Chapter 304

“Are you referring to the Blaster Sea? The one at the edge of the Great Desert?”

“Yes. Lately, rumors of pirate activity there have completely clogged the trade routes. Since it’s the only passage eastward, it’s become a real bottleneck. On the bright side, though, the number of merchants crossing the desert into the Gaia continent has increased a bit.”

“I see. Since Luswena borders Hawan, news must travel fast there. As for Klipoford, no official expeditions have ever ventured all the way into the desert.”

“Same goes for Burgos. Klipoford lies to the right, and above it is a war-torn region. Ha ha.”

“Is Klipoford’s presence really a problem? Ha ha ha. Even without us, it would have been tough to get through. Who can claim dominion over the desert, after all?”

“Oh, no offense meant! But the climate in Burgos does resemble the desert somewhat. For people who produce such delicious wine, the desert must be quite a challenge!”

The delegations from Luswena, Klipoford, and Burgos mingled, exchanging information from their respective countries.

Though occasional sharp remarks were exchanged, no one took offense. Partly due to the moderate buzz of alcohol, and partly because all were talented individuals summoned abroad to serve their kings, they valued the importance of sharing intelligence.

Moreover, with the three nations’ alliance becoming an open secret, even though Bariel’s officials were present, there was an unmistakable sense of camaraderie among them.

Ian stood by the railing, quietly observing the scene.

He signaled subtly to the stationed mages and attendants, ensuring the banquet lacked nothing. Soon, the wine brought by Klipoford was poured onto every table.

Ian glanced at Jin and gave a slight nod.

“Your Highness, the banquet serves only two purposes.”

“Mm. I know. To warn the King of Burgos and to test the cracks in the three-nation alliance.”

Before the banquet, Jin recalled the conversation they had in the carriage and set down his knife.

“As the rumors say, the fertilizer imported from Burgos is of remarkable quality. Reports indicate that the cultivation period for the same crops has shortened by about a week compared to average years. Whether this is coincidence or not will require a few more years of observation.”

Eriphoni was discussing the fertilizer imported from Burgos.

When Jin set down his knife with a soft thud, she trailed off and looked toward him. The others did the same.

All eyes were on him, but the boy nonchalantly sipped his drink and smiled faintly.

“I didn’t realize Burgos’s fertilizer was so excellent. Does Klipoford use it for their vineyards as well?”

Since Klipoford was a wine-producing country, agriculture was essential. Naturally, if a neighboring country had good fertilizer, they would import and use it.

Prince Noah nodded in affirmation.

“Yes. It’s been a trade passed down from our predecessors.”

Not knowing Jin’s true intent, he answered straightforwardly. Though unlikely, it would be troublesome if they started questioning the trade under the pretext of the three-nation alliance.

Even if relations between Klipoford and Burgos were chilly, as neighboring countries, their influence on each other was significant. Probably one in every three bottles of wine distributed in Burgos came from Klipoford.

“I see. So that’s why Klipoford’s wine tastes so good. I’d like to try some myself.”

But the reply was harmless enough. When Jin looked back at Ian, he shook his head firmly.

“Forgive me, Your Highness, but that would be inappropriate.”

“I know. I’m just disappointed. The wine downstairs is exquisite, and the kings haven’t stopped raising their glasses.”

“Then perhaps you should place an order in advance?”

“An order?”

Jin’s eyes widened as he repeated the question. Though it was a line he had prepared, it came out so naturally it almost seemed cheeky. If Romandro had seen it, he’d have been overwhelmed with joy.

Ian hid a faint smile and looked toward Prince Noah, who appeared tense, unsure of what discussion might follow.

“There must be wines stored and managed by the kingdom. How about ordering the finest wine in advance for your coming-of-age ceremony, Your Highness?”

“That sounds like a good idea. What do you think, Prince Noah? Does the kingdom have anything suitable?”

“Suitable? That’s almost an understatement.”

As a royal family from a country famous for premium wine, their underground cellars were filled with priceless treasures, forming a significant part of the royal estate.

“Every year, a hundred-year-old vintage is prepared for the kingdom’s festival. I will speak to my father and have such a fine wine presented on your coming-of-age day.”

“A hundred years old? That’s impressive. But it would be a gift. There’s no precedent for receiving gifts from other countries just because a member of the royal family comes of age.”

“However…”

“Isn’t that right, Sir Ian?”

“That’s correct. It’s a rare occurrence, except for His Majesty the Emperor.”

Jin and Ian’s dialogue intertwined seamlessly, leaving their true intentions unreadable.

Eriphoni exchanged glances with Eldert, while Damon watched the unfolding scene with a calm expression.

“Indeed. It is only right to pay the price. You are guests gathered to celebrate my appointment, so it is fitting that Bariel offers a proper return. Everyone, listen well.”

No one expected to leave empty-handed, but what form the return would take was anyone’s guess.

Would it be a firm show of alliance? The signing of long-delayed contracts? Or merely a modest gift from the Bariel royal family?

If it were only the last, this banquet would surely be deemed a failure.

“For royal gifts submitted by each country, Bariel will select items eligible for export and import, and completely waive tariffs on them for one year.”

“…!”

“…!”

Noah and Eriphoni couldn’t hide their surprise. Noah had brought the royal instrument Brakui, and Eriphoni the bow. Mei whispered to the prince in astonishment.

“Prince, if I heard correctly, they’re saying they will exempt import and export taxes on one of the materials used to make the Brakui.”

“Yes, that’s what I heard too.”

Eldert, leaning close to Eriphoni, whispered quietly.

“Your Highness, it would be wise to mention silver. The bow is made of silver, isn’t it? Luswena accounts for 30% of Bariel’s silver imports. If taxes are waived, the same amount of money can buy much more.”

“What about the black gemstones? The bow is decorated with them. Since they are only exported, not imported, tax exemption would be even more beneficial.”

“Gemstones and silver have exceptional utility.”

While Luswena and Klipoford eagerly exchanged opinions, Timothy glanced awkwardly at Damon. It was because of the condition Jin had added.

“For royal gifts only.”

This meant only items directly produced and submitted by the royal family qualified, so Burgos had nothing to offer. It was a clear warning against relying on nobles to prepare gifts.

Timothy sipped water to soothe his burning throat and looked toward Ian, who was bowing slightly and whispering something to Jin.

“Ah, Queen Eriphoni.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin raised his hand to signal a correction and called her over. Eriphoni, who had been quietly coordinating with Eldert, responded reflexively.

“Luswena’s royal gifts will be newly produced and submitted, so once the bows arrive, we can decide on the items then. It’s best not to rush. The period will count only from my appointment ceremony for one year. Klipoford need not decide anything here tonight. It’s already a night too short to enjoy the banquet.”

Though the tax exemption period would begin within days, Luswena would submit new royal gifts, so the exemption would start then.

‘Such a cute one, acting so un-cute.’

Could a provocation have such a heavy price?

Eriphoni gave a wry smile and bowed in acceptance. Once back at the palace, Eldert would surely scold her for wasting half the tax exemption opportunity with careless words.

“I will be waiting. When the tax exemption is announced, the people will surely rejoice.”

Even as he raised his glass to toast the joy of tax exemption, Jin’s gaze remained firmly fixed on Damon.

Among the three countries, only Burgos had not submitted royal gifts. Watch closely the damage their insolent attitude has caused. And if they ever think to bow their heads, they can bring royal gifts again at any time.

Luswena had agreed to submit new gifts, so at least they were spared complete embarrassment. I will be waiting.

‘It’s ringing clearly in my ears.’

So resolute and clear, Damon understood the message in the boy’s eyes.

It was an offer. Though Burgos’s attitude was arrogant, Bariel, as a great power, was showing magnanimity. If they wanted a tax-exempt item, they should prepare royal gifts accordingly. Accepting would be no different from groveling for a year’s worth of tariff relief.

Damon sipped his wine and glanced at Noah. At that moment, Ian interjected smoothly.

“Your Highness, while the tax exemption is a courtesy from the great power, the hundred-year-old wine is a personal matter. It should be handled separately.”

“Indeed. It’s a precious item for the kingdom’s festival and must be costly. Prince Noah, it cannot be released from the treasury immediately, but if you wish, I would like to request collateral.”

“Collateral, you say?”

Noah quickly wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin and asked again, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. Even among friends, a deal that doesn’t quite add up tends to leave a bad taste.

And since the other party was none other than Bariel’s sole crown prince, his instincts were on high alert. There might be no formal precedent, but wasn’t this supposed to be a gift, not a transaction? A gift that could be freely given without strings attached?

“Right. I’ll hold onto the contract as proof of the deal, and return it when we trade again in ten years.”

“Um, pardon me, but what exactly are you proposing…?”

“I’ll offer you the most precious thing I have—something invaluable beyond measure. Would that be acceptable?”

No, it’s quite a burden, actually.

Noah swallowed the words rising in his throat and bowed his head.

“That’s too generous, Your Highness.”

“Fair enough. Isn’t it meant for the kingdom’s festival? It’s not just the royal family; I’m essentially buying a part of your people’s joy. How is that excessive?”

Now that he’d brought the people into it, Prince Noah had no choice but to relent.

Jin pretended to ponder for a moment, then smiled brightly and turned to Damon.

“King Damon, I’m still young, and I don’t have much wealth fully in my hands yet.”

“What do you mean? The future of Bariel belongs to Your Highness.”

“The future is the future. But now is now. Everything belongs to His Majesty the Emperor. The only treasure I hold is the gift you gave me today.”

Damon, who had been responding calmly, suddenly hesitated. He realized what Jin was implying.

As he turned his head, his eyes caught the sight of the innocent-looking boy smiling genuinely, with Ian standing firmly behind him.

“I’m about to hand over the jewels your nobles entrusted to me as collateral to Clifford. I just wanted to warn you in case it offends you.”

That was out of the question. To hand over a gift on the very day it was presented, and to a foreign land no less—that was truly disrespectful. But since it had started with Burgos, there was little to say. Besides, Jin already held full authority over the jewels.

The real problem was…

“Prince Noah, please take good care of the jewels. They are precious heirlooms painstakingly prepared by Burgos.”

The situation itself was problematic.

The nobles of Burgos—more precisely, those who had offered their family heirlooms—had assumed they could reclaim them once Bariel’s royal court opened.

But if the jewels ended up in a foreign country?

Could they still keep Bariel’s focus?

“Ah, Your Highness.”

“What is it, Prince Noah? Is there a problem?”

Noah, flustered, glanced between Damon and Mei. Since the crown prince himself had called the jewels precious, they couldn’t be casually taken out of the country. Returning them to Burgos would only give Bariel an excuse.

Clifford, caught in the middle of the power struggle between Bariel and Burgos, remained silent. Eriphony sipped her drink quietly, watching the scene unfold.

‘Look at these fools.’

Something about this was definitely going off the rails.

The atmosphere at the banquet was thickening, growing even more intense.