Chapter 54.2

She recalled a conversation from her first day at the company, when she had helped him make a detection device. They had discussed his approach to recruiting talent.

‘Right now, Arad is relying solely on the northern creed. That’s dangerous!’

The more she thought about it, the less jealous and the more concerned she became.

‘As much as I hate to admit it…’

Because of this, Arina, now truly concerned, offered Arad her advice.

“You shouldn’t be too kind or overly familiar with your subordinates.”

“Is that so?”

Of course, Arina hadn’t always harbored such distrust toward humanity. It was a perspective she had only recently acquired through personal experience.

“Most northerners don’t consider getting paid for their work an act of kindness. They see it as a contract—a fair exchange of their labor for appropriate compensation.”

“Isn’t that how it should be? If someone works, they deserve to be paid.”

“That’s true… but you’re overdoing it.”

“Our organization is highly sensitive to security. This level of care is necessary to minimize betrayal and desertion.”

“As I said earlier, those who will betray you will do so regardless.”

Arina recalled her experiences in the Abyss of the Magic Realm. She also thought of the recent treasonous incidents that had occurred.

Betrayal knew no rank. Knights and nobles had betrayed her for their reasons, just as maids and servants had theirs.

“Besides, didn’t you tell me on my first day here that you rely on your instincts when selecting people? How many of the current employees did you personally vet?”

“The North is short on talent. If I tried to personally evaluate every single hire, we’d run out of recruits. But don’t worry—I carefully assess anyone in key or executive roles.”

“Even so, you’re being too generous. Even if you saved their lives, gave them homes, jobs, and hope, they’re only human. Eventually, they’ll take it for granted.”

The words that came out of Arina’s mouth, disguised as Mary, were laced with mistrust and cynicism.

She hadn’t always been this way. Once, she had trusted and loved her subjects and subordinates deeply, aspiring to emulate her late mother. But that had only earned her resentment and betrayal.

“…”

Arad gazed up at the night sky.

“Even so, it’s something I must do.”

Finally, he spoke.

“Of course, there will be those who let me down. Nothing is absolute in this world. That’s why we must focus on probabilities.”

“Probabilities…?”

“The better I choose my people, and the better I treat them, the closer the probability gets—not to zero or one hundred percent—but close enough.”

Though his words sounded reasonable and well-thought-out, Arad’s inner thoughts diverged from his explanation.

‘This is the North… It reminds me of a certain frigid country back on Earth… The Industrial Revolution, harsh labor conditions, the ensuing Red Plague, and the rise of strong, uncompromising… Ugh! My head!’

The cold North seemed to offer two options: the chaos of the Red Plague or the path of Nordic welfare.

‘Better the latter than the former.’

Arad pushed aside his unease and spoke again.

“When I treat my employees sincerely, the number of people who betray me decreases significantly.”

“But even a small number of traitors could endanger you and the company.”

“Nothing in this world is absolute. We must prepare for that possibility. And if a handful of traitors are enough to bring down an organization, then that’s a failure of its leadership.”

“!!”

Arina felt a pang of guilt. Arad’s words seemed directed at her.

What if Arad hadn’t come to the Abyss of the Magic Realm? What if she hadn’t had his salt? What if she didn’t have his fertilizer?

Countless scenarios flashed through her mind.

“Mary, you’re making a serious mistake.”

“…A mistake?”

Unaware of her inner turmoil, Arad continued.

“You’re too fixated on the possibility of betrayal by a few. You’re neglecting the overwhelming majority who are loyal.”

“?!”

“You can’t condemn the entire forest because of a few rotten trees.”

“…!”

Arina shivered with embarrassment at his words.

‘Why didn’t I think of that?’

In hindsight, there were hundreds, if not thousands, more people around her who had responded to her sincerity with faithfulness.

She had taken their loyalty for granted, like the air she breathed, while fixating on the betrayal of a few.

“…”

Gripping the reins, Arina lowered her head to hide her flushed face and tear-filled eyes.

Sitting behind her, Arad couldn’t see her expression.

“In that sense, I think the Grand Duchess is truly remarkable.”

Out of nowhere, Arad began praising Arina, the Northern Grand Duchess.

“Despite the times, hasn’t she managed to provide at least some support for war veterans? Regardless of the amount, that’s something worthy of great praise.”

“That’s…”

“And what about taxes? Even with seventy percent of the budget allocated to military spending, she ensures taxes don’t burden the people too much. She’s careful not to cross the line, ensuring her people aren’t overburdened. That’s only possible because the Renslet Ducal House and the northern nobles have practically abandoned luxury.”

“That’s all thanks to the policies established before the current Grand Duchess.”

“That makes it even more impressive.”

“What?”

Arina blinked, taken aback by the sudden compliment.

“Policies like these usually only last for the reign of the ruler who introduces them. But the current Grand Duchess has steadfastly upheld them. I deeply respect that.”

“That’s what led to the rebellion.”

In the Empire, northern nobles were seen as wealthy commoners at best. Ironically, the Grand Ducal House’s policies, while garnering public support, also fueled noble dissent.

“That was inevitable,” Arad replied in an indifferent tone.

“If the rebels had gotten what they wanted, would there have been no rebellion? No. Instead, there would’ve been a massive uprising among the common folk. The Empire would’ve swallowed the North whole.”

“You seem to hold the Grand Duchess in high regard.”

“Of course. She’s a paragon among rulers. I’d wager there isn’t a leader in all of Arcadia who surpasses her.”

“…!!”

This time, Arina’s face burned for an entirely different reason.

“The Grand Duchess… is truly a wonderful person, isn’t she? Hearing you say this, President, makes it undeniable.”

Hearing such high praise from Arad, a man who had lived through a golden era, Arina couldn’t help but feel giddy and flustered.

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