Chapter 99.2

Looks like just mentioning stocks is polarizing the reactions here.

Half of those gathered in the royal court showed disinterest, their eyes drooping with boredom—mainly the knights.

In contrast, the other half, consisting of bureaucrats and mages, had their eyes shining brightly.

Their excitement stemmed from anticipation of what was to come after the presentation.

The presentation, which could be considered long or short depending on perspective, finally came to an end.

I also addressed some minor suggestions for the administrative reorganization, as previously requested by the Prime Minister.

True to the Rensletians’ practical and efficient nature, the meeting concluded by sundown, allowing us to leave the royal court by evening.

Had this been the Empire or the Kingdom, the session would have dragged on into the early hours of the next day, filled with endless flattery, banquets, and diplomatic niceties.

“All that talking has left my throat sore.”

“Here, have some water.”

“Thanks.”

After leaving the court, I entered another room in the palace to rest. Sitting down, I drank the water Mary brought me and relaxed for a moment.

“You’re already here, President Jin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, President Jin!”

As I caught my breath, people began trickling into the room.

“I’m no longer just a president. From now on, address me as Chairman.”

Although I’d left the royal court and given guidelines to the Prime Minister and other ministers, my work for the day wasn’t over yet.

The true heart of growth and distribution lies in planting seeds.

Those entering the room were a diverse group. Some were the ministers and mages I’d seen during the court meeting, while others were new faces who had arrived on time for this gathering.

“Greetings, Chairman Jin.”

“Ah, Lady Shapiro.”

Among them was Maria Shapiro, Chief Teo’s wife and the Prime Minister’s second daughter.

Having recently given birth, Maria had lightly cinched her waist with a corset and made her way to the inner palace.

“How’s the child?”

“He’s healthy. By now, my husband is probably watching over him at home.”

Maria had given birth to a son.

Though she claimed her husband was caring for the baby, it was likely the nanny was handling childcare, with a housekeeper managing the household chores.

“I’m sorry for working your husband so hard.”

Still, I felt guilty about rarely letting Teo go home these days.

“Hohoho, if you’re sorry, please include some extra allowances.”

Maria’s response was laced with a subtle hint, despite her polite tone.

“Hm…? I’ve always provided bonuses, though.”

Tilting my head, I answered absentmindedly.

“What?”

“Huh?”

“…”

“Ah…”

It felt as though I’d made a grave mistake.

Click. Tsk tsk…

I heard Mary click her tongue softly nearby. Was it aimed at me or Maria?

My apologies, Chief Teo. May you find peace in your household.

Silently, I offered my condolences for Chief Teo’s well-being and his family’s harmony.

“Ahem! Well, it seems everyone is here! Hahaha…”

Ignoring Maria’s icy stare, I hastily moved forward with the evening’s agenda.

“You all know why this meeting has been convened.”

The concept of “distribution” wasn’t limited to decentralizing subsidiaries and factories.

“Welcome, the second and third Arad Companies.”

No matter how massive and nation-like Arad Group seemed, it couldn’t sustain the North’s future on its own.

If left unchecked, it could lead to over-centralization akin to some Earth nations that became economic powerhouses only to fall apart due to reliance on a single corporate entity and extreme urban concentration.

“Arad Group, acting on behalf of Her Highness, the Grand Duchess, will help realize and nurture your dreams.”

For a nation, society, and families to thrive, small and medium enterprises must also be robust.

“In addition to investments, we’ll provide support in equipment sales and technology transfers. Of course, I expect your passion to match our support.”

The eyes of mages, bureaucrats, and educated Rensletians like Maria lit up with enthusiasm.

“The first industries to collaborate with are ceramics, printing, clothing, construction, arts, lumber, mining, and alchemy.”

Despite the vast scale of Arad Group’s factories, there were limits to how much it could produce.

The current industrial complex couldn’t meet the demand not only of the North but of the entire continent.

Hence, I decided to share knowledge and support for industries that didn’t heavily rely on magical engineering but still had high demand.

“For arts, construction, lumber, and mining, you’re already doing quite well. I’ll provide support mainly through investments.”

I directed my gaze toward the Rensletian merchants involved in mining, lumber, construction, and art.

These individuals had already pioneered their industries without any direct guidance from me.

The North’s stoneworking and mining skills have always been exceptional. Honestly, the construction technology here shocked me the most.

Would you believe the High Tower and the Great Northern Wall were built with something akin to reinforced concrete, enhanced further by spirit-based magic?

Even with the legacy of the Golden Age and magical assistance, such feats were remarkable.

“Use the investments to expand your operations tenfold at least. Demand for mana stones, minerals, and lumber will only increase. Not to mention buildings and roads.”

Because of their independence and expertise, I didn’t need to micromanage these sectors.

Of course, I could provide expertise from my all-master skills, but I decided to hold back. Over-reliance on me wouldn’t benefit anyone in the long run.

Maybe I’ll manufacture and supply explosive mana stones later.

Shifting my focus, I turned to the other industries.

“Printing, clothing, ceramics, and alchemy will require more support from us.”

If mining and lumber were resilient weeds, these industries were delicate flowers requiring careful cultivation.

“Report to the industrial complex in four days. You’ll start by learning on-site operations. Only then will we provide investments, equipment, and technical support.”

I looked at Maria as I continued.

“Next is publishing and printing.”

“Yes.”

“This sector will move in a new direction.”

“A new direction?”

“Media.”

“?”

Maria and the other prospective publishers tilted their heads in confusion at my statement.