"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 35

“How about collaborating with us to build a trading port town there?”

“A port town for trade…???”

If it were the previous relationship between the two territories, it would have been impossible, but certainly now, if we can meet several conditions, it could be a feasible plan. But…

“Those conditions are too harsh, aren’t they?”

“I wish you would stop reading my mind…”

“Rather than your heart, it was written on your face.”

“Stop with the nonsense.”

The Baron of Grace cleared his throat and reset the flow.

“First, how do you plan to clear the forest?”

“Actually, there is a group of highly skilled hunters in Arden who are well-versed in the forest. When I asked them, they said that the forest is divided into dangerous and safe areas, and if we proceed through the safe ones, we can lay the road quite safely. Of course, we need to temporarily retreat at night when the monsters become active.”

“Hoho. Assuming that’s really possible and we start constructing the port town. I think with Grace’s technical skills, we could build a port, but what about the crucial transport ships? We don’t have craftsmen for that, and Arden is in the same boat, right?”

“If you report that to the Empress, I’m sure she will cooperate.”

“…What’s the basis for that?”

I never even thought of relying on that empress. The current Baron of Arden has some guts, huh? Where on earth has such talent been hiding until now…

“The tribute from the imperial nobility is proportional, so an increase in the income of the frontier lords is equivalent to the royal family’s coffers being filled. Furthermore, considering the current situation, the Empress must be seeking new bonds to ensure that our allies do not defect to other great powers. Since wheat is the staple food of the continent, if we can make them dependent on us, it will ensure our security in the future.”

“I see… Your intellect is beyond my imagination…”

“No, no. The Empress’s cooperation is mainly needed for arranging craftsmen and securing sources for purchasing building materials. Other than that, it’s just a request to manufacture magical devices to repel monsters to be installed on the highways. Even without the benefits to the royal family I mentioned earlier, I believe Lord Grace would normally lend a hand if asked. After all, you are the highest authority in charge of the empire’s granaries.”

“How should I put this, you really…”

After that, the two of them discussed and meticulously confirmed all the other conditions and details.

“What else should we export besides wheat?”

“First, let’s focus on highly perishable agricultural products. We’ll decide on the rest later. It will depend on the capacity of the transport ships we can build.”

“What about the workforce?”

“Since there are quite a few vassals who lost their jobs due to the war, I was thinking of mobilizing them.”

“Is there a guard when clearing the forest?”

“Let’s cooperate with both knight orders. It will be good training as well. Of course, leave the garrison to Arden.”

Since it was noon, I continued while taking a break and having a meal.

“Wow, it’s been years since I’ve had such a meaningful day.”

“Likewise.”

“Speaking of which, the other day, the guards reported that Ryu-kun headed to the capital. What did he go there for?”

At this point, Ryu’s eyebrows moved slightly.

Alright, I’ve been waiting for that question

“Actually, my mother has fallen ill with a serious disease, so I went to buy an elixir.”

“For the sake of Mother, the head of the family himself went to the capital… It must have been tough, especially with the post-war arrangements going on at the same time, right?”

“Honestly, it was tough, but it was never a burden.”

“You are such a good child…”

It is not an exaggeration to say that I have completely captured the heart of the marquis with this.

Also, from now on, we will be drafting a letter of petition to the Empress, and Liu’s name will be included in the text. Since Liu has formed an agreement with Grace, “that is to say,” the Empress will likely stamp her approval without hesitation.

“Ah, Lord Grace, I have something I want to ask you, just in case.”

“What is it?”

“You’re aware of the hero’s situation, right?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“What will you do if a deployment order is issued?”

“Hmm, if possible, I don’t really want to participate. I turned it down last time too.”

“But what if a war breaks out in the middle of the plan, and if we were to carry out the Empress’s orders at that time, wouldn’t there be a high probability that the plan would be halted?”

“Indeed. At worst, everything could go up in smoke.”

“The warhorses raised on the Great Plains of Grace are strong, and of course, the Grace Knights who ride them are among the best in the continent. The hero has just been summoned and is still in the training stage, so they won’t be participating as part of the enemy forces. So, I think you should face them with confidence.”

“That’s true, but… Oh, I just thought of a great idea!”

The border lord smirked.

“If Ryu-kun will fight alongside me as my second-in-command, then I might consider joining the war. You’re really good at things related to war, right?”

“……Huh?”