As I served tea brewed in porcelain I had crafted myself, Gard and Entir visibly relaxed.

Their earlier obsession with the mana stones embedded in the ceiling seemed to dissipate.

"Wow…! Tea personally brewed by Count Jin!"

"And this porcelain—it was crafted by President Jin himself, wasn’t it? Coming all this way was worth it. Hahaha!"

They repeatedly sipped the tea, savoring its taste, and couldn’t help but express their admiration.

"This is incredible…! It’s hard to believe it’s the same tea I’ve had before. How does it have such a deep flavor? I won’t forget this even after I return to the company."

"You’re not just the North’s finest chef for nothing, nor the creator of Arad Salt."

The previously awkward atmosphere softened significantly, thanks to the tea.

Outside the office, however, Carpe and her mercenaries were still being their loud and unruly selves, with Theo’s voice trying to mediate.

"This color looks so realistic, like actual skin. Should I touch it?"

"What is this, made from ground-up human skin or something?"

"Don’t touch that!"

"Come on, you’re being so uptight. I’ll just buy it if I want to touch it!"

"It’s not for sale. I repeat, it’s not for sale!"

"Ugh, what? Is there a spell on it or something?"

Despite the noise outside, Entir ignored it and continued the conversation.

"To drink tea from the southernmost region while here in the North—this is truly a rare experience."

"I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I only bring it out for the most important guests," I replied.

"It’s an honor to be treated as a distinguished guest by Count Jin. Hahaha!"

In conversation, starting with small talk is often customary.

Although in the practical North, it’s perfectly acceptable to dive straight into business, Entir’s Imperial background naturally led to this type of dialogue.

"This tea, Hayas, comes from Skarnia, an island nation at the southern edge of the Kingdoms’ Union, correct?"

Since I wasn’t in a rush or particularly busy, I decided to go along with this non-Northern style of conversation.

"By the way, Hayas tea has always been expensive, but it seems to have gotten even pricier lately."

Using the rare tea from Skarnia as an opener, I steered the conversation toward more substantive topics.

"I hear Baeddenheim has been giving the Empire a hard time recently?"

I focused my gaze on Entir.

When it came to the Kingdoms’ Union, Bishop Company was far more knowledgeable than Gard, who primarily handled Northern matters.

"Saving Arina has completely derailed the original timeline."

The butterfly effect that began in the North was now rippling across the entire continent.

Aside from the fates of certain individuals, natural disasters, and the timeline of technological advancements, there was little I could rely on from the original history.

This made it necessary to regularly monitor the political landscape of the Empire and the continent.

"That’s correct. While it hasn’t escalated to a full-scale war, the western border of the Empire sees major skirmishes almost daily," Entir said, smiling faintly as he likely thought of his wife, who was stationed on the western front.

"The Kingdoms’ Union seems to be overreaching. Even with the Emperor bedridden, isn’t this a bit excessive? Crown Prince Canbraman isn’t exactly incapable as a regent," I noted.

At the mention of Canbraman, Entir’s eyebrows briefly furrowed before returning to normal.

"It’s likely because of the Northern Grand Duchy," he replied.

"The North? Are you saying it’s because of us?"

"Yes. The Kingdoms’ Union is doing everything it can to prevent the Empire from absorbing the North."

Despite the hostility between the Empire and the Union, trade between merchants from both sides had never been fully blocked. In fact, it couldn’t be.

Aristocrats and royalty across Arcadia were often connected through political marriages, making outright embargoes impractical.

While they fought on one front, exchanges continued on another—a reality that neither the Pope, the Emperor, nor the Archbishop of the Imperial Church could suppress.

"These days, the Northern Grand Duchy’s presence is felt more strongly in the Kingdoms’ Union than in the Empire," Entir added.

"Is that so?"

"Absolutely. At banquets and balls in Baeddenheim, the Union’s capital, nobles consider it disgraceful if they don’t have Arad Salt or Northern porcelain on display."

Hearing this sparked a desire to directly trade with the Kingdoms’ Union as soon as possible.

"Baeddenheim is as prosperous as the Imperial Capital. Having Renslett recognized there is tantamount to being acknowledged across Arcadia," Entir continued.

This meant that Northern products were flowing into the Kingdoms’ Union through the Empire—similar to how Eastern spices and silk once reached the North.

Much like how tea from a distant southern kingdom had found its way into my office here.

"The kingdoms within the Union are desperate to prevent the Empire—and by extension, the Imperial family—from monopolizing Northern porcelain, fertilizer, and Arad Salt."

It seemed my "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" strategy, as I had once described in the Stronghold, was working remarkably well.

"The next step is establishing direct trade routes with the Kingdoms’ Union…"

I felt a strong need for routes to directly connect the North with its most supportive allies in the Union.

Being completely blocked by the massive entity that was the Empire was becoming increasingly frustrating.

"If we could establish direct ties with the Union, it would be much easier to curb the Empire’s growth."

In the original timeline, the Empire reached its zenith during Emperor Canbraman’s reign.

After easily annexing the North, the Empire centralized its administration and military through dazzling advancements in magitech.

With its unified authority, it crushed the nobility and the church, eventually subjugating even the Kingdoms’ Union.

By the time Canbraman’s son, the benevolent Emperor Julian, took the throne, the Empire had solidified its thousand-year reign.

"The current North is far better off than it was in the original timeline. But… it’s still not enough. There’s so much uncertainty."

My gaze drifted to the map hanging in my office.

It detailed not only Arcadia but also a more focused map of the North.

My eyes lingered on the northwestern coast, specifically my own territory, Count Jin’s domain.

"Using the greenhouse farm’s barrier magic to create an ice-free port—that plan must be realized within a few years."

I had drawn up plans for direct trade with the Union as far back as my investiture, but the costs of extending greenhouse barriers to the southern, ice-free seas were astronomical.

On top of that, there were the monsters and barbarian tribes inhabiting the Frozen Sea to contend with.

"If the Empire seriously attempts to annex the North, the Kingdoms’ Union will launch a massive offensive. It won’t just be larger skirmishes but essentially a full-scale war," Entir continued as I mulled over the map and the original timeline.

"That serious?"

"Yes. The Northerners may not fully realize it, but Renslett is currently the most prominent region in Arcadia."

"It’s gratifying to hear that the North is so highly regarded, but it’s also unsettling," I admitted.

"Precisely, Count Jin," Gard interjected, seizing the moment.

"The Empire, or more specifically, the Imperial family, is up to something."

Gard had recently returned from leading an envoy to the Imperial capital.

As the head of the Rune Company, which served as a state-sponsored trade organization, his trips to the Imperial capital naturally included trading on the side.

"Did you notice anything unusual during your visit to the capital?" I asked with a serious expression.

"Nothing concrete," Gard replied, shaking his head.

"The Imperial Palace was calm and peaceful. And that’s exactly what’s frightening."

It seemed we were now delving into the main topic of discussion.

"Not just the Imperial family—the Imperial Church is also unusually quiet. Normally, fanatics would have denounced the Renslett faith in the North as heretical by now, but they’ve been silent."

"Despite the prosthetics business we’re running in the North, the Imperial family, the Church, and even the Mage Tower have shown no reaction. No matter how discreet we’ve been, there’s no way they’re unaware," Entir added.

"!!"

Hearing this, my expression grew even graver.

"…"

Beside me, Mary, who had been quietly listening, also stiffened, her face reflecting the tension in the room.

***

The entire world seemed to covet Northern porcelain.

"Incredible, such beautiful colors!"

"It’s even more stunning than white porcelain."

"And it’s in Arcadian style too!"

"My word! I dropped it, and it didn’t even break?!"

From royalty to nobles, merchants, and even commoners—everyone was captivated by the sudden emergence of Northern porcelain.

"Hey, what did you do to the fields to make the crops grow like this?"

"I’m just as shocked. It’s this fertilizer called Mary’s Blessing. It’s extraordinary."

"Mary’s Blessing? Where can I get that?"

"Bishop Company is selling it."

"Wait, isn’t Bishop Company the sole trading partner of the Northern Grand Duchy?"

"Exactly."

Not only porcelain but Mary’s Blessing had also quietly infiltrated the Empire and kingdoms alike.

A fertilizer that made farming possible even in the harsh Northern climate had been introduced to regions with far milder weather.

"Northern porcelain! Do you have more Northern porcelain?!"

"Mary’s Blessing! Please, I need Mary’s Blessing! If I don’t buy it now, next year’s wheat harvest will fail!"

"Unbelievable… The North made this too? First Arad Salt, now this. What on earth is happening in the North?"

Across Arcadia, the name of Renslett became firmly entrenched, turning the North into a concept as significant as the eastern continent.

"This is Northern art?!"

"Magnificent! The Northern Grand Duke is truly a stunning woman!"

"No wonder the Emperor and Crown Prince were so desperate to propose to her!"

"What kind of oil paint creates colors like this?"

"Look at these bold lines and striking expressions!"

"Whoever called Northerners barbarians clearly hasn’t seen this!"

Adding to the frenzy, Northern portraits had also spread widely across the Empire and the kingdoms.

Northern portraits and character paintings, brought back by Bishop Company merchants and nobles who had traveled to the North for prosthetic procedures, quickly swept through Arcadia’s high society.

"I’ve been seeing a lot of those belt pouches lately."

"Ah, those are Northern-style pouches."

"Northern-style? You mean they’re made in the North?"

"Didn’t you know? They’re modeled after the pouch the famous Northern Grand Duke always carries."

Even the pouch Arina frequently wore at her waist had discreetly gained popularity among adventurers, mercenaries, and knights.

The North had not only established itself economically but also achieved a massive cultural rebranding.

Terms like Northern Romanticism, Northern Heroic Art, and Northern Impressionism began emerging in the continental art scene.

"This? It’s a depiction of the Northern Grand Duke in the style of Northern Impressionism."

"Recognizing it immediately is impressive. Yes, I recently splurged and bought it."

"I acquired a piece in the romantic style at an auction last week. It’s hanging in my villa now."

"Really?"

"Indeed. You must visit sometime."

"I’ll come right away."

Just as people on Earth would decorate their homes with replicas of the Mona Lisa, it became fashionable across the continent to display portraits of the Northern Grand Duke.

"Oh, if only I had such colors to work with!"

"Northern art is undoubtedly sophisticated! But surely we could achieve something similar?"

"We need Northern paint! It’s essential!"

Many continental artists tried to imitate Northern art, but the difference in paint quality and tools left their aspirations unfulfilled.

"Northern paint sets for sale!"

"If you want to paint like the Northerners, this is a must-buy! Starting bid is one gold coin!"

Eventually, Northern paints, brushes, and canvases began to be sold through Bishop Company.

"I’ll supply you with Northern paints."

"Thank you! Thank you!"

"In exchange, paint me and my family in the Northern heroic style."

Nobles eagerly patronized impoverished artists, commissioning portraits and character paintings in Northern styles.

This was an outcome the Imperial family had never wanted.

Naturally, the Imperial family couldn’t simply stand by and do nothing.

But responding with military or economic measures was difficult.

The continent was already addicted to Arad Salt, Northern porcelain, and Mary’s Blessing.

Any attempt by the Empire to interfere in the North would provoke not only the Kingdoms’ Union but also the Imperial nobility itself.

After all, the patience of the nobles had already worn thin due to the emancipation of serfs and the expansion of royal domains.

***

The border between the Empire and the North.

The outermost edge of the Northern Demon Zone.

A small group of individuals had gathered in secret.

"Is everyone here?"

"It seems so."

"Nobody followed you?"

"I may not be as sharp as I used to be, but I was once the head of Sigma."

"Of course, you were."

"…."

"Activate the barriers."

Even though the Demon Zone was technically part of the North’s territory, the border shared with the Empire still existed.

This group had chosen to meet in a blind spot outside the reach of the Frostblade’s Eyes, far from prying observers.

Fwoosh, fwoosh, fwoosh.

To ensure their security, layers of barriers were activated in every direction.

"So, what brings such esteemed figures from the Empire and the Church to this humble location?"

Their hosts were black magicians from the Demon Den.

Their appearance was as ominous as their reputation—cloaked in dark robes and hoods, their voices cold and eerie. Their murky, lifeless eyes and pale, almost grayish skin made them appear closer to the undead than to the living.

"You already know why we’re here."

A woman clad in white silk robes replied.

Her face was hidden beneath a hood, but her demeanor felt more priestly than that of a mage or adventurer.