How to Handle Domestic Security
Hmm… security issues, huh.
Honestly, that’s not something I can take full responsibility for.
Even Kiblinki Saltas’s public safety efforts are more of a side gig—their main job is agricultural guidance and crop research.
Still… this is frustrating.
“So, what do you want me to do about it?”
“Oh? Do you intend to do something?”
“No, I just figured I’d ask—just in case.”
“The Duke seems intent on requesting additional deployments of Kiblinki Saltas. He mentioned it when I met with him earlier. The Crown Prince didn’t look too happy about that, though—more like he bit into something extremely bitter.”
“Hmm. So he still doesn’t like me.”
“Well, now that you’ve become a Platinum-Rank Merchant, you’re on par with a marquis. Economically speaking, you’re comparable in power to Marquis Vardmoi, the head of the strongest faction in the realm. You may not like it, but you’ve reached the point where your decisions can make or break national grain distribution.”
What Rumaja’s saying is basically true.
In the Saltas Company, I have the final say over grain deals.
The Trade Guild usually handles things on my behalf, but I can override them anytime—and they can’t refuse.
I’ve only exercised that authority once, to provide emergency food aid to a village hit by a landslide caused by heavy rain.
Even then, it wasn’t because the guild refused—it was just that I got word before they did and acted first.
“A monarch who can’t even pretend to get along with the merchant controlling the country’s food supply isn’t fit to rule. When we met in private, the Duke even confided that he’s considering disinheriting the current Crown Prince, Sharon, and passing the throne to his fourth son, Taur.”
“Again with this casual talk of succession…”
“Taur didn’t grow up being pampered like Sharon. He has solid principles and understands his role as a noble. He doesn’t have a strong support base, but at least he isn’t involved with any shady types. Compared to the arrogant Sharon, Taur is far more decent.”
Has Prince Sharon really fallen that far?
I’ve been deliberately avoiding him, but this… doesn’t sound good.
Where is this heading?
“So, what are you going to do? This doesn’t involve me, does it?”
“It doesn’t. For now.”
“… For now?”
“The Duke plans to give both princes their own territories and judge who should succeed based on how well they develop them over the next few years. He also intends to evaluate how well they can garner help from other nobles and merchants.”
“... You want me to support Prince Taur?”
“I won’t force you. But tell me—do you really want to spend your long life being jerked around by someone like Sharon? Maneuvering skillfully in moments like this is exactly what makes a master merchant.”
Skillfully maneuvering, huh…
If I back Taur and provide him with Kiblinki Saltas, his territory will flourish almost instantly.
Maybe that’s the whole point. Maybe the Duke is deliberately setting up a rigged match—to either humble Sharon or actually remove him as heir.
I can’t even tell what the Duke’s real intent is.
This offer… it’s a really difficult one.
What do you think about this chapter?
I think Lily should remain neutral for now. Thanks.