Chapter 56

"This amount corresponds to more than half of the kingdom's annual expenditure. Indeed, it was because of this that the once financially troubled Laun Kingdom saw a glimmer of hope. It seems everyone is excited, but shouldn't we address the most fundamental issue first?"

He maintained a tone that seemed completely impartial, as if helping me.

"Address the most fundamental issue?"

"Yes, the topic you are discussing now is not about how to use the moon grass business to benefit the kingdom, is it?"

"That's right. This business is truly innovative. If used well, it could..."

"But why are you trying to arbitrarily nationalize and control something that Prince David contributed so much to, without his consent?"

At the Duke of Varieta's words, everyone fell silent.

"Are your positions higher than the royal family of this country?"

It seemed that the sudden success of a single business had made their heads spin, but in reality, there was no reason to nationalize it.

"Moreover, isn't Prince David already independent from the palace?"

"But... but..."

"Marquis Falondis."

"Yes... yes."

"If I were to ask you to nationalize all your assets for the sake of the country, would you do it?"

"That... that..."

At the Duke of Varieta's words, everyone fell silent.

-Why do you think he is helping you?

'Does this look like help? It seems more like a cheap word game.'

Unfortunately, it was clear what he was trying to do.

She nodded quietly in response to my words.

"Ahem!"

The meeting hall fell silent at the Duke of Varieta's words. The only sound was the uncomfortable coughing from various corners.

It seemed the room was filled with people trying to secure their own interests by preventing the business from being monopolized.

Some might have even planned to use the money from their fiefs to line their own pockets.

"Therefore, everything should be decided by Prince David, not by your discussions."

"Hmm... That... that's right."

"I was shortsighted."

The subdued atmosphere seemed to be coming to an end.

However, there was no reason for the Duke of Varieta to take my side without any reason.

"The business of the Haines Fief should be resolved within the Haines Fief. That is what is best for the country, is it not, Your Highness? If this business is forcibly nationalized, it would be an act of oppression. No one would want to do business then."

He looked at me with a blank expression, and I nodded quietly in response.

"There's an old saying that goes, 'Someone who doesn't even think about giving meat only chews and swallows the digestive grass.'"

My sarcastic words made the nobles' faces turn red with embarrassment.

"So, Duke, is that all you wanted to say? Am I wrong?"

"Is that how it looked? Yes, in fact, there was a more important reason, but I thought mediation was necessary given the situation."

It seemed he was trying to appear as if he was showing concern, but it was just a facade.

Saying this, the Duke of Varieta pulled out a small bundle of paper from his robes. It was a parchment sealed in an old-fashioned way, giving the impression of an imperial edict.

"This is a letter from the High Priest of the Holy Kingdom of Balshas."

"A letter?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Duke of Varieta handed the letter to Crianes.

"The content is about confirming whether Prince David has manifested the Holy Mark, and if so, whether he should be transferred to the Holy Kingdom to receive the title of Saint."

Without the king's permission, he had擅自 checked a letter sent from the Grand Council, which was practically the supreme authority of another country.

-What a reckless man and a chaotic country.

Just from this, it was clear how much his influence had skyrocketed and how unstable the royal authority was.

Was it like this with the Kim family in Joseon?

'Ultimately, no matter which world you go to, when the country is in trouble, the same things happen.'

"Prince David has already manifested the Holy Mark. However, no one has yet suggested that he be given the title of Saint. This is unacceptable."

"That's absurd! Prince David is the first prince of this country! How can he be sent to the Holy Kingdom just because he has manifested the Holy Mark!"

A young marquis, who had been silent and frowning until now, suddenly spoke up.

"Hehe, Marquis Ronda. The Holy Kingdom. Do you not know the Holy Kingdom?"

"I do! I know it very well! The Holy Kingdom! A country with the power of an empire! A nation that serves the goddess Priya!"

"Hehe... So you do know!"

"But this is an unfair treatment! He is a prince! This is like paying tribute to the Holy Kingdom!"

"Be careful with your words! What if someone hears you!"

"This country is the Laun Kingdom, not a vassal state of the Holy Kingdom! When did the Laun Kingdom become a vassal state of the Holy Kingdom!"

"Hehe! What a blind and foolish man!"

Despite the young noble's outcry, most of the nobles were whispering to each other.

"So, are you going to confirm the manifestation of the Holy Mark and send me?"

Finally, I asked slowly and calmly, and the Duke of Varieta nodded.

"This will be a great help to the prince's well-being. And as a royal, it is a duty that should be fulfilled..."

"Yes, I know that I have manifested the Holy Mark."

"Your Highness, look at the forest, not the trees. The Holy Kingdom of Balshas is a brother and ally of the Laun Kingdom."

"So, if I go and receive the title of Saint, the Holy Kingdom will protect the kingdom more?"

At my question, he paused.

"Royals carry a great responsibility. Do not forget that. It is not good to offend the Holy Kingdom."

He spoke as if it were obvious, and I remained silent for a moment.

A noble who had not grasped the situation complained irritably.

"Then! What about the fief! The Haines Fief, where Prince David is the lord! And the moon grass business!"

"Unfortunately, if the prince joins the Holy Kingdom and receives the title of Saint, it will be illegal for him to manage the fief according to the law!"

At the Duke of Varieta's words, it seemed the nobles had a realization.

Their eyes quickly filled with greed.

The Haines Fief, which had been a cursed land that no one cared about, was now a place where one could sit and become rich overnight.

-He's playing a trick.

'Wow, this is getting interesting.'

I smiled and watched them, and the nobles began to argue again, as if my departure was already decided.

"Then, a new lord must be appointed quickly!"

"That's right. If the prince receives the title of Saint, a suitable person must be found and appointed as the new lord."

"Ahem! My inadequate son has just come of age..."

Each of them was trying to involve themselves, their blood relatives, or associates.

But the Duke of Varieta was not about to let this happen.

He had already stated that the fief business should not be nationalized for this reason.

"I dare to speak on this matter."

Finally, the Duke of Varieta addressed King Crianes.

"Currently, the Haines Fief is in a crucial period, more important than any other fief in this country. It is not a position that just anyone can fill."

"Continue."

"Therefore, if Prince David leaves for the Holy Kingdom and receives the title of Saint, someone else must manage the fief. The only person I know who can do this is Prince Kalus II."

His meaning was simple.

Place the second prince, Kalus, son of Queen Linnes, in the position.

After monopolizing the business, transfer it to Prince Kalus and let the Duke of Varieta's family monopolize the benefits.

It seemed that was his intention.

In the end, it was just the same old nonsense that the nobles had been trying to push from the beginning.

As soon as he finished speaking, a boy who had been silent until now stood up as if he had been waiting for this moment.

It was the second prince, Kalus.

Unlike before, he was wearing a peculiar hat on his head, which made him even more eye-catching.

With a face full of mockery, he stood up, bowed to King Crianes, and spoke confidently.

Everyone was waiting for his words.

"Ribbit!"

A strange frog-like croak came from his mouth, unlike any human sound.

-Pfft!

My shoulder trembled, and Perseurk, unable to hold back his laughter, covered his tiny, cute mouth.

Gifts should be opened at the right moment to be most effective.

24. The Method of Contacting Dwarves

"This... this..."

Kalus frowned, seemingly bewildered by his own words.

However, his mouth, acting against his will, continued to make its presence known.

"Caw! Caw!"

The nobles' mouths dropped open at the strange bird-like sounds he made.

Even the composed Duke of Varieta's face showed a subtle crack.

"Kalus, what are you doing?"

"That... that's... quack!"

Despite making the sounds himself, he seemed unable to control them, and his face was a picture of bewilderment.

"Your Majesty! Quack quack!"

Even if one tried to see it positively, it looked like he was just playing around.

-You... you, this is... hahaha!

Finally, the former Demon King could no longer hold back her laughter.

"Pfft..."

This was not just her; others in the room were also struggling to contain their laughter.

Some of the nobles, unable to resist, burst out laughing and quickly covered their mouths to maintain their composure.

I, on the other hand, was barely holding back my laughter.

"Have you the audacity to play around in the national council chamber! Get out of here!"

King Crianes, finally losing his temper, roared, and Kalus tried to plead his case.

Desperately shaking his head, he shouted.

"Your Majesty, believe me! Quack quack!"

"Guards! Lock him in a room! Keep him under house arrest until I say otherwise!"

"Your Majesty!! Your Majesty!! Caw caw!! Caw caw!"

Struggling desperately, Kalus was dragged away by the guards. His hat, which had been on his head, was suddenly pulled off.