Chapter 38
Startled by an unexpected comment, I flinched and took a step back, causing Kestian to wave his hand.
“Oh, it’s fine. There’s no risk of it exploding. It’s just a prototype, a fake that only looks similar to the real one.”
“…You could’ve mentioned that earlier. I almost had a heart attack.”
Trying to calm my racing heart from the sudden scare, I rolled my eyes, and Kestian looked a bit embarrassed.
I glared at Kestian for a moment before lifting my chin.
“So, why did you suddenly bring that out?”
“I was curious about what Lady Sierra would think. Most bombs developed so far have been magical tools. But this one was made using pure Pallieva family technology. It’s less powerful but much cheaper to produce.”
“If it’s not a magical tool, that means it wasn’t made by an approved mage from the Empire, right?”
“Exactly. That’s why it’s cheaper. It’s at a decent stage of completion, but as Lady Sierra mentioned, according to current laws, bombs have to be made by approved mages from the Empire.”
“For safety reasons.”
Bomb-making technology existed in the past, but it was too unstable. Magic was used to enhance safety, and since then, Empire laws required that only companies with mages could produce bombs.
However, this made the production costs extremely high.
“That’s right. Mages have been making them so far because they’re safe. But this is different. It’s safe even without mages, easy to make, and can be mass-produced. The only downside is that it’s a bit less powerful, but the real problem is…”
“If you don’t change the Empire’s laws, it’s illegal to manufacture it, and to change the laws, you’d need the Mage Association’s approval.”
Kestian nodded with a look that said, “Exactly.”
I looked down at the bomb in Kestian’s hand, considering it.
If it’s this size and even with reduced power, if it’s cheap to produce and can be mass-produced, it’s definitely a game-changer for the business.
But reaching that point is going to be really tough.
“So, why are you showing this to me?”
“What do you think Lady Sierra would say?”
“Are you asking from a business perspective or an objective one?”
“Both.”
“From a business standpoint, it’s great. If it passes, you’ll make a fortune. But objectively, it’s unlikely to pass. Even if Empire laws were changed, the Mage Association would object, and other bomb-making companies would push back too. Places that keep an eye on the Pallieva family will also raise their voices. It’s going to be hard.”
“Is that so?”
Was I too blunt?
Kestian rubbed his chin for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
He took back the box, put the orb inside, and packed it up.
“Thanks for the objective evaluation.”
“Anytime.”
Kestian turned to leave and opened the door.
Just as he was about to step out, he hesitated, then looked back.
“If the Pallieva family decides to develop this, would you support them?”
“I can’t speak for my family, but personally, yes. I’d support them. As I’ve said before, I’m backing the Pallieva family’s direction. As long as safety and transparency are ensured, I’d be all in.”
The Pallieva family didn’t have the best relationship with Bozbourne.
As someone seeking revenge against Bellieta, I had to make use of this relationship.
I couldn’t find a better opportunity easily.
“Did that answer your question?”
Kestian tilted his head, and his round eyes crinkled into a soft smile.
“Don’t forget what I said.”
The door slowly closed, and Kestian disappeared.
I looked at the empty space where he had been, then turned my head.
What a strange guy.
The reserved future Duke of the Pallieva family had long since faded from my mind.
* * *
By the time the western sky was draped in a red hue, the meeting room door opened.
Although not everyone had arrived yet, I got up and started gathering my things.
Even though I didn’t need to grab a spot first, in meetings, being the first one in often meant you had the upper hand.
Military meetings were more like battlefields than discussions.
My father always said to get to the meeting room early and start conversations with the people arriving.
You could never get crucial information ahead of time or during the meeting. It had to be gathered before it began.
Getting a seat early and listening to the chatter helped you pick up on the key points.
“You’re early.”
Count Ricardo, who had arrived before me, greeted me with a friendly smile.
As I approached, Count Ricardo glanced around, then leaned in and said quietly,
“I was surprised. I didn’t expect to see white wine from the Lure region. It’s a rare drink, with only about a hundred bottles made each year. I haven’t been able to get it before, so I’m glad I got to taste it.”
Count Ricardo’s face was flushed with pleasure, probably having just enjoyed some of the wine.
“It’s a hard-to-find drink. Since it was a bribe, you’ll need to help me out when I ask. Got it?”
With a smile, Count Ricardo’s lips curled up in amusement.
He nodded, looking pleased.
Soon, people started filtering into the meeting room.
After finishing my greetings with Count Ricardo, I went to my assigned seat, organized my things, and looked around.
People settled in on either side of me, exchanging light pleasantries.
Some were familiar faces, others were new.
I almost made the mistake of pretending to know someone, but thankfully kept my mouth shut and avoided embarrassment.
As the meeting time approached, a woman came in late and took her seat.
I caught sight of her neatly tied brown hair and her cool demeanor.
Who was she again?
As I stared absentmindedly, the woman’s eyes met mine as she opened her bag.
Blue eyes.
“It’s been a while, Lady Brilloxen.”
“I almost didn’t recognize you. You’ve changed a lot, Lord Cella.”
Cella Wolfroktid.
We’re not close anymore, but before I died, she was someone I was very close with.
The best knight ever produced by the Wolfroktid family.
We had helped each other out a lot back then.
Seeing her face again after so long made me genuinely happy, and I couldn’t help but smile widely.
Cella seemed a bit taken aback by my smile, but oh well.
Smiling isn’t a crime.
“They say people notice the change in you when you grow your hair out. Do you think it looks odd?”
“No way. You look beautiful.”
Still as reliable and impressive as ever, Cella had added a touch of beauty to her already great presence. I praised her with joy.
Cella rubbed the back of her neck with a shy smile.
At the same time, she busily organized some papers on her desk with efficient grace.
“Speaking of which, I think the last time Lady Brilloxen attended a meeting was two years ago. I barely remember.”
“That sounds about right.”
“Then, may I give you a valuable piece of information since you might be unfamiliar with the atmosphere here?”
Information?
I tilted my head curiously, and Cella glanced around before nodding subtly.
Following her gaze, I saw a stocky man with a prominent belly.
Who was that again?
“That’s Count Oxiad. He’s a commercial noble with no ties to politics.”
“Oh, the Oxiad Iron Mine…?”
“Exactly. He owns a vast iron mine where the entire mountain is covered in iron. He controls a huge share of iron production, making it almost impossible to produce weapons without him.”
“I heard he recently acquired a coal mine too.”
“Heat is essential for fueling fires. It was a smart business expansion. But that’s not the issue.”
Cella turned her gaze to the people sitting next to him.
“All the people sitting next to that man are commercial nobles who are obsessed with accumulating wealth. They’re all involved in production, processing, sales, and management. Do you know what they’re planning?”
As I shook my head, Cella spoke in a low voice.
“They’re exporting. And they’re exporting huge amounts. The Empire imposes tariffs to control the quantity, but they’re still expanding their market even at the cost of taxes. They’ll probably request a tax revision as an agenda item in this meeting too. If taxes are lowered, they’ll export even more, which would benefit neighboring countries that are ramping up their military.”
I could understand what Cella was getting at.
If military equipment starts flowing out, the domestic market would inevitably suffer.
This would deal a significant blow to Brilloxen, which has been making the most profit by supplying raw materials to the domestic market.
Even if there’s no immediate problem, there’s definitely a risk of long-term issues.
This wasn’t just a matter of the Empire’s security but also a fundamental issue for Brilloxen.
It had to be stopped at all costs.
I gave a short nod, and Cella’s lips curved up slightly.
As Cella continued to point out other key figures to watch among the participants, the time for the meeting arrived, and the door closed.
Count Ricardo moved to the center of the meeting room.
In the dimming atmosphere, I saw Kestian, who had come in late, taking the last seat.
As he settled in, Kestian made eye contact with me and gave a light wave.
Seeing that made me chuckle.
“Let’s begin the meeting. From now on, please avoid unnecessary movements and be mindful of your words and actions.”
Count Ricardo flipped through the thick documents he was holding and started the meeting with some lighter agenda items.
