The Prince Wants To Retire

29. An unusual wind from a small port (2)

Since he was the first prince, the funds could be drawn from the center as much as he wanted.

The problem is people.

Those who have learned well.

I wanted to recruit intellectuals right away, but if I picked just anyone, I might have all of them, even the idiots.

What Kariel wanted was talented people, not scum, so the work had to be done carefully.

Anyway, even if applicants flocked right now, there was no suitable place to work, so I put in time and effort.

So, what has Kariel been up to?

“The top stockholders?”

“We are gathering.”

“let’s go.”

When I got out of the office and entered the large conference hall, Tarion, who was next to me, handed me the report.

“nice to meet. This is Prince Kariel.”

Greetings from Kariel. However, there was a light of tension on the faces of the top owners sitting there.

This is because when the capital once ran wild to eradicate corruption, the aftermath had a huge impact on the South as well.

For that reason, to the nobles and merchants living in the south, Kariel was nothing more than a messenger.

“The South call me a Shinigami, don’t they?”

When Kariel asked with a cold smile, everyone trembled.

“I didn’t call you to accuse you of your sins, so there is nothing to tremble.”

He told them not to be afraid, but the merchants’ heads fell even more to the floor.

Seeing that, Kariel smiled and opened her mouth.

“It must have been frustrating because the surveillance has become stricter and there are more restrictions.”

The merchants bowed their heads at Kariel’s words, but inwardly they were nodding their heads.

The merchants gathered here may have committed small crimes, but none of them were purged or committed crimes so serious that the corps was destroyed.

However, he could not be free from the practices he had done with the southern kingdoms, so he had no choice but to live.

As a result, the western merchants, who were regarded as rivals, were gradually losing the initiative.

That’s why I felt sorry for Kariel.

“Actually, the reason why the southern upper ranks were like that is because of the southern kingdoms. Is it not like that?”

“… … Yes.”

“It is.”

When some unfair owners of the upper ranks gave small answers, the others nodded their heads as well.

“Doesn’t it feel bad to be pushed back by the upper west?”

At Kariel’s words, several merchants clenched their fists.

Pride that the best Merchant Union is in the South, even though the best of the Empire is in the center.

That is what has been smashed.

“Now that you’ve been paid for your sins, it’s time to raise your head.”

“That word… … ?”

“Give me a chance.”

Saying that, Kariel unraveled the paper curled up on the wall.

Seeing the development plans for the new eastern port in the empire, the merchants widened their eyes.

“I intend to create a merchant union here comparable to that of the South and the West. However, since there is no foundation, there is no choice but to get help from someone.”

After the words were finished, I could see people gulping their saliva here and there.

“Everyone knows that this is an opportunity. From a merchant’s point of view, it must be quite appetizing. But you know you can’t just give it away.”

“Is what you commanded condition?”

Kariel nodded slightly at the words of a top lord.

“okay. Only the top 5 will be picked first. Only the top five will get preferential bidding for this project.”

Kariel smiled and looked at each of the upper columns.

“I don’t force sacrifices unconditionally. As you all know, I called you to keep the southern kingdoms in check. I know that your sacrifices will inevitably occur in the process. That is why I am presenting this compensation plan.”

At those words, everyone looked at Kariel with eyes full of joy.

But it was still not enough.

Kariel intended to tell them something bigger so they could go crazy.

“And I’ll give you one more present. The gift I will give you guys is information.”

“Information… … You mean?”

“okay. Didn’t everyone think I was just hanging out at the resort?”

In response to Kariel’s question, the merchants thought to themselves, ‘Aren’t you playing?’

However, he did not show his expression and looked at Kariel with an expression full of anticipation.

“I made a deal with the pirates.”

At Kariel’s words, the eyes of the merchants began to shake.

With this word, the smart top stockholders figured out how the situation was going at once.

‘I’m thinking of hitting it in both directions.’

‘Are we going to catch the eyes of the southern kingdoms?’

However, some experienced top players thought a little deeper.

‘What exactly was the deal? How far are you thinking?’

‘If you use pirates, are you trying to seize the eastern trade route itself?’

Kariel, who had been waiting with her mouth shut so that the upper class owners could think enough, lightly tapped the desk with her hand.

Only then did the merchants, who had escaped from their thoughts, focus on Kariel.

“I intend to make an official deal with the pirates. Once it’s decided, it’s entrusted to them to protect the trade routes.”

“ah… … .”

“Do you have any other plans?”

To a question from a merchant, Kariel smiled and did not answer.

As if this is the only information that can be provided to you, the top owners bowed their heads again in their eyes filled with determination.

However, the information just released was enough to make the top stocks more active.

“As you all know, the mission given to you is not simply a deal to occupy this port. It’s just something you have to do for your future. So do your best.”

“Yes!”

Kariel, who clearly showed why he had to move, didn’t bother to say any more.

All that remains is for practitioners to do.

“Oh! From today, the shadows will come to you one by one.”

The upper-class stockholders are startled by Kariel’s words.

“There is nothing to be afraid of. The information just mentioned is confidential, so the shadows will only be with you until the time is right. Rather, it will be good. Even the guests from the south will be taken care of by the shadows.”

After Kariel left the place, everyone let out a long breath and began to mumble.

It was because everyone knew well what kind of opportunity Kariel had given them.

Tarion sighed as he watched the upper ranks leave with excited expressions.

It was because they saw the future of those caught in Kariel’s trap.

“great. The upper part is solved… … What is left of the military?”

After muttering that, Kariel met the military this time.

A well-dressed, muscular man stood next to Kariel with his hands folded.

Then Kariel asked him in a serious voice.

“The Small Allied Forces?”

“We’ve gone deeper into Talos. I think it would be difficult to put more pressure on it. If the Southern Army joins in, it will be possible, but… … .”

“Will the damage be great?”

“… … Yes.”

Kariel pondered for a moment at the commander’s answer. At a time when the city was in its midst of development, time could not be wasted in needlessly fighting Talos and Ki.

Having made the decision, Kariel said with a heavy voice.

“after… … We don’t make it this far.”

“That word… … .”

“Leave the army and build a defense line from here.”

“Are you going to leave the small country alliance alone?”

The general, who returned as a corps commander, looked at Kariel and asked.

“no. You have to press down slowly. But the Lord doesn’t have to be us.”

“The burden on the Confederates will increase.”

Now, the Confederate Army was mobilizing to contain the southern kingdoms and suppress internal rebellions at the same time.

At the same time, it was difficult to check the small coalition, so he asked for help from Kariel, but if he removed it like this, the fatigue of the southern army would increase.

“don’t worry. Soon the Confederates will be relaxed too.”

As Kariel smiled and said, the corps commander tilted his head.

To answer his doubts, Kariel presented a brief report of what had happened.

The corps commander who read it looked at Kariel with a surprised expression.

“There is no rush now. Let’s go slow.”

Saying that, Kariel smiled relaxedly.

The merchants will give the southern kingdom a shot first. And in the midst of a frenzy, the pirates are going to hit one more shot.

So there was no need to force it.

Rather than hitting him with a single blow, it would be better to nuisance by touching the disputed area on the metallurgical Talos side.

“The only thing we can do now is that the border between Talos and the Empire has not been completely drawn.”

“Um… … It’s definitely a great opportunity to expand your territory. But the First Sword of Talos is still stationed near the conflict zone.”

“So, for now, stop at the nerve-wracking line.”

“Yes.”

The corps commander, who clearly understood Kariel’s purpose, bowed his head and retreated.

This ended the plan to put the brakes on the southern kingdoms as they are now.

All that was left was the rebels and the Small Power Coalition.

“They have to figure it out.”

As Kariel was muttering like that, Tarion entered.

“Work?”

“South and East have certainly spread. We are slowly working in the central area.”

The project of voluntary enslavement of revolutionaries was started. Since it was still in the stage of spreading rumors, no one came to visit, but it was clear that they would come here one by one as time passed.

“Tell the Inspector General to take action.”

“Yes.”

Tarion lowered his head and replied to Kariel’s request.

They were as smart as they were quick-witted, so if they made a mistake, they could think that the government was cheating them.

I was thinking of instilling a sense of tension in the Inspection Department and asking them to watch for any suspicious movements.

“It’s a pity though. Didn’t anyone really want to come?”

“Yes. Still, they say they are having meetings with each other in each region.”

“Tell me not to try to catch you. They’re going to be great bureaucrats, but you can’t oppress them. only for monitoring. got it?”

“… … Yes.”

Cariel nodded slightly in response to Tarion’s answer and looked at the window.

Everyone complains that it’s hard, but they secretly try to do more.

It’s thrilling to be paid as much as you work, but if you’re in the top ranks, you’ll get bonuses as well.

And that adds to the vacation.

This opportunity did not come easily.

Already, among young people, these words are starting to come out.

“Let’s earn a living and enjoy old age.”

“Now is your chance to hit the jackpot!”

On the other hand, those with families wanted stability.

But they also had to work hard. If you earn right now, you can survive with the money you earned even if a situation arises.

There were also those who thought that they would spend just a few months on their money.

But Kariel had no intention of letting them go like that.

“Now let’s prepare for the next step.”

At Kariel’s words, Tarion nodded heavily.

Now that the slaves were slowly starting to work voluntarily, it was time to start the next plan.

There are two kinds of humans.

Even if you earn money, you work even harder out of endless greed.

These people are people who will take care of things even if Kariel doesn’t particularly care.

The problem is the second one.

People who want to rest when their old age is guaranteed to some extent.

It was just like Kariel.

For these people, there is only one way. Delaying the time to enjoy old age by giving the opportunity to earn more money!

“Should I incite their desire?”

Kariel looked at Tarion while smiling.

“Workers invest first… … I will prepare to do it.”

“okay.”

This city was just growing. As a result, there was a lot to build and a lot to do.

Besides, it cost a lot of money.

It was clear that the future value would be much greater than imagined now.

What if workers could invest in it first?

What if we divide priorities according to performance and increase the maximum amount of investment for those who are diligent?

You will work harder so as not to miss the opportunity to touch big money in the future.

“The old age guarantee is definitely there. Instead of working hard when you’re young, shouldn’t you?”

After muttering like that, Kariel looked at Tharion and smiled evilly.

Then Tarion was startled and sweating cold sweat.

‘If you become emperor… … Will the Empire become Hell?’

Tharion trembled at the thought that he might be rolled to the brink of death.

“Are you sick?”

“… … no.”

“Take care of yourself. There is nothing more precious than health.”

“… … Yes.”

Tarion bowed his head with a bitter smile at Kariel’s concern.

But worry is worry, and you have to do your job perfectly.

Tarion, who was robbed once today, went out immediately.

Following the traditional custom of being robbed by superiors and loosing subordinates, high-ranking officials and shadows began to roam the city with eyes glistening in anger after being cursed.

“Not bad.”

Looking at this, Kariel puts on a satisfied smile.

Even though everyone seemed to die from the intense labor, mysteriously, no one gave up.

This is because as compensation and the working environment to support it began to improve, a work environment that could somehow endure was created.

And these rumors ignited the flames of revolution in the hearts of the imperial people as time passed.

A wage that was only taken for granted.

A work environment that I took for granted.

Welfare that was taken for granted.

The idea that it was natural to be squeezed by the nobles changed.

And finally, as these rumors hit the capital of the empire, revolutionaries hiding in the shadows began to emerge.

“I have to go to you.”

“He is our hope.”

“let’s go. He will listen to us!”

The revolutionaries hiding in each region around the capital began to move one by one.

Far away, towards the new port in the empire… … .

At the center was Marx Weber, the center of the revolutionary forces.