Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 307

Perhaps still not fully recovered from his hangover, Noah lay languidly on the bed, fiddling with the edge of a document. It was partly to read the text closely, but also a gesture to recall the night from two days ago that he couldn’t remember.

Mei glanced at him while preparing the prince’s formal attire for the ceremony.

Narrow eyes and upturned lips.

Those who saw him for the first time often mistook it for a smile, but-

‘Mei.’

‘Yes, Your Highness.’

‘Is everything written here feasible?’

‘I have received definite confirmation. If there are any parts Your Highness wishes to amend, it seems there won’t be time today due to the inauguration ceremony. Sir Ian has promised to arrange another meeting before your departure.’

Noah wore that expression when working, when standing before the King and Queen, and even when reprimanding subordinates.

The only clue to his mood was his brow. Mei focused all her attention on Noah’s brow. Sure enough, faint wrinkles began to appear.

‘At first glance, there are no issues. Like any other contract.’

Unlike his praise, Noah’s brow furrowed deeper, causing Mei to roll her eyes in confusion. He said it was good, so why was he acting like that? Was it the hangover?

Noah rubbed his temples, groaning.

‘According to what Berik said earlier, I…’

‘I am the prince of the Cream Grape Kingdom! How dare you mock the Grape Kingdom, hwaaah!’

Crunch.

The proposal crumpled along with Noah’s brow. It was a clear sign of displeasure.

Mei tensed up, swallowing hard. It was a relief that the curse was lifted, but when dealing with the aftermath, she felt as overwhelmed as when the curse was active.

‘…made a mistake.’

‘A mistake? Ah, you did make some embarrassing noises, but it’s nothing to worry about.’

Oh? Is that what he was talking about?

Mei tried to reassure him, but Noah’s brow only deepened. He decided it was better not to hear it, better to remain ignorant.

Noah shook the crumpled paper as if changing the subject.

‘Mei. Do you remember the reactions of the ministers when the Three-Nation Alliance was discussed?’

‘Of course. It was quite a commotion.’

Some warned that it would anger Bariel, while others argued that they couldn’t remain under the influence of a great power forever.

However, the fact that now was the opportunity, with only a young prince left, was something no one could deny.

‘But now, what would Father say? If I put my seal on this.’

The contents of the proposal Ian had presented were as follows:

1. Bariel officially requests an exclusive deal for two years’ worth of high-grade fertilizer from Burgos.

1-1. This includes all existing fertilizer in Burgos, as well as the amount to be produced over the next two years, making it a large-scale transaction. It can be purchased at a slightly lower price than the market rate, and with tariffs removed, it will form an even lower supply price.

2. Under the above terms, Bariel will sell high-grade fertilizer to Clifford at a lower price. Tariffs will also be removed.

3. In return, Clifford will break the Three-Nation Alliance with Burgos and Luswena and form an exclusive alliance with Bariel.

4. The matter of the exclusive alliance will be officially drafted separately at a later date.

…….

Burgos didn’t have many reasons to refuse Bariel’s deal.

First, it was an opportunity to sell off their stockpiled fertilizer all at once, and it was a huge contract that would last until next year. Even setting aside the relationship between a great power and a neighboring country, they couldn’t ignore such a significant economic opportunity.

‘Don’t we have separate contracts every six months? If Bariel removes the tariffs, Burgos has no reason to consider it. They’ll naturally have to sell to them.’

‘Is the two-year term due to the fertilizer production cycle?’

‘Yes. What’s being made now will be available next year.’

So, was Bariel taking a loss to appease Clifford? No. Although tariffs were being removed, these were items they hadn’t traded in the first place.

Since it wasn’t a reduction in existing revenue, there was no actual financial outflow. And Clifford would be buying the fertilizer anyway, right?

‘Clifford also benefits much more than buying through Burgos.’

‘Roughly how much?’

‘On average, they can get it about 10% cheaper. There was information that Burgos was becoming increasingly barren, so the price was expected to rise. They say there are no plans to raise prices, but didn’t they raise them without notice two years ago?’

Besides getting fertilizer cheaply, Clifford would also form an alliance with Bariel, the most powerful nation.

In fact, that would be the biggest benefit. Being able to get away with having secretly joined hands with the three nations.

Also, being able to completely break free from Burgos, with whom they had a trade relationship due to fertilizer, a major import item.

‘So, it seems having money is always a good thing. Mei, a country that can buy that much fertilizer at once.’

‘We can become like that someday.’

‘Of course. We must. But…’

Noah stroked his chin and fell silent.

Reducing dependence on Burgos meant increasing dependence on Bariel. Could Clifford handle dealing with a great power that held the decision-making power over two years’ worth of fertilizer?

No. If Burgos found out, it was clear that the subsequent contract would also fall through. All future fertilizer trades would be through Bariel.

They called it an alliance, but who knows? Nothing was as precious and valuable as a nation’s pride.

‘Monopolies are always dangerous. But if we refuse the offer, that becomes a risk factor.’

If Clifford was uncooperative, Bariel might buy the fertilizer and not release it anywhere. That would be the biggest disaster for them.

‘And this was just mentioned in passing, but if we form an official alliance, they will also include a clause to permanently keep the Clifford royal family’s curse a secret.’

Right. There was that too.

If fertilizer was a card that could ruin a nation’s economy, the curse was a weapon that could destroy a nation’s system. They didn’t have many other options. If there was one….

‘It would be to share this with the three nations and come up with a plan.’

It was uncertain how Burgos and Luswena would react, and even if they helped under the banner of the Three-Nation Alliance, it was doubtful if it would be effective.

It was too reckless a choice. If they informed Burgos, it would immediately mean rejecting Bariel’s offer.

‘Seriously. This is so dirty. So dirty.’

‘I understand your concerns. But those are issues that could arise when forming an official alliance, and right now, there is no better offer. We can come up with measures to address the dependence issue with time and thought.’

That was true. They couldn’t miss out on the immediate benefits by worrying about uncertain problems. Noah threw off the blanket and got out of bed.

‘Tell Minister Ian Hielo. The proposal needs to be rewritten.’

‘What parts will you be amending?’

‘Not just two years, but at least ten. And it’s good that they’re offering a lower price, but we need to be able to trust it. Add a clause that requires Bariel and Burgos to disclose their transaction records when setting the price.’

If they set a long supply period and a stable price, the risk would be lower even if dependence increased. In ten years, Clifford could come up with its own solution for fertilizer.

Mei nodded in understanding and shook a small bell.

Ding.

‘Prince Noah is preparing. Bring in the attendants.’

At her call, the attendants who had been waiting outside rushed in with perfect coordination.

‘By the way, what about the kings of Burgos and Luswena? What have they been doing?’

Noah asked as he was being attended to by the servants. He had spent his time passed out due to the side effects of the medicine, but the others wouldn’t have.

Mei shrugged and whispered.

‘I haven’t seen them either. Bariel deliberately separated their paths. I heard that Luswena went to the western hunting grounds to discuss business related to that area, and Burgos visited the Magic Department to discuss the sale and supply of magic stones. That was all yesterday, and now they’re probably preparing like Your Highness, right?’

The three nations were thoroughly separated. They probably wouldn’t meet except for the banquet and the main ceremony. She guessed that their departure dates back to their home countries would also be set separately.

‘I shouldn’t have drunk at the banquet. It seems like that was the last chance for the leaders of the three nations to sit close and talk.’

‘No, you don’t need to blame yourself. King Damon and King Eriphony did leave their seats together, but it wasn’t for long. I heard that King Eriphony didn’t come back until Jin-sama showed up.’

‘Really? What was he doing?’

‘I don’t know about that. However, it’s certain that King Damon and King Eriphony didn’t have a deep conversation either. In a situation where they suspect the mages are eavesdropping, how could they?’

Mei glanced around the room and muttered. It was a baseless suspicion, but it was so reasonable that she couldn’t help it.

Noah changed into Clifford’s traditional formal attire and checked the time.

‘What time is the inauguration ceremony?’

‘Oh dear. It’s a bit tight. Please hurry and prepare.’

The inauguration ceremony was held at noon when the sun was at its highest point. A time that perfectly suited the beginning of a new Bariel.

* * *

‘Lord Romandro. Prince Noah will request amendments to the proposal. I suspect he will focus on the duration and price. Please schedule the meeting for the day after Burgos departs. That will be more advantageous for negotiations.’

‘Hmm. I understand. Actually, we don’t have much to say, do we? Haha. Then, should we leave Luswena in the palace?’

‘Yes. It would be best to send Luswena last.’

‘Let’s proceed as planned. But I’m a little worried. If we pressure Burgos like this, won’t it be difficult to get magic stones for the construction of the Magic Department’s annex?’

Romandro, who was running alongside Ian, organizing work, asked. Ian smiled and tilted his head, a slightly surprised smile.

‘No. It’s obvious. Ahem.’

‘I thought Lord Romandro was against the construction of the annex.’

…He saw right through me.

Romandro just kept clearing his throat, avoiding the answer.

As a consultant to the Magic Department, he should also be in favor, but before that! Wasn’t it necessary to consider whether it was necessary to create controversy by stirring up trouble?

‘Let’s just say, it’s for the best. That’s why.’

‘You don’t need to worry about that.’

At that moment, a mage came running in a hurry.

‘Lord Ian! Lord Ian! I just received a message from the Magic Stone Management Department. It seems there’s a missing part in the report. Please check it first. And the two mages standing in front of the ceremony are duplicates. What should we do?’

‘Just change Philip, who’s written at the back, to Filik. Give me the report.’

‘Ah, Filik? But he doesn’t look well. I’m a bit worried about him leading from the front.’

‘Not well? How so?’

‘I heard he ate in the carriage while receiving goods from outside. It seems he has a bad case of indigestion.’

‘Tell him to come up to the office. And there’s no missing part. The recorded numbers are correct.’

Ian didn’t elaborate on what he was worried about. If he had time, he would have continued the conversation, but oh well.

Romandro firmly gripped his documents and pen, watching the mages running around. First, it was important to get through the main ceremony, which was just a few hours away.

Squeak.

Ian and Romandro entered the office and faced those sitting on the sofa.

Jin, who was smiling stiffly, probably due to nervousness. And Vivianna, who was giving the child all her praise and encouragement.

‘Ian.’

‘Welcome, Mother.’

Philia and Nersarn were also there.

Ian greeted the guests with a light hug.

‘Your Highness. It’s time for you to move to the main palace. I will finish up at the Magic Department and escort the guests in. The Prime Minister will go over the procedures for the inauguration ceremony again, so please confirm them.’

‘Okay, okay. I understand.’

‘Your Highness.’

The child’s posture was stiff. Seeing that, Ian gave a pitiful smile and lowered his gaze to meet his eyes.

‘What did we say today was?’

‘The inauguration ceremony.’

‘And?’

Jin unknowingly gripped Ian’s shoulder tightly. As if trying to shake off the tension and give it to Ian.

Ian willingly accepted it and supported his elbow.

‘…The day a new era of Bariel begins.’