Chapter 95: The Blueprint for Prosperity

Disaster is like that.

It strikes brutally at the most unexpected moments.

But if you can prepare for it ahead of others, then it’s no longer a disaster, but an opportunity.

“Now that you’ve returned, you must do what’s required of you.”

After finishing lunch, Beltar and Rohan met alone.

Cleaning up after the treason, and the tasks postponed while chasing after Kazin.

Now, they had to start dealing with each of them.

“Yes, Father.”

Rohan had proven himself over time, and as a result, no one doubted him anymore.

Successfully settling the dispute with the Dwarves.

Foreseeing the Marquis Fabian’s rebellion and his faction in advance, thus protecting the Imperial Palace.

On top of that, he’d also secured the first trade with Silvaren.

He’d accomplished what no one else could, so the reactions that followed were only natural.

The same went for Beltar.

At first, he couldn’t trust Rohan, but now he acknowledged him as a son he trusted more than anyone else.

“Is there something you wish to say to me?”

Since this meeting was arranged at Rohan’s request, Beltar naturally assumed that Rohan had something to say to him.

And as expected.

Rohan had much to say.

“So, you’re telling me that this ‘Dark World Tree’ uses some ominous magical power, and that Kazin has been harnessing that power since ancient times?”

“That’s right. Both he and the Dark World Tree suffered fatal wounds, but neither is completely gone. The Kazin I know would never give up over something like this. So we have to prepare in advance as well.”

“Hmm, it’s hard to believe. But…”

Beltar’s eyes creased with deepening wrinkles.

“With the Elphirians having come all the way to Shurium, I suppose I can’t simply dismiss it.”

“Yes. They’re not here just to trade for textiles. I believe this exchange is just the beginning—they intend to gradually form an alliance. If the Dark World Tree revives and awakens, the ones in most danger would be their own World Tree.”

This was Rohan’s analysis of Nas’s intentions.

After returning to the Imperial Palace, Nas had wanted to travel with him—probably for this reason.

Why?

‘Because it was similar in my previous life.’

Even now, Rohan’s provocation sped up the events with Kazin, but if not for that, Nas would have opened Silvaren’s gates and invited the kings of various nations several years from now.

He already knew about the Dark World Tree, and had been looking for allies to fight it with him.

Of course, outwardly, it just seemed like he was opening a ‘place for cultural exchange.’

“For us as well, a friendly relationship with Silvaren brings great advantages. If we can gain their ancient knowledge and magical power, it will be a great help in ushering prosperity for the Empire.”

“Indeed.”

Beltar smiled softly, stroking his beard.

‘You’ve really grown up, Rohan.’

When had he come to think like this?

He recalled the Rohan who had first arrived at the Imperial Palace.

Those timid eyes, full of fear amidst the stares of many.

The foolish prince who couldn’t even read properly, leaving the royal tutors at a loss.

‘If only I had paid more attention to you back then.’

It pained him, the thought that he’d been too busy securing the throne and his place to care for Rohan early on.

With Joshua’s death, the misunderstandings with Amanda, and his own health declining, the child had no one but his father and mother to rely on, and yet Beltar had all but neglected him.

To make excuses, there had certainly been misfortunes piled up, but Beltar resolved to erase those excuses from his mind.

He had been an unworthy father.

That was all there was to it.

“Then, what direction do you think we should take from here? If you have something in mind, speak.”

So from now on, he intended to give Rohan his full support.

For the child who had risen to his place without any help, that was all Beltar could now offer.

“Even if the threat of the Dark World Tree isn’t gone, it’s not an immediate danger. But we must never let our guard down.”

Rohan calmly shared his thoughts.

“I believe I mentioned before that Kazin Fabian is linked to the Kingdom of Laolasis. So, I think we should provide military support to the north bordering that kingdom, to properly monitor them.”

“A wise suggestion. Anything else?”

“You must invest heavily in the education of the Imperial people.”

“Education?”

Beltar, who had been listening carefully, raised his eyebrows at the unexpected answer.

“As you well know, Father, even though education has become more common, there are still many commoners and those of the lower classes who can’t read. Especially in the backstreets, it’s almost universal.”

“Hm.”

“The reason they can’t get an education is simple. They’re too poor to spare any money for schooling.”

Rohan clenched his hands and spoke earnestly.

“If we implement educational standardization and guarantee the right to learn, it will lay a strong foundation for the Empire’s distant future.”

In truth, everything he was saying were things Rohan had agonized over in his previous life.

The people withering away, left behind by the stinking greed of the nobles.

The class system, growing ever more pronounced over time, only hardened the ceiling and destroyed opportunity.

“What the nobles will think of this… I can’t predict for now.”

Those at the heart of that stench had been swept away for treason, but that didn’t mean all the other nobles cared for the people.

That was human nature.

No one wants to give up what they have, and those with a sense of superiority look down on those beneath them.

But…

“Still, there will be some who agree.”

There were certainly nobles who devoted themselves to the people.

The ‘true nobles’ who, inheriting the will of the First Emperor, had taken root at the Empire’s center over a long time.

“Father.”

Rohan looked into Beltar’s face, reading his silent worries.

“It’s time to further strengthen Imperial authority. If you desire it, so it shall be. The one who leads the Schubert Empire is you, Father—the Emperor.”

At Rohan’s bold words, Beltar’s pupils trembled briefly.

***

“Phew, did I say the right things?”

Returning to Boronia Palace, Rohan relaxed his tense shoulders and flopped onto the sofa.

In truth, today’s conversation with Father had been orchestrated by Rohan from beginning to end.

During his three months of sword training in the north, he hadn’t just trained his body.

Every day, he’d thought about how to move once he returned to the capital, and how to carve out his place.

And perhaps, from this conversation, Rohan could gain much.

“What are you worrying about?”

“Ah, you startled me.”

Rohan jerked back as Retina’s face popped out of nowhere.

“Can you at least make some noise when you come in?”

He turned to see the window was wide open.

“Please, can you use the door for once?”

“Haha, I came through the window just to startle you.”

“Honestly. One of these days, my heart will give out.”

As Rohan narrowed his eyes, Retina waved her hand as if she understood.

“Fine, I’ll use the door from now on. Knock, too.”

At least she was willing to listen.

“By the way, what are the Elphirians up to?”

“I just got back from seeing them, and wow, those kids are in an uproar.”

“An uproar?”

Did something happen?

Rohan’s face grew anxious.

“Not in a bad way. In a good way, actually.”

“A good way? Why?”

Retina burst out laughing, as if it was still hilarious.

“You know that lunch banquet we had? Apparently, it was so delicious it blew their minds. They said they’ve never eaten anything like it in their lives.”

“Was it really that special? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say something like that since you’ve been here.”

“Come on, you think I’m the same as those bumpkins?”

Retina smirked.

“I’ve traveled freely all over the continent, so I’m already used to human food. But those kids aren’t. Most of them have never left Silvaren their whole lives.”

“Now that you mention it, we passed through Silvaren without ever having a meal there. What’s their food like, anyway?”

He was curious. How did the Elphirians eat?

“We usually just eat raw food. Add some salad and fruit.”

“…Without even any dressing?”

“Looking back now, I wonder how we even managed that… But before I started traveling, that was my life too, so I can’t really blame them.”

Retina snickered.

“The funniest is Lord Nas. He seemed really shocked by the kids’ reactions.”

“How so?”

“He thought everyone in Silvaren was perfectly content… but seeing the kids completely lose their heads over Imperial buildings and food, he started thinking a lot, I guess.”

“Ah.”

He thought he understood.

“Since it was Lord Nas’s decision to close their gates all this time, he must feel a heavy sense of responsibility.”

Retina shrugged as she added.

There were four Elphirians traveling with Nas.

Lunavelin, the twin of the prophetess Aravelin and head of the scouting party.

And two Elphirian scholars and one warrior.

Shakan had been forbidden to come this time by Nas’s order.

In Nas’s absence, Shakan was tasked with cleaning Silvaren’s castle—a punishment for his past unauthorized outings and taking advantage of humans for personal gain.

“Luna… She didn’t say much during the banquet, did she?”

Lunavelin had been the only one quietly eating during the banquet.

Given her cold and taciturn personality, he hadn’t thought much of it…

“She doesn’t show much, but trust me, she was just as shocked by the Empire’s style as the others.”

“Really?”

The thought of an icy woman’s heart shaken by Imperial food amused Rohan.

“When are the Elphirian guests returning to Silvaren?”

“In three days?”

“So that’s how it is.”

Rohan fidgeted with his fingers as he sat.

A habit that appeared whenever he had a fun idea.

“Before they go, I was thinking of taking our distinguished guests somewhere… Think it’s possible?”

“Lord Nas and the others? I guess we can just ask.”

“Then set up an appointment for tomorrow.”

“Where are you planning to go?”

Retina perked up her ears with curiosity.

“Isn’t it a shame to come all the way to the Empire just to stay in the palace?”

Rohan smiled softly.

“At least a little sightseeing in the capital—give them some memories to take home, don’t you think?”

At his words, Retina snapped her fingers with a “Snap!”

“Great idea! Actually, I’ve been getting cabin fever too! I love it, really love it!”

Retina leaped and perched herself on the window frame.

“I’ll go tell them right now!”

With that, she vanished.

“Geez… I told her to use the door.”

Rohan shook his head helplessly.

“Anyway, I went and blurted it out, but a capital tour, huh… Where could we take the Elphirians to really impress them?”

Rohan stroked his chin, then lifted his head.

“Ah, that’ll do.”

At times like this, the quickest way was to seek help from the right person.

Rohan threw on his coat and left the room.

His destination was none other than Lucretia’s shop.