Book 9: Chapter 15


    After returning to her bedroom when early evening lull hade to the streets, the quiet between the fricmuters and the vibrant party seekers, Leah looked around the room with a lonely gaze. With a sigh, she whined, Papa still isnt back. Papa wont join us for dinner again


    Leah had developed a fear for Veirya. After all, Veirya totally crushed her confidence. She was trained under the tutge of Veirya and Angelina themselves, only to realise that she didnt have the tiniest chance when Veirya became angry. Veirya did rip off over a dozen of her tentacles, which was akin to having her entire separated from its bones.


    Veirya stroked Leahs head. She didnt know where her husband had gone off to, either. As a result, she couldnt take Leah on a search for him. How about. We go eat something. Together?


    Unsure what Leahs shudder meant, Veirya borated, Hes. Not here. So. Lets find somewhere. To eat what you like. Tonight. And then. Lets go. To the za. To have some fun.


    Leah, scrutinising Veirya for clues as to what her mamas true intent was, hadnt had anything normal  rtively speaking  ever since having lunch at Queen Sisis ce, which was quite nice to say the least. As such, Veiryas suggestion was alluring.


    Mama Veirya, do you have money?


    We dont have to pay. If we mention. His name. Right?


    Leah thinks itll work, but Papa will need to go and pay the bill after


    Its fine. Then. Lets go. Leah. Lets go eat. Together. Or did you want. To go to Her Majesty?


    If they ate in the imperial pce, they wouldnt need to pay. Moreover, the imperial pce would be more than happy sponsor Veirya and Leah a meal. After all, the imperial pce provided nobles with a ce to rest and food to eat.


    Lin Dongqing was soon to be a noble of the kingdom, the first asion of amoner rising to noble status in the kingdom. Queen Sisi was always wary of conferring people titles of nobility. On the surface, Sisi called noble families to the imperial capital with the goal of helping her with national politics. In reality, though, Sisi fed them lots of money and women to make them sumb to their greed and lust. Why? That would be to prevent them from thinking about opposing her. As a matter of fact, they eventually grew worried about what would be if she was gone.


    All nobles were basically descendants of previous generations. Sisi never added another family to the list of acknowledged nobles. At most, she conferred them an official rank. That was why the new noble, Lin Dongqing, was perceived as Queen Sisis most trusted vassal. Of course, those who were always in the imperial pce considered him Prince Consort.


    Veirya didnt n to take Leah to the imperial pce. Veirya knew the za rtively well for she used to chase after Queen Sisis back at the za. Back then, however, Veirya was still a lively young girl. She never expected to have that disastrous encounter and didnt ever think shed be humanitys hero.


    ***


    So, you want me to hold an exhibition to promote your products? asked Sisi. Sitting at the table, Sisi enjoyed a healthy and heartening meal of bread with meat and a big dish of vegetables and fruit sd. Eyes narrowed, she challenged, I can do that; however, if I step in, wouldnt it be obvious? Under normal circumstances, I shouldnt be involving myself with that sort of business.


    You have misunderstood. This is not purely about money, I corrected. The most important aspect is educating everyone on what the true potential of the factory is. That will ensure enough peoplee to the factory to work. Sisi, you must understand that factories are a new revolution. Whether or not humans can escape the elves and dwarves chasing after them depends on this. By leveraging steam power, we can rece the monopolised skilled artisans. As a consequence, humanitys goods will be the cheapest. At that point, even dwarves and elves would be forced to purchase our goods. Additionally, you have noticed how expensive it is for us to purchase goods from the East. Once sessful, we can resell their stuff, thereby reducing our trade deficit. Sisi, this is an excellent opportunity. We must let everyone know what makes factories powerful. That is the only way we will be able to produce enough products.


    Sisi nodded as a smile came to her lips: All right. I will have someone make the preparations. Having said that, I need someone. Dongqing, my scientists have grasped the dwarves firearms technology, as well as manufactured gunpowder for us. Our military supplies factory has also been designed. I need someone to act as supervisor. Very soon, I will organise a big ball. I will confer you your title of count there, which will empower you with the authority to operate the military supply factory. I want my entire military to switch to firearms.


    Thats fine. Its just that the militarys battle tactics, formations and whatnot will have to change along with it. It would be best to have another war for everything to be put to the test.


    Thats on the Norths noble military families. It has nothing to do with you and me. Now, I must notify you that you wont receive any ie from the military supplies factory but will have to shoulder all of the expenses.


    In that case, I hope to have the other rights that other businessmen are granted. I also want to be able to start factories. In addition, I want more from the current weaving factory. At the very least, I want forty percent. I cant bnce out my expenses with my ie, otherwise.


    Of course. You arent just a count; I want to make you the minister of business for the entire empire. Therefore, you will naturally have every right a businessman has, exined Sisi, cing down her fork and knife. Since Veirya said she ns to live in the imperial pce, its a given that I will provide you with adequate authority. Thats absolutely fine. After all, youre this nations hidden Prince Consort. Its just that a husband should also have a responsibility to provide his wife with enough money. Thing is, you have multiple wives.


    Well, it seems that my shoulders will be shouldering a lot.