Chapter 105.1

After that, the High Tower treated the imperial delegation like mere decorative props.

The reason? The High Tower was abuzz with preparations for the Far North Expedition, leaving no room to spare for the delegation.

Despite such treatment, Marquis Sedes and his delegation remained unwavering in their mission.

“Count Arad Jin! Please, we implore you to visit the Empire! The entire Empire will welcome you, and His Majesty has sworn on the Golden Throne to guarantee your safety!”

Their most urgent priority was securing a firm promise from me to visit the Empire.

Though they had survived the murderous glares of the Grand Duchess and obtained a verbal agreement, they needed an explicit confirmation from me.

“Of course, I’ll have to go. But with the upcoming Far North Expedition, it might take a little longer than expected.”

I had no real intention of visiting, but I replied with a cheerful and blatant lie.

“We completely understand. Once the expedition is over and the North has some breathing room, we’ll eagerly await your arrival.”

“By then, relations between the Empire and the North should improve considerably.”

“Hahaha! Naturally.”

The expedition and subsequent stabilization would take at least two years.

The delegation clearly saw this as a stalling tactic, yet they accepted it without hesitation.

Their true mission was all about appearances.

With their zero-priority task complete, they moved on to their next objective.

“While issuing their own currency and implementing a Magic Stone Standard is problematic, we must also uncover the source of their confidence in taking such bold actions! Let’s gather as much information as we can!”

Their new focus was on collecting intelligence about the High Tower.

Though they had access to Entir Bishop, the foremost expert on northern affairs, simply relying on his insights wouldn’t suffice for their purposes.

After all, achieving results in their world required acquiring unique information unavailable from conventional sources.

“The best time to strike is when they’re not paying attention to us!”@@novelbin@@

“Focus on visiting the Arad Corporation’s facilities!”

“What about Count Arad Jin’s residence on the outskirts of the High Tower?”

“We should also check out the Renslet Academy, the Renslet Magicians’ Association, and the Renslet Church!”

They scrambled to collect intelligence on the High Tower in their own ways.

“Hahaha… Where are you all off to?”

However, their efforts were consistently thwarted by Entir’s relentless interference.

He didn’t need to go to such lengths, but he acted as if his life depended on it.

After all, it was he who had brought these unwelcome guests to the North in the first place.

“Do not wander outside the designated areas under any circumstances!”

“What?! This is too much, Lord Entir! What’s the difference between this and being in a prison?!”

“Do you wish to die at the hands of the Renslets? I won’t be held responsible.”

“…”

Above all, Entir could not bear to see the conservative faction’s agenda succeed.

“Well, time to head back to the Empire!”

“So soon?”

“Soon? You’ve overstayed your welcome as it is.”

Thus, Entir hurried to send the disgruntled delegation, who had failed to gather useful information, back to the Empire.

‘I must prepare for the Renslet Standard.’

Beyond wanting to be rid of the delegation, Entir had another reason to return quickly.

‘I need to implement the Arad Bank’s system at Bishop Financial!’

While the central bank and Renslet currency were critical, the real game-changer was the Arad Bank.

‘Comprehensive finance! Banking that handles not just deposits and loans, but also insurance and stocks!’

The Arad Bank headquarters had officially opened four days prior to Entir’s departure.

It was a marvel—a revolution in financial systems that felt otherworldly.

From what he heard, the bank had been operating in a limited capacity even before its official opening, handling securities and deposits.

‘Arad Jin is a genius!’

As Entir’s convoy made its way back to the Empire, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

The innovations at the Arad Bank were so groundbreaking that even the idea of interest on deposits felt like a minor perk in comparison.

Finally, the turbulent saga of Entir and the imperial delegation came to an end as they returned to the Empire.

The delegation had stubbornly insisted on staying until Arina’s birthday, which was two months away, but a savvy Entir forced them to leave early, much to my relief. ṟá𐌽Ô𝐁Ε𝘴

“Shall we get moving?”

Watching Entir and the delegation disappear through a telescope, I turned to my group of executives and spoke.

“To Cardia.”

“Yes, sir!”

As soon as Entir and the delegation were gone, I set out for Cardia, one of the North’s major cities known for its mining and industrial prowess.

I had been wanting to clear my head of recent complications (mainly involving Arina and Mary), and this trip served as a convenient opportunity.

Although my own territory, Count Jin’s domain, was a candidate for this trip, it had been pushed down the priority list.

“Are you really leaving Lady Mary behind?”

“She’ll represent the company during the Far North Expedition preparations.”

“Ah… Considering her background, that’s a more fitting role.”

“Director Teo, you’ll handle her responsibilities while we’re in Cardia.”

“Understood.”

This was a rare trip for me, and I wanted to avoid the unease that might arise from Mary’s presence.

—Indeed. I’ll remain at the High Tower, so have a safe trip.

To my surprise, Mary willingly volunteered to stay behind.

It seemed she wanted to assist Arina in preparing for the expedition.

“So, this is Cardia?”

“The Cardia I remember is gone.”

“In less than a year, it’s changed this much.”

When we arrived, Cardia was unrecognizable, its skyline filled with rising buildings and the mingling smoke of completed factories’ chimneys.

“You’ve arrived, my lord!”

“Call me Chairman.”

“Yes, Chairman!”

“I’d like to see the mines first.”

“I’ll take you there immediately.”

Our first destination upon arriving in Cardia was its mines.