Dream Life

The morning of February 11th.

Non forced the Lockhart family to cooperate with Non and the Duke of Alexis Ezarrington.

But they, no, the second son, Zacharias, has masterfully handed down Non's words and refused to cooperate superficially.

Non felt rational in his thoughts, but was concerned about how he would react if he came out stronger, and strongly ordered him to work with a ploy using a blacksmith's guild.

Zacharias said, "I'm afraid," then started talking.

"I don't think it would be a good idea for His Excellency the Chancellor to use the influence of the Blacksmith Guild."

He didn't say anything, but he said "ho" in his heart.

I thought Lockhart would always say, "You can't make friends with something that's not based on faith."

"What do you mean" not good ”? Be specific."

"Ha," he said, lowering his head, then staring firmly into the eyes of Noh again.

"We have heard that His Excellency the Prime Minister has never dared to forge cooperative relations with certain forces. Is this not to make it clear to anyone's eyes that His Eminence is completely neutral and does not consider the interests of any force, vis-à-vis the Crown Prince, i.e. the Commercial Guild, and His Royal Highness the Leopold, i.e. the military..."

So I looked into the eyes of Noon.

In fact, what this person thinks fits in part.

Whether it be a commercial guild or an army, I believe that what Non does is only for the Empire. In fact, it was also true.

But that's simply because there's never been a force to back it up before. I mean, it wasn't something I went to consciously, it just happened as a result.

If I could put the power of a powerful organization in the background, the more I think the policy could have been implemented a little easier.

Even if the commercial guild, which pursues only its own interests, or the army, which seeks to wage war in order to find its own existential significance, is behind it, Non did not intend to take account of them.

Zacharias' story continued even while Non was immersed in his own thoughts.

"… If His Excellency the Chancellor were to implement his policy against the backdrop of the power of the Blacksmith Guild, would he assume that both factions would also take into account the interests of the Blacksmith Guild and even the Kingdom of Kaum? If that happens, both factions, now in opposition, can even hold hands. It has the potential to combine the powerful power of commercial alliances with the military, namely, money and violence."

To be honest, I didn't consider the danger.

I have never considered it from such a point of view because I did not have a sponsoring organisation as a result.

On second thought, the military, anyway, commercial guilds are organizations that don't know what to do.

In fact, while secretly supporting Luke, he grandly supports a painting contending for the seat of the supreme power in a hostile empire. Not only that, but those who would be detrimental to themselves were crushing with assassinations and plots without hesitation. Non himself has been in danger many times.

Non's theory is that commercial guilds should not be hunted down too much. A radical response causes unexpected behavior. It's better to hunt them down with twitching and tightening.

"I don't know what to say. But then, what happens when Lord Ezzarington becomes Chancellor? Lord Alexis is the head of the Fourth Corps and a very popular man in the army."

I will answer that question without wondering if you have thought of an answer as well.

"The Duke also has influence over the military, but he also has more than a certain influence over the commercial guild. Is it cleverly exercising influence, especially against commercial guilds, using the power relations between Aurelia's headquarters and the branches of the imperial capital? If there is a blacksmith guild element (factor) in there, it can also be a disequilibrium and a broken relationship with the commercial guild."

Non was beginning to get horrified by the lad in front of him.

Lord Alexis has struck Aurelia merchants, mainly in the shipping industry, by facilitating the passage of the city of Ezarrington. As a result, the merchants of the imperial capital admire Lord Alexis.

Only with the merchants of the Imperial City on his side if that is all, he has lowered the royalties of the port of the city of Ezarrington from the Imperial City, benefiting the merchants of Aurelia as well. For that reason, the merchants of Aurelia regarded him as an insulting figure.

It is not difficult, in itself, to notice if one is at all eye-catching. In fact, Non thinks the same thing and lends a hand.

But the story changes when you even think about the impact if a blacksmith guild is added there.

The merchants are resourceful. And they're more conservative than I thought.

Because you should be somewhat stable in order to do business.

The Dwarves of the Blacksmith Guild are those who have incompatible values with them.

Although the merchants are not small enough to eliminate them immediately because they do not fit their own values, they are still likely to be anxious to trust someone who is holding such an organization back.

Lord Alexis now admits that merchants are understandable, but with the addition of an element of anxiety there, we can question his political methods.

This person analyzed it and gave accurate insight from the limited information he was getting. A similar sentiment arose in the war that only a sixteen-year-old boy did.

"Then I would like to say that neither Noun nor Lord Alexis should use the power of the Blacksmith Guild as a backdrop."

"No," he shook his head sideways.

The unexpected behavior has always led him to take no action.

Usually I don't utter words without thinking about it, but at that time I didn't think, and I said, "Can't I contradict what I'm saying?"

"I believe it would be beneficial for His Excellency and His Excellency the Duke of Ezarrington to have a blacksmith's guild on his side."

"I'm telling you it's inconsistent there!

Even here I pinched my mouth with emotion.

Soon I was caught up in Zacharias' pace. Aware of that, take a slow, deep breath in your heart.

"Moving politics against the backdrop of the power of the blacksmith guild puts the commercial guild on alert. Especially a way to use the Lockhart family could be called a drama. However, having the Dwarves on your side as“ individuals "does not necessarily alert you to commercial guilds"

After coming so far, I finally understood what this person was trying to say.

"I mean, then, be personally cordial with Dwarf. If Lockhart is involved, I don't know how the Dwarves move, but if they're not, the Dwarves can't run off cheaply."

"It's my pleasure. It's not what the Lockhart family wanted, but if our family asks for something from the Blacksmith Guild, it's easy to predict an excessive reaction. But we can't predict at all what the impact will be. And that's one of the reasons why we decided not to use our Dwarves for politics."

Earlier wars vanished just a little bit.

This person is very reasonable. Not only have I given priority to friendship, but I have told you to think rationally and stop using Dwarf politically.

Probably, but I showed that thought to Non.

Non does not recognize those who do not have a reasonable idea. No, if you don't get involved in the politics of the empire, you can think as you please, but you can't allow anyone involved in the politics of this great power to have no reason.

One of the reasons why Non dislikes Luke's Holy Kingdom is that he is only trying to move politics with the value of religion.

On the contrary, the same reason why you think you can admit the existence of a commercial guild that has been simmered water over and over again. They move solely on the value of "money making," but money making cannot be done unless it is reasonable. That's why they think so rationally. Though that's not all that's good for the Empire.

I guess I thought about Nong and took it to such a story.

Non decided to enjoy the conversation with this young man again.

"I understood what you were going to say. On top of that, I'm gonna ask you one more time."

So he turned a strong gaze on Masaias and others as well. They bow their heads slightly to Non's gaze.

"In an earlier Zacharias statement, Lockhart said Dwarves could not be used for politics. But the other day, the Dwarves of the Empire came to warn Non. That's not the result of the Lockhart family. Let me know what you think about this."

So Masaias bows his head greatly, "This time it is my fault".

"I know it's a lapse. Ask him how he's going to deal with this fact."

"We have already punished our squire for coming into contact with the blacksmiths. We also offer Zacharias' fiancée Sharon Jakes an indefinite freeze on her engagement. On top of that, we, the Lockhart family, promise to encourage the Empire to be more loyal."

"You think that would be an apology to that extent? The sin of damaging the prestige of the Empire is heavy. Isn't it an apology to encourage loyalty to the Empire?"

Unlike earlier this time, I did not use words that would intimidate me. Because I already intimidated him and didn't think he was the kind of person that would happen.

"On behalf of my father, I will explain it to you from me," Zacharias began talking.

"We propose that the Lockhart family take between His Excellency the Chancellor and His Excellency the Duke of Ezarrington and the Blacksmith Guild. And don't see the Lockhart family joining your faction."

I expected it, but I can only come up with one specific way.

"What exactly are we going to do? No way, like the Governor of the North, you're asking me to join you at the blacksmiths' banquet?

It's just hard for Prime Minister Tatsuo to go to a blacksmith's banquet where he's a civilian. This is not about character, because the prime minister looks like he's selling his charm to a blacksmith, and the political opponents are likely to use it for offensive material.

There was more to it than that.

Non is not strong enough to go to the Dwarves' banquet. As a result, he appeared to have unconsciously distorted his expression.

Zacharias looked slightly smiling.

"I'm not thinking about that. Of course, we need booze to strengthen our relationship with Dwarves."

"What are we going to do with the booze?

"We have already proposed it in the Duke of Ezarrington territory, but the Dwarves will love it and help us produce the unstoppable distilled liquor. We must look into the details, but it is possible that in your territory you will be able to make an unprecedented booze"

The word was unexpected.

My Phyllobisher territory lies south of the imperial capital, a land where agriculture flourishes due to its warm climate and abundant water resources.

However, Seawell was originally not as good a land for wine as Ezarrington, nor is it climatically suited to brewing beer. For this reason, it does not taste enough to sell to other territories, and only makes wine and beer for consumption on its own territory.

Encouraging ahead with his eyes, he began his explanation with a bright look, different from the tense face he had had earlier.

"We hear that sugar is produced in your territory. Waste molasses (moraces) that come out when that sugar is refined are shipped cheaply, and if you make alcohol from this ingredient, you will be able to make distilled liquor relatively inexpensively. And the important thing is that the liquor cannot be made elsewhere. Once it has a unique flavour, the Dwarves who prefer it become customers and will definitely favor the House of the Duke of Feelobisher…"

Sixteen-year-old boy happily talks about booze.

It seemed so different that I wondered what the hell it was like to be the same person after all or the horror I felt earlier.

"… we have confirmed that the brewed liquor, which is already the ingredient of the distilled liquor, is made because it squeezes sugar. If waste molasses are added to raw materials, production can grow dramatically, and it is possible to add value to waste molasses. I can't say much because I haven't built it yet, but to imagine from the raw materials, I think there's plenty of potential to finish what the Dwarves prefer. If you produce this in your territory, the Dwarves..."

Non didn't think, "Uhm. I kind of figured out your suggestion," he blocked. Because he's so excited to explain it, I felt like there was a big gap earlier and I couldn't keep my head on it. So I blocked it to put it between us.

Seems I've noticed Zacharias has also spoken too much apart from Non's thoughts.

He looked a little bad and said, "I'm too well. I'm sorry," he says with a big bow of his head.

So I calmed down a little. It would be decades since I got my pace back in this way.

I sort out my doubts in my mind because my head has turned a little bit. And I confirmed that.

"But can that only strengthen our relationship with the Blacksmith Guild? There are no branches of the Alliance in our territory. Wouldn't it still be possible to manufacture distillers in such a place?

Talking about the range examined by Non, the manufacture of a distiller requires a Dwarf blacksmith, which must also be a Dwarf after several months of training.

In other words, he heard that without a blacksmith with more than a certain arm, he couldn't make distilled liquor.

"Don't worry about that. We are scheduled to visit the Plymouth branch of the Blacksmith Guild today. His Excellency the Marquis of Seawell is also present at that time, and the City of Seawell is to be asked to cooperate in the creation of the branch and in the construction of the distillery. If Your Excellency wishes, I will ask the major blacksmiths, starting with the Gunter Fink Branch Manager, to do the same in Firobischer territory."

I have answered Non's concerns without getting lost. I can't get an open mouth blocked by that much handiness.

At that time, abruptly, I remembered what Lord Alexis had said to Non the other day.

'... Probably, but he should be thinking something. And what we can't even think about. "

It was definitely unexpected for Non.

One of the major exports of our Phyllobisher territory is sugar, but it's by-products and waste that make Dwarf happy liquor.

This is a great suggestion in a double sense.

Create new products by adding a high value to low-value by-products and unworthy waste. and gain influence over the customer of the product.

It is the kind of thinking that goes hand in hand with internal affairs and diplomacy, and it also coincides with the rational thinking preferred by Nong.

"Mm-hmm. You mean we need a detailed investigation, but can we tell Dwarf before we investigate?

"No problem. Surveys will mainly concern production and transport. For transport, maritime transport will keep transport costs down, and we assumed production from sugar shipments, but we can probably make enough. The only concern I have is that I have not met with anyone who directs this project. In case you're not passionate, you could fail in terms of building friendship with your blacksmith guild."

The plan seems pretty much ready in this guy's head. I never thought I'd be more passionate about brewing liquor.

And such thoughts speak.

"That's not exactly the son of a booze god."

"I simply like alcohol. It's not such a big deal."

"Looks like you hit and changed and your mouth turns," he said. "You thought you were talking too much, and your expression changed like a ha-ha, and you bow your head a lot.

Nor could Non laugh because the expression could not be said at all.

"Kukukuku...... if you like alcohol so much, you can't pull it away from the territory. There may be a drinking god around...... hahahaha!

I haven't spoken to anyone but Lord Alexis in a long time, and I think I laughed out loud.

After laughing, I gave him the conclusion of Non.

"The blacksmiths push their demands on Nong without question. The Lockhart family must secretly cooperate with Lord Alexis. Especially when it comes to trends in each guild."

So the three of them said, "Ha!," he said, bowing his head.

"Today's story made sense. Keep up the good work for the Empire."

All that said, I commanded the Lockhart family to step back.

Make sure they leave and sink deep into the chair.

And I was remembering Lord Alexis the other day. Not to be insulted as a negotiator, but he was pleased to say that the goal of territorial development had been achieved.

I know exactly what that fun look means.

He was definitely an interesting man. I couldn't get it, but on the contrary, it's enough to make me think it was better.

In fact, there was a great gain for our faction.

Not only did he secure the means of gathering information about each guild, but he gained influence over two of the five guilds: the blacksmith and the sorcerer.

It was also possible to exercise a certain influence on the two guilds, the Adventurer and the Mercenary, and to obtain information on the commercial guilds considered the most difficult.

We can also expect Zacharias to take our lead.

After that, you just have to keep hitting your hands so the Lockhart family doesn't turn away.

But I don't think that's hard. Masaias, while Rodrick is the dominant, they will not disobey without even running to private personal greed.

I ordered my secretary to call Lord Alexis.

He had come to the Chancellery and soon appeared.

He came into the office and asked with a grin, "How was it?" Apparently, Noon realized he was in a good mood.

"I did enjoy it. I guess I don't have that kind of delicacy. But you can't put a collar on it."

"Right. For a time I also wanted to add to my subordination, but now I am glad I have reconsidered. I feel it would be better if we had a cooperative relationship with him and no, a relationship that we could use with each other."

"Uhm. I fully endorse that point. Only the god of alcohol can see it."

"Exactly! Hahaha!"

Lord Alexis laughed out loud and said, "So is the disposition of the Lockhart family suspended? I've heard."

He shook his head.

"I won't punish Lockhart, but I've decided to give it to the Dwarves"

Lord Alexis tilted his neck at Non's words.

"In other words, we will punish them for making them cooperate in the development of our territory. whereby, even if it had been beneficial to them, it would have been unknown to Non."

"I see. That story sounds interesting. Could you let me know more?