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The Crown Prince Wishes to Retire

28. The Cost of Disturbing Rest is High! (2)

The empire, the strongest force on the West Continent, recognizes a pirate nation?

Of course, even if that happens, it’s unlikely to become an official nation right away.

But what if they were recognized as a Principality?

Though it would be controversial, over time they would likely be acknowledged as an official nation.

The problem lies in their identity as pirates.

“Hmm….”

“Is plunder the problem?”

Kariel smiled knowingly at the Pirate King’s worries.

“You can’t just change overnight when your foundation is piracy. Don’t you also need the recognition of an empire to be a nation?”

It’s not just about being ordinary pirates.

If they can present themselves as a nation on the surface, it opens up many possibilities.

They could elevate themselves from being merely a criminal group and gain negotiation rights, transitioning from secretly approaching each guild to formally signing contracts for passage fees or protection fees.

That alone would mark a significant step forward for Aisa Archipelago.

However, the Pirate King seemed unsatisfied, cautiously asking, “Is that all possible with just the empire’s recognition?”

“Hmm… if you want to be truly recognized as an official nation, you’ll ultimately have to change from the ground up.”

This means transitioning away from living by piracy.

The first step in that transformation is to protect the fleets traveling between the East and West Continents.

Simultaneously, they should also secure trade routes with other island regions.

The next step would be fishing.

Pirates can’t survive solely by plunder. They also require other means to sustain themselves, so they have been engaged in fishing, albeit not significantly compared to plundering.

In the end, to become a Normal State, they must greatly increase their fishing yield.

And then comes the establishment of a Trading Base.

This is essentially their only method for earning money.

Geographically, it needs to become a crucial spot and a resort where merchant ships can rest.

Additionally, it has to become a hub where merchant ships from various nations can gather for trading.

Moreover, an industrial complex for processing goods will also be necessary.

The question is whether the current pirates can actually pull this off.

For this reason, Kariel presented a realistic solution.

Arm them and use force to transform them into a Normal State.

For a while, piracy will continue, but it will help them act as a formal nation on the surface.

However, it seemed that the Pirate King’s concern was different.

“Can you really help us become a real nation?”

At the Pirate King’s question, Kariel paused for a moment.

The once authoritative gaze of the Pirate King now carried a desperate longing.

A bright future for pirates is not on the horizon.

Although he reigns as the Pirate King now, if things were to take a wrong turn, his entire family and subordinates could lose their lives in an instant.

And any new pirate who seizes power would meet the same fate at the hands of other pirates.

Chaos would ensue every time, preventing even such a large island, with its geostrategic significance, from becoming a nation.

But if the empire lends its support, the narrative changes.

“The empire’s help does have its limits,” Kariel stated firmly.

Even if the empire does help, it becomes meaningless if the pirates themselves don’t change.

Moreover, Kariel had his own concerns.

While it’s true he needs to apply pressure on Talos, is it really okay to support pirates this much?

Many in the empire have suffered at the hands of pirates.

It’s not rare for southern ruckus-makers to crawl into the west to cause trouble.

In that process, countless Empire Citizens have lost their lives.

“…”

The Pirate King fell silent at Kariel’s response. Indeed, if the pirates have no will to change, the cycle of plunder won’t end, making the goal of becoming a Normal State impossible.

“I have just one question.”

At the Pirate King’s words, Kariel nodded slightly.

“Do you believe there’s a possibility for Aisa Archipelago to become a ‘complete’ Normal State?”

Kariel tilted his head at the Pirate King’s question.

“…I think the Pirate King understands better than anyone?”

The Pirate King’s unwavering gaze bored into Kariel’s.

“Although I’m a pirate, I do have a network of information. I know how the empire views you… and how you navigated the chaos of the West Continent. So let me ask again: can Aisa Archipelago really become a ‘true’ official nation?”

With a small sigh, Kariel contemplated the question.

Knowing Kariel’s capabilities and insight, it was evident that the Pirate King wasn’t merely seeking to use pirates, but was asking for specific plans.

“It would be possible if two conditions are met.”

“Two conditions?”

The Pirate King tilted his head, while Kariel nodded slightly.

“First, lay the groundwork to become a Normal State. Second, cut ties with those who seem unlikely to change. But unless these two conditions are met, achieving complete status as a Normal State will be challenging.”

The Pirate King bit his lip at Kariel’s words.

“Even with the empire’s help, we have to ‘cut’ ties?”

“Yes.”

The second condition seemed to weigh heavily on the Pirate King.

But there was no room for compromise on this matter.

If those who wished to remain pirates cling to Aisa Archipelago, they will continue to hinder any progress toward becoming a Normal State.

Thus, they had to be cut away without exception.

At this point, where everything was at stake, being held back would render any possibility moot.

“…”

“It won’t be difficult. I’ve heard your base in the West is threatened by remnants of Belphus.”

“So that’s where we send them.”

Even at Kariel’s suggestion, the Pirate King hesitated.

Many of his brothers enjoyed the pirate lifestyle.

To the hesitant Pirate King, Kariel smiled and said, “Is there really any need to mull it over? Start by draping the outward appearance of a Normal State as I suggested.”

Finally breaking his silence, the Pirate King lifted his gaze to meet Kariel’s.

Then, Kariel grinned and continued, “First, taste what being a Normal State is like. You can decide what to do afterward.”

Even for pirates, going out to plunder always comes with tension.

Merchant ships are no fools; they don’t sail through danger zones alone.

They hire mercenaries and seek assistance from various nations for escort ships.

This leads to battles, and every time plundering occurs, there are bound to be casualties.

Thus, they purchase slaves or recruit hostages to make them pirates.

But what if they can become a Normal State, even if just on the surface?

Most of these dangers would disappear. They could negotiate for regular passage fees and protection fees before plundering.

‘Those who have tasted safety will have no choice but to dream of being a Normal State. Add the sweetness of trade to that…’

It wouldn’t be impossible to fully transition Aisa Archipelago into a Normal State.

“If you truly want it, the empire could discuss support.”

At Kariel’s words, the Pirate King’s eyes widened.

“Of course, it wouldn’t be for free.”

“What do you want?”

“Lower the protection fees and passage fees compared to other nations, and perhaps a discount on the use of facilities in Aisa Archipelago?”

“Will that suffice?”

Kariel nodded lightly at the Pirate King’s question.

With that, a smile graced the Pirate King’s lips.

At this point, receiving help from the empire would practically be without cost.

Yet, Kariel had different thoughts.

If Aisa Archipelago truly becomes a nation, it would bring tremendous benefits to the empire.

“Alright! Enough of talk about the future; let’s get down to serious negotiations, shall we?”

“Sounds good.”

In response, the Pirate King smiled and nodded enthusiastically.

The first decision was to prepay 100,000 gold in exchange for protection of the empire’s merchant ships and for troubling Talos.

Next was the purchase of modern cannons.

However, the weapons the empire sells to Aisa Archipelago aren’t limited to that.

The empire also possesses weapons that have become obsolete due to mana technology.

A prime example being the musket, which the pirates still view as a precious weapon, enough to grab first after plundering, while it’s practically gathering dust in empire warehouses.

A superior weapon system has been developed.

Thus, the empire planned to sell outmoded muskets to the pirates at a fair price, while allowing those low on cash to use expensive items from Aisa Archipelago to settle the payment.

‘The era of great pirates might just be upon us.’

Selling off the empire’s surplus inventory to the pirates would ease financial constraints.

At the same time, it would pressure Talos and Rotheon, making it a win-win situation.

“One more thing, please.”

“What is it?”

Curious, Kariel tilted his head as the Pirate King cleared his throat.

“I’d appreciate it if you could send technicians.”

“…Technicians?”

“Oh! Not weapon technicians.”

As Kariel narrowed his eyes suspiciously, the Pirate King quickly waved his hands.

“Don’t tell me… you want them to help you lay the groundwork?”

Kariel, having realized the Pirate King’s intention, asked in surprise, causing the latter to cough and redden slightly.

“I just thought I’d… consider starting things.”

Becoming a true ‘king.’

That was a dream all pirates have at least once, and the Pirate King was determined not to miss this chance.

However, Kariel had negative thoughts on the matter.

“Sending technicians to Aisa Archipelago… I’m afraid that might be difficult.”

“Hmm….”

The Pirate King was disappointed by Kariel’s response but understood.

To that Pirate King, Kariel proposed an alternative.

“Select the bright ones among you.”

“Excuse me?”

“You can have them educated here.”

The Pirate King’s eyes widened at Kariel’s suggestion.

“It’ll take longer than having them go directly….”

“That’s fine.”

“Good. I’ll talk to Central.”

“Thank you. I will definitely pay the tuition.”

At the Pirate King’s words, Kariel smiled and nodded.

With newfound hope for the ‘ascent’ to a Normal State, the pirates would now begin their movements against Talos.

They must have realized that they need to heed the empire’s guidance, so they would surely act diligently.

‘It’s dangerous, but there’s no point in being overly cautious.’

Kariel thought to himself, forcing a smile.

Starting to utilize pirates brings risks, but it was unavoidable to overcome the crisis.

Once all the negotiations were wrapped up, Kariel intended to rise from his seat for the next agenda. At that moment, the Pirate King detained him.

“Take this with you.”

“This is…?”

A black badge emblazoned with a skull symbol.

At its center was a red gem.

“You will probably find the help of pirates useful at some point.”

“Ah….”

Kariel looked astonished at the Pirate King’s explanation.

He was given a black badge that is only awarded to those who have provided significant aid to pirates. It was nothing short of receiving an incredible treasure, considering the rarity of others who have received this badge in Aisa Archipelago’s history.

“It was just a fair trade…”

“If the recipient deems it a favor, then it is indeed a favor. Your Highness is the benefactor of Aisa Archipelago.”

As the Pirate King declared this, he rose from his seat and bowed. The nearby pirates also bowed their heads and quietly left the narrow room in unison.

With all the pirates having exited the building, Kariel stood up slowly and stepped outside.

“Isn’t this too dangerous?”

“It can’t be helped. With neighboring nations acting like that, there’s only so much risk we can take.”

Kariel sighed in response to Talion’s question.

“Now the remaining issue is how to handle the Holy Nation… I need to think carefully about this one.”

He had entrusted the Inspection Department with the matter, but that alone didn’t seem sufficient.

“Let’s take a break for now. Haah… we’ve come to such a renowned city; we can’t spend all our time working.”

“I’ve found a great place.”

“Okay.”

Kariel nodded in satisfaction at Talion’s swift response.

He glanced back at Chardonnay, standing beside him, and slightly inclined his head.

“Thank you for your hard work today.”

“…Not at all.”

A beautiful smile adorned Chardonnay’s lovely face.

One could momentarily be mesmerized by her enchanting beauty, and even the formidable Kariel felt a fleeting daze.

“Ahem! Are you thinking of returning right away?”

“I suppose we should.”

It wouldn’t do to leave their defenses vulnerable for too long.

They needed to get back to their original position as soon as possible.

While the knights and attendants who had gathered around wore faintly disappointed expressions, Kariel smiled and nodded before turning away.

As he departed without hesitation, Chardonnay reflected on the earlier events.

 

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