The Matter of How Only a Political Rival Duke, Not My Own Family, Recognized My Worth After I Was Disowned ~When I Turned a Remote Frontier Territory Into the World’s Greatest City, the Noble Lady Assigned to Supervise Me Became the Best Fiancée~ - Episode 17: The Kingdom’s Blueprint for the Future

Episode 17: The Kingdom’s Blueprint for the Future

On the morning of the day I was to have an audience with His Majesty the King,

I was dressed in the finest ceremonial attire prepared by the Valenstein family.

“Lord Noah… His Majesty possesses insight far surpassing that of my father or brothers. Please, do not allow yourself to be underestimated.”

At the time of departure, Isabella gave me one last, deeply worried piece of advice.

“Yes, I understand. I’ll be giving the finest presentation to the finest audience.”

I headed alone to the royal castle.

Passing through the magnificent gates, I walked down the endless marble corridors.

The armor of the royal guards I passed gleamed without a single blemish—one could feel the authority and might of the kingdom in the very air.

At last, the massive doors opened. I stepped into the audience chamber.

Seated on the throne at the far end of the hall was the King of this realm, Augustus III.

Though he wore a gentle smile, the light of sharp intellect gleamed behind his eyes.

At his side stood the Chancellor. He was famed for his cunning.

And—

In the corner of the audience chamber, granted the right to attend were my father Duke Silford, and my eldest brother Alphonse.

(…What an interesting setup.)

Whether it was to test me, or to keep the Silford family in check, I could sense the King’s crafty hand at work.

“Raise your head, Baron of Grindle Noah von Silford.”

The King’s voice was calm yet carried a core of authority.

“Your deeds in the frontier were splendid. First, let me commend your efforts.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Your gracious words are far more than I deserve.”

After the formal exchange of courtesies, the King leaned forward slightly. His eyes were  filled with keen interest.

“Now then. This ‘magical steel’ you have discovered—what does it bring to my kingdom, and to me? Speak freely.”

The presentation began.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have three things I wish to show you.”

With his permission, I had the attendants bring forth the gifts I had prepared.

However, what I presented first was not the sword or armor everyone must have expected.

“—First, what I offer Your Majesty is a tool that will bring prosperity to this nation.”

What I revealed was a single hoe.

Its blade gleamed black and silver—masterfully forged by the dwarf master Gran.

A murmur rippled through the audience chamber.

“The true value of this steel does not lie in weapons. It lies first in filling the people’s bellies.

This hoe is far lighter and more durable than existing ones—it can plow even the hardest soil deeply.

With it, each farmer’s cultivated area will double. And the kingdom’s chronic food shortage will be dramatically improved.”

Next, I presented precision stakes used for surveying and drill bits for breaking rock.

“Next, a tool that will bring prosperity.

This steel allows the creation of more precise and durable instruments.

Road construction, flood control, mining development—every national project supporting our kingdom’s growth will see its efficiency and accuracy soar. It will spread wealth to every corner of the realm.”

Finally, I held up a small prototype shield.

“When the people’s bellies are full, and the nation grows rich, its defense shall become unshakable.

Lastly, I offer this—a shield that brings martial power to the kingdom.

Weapons forged from this steel will transform Your Majesty’s soldiers into the mightiest elite on the continent.”

I stepped forward before the throne and bowed deeply.

“What I offer Your Majesty is not mere iron.

It is technological innovation itself. It’s something that will elevate food, wealth, and military might—the very pillars of the kingdom—to a new level.

This is only the prologue to the blueprint of the kingdom’s future that I envision.”

The audience chamber fell utterly silent.

The Chancellor’s eyes widened. While King Augustus III lost his gentle smile—his face now shone with unprecedented seriousness and delight as he gazed at me.

From the corner of my eye, I saw my father and brother. Their faces were pale with shock.

They had arranged this as a stage to condemn me as a criminal,

Yet it had turned into the perfect opportunity to prove before the King himself. That I was an indispensable asset to the nation.

At length, the King nodded deeply. Satisfaction was clear in his expression.

Then, leaning forward from the throne, his eyes shone with brilliance as he spoke:

“—Fascinating. Truly fascinating, Noah von Silford!”

Those words resounded through the chamber—

A bold declaration marking the beginning of my new battle in the royal capital.