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The Crown Prince Wishes to Retire

29. An Unusual Wind Rising from a Small Port (2)

As the First Prince, I could easily draw funds from the Central Government.

The issue, however, was the people.

Specifically, the talented individuals who were properly educated.

I wanted to recruit intellectuals immediately, but if I indiscriminately picked anyone, a horde of mediocre talents might flock to me.

What Kariel desired were capable people, not trash, so the selection process had to be meticulous.

After all, even if applicants swarmed in right now, there wasn’t exactly a suitable place for them to work, so I had to invest time and effort.

So, what had Kariel been doing all this time?

“What about the Merchant Leaders?”

“They’re gathered.”

“Let’s go.”

Stepping out of my office and into the Grand Conference Hall, Talion handed me a report.

“Nice to see you. I am the First Prince, Kariel.”

Kariel greeted them warmly, but tension was palpable on the faces of the Merchant Leaders seated there.

The chaos caused when the capital declared war on corruption had reverberated heavily down South.

Maybe that’s why, to the nobles and merchants living in the South, Kariel felt more like a messenger of doom.

“They say they refer to me as a messenger down South, huh?”

Kariel asked with a chilling smile, causing everyone to flinch.

“I didn’t call you here to demand justice, so there’s no need to tremble.”

Though he said not to be scared, the merchants hung their heads even lower.

Seeing this, Kariel couldn’t help but chuckle before speaking.

“Has the increased scrutiny and many restrictions made you feel frustrated?”

Merchants bowed their heads in agreement, but inwardly, they nodded repeatedly.

The merchants gathered here may have committed minor infractions, but none had committed crimes severe enough to be purged or dismantled.

However, they were trapped in the traditional practices that had been upheld with the Southern Kingdoms, so they had no choice but to endure.

As a result, they were gradually losing ground to the rival Western merchants.

Thus, they harbored resentment toward Kariel.

“Truth be told, the state of the Southern Merchant Guilds has resulted from the Southern Kingdoms. Isn’t that right?”

“…Yes.”

“Indeed.”

A few wronged Merchant Leaders answered quietly, and others nodded along.

“Feeling disgruntled at being outperformed by the Western Guilds?”

At Kariel’s words, several Merchant Leaders clenched their fists.

Though the best Merchant Guilds were in the Central region, the most excellent merchant alliance was undoubtedly in the South. And that pride had been shattered.

“You’ve paid your dues, so it’s time to lift your heads.”

“What do you mean…?”

“I’m offering you an opportunity.”

As he said this, Kariel unfurled a scroll pinned to the wall.

The Merchant Leaders’ eyes widened as they saw the development plans for the newly established Eastern Port of the Empire.

“I intend to create a Merchant Alliance in the South that rivals the West. However, since I lack a foundation, I must seek assistance from someone.”

Once he finished speaking, they could be seen swallowing hard here and there.

“This is an opportunity you are all aware of. From a merchant’s perspective, it’s quite a lucrative deal. But you also know that I can’t just hand it over.”

“Is what you commanded a condition?”

At one Merchant Leader’s words, Kariel nodded slightly.

“Yes. I will choose five Merchant Guilds to prioritize. Only these five Guilds will have the right to bid on this project first.”

With a bright smile, Kariel looked at each Merchant Leader one by one.

“I do not unconditionally force sacrifices upon you. As you all know, I called you here to check the Southern Kingdoms. I understand that some sacrifices from your side are inevitable in that process. Therefore, I am proposing this compensation plan.”

At those words, the Merchant Leaders looked at Kariel with eyes filled with joy.

But it wasn’t enough yet.

Kariel intended to announce something even bigger that would send them into a frenzy.

“And one more gift. The gift I will give you is information.”

“Information… you mean?”

“Yes. You didn’t think I just idled away at a resort, did you?”

As Kariel asked, the Merchant Leaders thought inwardly, ‘Isn’t that precisely what you were doing?’

But they hid their thoughts and looked at Kariel with expressions full of anticipation.

“I struck a deal with the Pirates.”

At Kariel’s single statement, the eyes of the Merchant Leaders began to tremble.

With those words, the clever Merchant Leaders quickly grasped the situation.

‘He intends to strike from both sides.’

‘Is he planning to keep the attention of the Southern Kingdoms on us for now?’

However, some experienced Merchant Leaders thought even deeper.

‘What exactly was the deal? To what extent does he plan this?’

‘If he’s using the Pirates, could it be that he intends to seize control of the Eastern Trade Route itself?’

Kariel, who had kept quiet to allow them to think, lightly tapped the table with his hand.

Finally, the Merchant Leaders emerged from their thoughts, refocusing their attention on Kariel.

“I’m planning to formally transact with the Pirates. What’s set in stone is that I will have them protect the Trade Route.”

“Ah….”

“Do you have plans beyond that?”

At the question from one Merchant Leader, Kariel only smiled brightly without answering.

His eyes held a firmness that seemed to say that the information he provided was the only tidbit they would receive, causing the Merchant Leaders once again to bow their heads.

Nevertheless, the recently disclosed information was enough for the Merchant Leaders to shift into a more proactive stance.

“As you all know, the task assigned to you is not merely a transaction to occupy this port. It is something you must do for your futures as well. So, make your best effort.”

“Yes!”

With Kariel making it clear why they needed to move, no further words were needed.

What remained was merely the work for the operatives.

“Oh, one more thing! Starting today, Shadows will visit each of you.”

At Kariel’s words, the Merchant Leaders jumped in surprise.

“There’s no reason to be scared. The information I just mentioned is confidential, so the Shadows will only be around until the timing is right. It will actually be beneficial. They will handle any guests coming from the South, so you won’t have to worry.”

As Kariel concluded his speech and left the room, the Merchant Leaders released the breaths they’d been holding and began to buzz amongst themselves.

They all understood the opportunity Kariel was offering them.

Observing the excited expressions of the departing Merchant Leaders, Talion sighed.

He could see the future that was ensnared in Kariel’s trap.

“Alright. The Merchant side is taken care of… what remains is the Military?”

Kariel muttered as he prepared to meet the military next.

A well-dressed, muscular man stood beside Kariel with his hands clasped.

Kariel asked him in a serious tone.

“What about the Union of Small Nations?”

“They have burrowed deeper into Talos. It may be challenging to apply any more pressure. Adding the Southern Army could make it roughly feasible, but….”

“The losses would be substantial, right?”

“…Yes.”

After the Legion Commander’s answer, Kariel thought for a moment. With the city developing at a rapid pace, wasting time in a power struggle with Talos was not an option.

Kariel made his decision and spoke in a heavy voice.

“Well… we’ll stop here.”

“What do you mean…?”

“We’ll withdraw our troops and establish a defensive line from here.”

“Are we going to leave the Union of Small Nations alone?”

The General, who had returned to his rank of Legion Commander, asked Kariel.

“No. We should apply pressure gradually. However, there’s no need for us to be the ones taking the hits.”

“The burden on the Southern Army will increase.”

Right now, the Southern Army was occupied with keeping the Southern Kingdoms in check while also suppressing internal rebellions.

They had sought Kariel’s assistance to manage the Union of Small Nations concurrently, and to pull back now would intensify the Southern Army’s fatigue.

“Do not worry. The Southern Army will be relieved soon enough.”

When Kariel smiled brightly, the General tilted his head in confusion.

To clarify his intentions, Kariel handed over a report summarizing recent events.

Once he read it, the General looked at Kariel in astonishment.

“We’re no longer in a rush. Let’s take our time.”

Saying this, Kariel wore a relaxed smile.

The merchants would initially deliver a blow to the Southern Kingdoms. And amidst that chaos, the Pirates would deliver another hit.

So there was no need for a reckless assault.

Instead of a single, large blow, it was better to provoke the disputed regions in Talos slowly, creating a nuisance.

“Considering the border between Talos and the Empire is not yet firmly established, there’s no better chance than now.”

“Hmm… it certainly is a good opportunity for territorial expansion. However, the First Sword of Talos is still stationed near the disputed regions.”

“So let’s halt at merely annoying them for now.”

“Yes.”

The General, having clearly grasped Kariel’s intent, bowed his head and stepped back.

Thus, the plan to limit the Southern Kingdoms’ rampant behavior was set in motion.

What remained were the rebellious factions and the Union of Small Nations.

“The rest is up to them to handle.”

Kariel muttered, and Talion entered.

“How’s the work going?”

“The South and East have definitely been infiltrated. We’re gradually moving into the Central region.”

The project to turn revolutionaries into voluntary slaves had begun. Although it was still just the rumor-spreading phase and not a single one had arrived yet, it was certain they would come one by one as time passed.

“Tell the Inspection Department to take action.”

“Yes.”

Talion nodded firmly at Kariel’s request.

As they were clever, they could easily misinterpret the government’s actions as deceptive if things went wrong.

To prevent such thoughts, Kariel planned to instill an appropriate amount of tension in the Inspection Department and have them monitor any suspicious activities.

“Still, it’s a pity. Not a single one who genuinely wants to come?”

“Yes. However, they are reportedly having meetings in various regions.”

“Don’t try to apprehend them without reason. They’re individuals who could become excellent bureaucrats; we mustn’t oppress them. Just keep an eye on them, understood?”

“…Yes.”

Kariel nodded slightly at Talion’s answer, then gazed outside the window.

Though everyone grumbled about hardship, they nonetheless tried to work harder.

Simply receiving a stipend for their labor was a remarkable treat, and those in higher tiers could even net bonuses.

Plus, they had vacation time to boot.

Such opportunities did not come easily.

Among the young, the words began to circulate.

“Let’s work hard and enjoy our golden years.”

“Now is the golden opportunity!”

On the other hand, those with families sought stability.

Yet even they had no choice but to work hard. If they earned diligently, they could endure any unforeseen circumstances that might arise with their savings.

Some thought about working hard for only a few months before slacking off.

Yet Kariel had no intention of letting them go so easily.

“It’s time to start preparing for the next phase.”

At Kariel’s words, Talion nodded heavily.

Now that the slaves were beginning to work voluntarily, it was time to launch the next plan.

There are two types of humans.

Those who, even after earning money, work earnest due to insatiable greed.

People like these wouldn’t require Kariel’s attention; they would simply work on their own.

The problem lay with the second type.

Once guaranteed a certain degree of security, they would wish to rest.

Individuals like Kariel, in contrast.

For such individuals, there was only one method. Offering more opportunities to earn money to delay their desire to enjoy their golden years!

“I’ll have to stoke their desires, then?”

With a mischievous smile, Kariel looked at Talion.

Talion trembled slightly, breaking into a cold sweat.

‘If His Highness becomes the Emperor… will the Empire become Hell?’

The thought that they might be worked to the bone until death made Talion shudder.

“Are you unwell?”

“…No, I’m fine.”

“Take care of yourself. There’s nothing more precious than health, you know?”

“…Yes.”

Talion forced a wry smile at Kariel’s concern and lowered his head.

Yet worry was still worry, and one must fulfill their duties perfectly.

Today, after being shaken down, Talion stepped outside immediately.

According to the traditional norm of being shaken down by superiors only to vent on subordinates, high-ranking bureaucrats and Shadows began to roam the city with eyes flashing with rage.

“Not too bad.”

Seeing this, Kariel smiled in satisfaction.

Although the exhausting labor was overwhelming for everyone, strangely, no one gave up.

With improvements in compensation and the labor environment supporting it, a tolerable work situation started to form.

And as time went by, rumors began to spark flames of revolution in the hearts of the Empire Citizens.

The wages that were taken for granted.

The work environment that seemed normal.

The welfare that everyone thought was a matter of course.

The notion that being squeezed by the Nobles was simply a given began to shift.

Finally, this news hit the capital of the Empire, causing the hidden revolutionaries to begin to emerge.

“We must go to His Highness.”

“He is our hope.”

“Let’s go. If it’s him, he will listen to us!”

Revolutionaries hidden in various regions, centered around the capital, began to stir.

They moved toward the newly established port in the Empire…

At the heart of it was the revolutionary leader, Markus Weber.

 

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