Chapter 42: Kingdom Crisis 1
TL: Etude
After visiting the shipyard, Paul and Queller leisurely walked to the seaside to enjoy the scenery. The weather was pleasant today, with a slightly fishy sea breeze blowing gently, making them feel refreshed and content.
Queller suddenly asked with curiosity, What are you planning to sell?
Some novel items, a new type of paper, cheap and abundant, not as expensive as parchment. And a kind of beautiful vessel, youll definitely love it, Paul said, slightly proud. Remembering the European craze for porcelain, he was confident he could make a substantial profit.
He took out a piece of paper and handed it to Queller, saying, This is the paper Im going to sell. Ill be heading back to Lakeheart Town in a few days. Would you like to come and see those vessels? Theyre much nicer than the pottery we use.
Sure, Ill definitely come, Queller took the paper, admiringly saying, You mean this kind of paper can be produced in large quantities?
In the economically developed southern countries, a large amount of paper was needed for daily commercial activities like contracts, accounting, and correspondence. The economic boom brought about cultural prosperity, and the cultural industry was a major consumer of paper. If there really was a new type of paper that could be supplied in sufficient quantities and at an affordable price, there would be no worry about finding a market.
Yes, in my workshop, with the same manpower and time, I can increase the output to dozens of times that of parchment. Actually, this was just a tall tale spun by Paul. He didnt know exactly how much he could increase the production, but considering the abundant raw materials and the possibility of hiring more workers, he estimated an increase of three to four times wouldnt be a problem.
Then, an idea struck him, and he slapped his forehead, saying, Ah! Right, I heard about the advanced culture in the south, with countless great writers and playwrights.
The young master struck a proud pose, his left hand on his hip, and his right hand stroking his hair. You flatter us! Although we in the south are not as strong in military power as you in the north, when it comes to literature and art, we really cant be too modest. Haha! His expression was as if he himself was a great artist.
Paul immediately put on an eager expression, Ive long admired this, could you send me some popular literary works when you go back, like novels and poetry?
Quellers heart swelled with pride: Of course, of course! Hahaha
But why do you need to transport by sea? The western coast of the Ordo Kingdom has few ports for docking and resupplying, right? What if you encounter extreme weather or the ships malfunction?
Paul replied helplessly, Theres no other way. You were captured by pirates for several months, so you might not know that our countrys south is at war. Who knows when this war will end? I dont want my caravan to pass through war-torn areas. What if they get robbed? Even if theres no war, there are checkpoints along the way, and the taxes alone would strip us bare.
Queller nodded in understanding, I just heard about it, the greedy Jars, right? Hes a dangerous fellow, even notorious in our region. But hes far superior to other lords in your country, having monopolized the trade between Ordo and Horn Bay by lowering tariffs and favoring merchants, making a fortune.
Suddenly, Queller remembered something. He looked around, leaned in, and whispered to Paul, Ill tell you a secret, but you cant tell anyone else.
Seeing his secretive manner, Pauls curiosity was piqued, and he nodded in agreement, Dont worry, Ill keep it to myself.
Queller whispered, It seems your kingdoms royal family is in a dire situation. Jars has powerful backing.
What did you say? Seemingly shocked by the grave news, Paul looked astonished.
Im saying your Ordo Kingdom is likely to undergo a change of dynasty! Seeing his friends stunned reaction, Queller felt a sense of satisfaction.
Paul looked incredulous, Dont joke with me. Jars started the rebellion after you fell into the pirates hands. How could you know he has support behind him? And with enough power to overthrow the royal family?
You dont think Jars just came up with the idea of rebellion a few months ago, do you? He had been preparing for several years, and the higher-ups of various countries are well aware of it. But I only recently learned about his backing before I left home. Its probably this support that finally pushed him to make the decisive move to rebel.
How did you accidentally come to know this?
Have you forgotten that my father is a member of the council? I secretly read some documents in his study. It seems that some merchant associations of the Horn Bay Alliance are secretly transporting supplies to Jars territory via sea, including a large amount of military equipment and food. The scale is astonishing. Thats why I said your King might be in a precarious position.
Uh Paul furrowed his brows. If this was true, as a lord himself, he needed to carefully consider which side to align with. The Grayman family had been relegated to the northwest bay precisely because they had backed the wrong side in the past.
Seemingly understanding what Paul was thinking, Queller put his hand on Pauls shoulder and said, If you dont have the strength to protect yourself, just be a fence-sitter for a while. Make your stand clear once the situation becomes evident. If things get irreversibly bad, come find me in Horn Bay. You saved my life, and I owe you one.
Being a fence-sitter also requires some strength, Paul thought to himself, but Quellers words were touching.
He looked up into Quellers sincere eyes, Thank you, Queller. Then, curious, he asked, Which side does the Horn Bay Alliance support?
Queller immediately responded, Since its establishment, the Horn Bay Alliance has adhered to a policy of armed neutrality. We just want to quietly do business and avoid getting too involved in other countries internal disputes. Betting on the wrong side could jeopardize our business.
Er He changed the subject, At least thats the official stance. As for what happens behind the scenes, Im not interested in politics, so I know very little. After all, a countrys existence till now cant be as simple as it appears on the surface.
He continued, As for third-party business like transporting supplies, Horn Bays laws dont prohibit it. If your king also places an order, our merchant associations would accept it without hesitation.
Do you know who is backing Jars?
As long as it doesnt harm the Alliances own interests, the council has no right to investigate commercial secrets, so the documents didnt specify who it is. But the range of suspects isnt wide. Ordo isnt a small country, and there arent many forces capable of interfering. Also, I remember those merchant associations conduct business mainly in the eastern part of Horn Bay.
What a clever method, Paul thought. Sea transportation can easily go unnoticed, and the volume is massive. Considering the bulk of military equipment and food, its likely an action at the national level.
The east of Horn Bay? Isnt that near the Tria Sea? Near the Tria Sea and capable of supporting Jars, it could only be the Church or the Gabella Empire.
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