Chapter 38

Let us go back a little in time.

The council of the great power’s Royal Capital was turbulent.

“Handing over the methods for improving agricultural tools is a foolish policy.”

“Teaching them even irrigation technology will eventually turn them into a competitor.”

“What need is there to give power to a small country?”

The agricultural cooperation treaty had been concluded.

However, regarding the “sharing of technology” stipulated in the treaty’s text, the domestic nobles and merchants were pushing back.

Culture and technology are the pride of a great power. To let them out—

At that time, a letter arrived for the King. The sender was the Third Prince of the small country. It was timed almost as if he had anticipated the chaos in the council.

The King broke the seal.

To His Majesty who wears the noble crown,

Regarding the previously concluded agricultural cooperation agreement, I trust that your country is carefully considering the handling of technology.

That is a natural consideration as a great power.

However, begging your pardon, I must speak.

Technology dulls its power if hoarded; it is only when used that it reveals its true value.

If your country spreads it under your leadership, the source will always remain with your country.

If you lend seeds and show them how to till, harvests will increase, and the surplus will nurture markets. If markets are nurtured, the flow of commerce will be established, and those routes will inevitably pass through your country.

Rather than closing off and protecting, gripping and guiding is a stronger form of domination.

Though we are a clumsy country, we wish to walk the path of mutual prosperity under your country’s guidance.

I humbly beg your wise discernment.

It was short.

But the logic was sound.

It is not an outflow of technology. It is the consolidation of initiative.

The great power stands on the side that sets the standard. That was the Prince’s proposal.

The council chamber fell silent. Having it laid out like this, they could not refuse. The treaty had been signed. Would a country calling itself a “Great Power” fearfully hoard its technology?

That exactly would affect their dignity. The King spoke slowly.

“Release the technology.”

No one could interject.

“The seeds, too. Provide the improved breeds. However, under the name of our country.”

He will not hand over the initiative. But he will keep the agreement. That was the King’s judgment.

A few weeks later. News arrived that the Third Prince was scheduled to visit for the academy establishment discussions. The King smiled faintly.

“I thought he would refuse.”

The academy is a symbol of culture. It wouldn’t be strange for a small country to shrink back. Yet, he says he is coming.

“He’s coming, is he?”

Fascinating. The skill that rewrote the treaty.

The logic that sealed off backlash and presented a profit structure. That was no coincidence. He is young, but not naive. Perhaps we underestimated him.

The King stood up.

But he has no intention of stepping forward himself.

The one who will stand at the table for the academy establishment discussions is the First Princess.

Responding with logic, probing each other with words.

The one fighting will be that girl. His gaze turned to the Princess. She nodded quietly.

“Leave it to me.”

That short phrase was enough.

Third Prince of a small country. If you intend to measure us—you are the one who will be measured as well.

Time flowed since then.

It was shortly past noon when an express messenger entered the Royal Capital.

“An urgent report from the border city.”

The sealing wax bore the mark of the person dispatched as the King’s proxy. The King immediately opened the letter.

Your Majesty,

Today, the Third Prince of the small country entered this city as scheduled.

Six escort knights, two civil officials, two chamberlains, one medical officer, and a close aide.

The formalities were conducted without delay, and under the presence of the military, municipal government, academy preparation bureau, and merchant guild, the initial face-to-face meeting prior to the audience has concluded.

The Prince stopped his horse in front of the castle gate and meticulously observed the structure of the castle walls and waterways.

Judging from actions such as asking the accompanying technical official about the water distribution method of the water gates, his interest in the practical affairs of the agricultural agreement does not appear to be superficial.

In the plaza, he dismounted from his horse himself and bowed without kneeling.

An attitude that showed no hostility, yet at the same time did not compromise his standing.

It did not amount to disrespect, nor did it appear subservient.

His responses were concise and clear. While referring to his own country as a small country, he emphasized the weight of the agreement.

There was neither ostentation nor excuse; his choice of words was cautious.

Overall, unlike youths who merely tout ideals, I judge that he possesses the talent to measure the atmosphere of a setting.

He is not an opponent to be made light of. At this point, no signs of hostility are recognized. However, I believe continued close observation of his movements regarding domestic administration, academia, and commerce is necessary.

Praying for the King’s tranquility.

The King let out a single breath.

“…I see.”

The Chancellor and the First Princess, who was spearheading the academy’s establishment, were summoned.

The Knight Commander also stood by the wall.

Despite holding the right of succession to the throne, the First Princess had once declared in a public setting:

—If my eldest brother inherits the country, I will master academia.

True to her words, she advanced the sophistication of the academy. She was also deeply involved in the draft of the previous treaty.

Recently, she has stepped beyond the bounds of academia, intervening even in logistics and water management. While wearing the robes of a scholar, her thinking is already closer to that of a tactician.

The King placed the letter on the table.

“Now then, what do you think?”

The Chancellor narrowed his eyes.

“It is still unknown. He could be taken as a cautious youth, or as a meticulous observer.”

The First Princess quietly traced the paper with her finger.

“He might not be looking that closely.”

The King raised one eyebrow.

“Oh?”

“What he inspected were the city walls and waterways. Defenses, and the flow of water. For someone coming to discuss the establishment of an academy, his eyes are directed more toward the foundation than matters of learning. …Unexpectedly, he might not be very well-versed in the academy itself.”

The Chancellor nodded.

“The academy is a matter of culture. But first, he verified the castle and the waterways—the foundation of this country, huh.”

The Knight Commander spoke in a low voice.

“His troops are few. But we cannot let our guard down just because they are few.”

The King gave a small nod.

“…So it begins now.”

The table for the academy establishment discussions is a place of culture. But the real match lies behind it.

Who will take the initiative? Who will seize the flow?

A quiet light lodged in the King’s eyes.

“Prepare to welcome him. Show utmost courtesy. But do not let your guard down.”

The Knight Commander bowed.

The King slowly closed the letter.

…Rewriting the treaty, silencing the council, and this time looking at the castle walls and waterways, is it?

The board is set. Let us see your next move.