Raising the Northern Grand Duchy as a Max-Level All-Master

Chapter 49.2

“But fear not. Astra’s crimes were indeed severe, and I dealt with him the moment I learned of them,” he added.

“...”

Canbraman’s response was calculated and unflinching. Unlike other royals who might cling to pride and deny any wrongdoing, he admitted fault with disarming frankness.

Not only that, he had already punished Astra before the Northern delegation even arrived.

“Even if this goes against the imperial will, even if His Majesty is unwell, and even if Your Highness’s rule is inexperienced, this cannot simply be overlooked,” Gard said, his frustration barely concealed.

‘...!’

‘Those barbaric Northerners!’

The ministers’ faces twisted with anger at the envoy’s audacity.

Already tense, their expressions now suggested they might execute the delegation and launch an invasion at any moment.

“If it cannot be overlooked, what then? Do you plan to wage war? Or will you raid the Empire’s central and northern regions?” Canbraman asked, his tone eerily calm as he stared down the delegation.

‘Hmm...’

Envoy Gard, sensing the tension in the room, suppressed a sigh and spoke cautiously.

“Of course not, Your Highness. Her Highness, the Grand Duchess, values peace above all else. However, resolving this matter has cost us a considerable amount of gold.”

“But thanks to this ‘Mary’s Blessing’ you’ve been touting, your recovery should more than compensate by next year, shouldn’t it?”

“The issue is making it through this year. On top of that, the recent return of the Northern Expeditionary Force required us to host a grand banquet to honor their service, further straining our already limited finances...”

Gard trailed off deliberately, making his point clear.

Just give us the money already!

The Empire would undoubtedly appreciate the North’s subtle plea for financial aid.

Indeed, the atmosphere in the imperial chamber softened slightly.

Although disdain, annoyance, and contempt remained etched on the faces of the imperial ministers, the undercurrent of fear, hostility, and suspicion had noticeably dissipated.

“Is that all you want? No requests for trade agreements or anything else?”

“That is correct,” Gard affirmed.

“Well, I suppose we do bear some responsibility in this matter,” Canbraman said, his tone lightening at the realization that mere gold could resolve this troublesome affair.

Spices and silk, like porcelain, started as rare luxuries but quickly became insatiable drains on resources once they gained popularity.

If porcelain became a trend in the North, it would create yet another dependency on the Empire.

Perhaps that’s exactly what they intend.

Convinced of Canbraman’s ulterior motive, Gard spoke plainly.

“If I were to bring porcelain back instead of gold, Her Highness would see it as a grave misstep on our part.”

The North, which was just beginning to recover economically, could not afford such indulgences. While some Northern nobles might secretly use porcelain, it was imperative to keep such extravagance out of the High Tower.

Even the magical bag the Grand Duchess carried had spread like wildfire through the North in no time.

“Very well. You’ll receive your payment in gold and silver,” Canbraman said, nodding as though satisfied with Gard’s response.

He seemed to understand that introducing porcelain to the North would harm its fragile economy.

I’ll have to report this to Her Highness once I return, Gard thought.

If the Empire were true to form, merchants would soon begin selling porcelain to the North indirectly. The North needed to prepare for that eventuality.

“Then, with thanks for the kindness of His Majesty and Your Highness, we shall take our leave,” Gard said, preparing to depart.

“Very well. We’ll host a banquet this evening—don’t leave without attending this time,” Canbraman said with a sly smile.

“Of course, Your Highness. We look forward to—”

“Wait, Your Highness,” a voice interrupted.

Turning toward the speaker, Canbraman’s expression grew tense.

“Hmm... Archbishop Teresia, do you have something to say?” he asked, his tone laced with unease.

“May I ask the Northerners a few questions?”

Archbishop Teresia, head of the Imperial Church, stepped forward. Dressed in a white robe embroidered with gold thread, she appeared to be in her forties, but her aura and position suggested she was far older.

“...Proceed,” Canbraman said reluctantly, closing his eyes for a moment as if bracing himself.

“Thank you. May the gods bless Your Highness,” Teresia said, offering a customary benediction.

As head of the Imperial Church, Teresia was a figure even the crown prince couldn’t easily overrule.

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