Became The Son Of The Final Boss [EN]: Chapter 46

46.

Even modern society, with its highly developed social systems and civilization compared to the Middle Ages, hasn’t managed to resolve the gap between the rich and poor.

This was true not only in the country I lived in but also in other countries commonly referred to as developed nations.

Rather, the more social systems developed and civilization evolved, the wider the gap between the rich and poor seemed to become.

I couldn’t offer David a perfect solution either.

However, I could offer a more advanced perspective.

“When all the wealth of the continent is gathered together, how much do you think belongs to the Imperial Family and the nobles?”

“Pardon?”

David’s eyes widened as if he had never considered the question before.

“Most of it would belong to the Imperial Family and the nobles. Resources are limited, and since the Imperial Family and nobles control so much, it’s natural that the commoners, not to mention the slaves, have very little.”

I smiled gently.

“The bigger problem is that the Imperial Family and nobles are a very small minority compared to the entire population of the continent, while commoners and slaves are the majority. It’s only natural that many people starve when a small number of people hoard most of the wealth.”

David’s voice gained strength.

“That’s right. If they gave up just a little of what they have, many people could live much better lives than they do now.”

I said, eating the Policia flower soup. [Presumably a local delicacy or dish.]

“His Majesty is trying to improve the lives of the commoners by expanding the territory and increasing production itself.”

Honestly, I didn’t know my father was thinking that way.

The father I had envisioned was one who repeated wars because of his lust for power and endless greed for territory.

But the father I met in person was not someone who was simply driven by lust for power or greed.

You couldn’t simply define a person.

Anyway, I framed my father’s current policies in a way to leave a strong impression on David.

“Do you know what the flaw in conquest warfare is?”

David narrowed his eyes.

I continued, finishing my soup.

“No matter how much production increases, the proportion taken by the Imperial Family and nobles doesn’t change. In the end, the Imperial Family and nobles enjoy greater wealth and glory through war, and the commoners still can’t escape their harsh lives.”

“That’s right. People are dying in meaningless wars…”

I cut off David’s words.

“Moreover, the number of Imperial Family and nobles doesn’t increase through war, but the number of commoners they have to feed does increase. Conquest warfare is not a fundamental solution.”

I added with a smile.

“Dividing the shares of the Imperial Family and nobles isn’t a fundamental solution either.”

David finally asked.

“Then what is the solution that Your Highness is thinking of?”

“I don’t know either. It’s not a problem that can be solved by thinking about it for a day or two.”

David laughed humorlessly.

“Then what have you been…”

“Reduce the number of mouths to feed.”

I deliberately lowered my voice.

“If you can’t reduce the amount the nobles take, then reduce the number of nobles. Reducing the share of the Imperial Family is possible enough with the Emperor’s will, and the greed of the nobles, which cannot be improved with the Emperor’s will, can be mitigated to some extent by reducing their numbers.”

David’s expression darkened.

I continued.

“Look at the Attran family, a prestigious family on the continent. Do you know how much land and slaves they acquired through the last First Conquest War? If their share had been distributed to the slums where you are from… that wealth wouldn’t end with a single act of charity. It’s enough wealth to fundamentally change the lives of the people living in the slums.”

David shuddered.

In fact, I had received all my formal education in modern times, but I wasn’t a particularly good student, nor was I very interested in social studies, economics, or politics.

But what set me apart from them was the difference in the direction and breadth of my thinking.

I had the advantage of being able to think in directions they couldn’t imagine. I also remembered enough about the disadvantages of the Middle Ages and the reasons for the decline of the nobility.

What I presented to David was a very drastic method that also touched David’s emotions.

The noble I cited as an example was the Attran family.

“It’s quite in line with Father’s policies. I can’t oppose Father’s policies from my position.”

“The Attran are the guardian family of the Empire. They are one of the families who received the title of Duke as meritorious subjects. Do you think you can eliminate them?”

I smiled.

“That’s not my problem to think about. It may not be the right answer in the long run for the Imperial Family to seize absolute power. The slum problem is a problem to think about for a long time.”

Looking at David’s sunken expression, I said coldly to myself.

“But one thing is certain. The advantage of absolute power is that any policy can be implemented depending on who sits on the throne.”

I got up.

“It’s not a grand solution, but you know my thoughts to some extent, so now do your job. Oh, you know that the spring evaluation competition has been brought forward, right?”

“Yes.”

At David’s short answer, I suggested.

“Since you’re here, shall we assess the skills of the dull sword? Isn’t that the training ground?”

I pointed to the spacious training ground.

I immediately said to the servant.

“Bring David’s sword.”

David was surprised, as if it was unexpected.

“Are you going to spar with me?”

I smiled deeply.

“Why? Are you scared?”

“No.”

Soon after, David and I stood facing each other in the training ground.

-David (Lv50)

-Sword Expert Advanced

I cannot access information because the level is significantly low.

I tried not to show any surprise.

‘A knight of Gale’s level.’

* * *

Despite Ted’s gentle smile, Chen’s expression was extremely cold.

“What’s going on, Brother?”

Chen rarely visited his palace, so he didn’t let his guard down.

People called his brother the perfect candidate for Emperor and a humble prince, but Chen knew.

Trying to take that position when there is already a Crown Prince ultimately means fratricide [killing one’s own brother]. How could someone who would kill his own brother for power be a humble person?

Ted, sensing Chen’s wariness, spoke slowly.

“Why are you so stiff? Is it so unusual for a brother to visit his younger brother?”

“Yes. It’s unusual. Between you and me, Brother.”

Ted shrugged.

“Since you’re so wary, I’ll just say what I came to say and leave.”

Ted’s eyebrows arched.

“I know you tried to kill Brother Arun.”

“Brother!”

Murdurous intent filled Chen’s voice.

“I think Brother Arun knows too?”

Chen bit his lip. He had already guessed that Arun knew.

Ted’s voice became subtle.

“He might even have evidence.”

“There’s no such thing.”

Ted chuckled at Chen’s firm words.

“It seems it’s true that you attempted assassination.”

Chen’s face twisted roughly at the fact that he had fallen for such a simple trick.

“That’s the problem with you, little brother. You’re too hot-tempered, and your thoughts are written all over your face. Brother Arun has changed. It won’t be easy if you treat him like you used to.”

“You are also my competitor, Brother. There is only one seat, and many are aiming for it.”

Ted nodded at Chen’s provocative words.

“That’s right. There is only one seat. But aren’t you and I the only strong contenders? The other brothers are still young. Above all, you and I are the only ones who have powerful ducal families as our maternal relatives. The other two families are not worth worrying about. As you know, their power is weak.”

Chen flinched without realizing it. He knew very well that Ted’s words were correct.

“What do you want to say?”

“I know about the Snake Venom Guild. I also know that they are under Duke Austin. I heard they are looking for something, and I happen to have it in my hands.”

Chen’s eyes intensified.

“Brother.”

“Let’s join hands until only two are left. After that… we’ll have to fight each other with all our might.”

“Did Duke Beregon also agree to this?”

Ted shook his head at Chen’s question.

“Does my grandfather’s consent matter? Little brother, let me give you one piece of advice.”

Murdurous intent was also evident in Ted’s voice.

“They are subjects who pledge allegiance to the Emperor of this Empire. That is a truth that will never change. A subject’s consent in the monarch’s decision is a recommended matter, not a requirement.”

Chen’s eyes widened.

Ted was already smiling.

He seemed like a completely different person from before.

“Think carefully, little brother. Even after becoming the Crown Prince and sitting on the throne, will you only listen to your grandfather’s orders?”

As Chen’s expression changed strangely, Ted turned his gaze.

‘They are calling for the eldest son… Grandfather, the Leod are not people who share power.’

One of the reasons Ted directly provoked Chen was because the eldest son of the Attran family was returning to the center.

Ted didn’t bother to tell his brother that fact.

‘I’ll live as a well-behaved grandson until I sit on the throne.’

His purpose was to aim for the Crown Prince with the absolute support of the Attran family and to alienate Chen and Austin.

* * *

I gasped for breath.

“Hoo, that’s tough. As expected of an advanced Sword Expert.”

David shook his head at my words.

“You know exactly.”

“I can’t help but know better since I sparred with you directly. I know a lot about you, surprisingly.”

I didn’t hesitate and plopped down on the floor.

David’s eyes lit up.

“Your Highness is definitely different from the nobles or royals I know.”

“What do you mean?”

At my words, David sat facing me and said.

“No royal or noble would sit on the floor like this. Even if it’s after sparring.”

I chuckled.

“You’re giving special meaning to something that’s not a big deal. You sit down when you’re tired.”

I caught my breath and continued.

“It’s definitely difficult to close the gap with an advanced Sword Expert when I haven’t been an intermediate Beginner for long. If you come to the spring evaluation competition, I won’t be able to win.”

Alarm crossed David’s face.

“You’ve reached intermediate Spirit User?”

The answer came from behind.

“He contracted with his first spirit two months ago.”

It was Ken.

David’s gaze turned.

“What are you…”

“He contracted with his first spirit two months ago and is now an intermediate Beginner. That’s what His Highness is.”

David forgot his manners and muttered.

“This is ridiculous…”

Ken held out his hand to me.

“His Highness’s talent is beyond words. His vast knowledge, depth of thought, and direction are hard for even me, who prides himself on having studied a bit, to follow.”

I took Ken’s hand and got up, saying.

“Stop flattering me and what’s going on?”

“I came to report after finishing my work.”

“Is that so? Then let’s go back.”

I asked David.

“You can leave the palace now. Let’s look forward to the next time.”

David shuddered at my indifferent appearance.

He probably expected it to some extent since he came to the palace.

He has enough sense to guess that I’m coveting him as my subordinate.

“Your Highness.”

At David’s call, I turned my head.

“Yes. Do you still have something to say?”

“The example you mentioned about the Attran family.”

I narrowed my eyes.

David continued.

“Could it be related to my family…?”

I interrupted David’s words.

“I know. Isn’t it true that they are the family that takes more than any other family?”

David shuddered.

“I’m not foolish enough to sway the prestigious families of the Empire based on your personal circumstances. But it’s different if it’s for the greater good.”

I concluded strongly.

“Where would the prestigious families of the Empire be in the face of the greater good? Moreover, if that reputation was built at the expense of the blood and sweat of the commoners… wouldn’t it be okay to take it back for the sake of the blood and sweat of the commoners?”