Chapter 89

I thought it was a luxurious meeting room, but since it was the time it was, the food was brought in.

Ah, I thought it was a lunch meeting as well, and sat down as suggested.

"The food has been prepared for you."

Noue came in to make the introductions.

"Your hospitality is overwhelming, I am truly grateful."

While giving a safe answer, I observed the two of them. As expected of a father and son, they looked very similar.

From what I heard, Rosty was the younger brother of the current king and was currently second in line for the throne.

Noue, being a child, was not directly related to the royal family, so even if he were to be ennobled, he would be treated as a marquis, and if Rosty were to ascend the throne, he would become a duke.

However, listening to Rosty, I realized his knowledge of politics was deeper than I had expected.

Perhaps blessed by the god of governance, he grasped the essence of things accurately.

Incidentally, the topic of the power dynamics within the kingdom also came up. Currently, it is divided into two major factions.

One is the enlightened faction led by Rosty, which is concerned about the domestic situation and aims to promote technological development, and it comprises about 50% of the affiliated nobles.

The opposing faction is the conservative faction, which seeks to maintain the status quo and expand into the territories of monsters to gain profits and develop, and it comprises about 20%.

The rest are either fence-sitters or other ideological groups.

While I cannot take the words of Rosty and Noue at face value, at least Rosty does not seem to be hostile towards the conservatives.

He seems to control the majority with a delicate balance.

I have had opportunities to meet politicians due to my work, and I can sense a special kind of inclusiveness that the leaders of the political world possess.

If I keep thinking about the level of civilization, I might be overwhelmed, so I changed my mindset.

"Huh? Is this a sea fish?"

"Ho. Correct answer. You really know your stuff. This time of year, petitions and lobbying start. I received it as a souvenir. I thought I'd bring it out since it's a special occasion."

It was a salted fish, similar to cod, that had been desalted and roasted. The aroma of butter and herbs was delightful.

The immediate audience with the duke and the presentation of gifts made me feel highly valued. This aspect, due to my lack of experience, left me feeling uneasy.

However, the lives of my wife, her family, and my companions were at stake. I had to produce results.

"Hmm. I thought you were well-versed, but it seems you've seen a lot. Please, tell me some interesting stories."

Rosty was also excited. Looking into his eyes, I didn't sense any particular scheming.

Thus, the meal ended in a pleasant atmosphere, and tea was served afterward.

"So, you were telling an interesting story earlier. Can you continue?"

"Forgive me, but I'll get straight to the point. I have two requests. First, if the country's demand for iron is low, I would like to reduce the priority of iron ore development."

Recalling the atmosphere of presentations to executives and external stakeholders, I swallowed the heavy weight in my stomach.

"Second, when salt production reaches the level of commercial circulation, I request protection from the interference of the Salt Guild."

"Ho."

Rosty's eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed.

"I heard from Noue that the iron ore project was proposed because it is a sure profit. And salt... I have no objection to protecting my grandson from the guild, but do you expect such a large-scale interference?"

"There is a good chance."

"Hmm. If it's a new salt development project, it will require a considerable budget. What are your thoughts on that?"

Rosty looked at me with a testing gaze. It was not the time to back down. This was the moment to push forward and seize the opportunity.

"I will transfer all the rights to the development and manufacturing of Reversi to you, Lord Rosty. Additionally, I will transfer the future rights to the hand pump to Lord Noue. On that basis, I would like to request an additional budget for the new development of the barony."

"Unthinkable. The rights are significant, but that's not the issue. It would be too scandalous for a foster parent to take credit for a foster child's achievements."

Noue shouted.

"I am deeply grateful for your kindness. Under the wise guidance of a foster parent, the foster child will present the developed items, which will benefit the duchy. Many will recognize the foresight of the viscount."

In essence, I was saying that the items I developed under Noue's direction should be promoted by Noue to gain the benefits.

Given the scale of the infrastructure development, it would be impossible for the viscount's territory. Ultimately, Rosty would be involved. Therefore, the target would be the entire duchy, and Rosty would also benefit.

"Ugh... Hmm... That... Yes, but..."

It was a completely new development project. Profits were not easily predictable. The usefulness of the items was clear.

However, while the potential profits were significant, it was hard to gauge the exact amount. He was struggling, struggling.

"I also saw the game earlier, but my perspective changed after hearing your story. Reversi, you said? This will also bring significant benefits?"

"Since you have called me your grandson, Lord Rosty, you are my grandfather. How can a grandson not exert all his efforts for his grandfather? Above all, the country will fall if the people's lives are not enriched over personal gains."

"Hmm. If I think of it from a business perspective, your focus is on the people. My grandson is truly interesting."

Rosty's face returned to a pleasant expression.

"Very well. Your spirit is commendable. The budget will be taken care of. It is the duty of the country to reward promising young people."

"Then?"

"The details will be worked out with Noue. Despite his appearance, he has been trained by the god of governance."

"Father?"

"No, no. I promise an increase in the initial budget. The exact amount will be decided through deliberation, but it is your grandson's request. I will do my utmost."

Rosty laughed heartily in response.

"Then, I have something prepared."

I signaled to the butler to bring in various branding irons, the design drawings of Reversi, and a booklet on the game rules.

"Here are the materials and design documents related to Reversi. Please accept them. I would also like to consult you on future operations."

"You are really well-prepared. Was this part of your strategy for this meeting?"

"Absolutely not. I feel guilty for using items intended as a greeting as negotiation tools. I also apologize for using the coat of arms informally, even if it was a simplified version."

"That's fine, fine. My grandson is so formal. But I like it. You are my grandson in my heart. No matter how small, if you need anything, come to me. This is a decision."

"Thank you for your kind words. I will strive even harder to contribute to the prosperity of the country and its people."

The three of us laughed together. The conversation continued, and the atmosphere became much lighter. We discussed the future of the new barony until late in the evening.

At the very least, Rosty and Noue now owed me a significant favor. As development progresses, manufacturing and sales become visible, and the evaluation will rise.

I lost two cards, but the personal gains from them were small. If I was going to bet on such things, I might as well bet on something larger.

As I was leaving, Rosty, in a joking or serious manner, asked if I would become his adopted son, but I declined, citing my lack of talent.

He was laughing, but I don't think our relationship will become bad.

At least, I have become acquainted with the person who controls the majority of the country. That is a relief. The future will be easier.

Noue expressed his intention to decide on the details of the barony's budget tomorrow. He had some business to attend to and would come to the lord's mansion in the afternoon to finalize the details.

With today's schedule concluded, I left the lord's mansion.

As with after presentations in Japan, a wave of fatigue hit my shoulders and stomach. I had no regrets about the cards I played, but these two are politicians. How much can I trust them?

Thinking that this is not something a mere salaryman should be doing, I headed to the inn, feeling utterly exhausted.