Published at 20th of February 2020 6:53 am

Chapter 16 – State of Affairs

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MTL: uniquegasuki

Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

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During the time Haruto and Lora were worrying about sales, there was a parliamentary assembly taking place at the central plaza.

「Let us commence the meeting. I, Adonis Wulfstan, will be taking lead.」 (Adonis)

Of the Diet, any seated member of the parliament has the authority to call for a meeting. It is customary for the person who proposed the meeting to take lead.

「I am sure everyone has already heard and know why we are here. 2 weeks ago, Emperor Anders (エンダース) the 6th…… has died.」 (Adonis)

Adonis hastens past the uninteresting topic. The other parliament members aren’t too surprised as in Clarice, the City-State Union, the place is governed by powerful merchants. As such, they are able to obtain information from various routes (sources).

「His majesty, Westoria (ウェストリア) the 8th prince, for the imperial throne…… no, Westoria the 1st will succeed the throne.」 (Adonis)

The Empire has 8 princes. Among them, the most influential are Pentax (ペンティクス) the 2nd prince and Westoria the 8th prince. Pentax has the backing of the army and the aristocrats. Westoria has the support of the middle class & powerful families from the provinces with the pleasants & farmers at the center. Pentax’s political policy is to purge the Kingdom, the City-States and the savage tribes that are located around the Empire. Westoria’s policy is to create public financial stability, boost the economy and bridge the gap between those who are poor and needy.

From the shadow, Clarice has been supporting Prince Westoria. The time has come for their support to bear fruit.

「What do you all think about the rebellion that took place in the Empire. Could it be that Westoria-dono…… could his majesty be a talented military commander?」 (Adonis)

Wujek had said something about that before. When the rebellion occurred, Prince Westoria and Prince Pentax joined hands to quell the rebellion. If one were to consider Prince Pentax’s opinion, Prince Westori was rather quick to act in order to suppress the rebellion.

To further the matter, the ringleaders behind the insurgency were the provincial nobles. Of those nobles that were found guilty of being involved, 100 of them were punished. As a result, Prince Pentax’s central support received major damage. During this campaign, Prince Westoria became well known and within the army support for Prince Westoria rose. And thus, Prince Westoria obtained the imperial throne.

「Business will improve it seems. This is good news for us.」 (Brunch)

Brunch showed a pleased smile. Although the Empire is in decline, it is still a superpower. If business in the Empire improves so will business in the City-States.

「What about you Malthus-san? Will the number of wars with the Empire decrease?」 (Adonis)

Showing a broad grin on his face, Adonis asked Wujek. Without any changes in his facial expression, Wujek replies.

「Huh? The Empire will attack the Kingdom at their own discretion. I see no problem, yes? As my main business is lending money, this current state of affairs is pleasing to hear. Besides, his majesty Westoria is a valued customer of mine. 」 (Wujek)

Wujek has sold 3 desert people to Westoria. The desert people are a warrior nation. It is said that their strength is equal to 100 soldiers. Because these people live in the great desert, out of Clarice’s headquarter, Wejuk is the only one who has dealt with the desert people.

「The desert people I sold did participate in the rebellion. By the way, Ainsworth, what about you? Were the provincial nobles that were punished not clients of yours?」 (Wujek)

Wujek said with a broad grin. Brunch responded with a smile.

「I’m not particularly troubled as the land itself was not lost. I am more concerned about the wine or rather not having people to sell wine to. But anyhow, there are many other people (customers) to take their place.」 (Brunch)

The 3 merchants continue to antagonize one another, desperately trying to assert dominance.

「What about Alto (アルト)?」

Alto is the City-State Union’s oldest state. It is the center of the Union’s politics with Clarice being the economic center. The Alto mentioned here is referring to the City-States’ central parliament.

「They believe that we are not able to secure information sooner than them. At the very less, a Union assembly would be held no earlier than in one month’s time. In any case, the meeting would end with nothing being decided on.」 (Adonis)

After all, the City-State Union is a disorderly bunch. Unless there is a large scale invasion from the Empire or the Kingdom, or some other great crisis such as a plague that has decreased the population by 20 percent then they will not unite.

「Well, we of Clarice have are our national power to manage. There shouldn’t be a problem right.」 (Brunch)

Brunch says with a soft smile.

「Then, shall we bring the meeting to a close?」 (Adonis)

The conversation has settled down and Adonis brings the assembly to a close.

◆◆◆

One month later, the news of the newly appointed Emperor, Westoria, ascending the throne spreads throughout the City-State Union.

「Lora, what sort of person is Westoria?」 (Haruto)

Haruto and Lora are having lunch at Undine. Having just recently kissed one another, they were both embarrassed and they silently ate their meal. Haruto couldn’t bear the mood any longer and addressed Lora.

「Eh!? His majesty Westoria! Umm, I don’t know the details but…… he is quite popular among his people. His mother is a concubine from the province. Therefore, he is highly supported by the peasants from the provinces.」 (Lora)

From what Haruto has heard, he didn’t think the person had a bad image (reputation). Without seeing the results, it is unknown as to whether the person would be a wise or foolish ruler.

「Anyhow, it sounds like business will improve.」 (Haruto)

「Yes, with his majesty Westoria having ascended the throne, commerce in the Empire and the City-State Union will improve. The price of goods will rise it seems.」 (Lora)

Haruto lowers his voice.

「Is your money making blessing reacting?」 (Haruto)

「Yes.」 (Lora)

After answering, Lora’s showed a slightly anxious expression.

「What is it?」 (Haruto)

While hesitating to speak, Lora opens her mouth.

「I think that the price of commodities will gradually rise for a while. In 2 to 3 year, the cost of goods will have greatly risen. Things such as iron & other metals and wheat, ……I think we should stock up on pots now in order to save on gold coins later. However, this is merely a prediction. The longer the duration of time involved, the less accurate my money-making bless is. There is a chance that I am mistaken.」 (Lora)

While poking at the meuniere, Haruto voiced his uneasiness. The person himself doesn’t know either.

「I see…… I guess we won’t know until it happens. Please tell me if there are any changes in your prediction.」 (Haruto)

Haruto finished eating his meal and stood up.

「Let us go to townhall and have the contract officially canceled.」 (Haruto)

「Yes!」 (Lora)

They join hands and then made their way to townhall.

◆◆◆

At that time in the Empire’s capital of Rosice (ロサイス).

Rosice is called the center of the world. Its beautiful white giant walls are known for its 3 white wall layers. Behind these walls are those with a high social position.

A large palace it erected inside the middle of the 3rd layer and inside that palace there is a man.

With beautiful lavender hair, long slender legs, and long eyelashes; a handsome young man is laying on a bed while holding a fruit. He is wearing a skirt and with his long hair, he could be mistaken for a woman. Closely behind the man, there are 3 people, a gathering of men and women with dark brown skin.

「Westoria, here is this month’s financial report.」 (guy with glasses)

The diligent looking man, who is wearing glasses, to the man with long hair…… no, the man handed the report over to Westoria.

「Good work. Your paperwork looks easy to read as usual, I see. Here this is a reward.」 (Westoria)

Westoria handed the man a banana and the man graciously accepted.

「Thank you very much. I will treasure it.」 (guy with glasses)

「Uh, you should eat it before it rots. It would be a waste not to.」 (Westoria)

After giving a hearty laugh, Westoria raises the report and reads it.

「Hmm, leaving out the effects of the tax reduction, for the time being, the public financial affairs will be tight but…… we will have to preserve through it. If I take charge of the economy, there shouldn’t be any complaints from those geezers.」 (Westoria)

After Westoria finished reading the report, he directed his attention to the man with glasses.

「By the way, how are things proceeding with the weapons I asked to have looked into?」 (Westoria)

「Ah! We will somehow manage; however, it will take maybe 2 to 3 years time.」 (guy with glasses)

Westoria appears to be satisfied with the reply.

「I see. Well, take your time with the development. At any rate, the fire potion weapon was something that the first Emperor had used. It is our Empire’s trump card.」 (Westoria)

Once more, Westoria stretches and lays back down on the bed.

「Are those not the savage barbarians that the Empire has lectured us about……」 (guy with glasses)

Westoria made a sadistic smile and then closed his eyes.

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End of Arc-2.

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