Chapter 29.2

In this northern land, a new count—a high-ranking noble—had been created.

The creation of a high-ranking noble was an event not seen in the 200 years since the establishment of the Northern Grand Duchy and the distribution of titles and territories to its founding contributors.

“A count created out of nowhere?”

“Well, given his achievements and talents, it’s not strange.”

“This is the first high-ranking noble at the level of count, but baronets, barons, and viscounts have appeared from time to time.”

“Honestly, I was more surprised by how insignificant the territory granted as a countship was.”

“That’s probably their way of keeping us nobles in check.”

***

In a hidden chamber.

Six individuals with deep hoods and black masks shedding white tears sat together, engaged in conversation.

“Not only did he create Arad Salt, but he also saved the Grand Duchess’s life. He could have asked for a royal decree instead of a countship…”

“A royal decree? The woman who rejected marriage proposals from the Emperor and the Crown Prince of the Empire? She probably built a wall between herself and Arad Jin, too.”

“Or it might be the opposite.”

“Arad Jin turned her down?”

“Exactly. Isn’t it well-known that the Grand Duchesses of Renslet have short lifespans? Would a royal decree break that curse?”

“Hmm, that does make sense.”

It was clear the location wasn’t the High Tower. Such a suspicious gathering of six masked individuals would have been impossible there.

“Who exactly is Arad Jin?”

“A wandering adventurer from the Eastern Continent, wasn’t he?”

“Do you believe that?”

“Of course not.”

“Could he really be some secret weapon raised by the late Grand Duke and the witches?”

“He does seem unusually close to the witches, so that’s plausible.”

“Either way, he’s thrown a wrench into our plans.”

“We’ll need to lay low for a while.”

“They say the purges at the High Tower are still happening regularly.”

“Such foolishness. Utter foolishness! For what pride in the North?”

“I thought this Grand Duchess would be different, but she’s worse than her father.”

“The Empire was finally ready to embrace us! Why couldn’t she just swallow her pride and agree to a political marriage?”

“And meet the Empire’s demands by exterminating the witches!”

“She claims to act for the North and its people, but she’s completely selfish.”

“Don’t even get me started on that outrageous 20% land tax cap. What kind of backwater village imposes such limits on its lords?”

“She even banned toll collection!”

“And now she’s ordered that trading companies can’t be taxed more than 10%!”

“Nowhere else on the continent has such laws!”

“And her secret inspections! They’re relentless.”

The accumulated grievances erupted all at once.

Blinded by greed, they only focused on individual complaints, failing to see the broader picture of their surroundings.

They continued venting their frustration and lamenting because such a “bamboo grove” wouldn’t open again for some time.

Screeeech.

The door to the chamber opened, and another figure entered.

This newcomer also wore a hood and mask, but their loose cloak completely concealed their physique.

With this, the chamber now held seven occupants.

“You’ve arrived!”

“We’re honored that you’ve come in person.”

None of the six dared to treat the newcomer lightly.

“Please, take pity on this wretched North.”

They bowed their heads in deference to the figure.

[Let’s get straight to the point, as time is short.]

The voice of the newcomer was odd—artificially modulated, making it impossible to discern age or gender.

Whenever they spoke, the white tears on their mask glowed faintly, suggesting some magical enchantment.

[You are to plant these monuments at the locations I specify throughout the North.]

From beneath their cloak, they produced a small, jet-black monument about the length of an adult forearm. The stone bore no inscriptions or carvings.

“What… is this?”

[It’s a monument closely tied to the spirits of the High Tower.]

The masked figure elaborated.

[Across the North, the yield of weeds will decrease significantly, and crops like wheat, rye, and potatoes, which barely grow as it is, will cease to grow entirely. But the farms at the High Tower will experience unprecedented abundance.]

“…!”

Hearing this, the masked nobles couldn’t hide their smiles.

“We should stockpile food in advance.”

[The Empire will also sell it cheaply for a while.]

***

On modern Earth, particularly in South Korea, taxation systems were so computerized that evading a 30–40% tax rate was nearly impossible.

Of course, tax evasion wasn’t entirely unfeasible, but it was an arduous and risky endeavor.

For the record, I focused on legal tax reduction, not evasion.

Now, I had the opportunity to conduct business without paying a single coin in taxes—legally—albeit in another world. Although I would eventually leave after growing my enterprise, it was still an invaluable chance.

‘Though there’s the condition that the Grand Duchess can demand the company’s dissolution at any time… judging by Arina’s personality, that’s unlikely.’

It was a chance to live out the dream of every entrepreneur.

‘I’ll still need to make donations from time to time, though.’

Naturally, I was willing to provide periodic contributions to the High Tower in the name of national defense.

‘After all, strong security, defense, and law enforcement are essential for business and economic growth.’

Blinded by the prospect of running an official trading company, I reminded myself not to lose sight of my ultimate goal: saving the North.

“All right! This is just the beginning.”

I straightened my back and gazed proudly at the building before me.

“If there’s Jin Industries in Korea, there’s Arad Company here in Renslet.”

On a three-story building in the middle-class district of the High Tower, a sign coated with magic stones proudly bore the name “Arad Company.”