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Chapter 10: What They Gain from the North
The next day.
Both sides were busy trying to reach a conclusion.
“Haha! Your scheme is always ingenious. You must have seen the emperor’s dumbfounded face, right?”
The Duke was in a very good mood today and praised Count Wallace.
“Well, we do have some losses on our side, but it’s more important to separate Marius and the first prince for the future.”
“Yes, they have no choice but to accept the project since it’s not bad for them either!”
In fact, collecting money this time was not a big loss for the Duke’s side.
Count Wallace, who owned the top commerce of the empire, was on the Duke’s side. What did it matter if they spent a little money?
The damage they suffered this time was nothing compared to the impact of losing Marius on the emperor’s side.
No matter how they thought about it, this road project was nothing but an absolute victory for the Duke’s side. The Duke was very satisfied with this outcome.
…
Meanwhile.
“Well, that worked out well. Come back soon.”
“What did you say?”
“They said they would pay for developing our land, which will be our base of power. Why would we refuse?”
Eurius looked indifferent and urged Marius to leave.
“But, Your Highness… If I leave…”
“It’s true that no one else is suitable for you, and His Majesty will eventually order you anyway.”
“Hmm…”
Marius groaned.
It was not a problem that could be solved by refusing.
A large-scale project for the future of the empire versus the education of one prince! It was not even worth comparing.
The people on the emperor’s side also had some reluctance to let Marius go, but it was ultimately a beneficial project for them. It was reasonable for him to go to appease their faction.
He opened his mouth again with a cautious expression.
“And this confirms my suspicion about Wallace. He wouldn’t have used such a desperate measure unless he had no other source of funds!”
“Did you find out about the other top commerce?”
“That’s what I wanted to tell you.”
Marius began to explain.
“There is a top commerce called [Blue Dragon] from the east that has a strong financial base and is interested in investing here. I’m trying to contact them discreetly for now.”
Eurius felt a surge of joy inside. He would have had more trouble if he had picked the wrong place.
‘As expected, Marius has a good eye. He picked that place in one go!’
The Blue Dragon top of commerce, the only unified country in the east, was not a very big top at present, but it would grow into one of the top ones in the continent after taking advantage of the chaos in ten years.
‘And their Head is a very scary person.’
Eurius shivered unconsciously as he remembered his past life.
“How about making a big deal with them this time?”
There were various materials needed for the road construction, from stones for laying the foundation to tools and food for the workers. Many tops would rush to take advantage of this opportunity.
It was easier than eating cold rice for him as the person in charge to give some favors to one or two tops.
In a way, this road project could be a good chance to gradually push Wallace out.
“Just make sure Wallace doesn’t notice and support them secretly.”
“Of course.”
…
The next day.
The war council finally reached a verdict.
As Eurius expected, the emperor’s decision was quick.
“Minister of Administration Marius, you are in charge of the road construction in the northern part of the empire!”
Who could delay when it was his order?
As soon as the emperor’s order came down, everything proceeded swiftly.
A huge amount of money collected from the wealthy nobles of the south was transported to the capital, and a meticulous plan was made based on the cities in the north.
Marius and other bureaucrats worked day and night to find the most efficient route for the development of the north.
“Wouldn’t it be more efficient to build it in a straight line even if it goes through some mountains?”
“That’s absurd! The north is full of barbarians who are no different from bandits! We should look for a safer way even if it takes longer…”
“But if we take a detour, the construction period will be too delayed!”
The debate continued day and night for several months, so Eurius barely saw Marius’ face.
And finally, the day came when Marius left for the north to lead the project.
Today was the day when he came to say goodbye to him.
Eurius looked very sad and saw him off.
“Come visit me sometimes when you get a vacation.”
Marius looked at him blankly with his wrinkled face.
‘It’s been a long time, now that I think about it.’
He had been in charge of Eurius’ education since he was six years old. He was almost like a father who had taken care of him for almost ten years.
“I estimate the construction period to be about four years. I believe you will do well without this old man during that time!”
“Don’t say that. I still need your guidance.”
Eurius hugged Marius tightly and said his last farewell.
“Come back safely. It will be hard without you, but I’ll try my best.”
Marius felt Eurius’ warm body temperature and his eyes reddened slightly.
“Then, Your Highness, please take care.”
Marius bowed his head deeply and left.
After confirming that he was completely out of sight, Eurius slowly put away his sad expression and smiled.
‘Now I can focus on recovering my strength.’
Marius had helped him a lot, but he hadn’t told him the secret of his regression. He had to receive some education as a prince, and he didn’t have time for that.
Of course, he was also sorry to let Marius go, but talent should be used in the right place.
‘I’m really sorry, but I don’t need your nagging right now, I need your skills.’
Thanks to the Duke’s misunderstanding, Marius was helping him from the best position.
All the people in the empire, from ordinary citizens to competent bureaucrats, thought that the north was a land of barbarians.
‘They don’t know the terrifying potential of the north yet.’
Eurius knew that in a few years, the north would be unified by a powerful ruler.
[The Mountain King of the North, Nuada!]
He was one of the rulers who left the strongest impression on him in his previous life.
He was also one of his strongest allies who fought against the nobles of the south.
He was supposed to think about him when the development of the north began in earnest in a few years, but there was no reason not to meet him since the Duke had opened the road.
‘If I can get out of the palace, I’ll start my activities in the north.’
The north was a world of strong warriors who respected only the strong!
With his current strength, it was still difficult to think of an alliance with Nuada.
He began to think about his plans for the next four years as his head spun busily.
The next day.
After Marius left, the role of Eurius’ guardian was taken over by Count Wallace, the second-in-command of the emperor’s faction.
“Your Highness, you must have heard what Sir Heinz said. I think I’m more suited for swordsmanship than stiff studies.”
“Hehe, Your Highness. But imperial studies are essential for you to become an emperor. Please don’t forget Marius’ request.”
“I’m already doing well enough in that area! Don’t say that and do me a favor. You’re always on my side, right?”
Wallace nodded reluctantly.
“How can I refuse when Your Highness asks me personally? But you have to study properly too.”
‘Now that the old man is gone, where will the spoiled first prince’s habits go?’
Wallace smiled secretly and drastically adjusted Eurius’ curriculum.
‘There is a saying from Player Sharnos the Great: The pen is mightier than the sword!’
It was obvious, but what could an emperor who only knew how to swing a sword do?
The empire favored outstanding warriors, but martial prowess was not that important for the emperor.
Wallace planned to give Eurius ‘only knight lessons’ with generous support.
A potion to relieve fatigue after intense training!
A high-purity force stone that increases the force accumulation of the circle! He would create the best environment that only a prestigious martial arts school in the continent could offer.
Of course, these treasures were hard to obtain with ordinary financial resources, but they were not difficult for Wallace to get.
‘Your Highness Eurius, please focus on your training!’
A few weeks after Marius left the palace, the evaluation of the first prince changed from a notorious troublemaker to another rumor.
‘The first prince has no interest in politics or imperial studies, and he swings his sword all day like a warrior!’