The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 16

I never imagined I’d be able to handle all of this alone. It was too grand and tempting a feast for one person, yet it contained a deadly poison that could kill an individual, or even cripple a nation. Without the Emperor’s unwavering support, consuming it alone would be impossible.

So, without hesitation, I shared this information. Rather than missing out entirely, I wanted everyone to know so I could at least have a taste, if not the whole thing.

‘Wait, this is going to make the calculations rather complicated, isn’t it?’

Everything within the Empire ultimately belongs to the Emperor. This is because it’s a monarchy, ruled by a king, not a modern democratic society.

It’s not that laws don’t exist, but they’re more like loose guidelines for the nobles. This is unavoidable, as lords are granted judicial, military, and economic power within their territories.

Nevertheless, everyone obeys the Emperor because of the powerful military might represented by the three swords [referring to the Empire’s strongest military forces or elite units]. The reason the magic stone mine’s calculation is complicated boils down to one thing:

This place isn’t technically Imperial territory.

Officially, the monster-infested lands are a vacant, unclaimed territory. The Empire is the only country bordering it, and further north lies only the sea, so it could practically be considered Imperial territory. However, the fact that it’s ‘officially’ not Imperial territory is crucial.

Since it’s not Imperial territory, it’s neither the Emperor’s direct domain nor a lord’s fief. The Emperor and any lord who might claim a stake alongside the discoverer are out of the equation. Of course, the Emperor has nothing to fear, so he will intervene, and he has no choice but to intervene. Besides, how can you develop an underground mine in the middle of monster territory without the Emperor’s backing?

In addition, the Magic Tower [a powerful organization of mages] will try to get involved by any means. Furthermore, numerous organizations and individuals seeking profit will flock to it, all vying for a piece of the pie. The only saving grace is that ordinary people are prohibited from entering the Tera Barrier [a magical barrier protecting civilized lands from monsters].

‘It might be simpler than I thought. Tsk. I don’t know much about this kind of thing, and there’s no one to ask for help.’

Until a year ago, I was just a common 3rd circle magician [referring to a mage’s rank or power level]. I was an ordinary noble who planned to assist my brother in the future and live out my days in the territory our ancestors had managed for generations. Now that I’ve dropped a bombshell, I have to clean it up, but it seems more difficult than I anticipated.

#

After we returned, Duke Zeke, having visually confirmed the magic stone’s existence, issued a strict gag order. He warned us to be careful not to let news of the magic stone mine leak out until the Emperor issued his orders. But Wonder seemed determined to inform the Magic Tower regardless. He seemed fixated on making the mine’s discovery his own achievement by any means.

“Everyone, remember my words. If news of the leak reaches my ears, I will find the person responsible and hold them accountable for the crime of insubordination.”

As he spoke, he glared at Wonder with an expression that suggested he’d devour him if given the chance. Wonder had no choice but to step back.

“Everyone, return to your duties. Renil, stay behind for a moment.”

Creak- Thump-

“Sit down. This doesn’t seem like it will be a short conversation.”

I sat down and drank the tea Duke Zeke offered. As expected of tea served by a Duke of the Empire, even the aroma was distinct from what I usually drink.

“First of all, thank you for your hard work. If it weren’t for you, these magic stones would have remained buried for years, decades, or even centuries. Thanks to you, the Empire has another opportunity to prosper.”

“You flatter me.”

Surely you’re not planning to just praise me and move on, are you? If that’s the case, I’ll blow up the magic stone mine by any means necessary. With that much magic power, the explosion might even reach the Tera Barrier. Then I’d have to be prepared to die too…? While I was entertaining such dangerous thoughts, Duke Zeke continued.

“Months have passed since I first heard those words. In the meantime, things were quiet, so I thought you had good intentions but lacked the ability. But to cause such an incident… I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or intentional, but it will be as you wish. Support will increase to develop that. No, will the damage rather increase? In order to continue development stably, we must prevent monsters from invading the mine, which means we have to go beyond the Tera Barrier and face them.”

“Cleaning up the monster lands entirely this time may be a way to reduce damage from a future-oriented perspective.”

In the short term, it might be a loss. We might suffer damage that can’t be recovered quickly, but in the long run, it would be a gain.

The territory would also increase, and there might be unexpected windfalls like this magic stone mine. The snowball that was growing like a mountain would also stop.

If you consider the supplies and manpower that go into defending the Tera Barrier as a lump-sum payment, it’s not an impossible scenario. The Empire has that much capacity.

“That’s a preposterous statement. Do you really think such a thing is possible?”

“I don’t think it’s impossible.”

“At the same time, it’s not possible either.”

Duke Zeke’s voice was cold. Maybe he’s angry. Like he said, it could cause even greater damage if we’re not careful. And that would be sacrificing people for money, which he hates the most.

“If His Majesty the Emperor held absolute power, it wouldn’t be impossible, as you said. Even then, it wouldn’t be easy. The Empire holds continental hegemony, but at the same time, it’s being targeted by enemies seeking to usurp that hegemony.

From the west, east, and south, in all directions. If we want to cleanse the north, we’d have to pour all the Empire’s power into it for a while. Have you considered how tempting the Empire, exposed and vulnerable, would look as prey at that time?”

The enemy of mankind isn’t just monsters. People of different nationalities can become enemies at any time. Besides, even the Emperor can’t move the Empire alone.

That means the nobles have to agree to some extent. How much support will the nobles send to a northern expedition where huge losses are obvious?

Now that the magic stone mine has been discovered, everyone will be drooling over the resources sleeping somewhere else, but they’ll hesitate to invest troops rashly.

Some might think that merging with the enemy, weakened by paying for the investment, is more profitable than an uncertain investment. The land is vast, with many people, and it’s never easy to unite the opinions of so many.

“Everything is up to His Majesty the Great Emperor to decide, from whether to develop the mine to cleansing the monster lands. It’s not something I, a mere subject, can change by talking about it.”

“…You’re right. Everything is up to His Majesty the Emperor to decide. It’s not something to be discussed lightly.”

“So, Duke, please persuade His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Persuade?”

I’m just talking, but Duke Zeke is different. He is one of the Empire’s three swords [again, referring to a high-ranking military leader]. Even the Emperor can’t easily ignore Duke Zeke’s words.

“Certainly, as you said, Duke, developing the mine may cause greater damage. However, if some of the magic stones mined from the mine can be used to defend the Tera Barrier, it will ultimately be a way to reduce damage.”

“Hmm.”

Duke Zeke stroked his chin as if he thought there was some truth in my words.

“But with what? The method you mentioned is ultimately robbing Peter to pay Paul [taking from one to give to another, achieving nothing]. Wouldn’t it be more efficient to invest in other areas than that?”

“Then sell my name.”

“…What?”

Duke Zeke asked back as if he had misheard me. And Duke Zeke’s reaction was natural. Ten out of ten, a hundred out of a hundred, the reaction to my answer could only be like that. Asking the Emperor of the Empire, who is in a position above all people, to sell the name of a 4th circle magician [a mage of moderate power], it would be fortunate if it ended with just saying that he was out of his mind, and furthermore, he could even be accused of harboring treasonous intentions.

“You, do you know what you’re saying? I’ll pretend I didn’t hear what you’ve said so far, considering your past achievements. Get out of here.”

The momentum emanating from Duke Zeke is terrifying. The momentum alone would have knocked out those with weak minds. The fear that Duke Zeke’s sword, which was tied to his waist, would cut off my neck soared if I made a mistake with my mouth here. But if I retreat now in fear, I will never be able to reap the reward for taking a step forward while bearing the loss.

Must be cold-blooded. Must be calm. Must be calm. The script that I had drawn in my head, which had been momentarily wiped clean, began to resurface.

“Duke, I found the magic stone mine.”

“That’s why I’m giving you the opportunity to leave this place on your own two feet.”

“And finding the mine was by no means a coincidence. The mine that no one else could find was able to reveal itself because I have the ability to locate magic stones.”

Fortunately, it didn’t seem like Duke Zeke was thinking of drawing his sword yet. Or maybe he didn’t feel the need to. Even if he just stretched out his fist, my head would burst like a watermelon. But anyway, it was fortunate that he was listening to my story.

“In other words, I can find another mine. The next one could contain magic stones, mithril [a rare and valuable metal], gold, silver, or iron. But if His Majesty the Emperor only takes the benefits from the Tera Barrier, I will never find the next mine.”

It was like a lightning strike. I even imagined my neck floating in the air for a moment. As I barely managed to regain my balance, I saw the blood dripping down the sword and Duke Zeke, who had already drawn his sword and was holding it to my neck.

“You, how dare you try to make a deal with His Majesty the Emperor! You are an unfaithful person. Even if you have the ability, the Empire doesn’t need someone like you!”

The momentum is no joke, as if what I said just now was a joke. The room is shaking as if there was an earthquake, which is not a simple illusion. My body was constantly ringing alarms. My life is in danger, so run away quickly. The body’s warning is correct. From now on, if you don’t balance properly, you will die.

“Loyalty can never be established if it only flows in one direction. It is the duty of the monarch to give a reward commensurate with the achievements of his subjects. Also, that reward will be for the benefit of the Empire, not for personal gain, so how can you call it disloyalty?”

“It rolls so well as if you’ve oiled your tongue [meaning he’s being overly smooth or persuasive].”

“Many people will want to develop the mine to gain their own benefits. They will use sweet words to His Majesty the Emperor for that purpose, but His Majesty the Emperor must never do so. Someone must advise that he should prioritize the people of the Empire, not that wealth. If you, Duke, are a true subject of His Majesty the Emperor, shouldn’t you do so even if I don’t say so!”

With my words, silence filled the room for a while. Now, all I can do is over. The rest depends on how persuasive my words were. The sword touching my neck was emitting a coldness, ready to sever my neck at any moment.

“It’s for the Empire. Also, please help me sweat for the Empire [meaning to work hard for the Empire].”