.’

‘How long has it been since they left? And they’re back again?’

‘I was wondering when they’d show up.’

The thoughts of the assembled ministers standing in the imperial palace’s great hall were largely the same.

"……."

This sentiment was shared by the Crown Prince, who silently observed the Northern delegation.

Crown Prince Kanbraman was seated below the vacant imperial throne, occupying the regent’s seat as usual.

"We meet again, Northern envoys."

His tone was low and devoid of any warmth as he addressed the guests from the North.

The relationship between them was no better than that of strangers—or perhaps even worse than sworn enemies.

On paper, the North was still a vassal state. In reality, they paid neither tribute nor taxes, functioning as an independent territory.

Yet it was a land that the Empire still considered a prize to be devoured—the North.

"We bring troubling news once again. Our apologies, Your Highness," the Northern delegation replied.

"Is that so? How unfortunate. Well, what is it this time?"

The Crown Prince feigned ignorance as he spoke.

"You are likely aware of the significant disturbance regarding psychic energy that recently occurred in the North," the envoy began.

"Ah, yes… I heard. It could have been a catastrophe, could it not?"

Despite the Crown Prince’s feigned indifference, the delegation continued without anger.

"We have obtained testimony and evidence indicating that Astra, the former head of the Empire’s Sigma faction, was involved in the incident."

The representative, Gard, presented a black obelisk.

Although now reduced to little more than an inert stone, anyone with a basic understanding of magic could recognize the intricate magic circles and formulas engraved upon it. They were unmistakably the work of the Empire’s Golden Tower.

"…Well, this is quite troubling. I offer my deepest sympathies. However, this seems to be the result of an individual’s rogue actions," the Crown Prince responded.

"Once again, Your Highness?"

"What can I say? My governance is still immature," Kanbraman replied, casually gesturing towards the empty imperial throne above him.

"Rest assured, however, that Astra’s crimes were indeed grave, and I dealt with them immediately upon learning of them."

"……."

The Crown Prince was remarkably flexible.

Unlike most royals, who would have never admitted such a fault out of pride, he not only acknowledged the issue but also expressed regret without hesitation.

Moreover, he had already punished the responsible party before the delegation had arrived.

"Regardless of the imperial family’s intent, the Emperor’s illness, or Your Highness’s inexperience, this matter cannot be so easily overlooked," the envoy said, frowning.

‘……!’

‘These Northern savages!’

The ministers’ faces twisted with rage at the envoy’s words.

Already tense, their expressions now appeared as though they were ready to execute the delegation on the spot and march north.

"If it cannot be overlooked, what will you do? Start a war? Or perhaps raid the Empire’s central and northern regions?"

Only the Crown Prince maintained a composed demeanor as he engaged with the delegation.

‘Hmm…’

Sensing the charged atmosphere, Gard suppressed a sigh and spoke.

"Of course not. The Grand Duchess cherishes peace above all else. However, significant funds were expended to resolve this matter."

"But won’t ‘Mary’s Blessing’ allow you to recover and then some by next year?"

"The problem lies in surviving the rest of this year. Moreover, the Extreme Northern Expedition has recently returned, and we held a grand banquet to honor their efforts. This has further strained our finances…"

Gard trailed off deliberately.

By now, the Empire must surely understand the implication.

‘Cut the nonsense and give us money!’

And the Empire would likely relish this opportunity.

Indeed, the tension in the great hall eased slightly.

While disdain, irritation, and contempt lingered, the sharp edges of fear and hostility had faded.

"Is that all you want? Nothing about trade agreements or anything else?"

"That is correct."

"Well, I suppose some responsibility does fall on us, after all."

The Crown Prince’s tone softened, relieved that gold coins could resolve this troublesome matter.

‘Tch.’

Gard clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘What a shame.’

Had the imperial family been more brazen, and had Astra still been present, they could have used this leverage to negotiate better terms.

But regrettably, the Crown Prince had preempted such opportunities.

As a result, Gard could only aim for the minimum objective.

"Very well. We shall provide what is necessary. The exact amount will be determined after consulting with the ministers."

"Your Highness’s generosity is boundless."

"Ah! By the way, has the North begun using Eastern porcelain yet?"

"Porcelain? Are you referring to the white ceramics from the East? We’ve heard of them, but they are not widely used."

"Is that so? I was considering sending some as a gift along with the gold. Would you like to accept them?"

Just as the negotiations seemed to be concluding, the Crown Prince made an unexpected offer.

"……?"

Gard tilted his head in confusion.

"These Eastern porcelains are currently all the rage, not just in the Empire but across the continent’s kingdoms," the Crown Prince explained, gesturing towards the ceiling.

"Here in the imperial palace, as well as in the allied capital of Bedenheim, hosting a banquet without porcelain is seen as unworthy of noble status."

The Crown Prince’s words subtly provoked the pride of the Northern nobles.

"As you know, the Eastern sea route is perilous, plagued by storms, sea monsters, and pirates. Most voyages leave little intact."

Gard and the delegation looked up, noticing the intricately adorned white porcelain displayed like sculptures on the high ceiling of the great hall.

"However, two years ago, the Golden Tower created a magical container—a box capable of safely preserving any item. Thanks to it, much of the Eastern porcelain now arrives in Arcadia unscathed."

Indeed, the porcelain adorning the imperial palace ceiling was a world apart from Arcadia’s dull earthenware in terms of beauty and craftsmanship.

"What do you think? Wouldn’t the Grand Duchess appreciate such a gift?"

"No, Your Highness. We’d prefer gold instead," Gard replied without hesitation.

"Why? Do you suspect we’ve tampered with the porcelain?"

"Of course not."

Gard had two reasons for rejecting the offer.

First, as the Crown Prince himself had implied, it seemed suspicious.

Second, if porcelain became widespread in the North, it could spark a trend similar to spices or silk—luxuries that had drained resources and led to dependency on the Empire.

‘Perhaps that’s precisely his goal.’

Gard was certain of the Crown Prince’s intentions as he spoke.

"If I were to return with porcelain instead of gold, the Grand Duchess would surely reprimand me."

The North, still struggling to improve its standard of living, could not afford such indulgences.

While it was impossible to prevent a few nobles from secretly acquiring luxuries, High Castle itself had to set an example by abstaining from extravagance.

"Understood. You’ll receive plenty of gold and silver coins instead."

The Crown Prince nodded in apparent satisfaction, seemingly having grasped the economic risk posed by porcelain to the North.

‘I’ll report this to Her Grace upon my return,’ Gard thought.

If his understanding of the Empire was correct, they would soon attempt to sell porcelain to the North through back channels. Preparations were necessary to counteract this.

"Then, with the Emperor and Your Highness’s grace, we shall now take our leave," Gard said, hastily preparing to depart.

"Very well. Enjoy the banquet this evening. Don’t leave as abruptly as last time," Kanbraman said with a faint smile.

"Of course. We look forward to the Empire’s hospitality…"

"Wait a moment, Your Highness."

Just as the audience was about to conclude, someone interrupted.

"…Hmm? Archbishop Terezia, do you have something to say?"

The Crown Prince’s gaze turned wary as he addressed the newcomer.

"May I ask a few questions of these Northerners?"

Archbishop Terezia, the head of the Empire’s religious order, stepped forward.

A woman in her forties with golden embroidery on a white silk robe, she radiated an aura of authority far beyond her apparent age.

"…As you wish," the Crown Prince replied, reluctantly nodding while inwardly grimacing.

"Thank you. May the gods bless Your Highness," Terezia said with a polite smile, though her presence was anything but benign.