A Treacherous Courtier Manages the Empire Well

94 – What’s This Again

The Rimnakal Plains.

Once teeming with monsters, this vast northern plain had recently grown eerily quiet.

The monsters that used to crawl here had all been pushed back by Karia and the Iron Blood Legion through the Northern Expedition, and the nomads and dwarves who lived here had packed up and headed down to Aylam, leaving no reason for this place to be bustling anymore.

While the surface remained quiet and unchanged, underground was an entirely different story.

The countless monsters slain by Karia during the Northern Expedition were still buried underground, their bodies decaying and serving as nourishment for [some entity].

For the creature that had rooted itself in this land centuries ago, sucking up countless nutrients over the long years, the corpses of the monsters slain and buried by Karia were more than enough to serve as the final stepping stone for its growth to emerge above ground.

Two years had passed since the failed military rebellion of Prince Amir when one day, a sound like a pop echoed across the plain of Rimnakal, and something rose from the ground.

No one could have predicted the significance of that seemingly insignificant object, which appeared to be just a small sprout, would bring about such profound changes across the continent.

As time passed, my life remained largely unchanged. I commuted to work at the Merchant Guild, spent evenings with Karia, but amidst my monotonous routine, the world was rapidly evolving.

“Your Majesty, thank you for granting permission.”

“Indeed.”

Rashid Sultan and Adran clasped hands. The cameras at the broadcasting station frantically captured the moment, broadcasting it to the masses. What was this all about?

It was the moment when the Eternal Peace Treaty between Ailam and Karamba, along with a new trade agreement, was signed.

Tariffs were reduced between them, allowing Karamba to deeply delve into Ailam’s various factory technologies and advanced magic. In return, Ailam gained access to Karamba’s abundant rare mineral deposits and the Elixir Wells in the south, where orcs used to roam freely.

And with that, Karamba began to progress at a dazzling pace.

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Under Rashid Sultan’s strong support, the Merchant Guild made significant inroads into Karamba, and many regulations on Ailam that had been in place since Sultan Saladin’s time were lifted.

Theatres sprang up in Dagamba, and towers were erected in Crescent Triangle.

Teleport towers were erected across Karamba, where they were once impossible to build, and roads and railways began to be laid out as densely as in Ailam.

“I want to make significant capital investments in the wastelands.”

“The land is hard, making it convenient for construction. Excellent, Rashid Sultan.”

Rashid asked me for investment, and I built a massive factory complex in the barren plains of northeast Karamba, where animal husbandry was nearly impossible.

“So, I just need to work in this factory?”

“Yes. We’ll pay you handsomely.”

“A daily wage of 1 gold?!?! I’ll start right away.”

I recruited the nomads of the barren lands, who used to plunder due to lack of opportunities, as factory workers with the lure of high wages.

Normally, these hot-blooded people would have raised their swords against us, but thanks to the diplomatic tactics of the great Prince Amir, the goodwill between the people of Karamba and Ailam was at its peak, and they willingly accepted working in my factory.

The once desolate wasteland, devoid of any infrastructure, transformed into a place where people could live and thrive without resorting to plunder.

“Here is the design for a desalination plant that can be powered by the elixirs raised from the Elixir Wells. If you build it as it is, it should work.”

As my skin grew more sensitive with age, I requested and received a desalination plant design from Princess Celine, who sparkled like the sea. I planned to install the desalination plant on a large scale in the desolate southern wastelands of Karamba, converting seawater into fresh water to create large agricultural fields.

After actively decomposing the orc corpses decaying underground with acceleration magic to turn them into fertilizers, I decided to turn this place into an orchard.

“This will be a fruit paradise.”

Recognizing the commercial potential, I pushed forward with the business and soon saw the fruits of my labor.

Dozens of desalination plants, consuming Karamba’s intense sunlight and mana, boiled seawater to turn it into freshwater. This freshwater was then distributed throughout the southern wastelands through pipes, gradually transforming the barren lands into fertile ones.

Ah.

And I can’t leave this out.

While an unprecedented era of peace between Karamba and Ailam had arrived, there were days when the two nations still exchanged insults.

It was the day of playing football.

“Karamba’s shamans are using body enhancement magic to play!! Striker Abdoul Casad makes a move past the Werewolves’ defender Nabor and shoots!! Goal!!!! It’s a goal!!!!”

Intentionally, Rashid built large football stadiums in various regions and created symbolic teams representing each area, thus revitalizing the sport.

And as nearly two years passed, football fans across Karamba and Ailam were in a frenzy.

Even…

“Your Majesty Adran. Today’s schedule…”

“Cancel the evening schedule. Gotta watch the game. It’s the day of the Champions Cup semi-finals.”

“Understood.”

Adran was also deeply immersed in soccer.

Regional leagues were established, and the Champions Cup, where the best teams from Aylam and Karamba leagues gathered to honor the champions, was organized.

This Champions Cup business reaped tremendous commercial profits.

In earthly terms, it was a match on the scale of the World Cup + UEFA Champions League.

“For the glory of Karamba!! Do not support Aylam scoundrels!!!”

“Do not support the desert rats!!! Their goalposts belong to us!!!!”

Every time a match was held, it was natural for the stadium, capable of accommodating over 100,000 people, to be packed to the brim, and the viewership ratings hovered around the 40% mark.

And the guild of merchants was in charge of organizing this league and the Champions Cup, well……

“What’s so special about this f***ing game!! Hooheeheehee!! hahahahaha!!!!”

It was only natural for a shower of gold coins to pour in to the extent that Carl Hansen shed tears of joy.

The film, comic, and book businesses were thriving as well.

“Isn’t this fun?”

People from Karamba also loved comics, and Aylam movies were also popular. Books were translated and sold in Karamba, seamlessly integrating Aylam’s entertainment business into Karamba.

“Let’s create comic artists, novelists, and film directors from Karamba as well.”

Illusion Company and Mcguffin Corporation established branches in Dangamba, where they vigorously promoted the film industry, comic industry, and bookstore business in Karamba.

An annual film festival was held, where talented rookie directors debuted in numbers, brightening the future of the film industry.

“Emperor.”

“Speak. Great being.”

“My kin have laid eggs.”

“It’s natural during mating season. How many have they laid?”

“About 5000.”

“…….Excuse me? Why so many?!”

“It’s due to my kin receiving ample mana and thanks to you humans, they’ve been eating well like never before. I’ve never seen a female dragon laying an average of 3 eggs each.”

“Ha ha ha, unbelievable!!!”

And thus, the dragons multiplied significantly. It would take over 10 years for these creatures to mature properly, but once they did, they would serve as excellent couriers and combat units.

“Your Majesty of Adran, I would like to acquire 1000 dragon eggs. We also aim to commercially and militarily utilize the dragons.”

“National defense is crucial. Understood. I will transfer them to you.”

Prince Rashid sought permission from Adran, who readily granted his request. With a single word from Rashid, Sultan Saladin obtained the dragon unit he had so desired.

Of course, the merchant Rashid seemed more interested in the dragon courier service of Langfang than the military use, but well.

Ah, and.

The prideful battle between the dwarves of the foundry and the bronze dragons unexpectedly gave birth to a unique item.

“What is this… Karahm Longbeard?”

“It’s a collaboration between the bronze dragon and us. hahahahaha!! Due to a mistake on its part in the cannon section, we ended up owning the copyright to this creation. hahahahaha!”

A movable infinite rail that could traverse any rough terrain.

Thick iron armor.

And a massive accelerating cannon, large mana battery, and mana amplifier of immense length.

That’s right.

The dwarves had developed a self-propelled cannon capable of firing the 9-Circle Annihilation Magic from the cannons on the ground.

“According to Princess Selene, three wizards can board and operate it! While conventional wizards’ staff had a short range, making long-range sniping impossible, this can hit enemies over 10km away! hahahahaha! With the firepower of firing 9-Circle magic, need I say more?”

“Ignorant fool. hahahaha.”

“Taking into account the defense as well, I even wrapped gloves around. With this, we can roll anywhere from cold regions to hot ones. Your wife would be thrilled if you told her! hahahahaha!”

That’s how the Imperial Army added a specialized unit called artillery.

But that wasn’t all.

“Your Majesty, it seems we need to diversify our gunpowder weapons.”

One day, Karia suggested that to Adran.

“Close combat with swords and magic armor lost its shine with the advent of machine guns. Of course, the unit is necessary, but it doesn’t need to be the majority like it is now. We should reduce the number of infantry responsible for close combat and increase the types of troops capable of long-range attacks.”

“Hmm. If the Chief Commander says so, then it must be necessary. I’ll allow it.”

And so, the Imperial Army underwent a major innovation.

The infantry engaged in close combat, wielding shields, swords, and spears, dwindled in the front lines, replaced by numerous long-range attack forces alongside tank troops.

“Artillery. Missile launchers. And troops armed with personal rifles will now be the backbone of the Imperial Army!”

That’s how the Imperial Army transformed into troops wielding modern artillery weapons.

“For personal firearms, using 8x70mm rounds would be ideal.”

“But wouldn’t the recoil be strong? Darling? Moreover, carrying about 100 rounds per person would be quite heavy.”

“The Empire’s artillery weapons must prioritize penetration power. There’s no room for compromise on ammunition. And what about the strength enhancement effect on the magic armor? Considering the weight of the armor and the strength enhancement, it’s easily manageable and shootable. It would be even better if the explosive power of the 40mm rounds were a bit stronger.”

“We can solve that by inscribing explosion magic on the surface of the rounds.”

“Sis! Is there a way to increase the stability of artillery shells?”

“I’m currently contemplating adding fins to the back!”

“Thank you!”

Selene, I, and Karia combined our efforts to develop and deploy various weapons, gradually transitioning the Imperial Army’s weaponry from close combat to artillery. Karia provided the new weapons to the troops and relentlessly trained them to become proficient.

“Hoyt.”

“Commander-in-Chief. Hoyt.”

“Your scores in marksmanship training are below average, Hoyt. Your unit has the poorest performance in training.”

“I’m sorry, General!”

“Will an apology end your military career?”

“Oh, no, sir!”

“Am I being lenient? If you don’t improve by next month, you’ll be answering to me personally. I’ll also pay a visit to your noble family’s estate.”

“I will rectify this, sir!”

When Karia pushed the troops, it was my job to ease the tension.

“Karl Hansen.”

“Yes, Lord Randor.”

“That singer who’s popular on the radio and broadcasts lately. Which girl group is it?”

“Crystal Angel, sir? They’re doing well these days.”

“Ah. Send them for a morale-boosting performance at the military. Karia mentioned everyone’s on edge due to marksmanship training these days. Prepare a buffet from Fork and Knife for the unit and send them over.”

“hahahaha! Understood!”

Soldiers, exhausted from training all week, found solace over the weekend with morale-boosting performances and food.

The army was changing.

The scale of the economy was growing.

The Merchant’s Guild was expanding by the day, and Karamba was also rapidly advancing.

“Ah. Is this the end of the weary expansion now! hahahaha!”

Karamba had reached a level of economic and cultural conquest, while Adran and Rashd were governing the country well.

Caria was happily living her life every night, while Aylam continued to grow in various fields such as medicine, economy, and military.

It really seemed like all these stories were coming to an end now.

“Now, truly. It seems there won’t be any more exhausting developments.”

Thinking that way, I chuckled.

I buried myself on the sofa in my merchant guild office and closed my eyes for a moment.

I had been too busy.

In a peaceful era where all worldly worries had disappeared, there was no harm in taking a peaceful nap in the middle of the day.

“Randor, sir!!!”

“Surprise!!”

My peaceful 30-minute nap was shattered by the voice of my secretary, Penny, as she entered.

Penny, a calm and composed woman in her forties with a sturdy figure, a husband, and two children, stood there with a greatly surprised expression.

What could it be?

Another piece of good news?

“It’s been reported that a tree has grown in the Limnakal Plain!”

“That… why?”

“I just checked from the tower, it’s the World Tree!! Growing in the Elves’ territory!!!!”

Ah.

What now.