Chapter 97

Chapter 97

#97 Growth and Distribution (3)

The northern region, once filled with vagrants due to lack of jobs, was no more.

What was in short supply now was the productive population, especially those who were educated.

And these two things weren’t something that could be solved just by money and technology. It required a significant amount of time.

“So we’re encouraging childbirth like crazy and practically giving away med kits for free. We’re also implementing mandatory education so all northerners can read.”

“Isn’t that excessive? Increasing the population is one thing, but teaching literacy to such a large number of people…”

“The north lacks talent, so we need to make the most out of our small population.”

“Why don’t we just bring in wanderers from the continent? I’d be happy to help.”

“No thanks.”

“Huh?”

After all, they couldn’t just accept immigrants into the north.

“Even if we did, they wouldn’t adapt to the north. And frankly, due to preconceived notions about the north, they wouldn’t even want to come.”

It was a fact acknowledged even by the northerners themselves that the north was extremely cold and dangerous.

“And besides, it wouldn’t be good for Bishop Company either.”

Moreover, would any monarch or noble of any country in the world look kindly upon their own citizens leaving?

“It wouldn’t be good for the northerners either. A massive influx of immigrants would cause great confusion in the north. Conflicts between locals and newcomers would intensify.”

“Hmm…”

Though the perception of the north had improved recently, deep-rooted prejudices still remained.

The exceptional view towards northerners only applied to Grand Duchess Ariana of the North, Valkyrie and the high knights of Lenslet, and Professor Arad.

All other northerners were still seen through the lens of being half-barbarians cursed by the gods.

So, even if outsiders came to the north—which they likely wouldn’t—they would inevitably cause chaos and conflict.

“So… What do you really want?”

“What I really want?”

“Yeah, what do you truly desire?”

After the conversation about immigrants ended, Entaire slowly began to ask about the main topic.

“Showing me this right before I leave for the empire and even going as far as making a contract—there must be some reason behind it, right?”

“You’re right. I was just about to get to that.”

“Hahahaha! Now I feel a bit more at ease.”

“Could you bring over some talented individuals in finance?”

“Finance?”

Even after saying they wouldn’t accept immigrants, both Arad and Entaire maintained their composure perfectly.

“Yes, trustworthy people who have worked in banking and lending industries.”

“Indeed, the field of finance isn’t something the northerners alone can handle immediately.”

“That’s correct. So, while we will accept immigrants, we plan to limit it to a minimum and focus on skilled and specialized professions.”

Arad continued.

“For reference, by ‘trustworthy,’ I mean…”

“Someone with a background similar to mine, someone who works in banking or lending and hates the royal family… They won’t be easy to find, will they?”

“Not necessarily the royal family. Someone pushed out by competition or intrigue would also work fine. There’s no one as certain as someone whose revenge is success.”

“I’ll look into it as soon as I arrive. By the way, are you planning to establish a bank anytime soon? Given the current growth of the north, it’s actually quite late.”

While speaking, Entaire subtly made a proposal to Arad.

“How about the bank operated by our Bishop Company?”

Entaire’s subtle suggestion was immediately rejected by Arad.

“It’s an imperial merchant-operated bank. No northerner would use it.”

In the past, most northerners were poor and rarely had savings to deposit in banks, which was why there were no banks in the north.

However, there were banks in the empire.

But even the few northerners who could afford to save didn’t use the imperial banks.

Because it was common for them to lose their money due to discrimination against northerners.

“Such a pity.”

“Prejudice exists equally among the northerners too.”

Of course, all of the above reasons were excuses.

Although Bishop Company was an imperial company, if Professor Arad gave his guarantee, northerners would trust it enough.

‘There’s no separation of finance and industry in this world. If I miss this, I might not even be able to call myself a businessman!’

But Arad, who planned to establish and operate his own bank, absolutely had no intention of accepting Bishop’s bank.

“At any rate, please hurry as much as possible.”

“If I can’t find the talents you requested, what will you do?”

“In that case, we’ll have to send some of our staff to the bank operated by Bishop Company for training.”

“We’d be delighted to welcome them.”

At Arad’s response, Entaire’s eyes lit up.

“But I’ve heard that you teach not only magical engineering at the academy but also administration, management, and accounting.”

“Yes, it’s already making me feel like I need ten bodies just to keep up.”

“You’re practically omnipotent, yet you don’t know about banking?”

“No matter who I am, I can’t possibly know everything. Besides, I’m already busy with my current responsibilities. Adding banking to that? I might die from overwork.”

“Then, let us share our expertise. How about the Renslett branch of Bishop Bank…?”

“I know the basics, even if not the details.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Yes.”

“…”

“…”

A silent exchange passed between them through their glances.

‘What a shame. If he’s this decisive, there’s nothing I can do.’

‘If you understood, then just do what I asked. Why are you trying to push your luck here?’

Ultimately, Entaire had no choice but to suppress his greed.

After all, Arad was always the dominant party.

‘The bank of the northerners. I wonder what it will look like?’

Having quickly given up, Entaire imagined the bank that would be established in the land of harsh winters and magic.

“Is that all you wish to request from me?”

Swallowing his excitement and regret, Entaire asked Arad.

“For now.”

“Even if you ask for something more difficult, please consider allowing me to buy just a little of the Bluetooth series, cameras, Magic Communication Devices, and Spatial Cases.”

“I’ve already told you before; the Imperial Mage Tower can create all four of those items.”

“They can create them, sure. But don’t you know how lazy and proud mage tower mages are? If you tried to implement factory-style division of labor with them, there’d be chaos.”

With a deep sigh, Entaire complained.

‘Besides, the Imperial Mage Tower doesn’t have the know-how regarding mana circuits yet. That’s why it takes a lot of time and money to produce them.’

Arad thought of another reason why the Imperial Mage Tower couldn’t match the north.

Even the Golden Mage Tower of the Empire has knowledge and technology regarding mana circuits. After all, it’s a legacy of the golden age.

However, they’re currently studying and developing it step by step, like learning multiplication tables. Extremely inefficient.

“Really… Really… I envy you.”

Entaire said, looking toward the workshop somewhere in the distance.

His eyes captured the wizards drawing mana circuits with exhausted faces from afar.

To mercilessly exploit such high-level talents, Entaire genuinely envied Arad.

Ignoring Entaire’s burdensome gaze, Arad asked back,

“The Bluetooth series won’t sell well in the empire anyway. Isn’t clean water readily available in most cities?”

“I’ll sell them to nobles and wealthy adventurers. Unlike the north, the empire has a culture of travel since there aren’t many monsters. The same goes for Spatial Cases.”

“Travel, huh… Truly enviable.”

This time, Arad looked enviously at Entaire and the empire.

Honestly, Arad knew the Bluetooth series would sell well to imperial and royal nobles. He was just making excuses not to sell them.

But it didn’t work on Entaire.

“There will also be demand from merchant ships and navies. There’s nowhere as water-scarce as a ship. Soon, any decent noble will avoid ships or inns without Bluetooth systems.”

“Seas… Really, really… Envious.”

Arad expressed his envy again.

“?”

For some reason, Entaire felt victorious seeing Arad’s reaction.

* * *

Entaire Bishop left for the empire.

His steps were light, but the bundles in his hands were heavy.

He returned a week later than expected.

‘Really persistent guy, isn’t he?’

In the end, Entaire managed to secure a contract to supply a small quantity of the Bluetooth series and Spatial Cases, in addition to printing technology and mechanical pulp makers.

‘The security enchantments are solid, so there’s no chance of the mana circuit designs leaking. Even if they do, copying them won’t be easy.’

Sticking around until the very last moment, he managed to secure not just one, but almost two or three deals.

‘At least I didn’t sell the Magic Communication Device.’

He refused to sell the Magic Communication Device in the end.

Who knows, if communication between the empire and the north became faster through Magic Communication Devices, they might endlessly pester him about why he wasn’t visiting the empire.

There was also the additional reason that he didn’t want to hear Entaire Bishop’s complaints via Magic Communication Device.

‘Being bothered is already enough with High City alone.’

Muttering under his breath, I spurred my horse.

A top-grade steed with the finest bloodline and highly trained didn’t make a single sound as it increased its speed.

Thanks to the specially crafted saddle and the superior ride quality of the top-grade horse, I experienced car-like comfort even while riding.

That way, riding the top-grade horse, I swiftly passed through the inner fortress of High City and arrived in front of the Palace of Glory.

Carriages that seemed to have come from various places in the north were visible around the palace.

“To think we’d hold another court session so soon like this… ”

I muttered to myself, lost in unnecessary nostalgia.

“That too, at the request of the boss.”

My muttering was met with a comment from Mary standing beside me.

“…”

“…? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Whenever attending court sessions or going to High City, Mary usually accompanied me.

‘You’ve changed.’

The fresh and passionate image from her first day was long gone.

I silently observed the worn-out lady due to office life for a moment before responding briefly.

“Branch out.”

“Yes.”

After dismounting the horse with Mary, I strode confidently forward.

“Araad Sir~, it’s been a while.”

“Isabelle Lady.”

As I entered the palace, Isabelle, the president of the Lenslet Mage Guild and the Spring Mage, came to greet me.

“All the Dukes, Ministers, and officials from various regions are gathered.”

“Looks like I’m the last one to arrive?”

I thought I had arrived on time, but apparently not.

‘This northern time concept.’

Since it’s cold in the north, there’s a habit of doing everything briskly and early.

‘This 15-minute early culture is hard to adapt to. It’s not like we’re navy or anything.’

The problem was forgetting that this rule applied even to the higher-ups in the court.

“Protagonists are supposed to be late, after all.”

When I was flustered, Isabelle made a risky joke with a playful tone.

“That kind of talk is dangerous. Let’s go.”

“Ho ho ho ho~, you’re right.”

The long-time unseen Isabelle appeared to be in a great mood.

“Is the compilation of magic you’re working on progressing well?”

“Of course. I believe we’ll soon be able to firmly establish Lenslet Mage Guild’s unique school of thought.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“As an honorary vice-president of the Lenslet Mage Guild, you’re welcome to observe anytime and even seek teachings. Though, I wonder if there’s anything we can teach you? Lately, it feels like we’re always the ones learning.”

“Hahahaha, why wouldn’t I have something? Feel free to ask whenever you’re curious.”

“Really? Teaching magic to a northern wizard! Just thinking about it gets my heart racing. Feel free to ask via Magic Communication Device!”

Thus, Isabelle and I exchanged various conversations on our way to the court.

As usual, the closer we got to the court, the fewer words Mary spoke. She was originally quiet, but now she seemed like someone doing a vow of silence.

‘Does she still find Ariana and the ministers intimidating?’

Noticing Mary’s slightly tense posture, I shrugged.

I had no intention of offering more advice.

Just this much. Beyond this, there’s nothing I can do for her.

If Mary is content with her current position, I thought it should be respected.