ushernet Chapter 55.1
Chapter 55.1
The Listener of the North (1)
Arad’s praise of Arina continued unabated.
“She’s not just good—she’s the best. If she’d been born in another kingdom, she’d have unified the continent by now.”
“Is she really that exceptional?”
“Absolutely.”
“Anything else? Other good points about Her Highness the Grand Duchess?”
“For one, during the recent rebellion of the northern nobles, she minimized the use of collective punishment. I think that was a brilliant decision.”
“...?!”
“Some might say the punishments were too lenient, but I see it differently. The North has a small population and a limited pool of talent. Overzealous purges would only endanger it further.”
“But do you think those spared by her leniency are grateful? They might just be sharpening their blades for revenge.”
“That’s possible. But I’d wager the majority are doing the opposite.”
“The opposite?”
“They’re likely working harder than anyone to prove their loyalty. I imagine Her Highness foresaw this and made her decision accordingly.”
“...”
‘I hadn’t thought that far ahead?!’
Arina hadn’t been considering such long-term outcomes.
She’d simply realized that applying collective punishment as the law dictated would implicate far too many people. It was overwhelming, so she restricted its scope as much as possible, blaming herself for being too lenient.
During that process, mistrust and cynicism had gradually taken root in her heart.
‘But... this feels oddly comforting.’
Those memories, and the wounds they left behind, seemed to be healing somehow.
“Is there... is there more? More good things Her Highness has done?”
“There are too many to count. I’d need to write a book.”
“If that book gets published, it’ll sell like crazy! It’d even boost the company’s profits!”
‘More! More! More praise!’
‘I wasn’t wrong after all!’
Overcome with dopamine, Arina trembled with exhilaration.
“Writing a book, huh... Not a bad idea.”
“I’d be happy to help with it!”
“Her restraint and practicality. I deeply admire those qualities in Her Highness.”
For Arad, this was just more material for his ongoing praise.
‘Uh... huh?!’
Hearing him praise something she’d never thought of as admirable, Arina was stunned.
The things she’d hidden out of shame, the things she’d never considered worth mentioning, were suddenly being lauded.
“Wearing fine clothes or eating luxurious food doesn’t confer dignity. Leading by example does—that’s the mark of a true leader.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course. In that sense, Her Highness’s response to porcelain is exemplary.”
“What response do you mean...?”
“Not allowing porcelain into the High Tower at all.”
“Oh...”
“Trends flow from the top down. If the pinnacle of northern society doesn’t use porcelain, the nobles and officials below will naturally hesitate to adopt it.”
It wasn’t intentional—Arina had simply been uninterested in porcelain. She’d thought, How many good swords could I buy for that money?
“But even if the High Tower resists, it won’t last forever.”
The pleasure from his praise faded as Arina’s worries returned.
‘Could he...?’
She began to pin her hopes on Arad.
“True. Eventually, even the High Tower will have no choice but to adopt porcelain. If everyone in the North with money uses it, the Grand Ducal House won’t be able to avoid it.”
“Exactly. It’s a serious issue.”
“That’s why the time has come to launch the first business venture we’ve been delaying.”
“Oh!!”
Her hopes were rewarded.
“Though calling it the ‘first’ venture feels odd—it’s what I originally planned to do first with Arad Company.”
“...?!”
Arina tilted her head in confusion, then suddenly straightened up.
“Ah! Now that you mention it?!”