Chapter 353 – 35. Time Between Dogs and Wolves (3)
When today’s bright sunlight is about to exhaust its energy, layers of different colors announce dusk in the western sky. The salty, moist coastal moisture-laden air drenches the dry land with dew, creating a cool climate.
Aragon and Pamplona at night are like that.
The port regains its vitality only when dusk sets in, and the setting sun is a signal of a new day. When a night-like market opens in a city where the midday heat has cooled, people move around busily.
As it is recognized as the economic capital of the kingdom, many ships come and go at the docks constantly, even in the middle of the night. Even the tense atmosphere due to the conflict between religions and ideologies is ineffective, and exchanges continue across the continent. It seems that this vision is a model that cities all over the world should pursue.
The calmly permeating power of Anon soothed even the maddened king.
That is why he preferred to seclude himself in this villa, which was a renovated old official residence, rather than the magnificent palace in the royal capital. There was a reason why it was good to have a secret meeting with the leader of a friendly country, but more than that, it was a great comfort to the exhausted mind and body.
Albeniz, who endured the weight of life by chewing hardened pieces of opium, soon added climbing to the coffin every time the moon rose. When I felt the bright lights shining in an open space and the noise fading away with the strong land wind, the pain in my heart was forgotten, even if just for a moment.
“… Accordingly, the person in charge followed the legal procedures, organized the Soft Soil School into an investigation team, and produced the chart below. As you previously feared, it appears that the accumulation of excess salts in Granada’s farmlands has ultimately exceeded the soil toxicity limit.”
“The document in question is the 7th report. In addition to the Soft Soil School, most of the wizards mobilized in the last survey strongly advocated for immediate fallow in the southern area.”
“Of course, we must not overlook the fact that most of their organizations are based in the western continent. The Soft Soil School mentioned above also made the observation that it may be possible to generally cultivate some old sulfur crops.”
“The small number of students studying abroad seem to have particularly high expectations for potatoes from Beda. “If it is not urgent enough to gamble, I would first find out whether it is suitable for Aragon’s soil.”
“Your Majesty, in my opinion, this is an important turning point. “As for the southern region, our traditional grain farming has achieved remarkable production levels over the past few years, especially through systematic industrialization.”
“It is clear that stockpiling military supplies for the coming war is a huge task, but I am afraid that exploiting the land that will become the lifeline of the kingdom like this may come at a great price.”
Albenis, who was sitting on the shabby throne at the head of the pavilion and closing his eyes, immediately nodded. He opened his mouth, skillfully addressing his subjects who were lined up on either side and bowing. Unlike the world’s false accusation that he was crazy because he was blinded by revenge, he was truly a wise monarch.
“I have encountered the reputation of the Soft Soil School. They are famous for not interfering with facts. In fact, because of that attitude, he would have been able to occupy a pioneering position in earth-based magic. “The ministers will have the opportunity to recommend the person in charge who promoted the original bill and will also receive orders.”
“I am very grateful, Your Majesty.”
“Jim also strongly agrees with the need for Granada’s farmlands to be left fallow. It is too risky to risk everything on uncertain possibilities. Just ask the ministers to support the research of those who presented their opinions on the old yellow crop during the past several surveys at the national level. “Let us give them farmland that is similar to the southern average and let them explore whether more efficient posthumous crops are possible than the current Sampo method.”
It proved how the man at the center of the fierce battle led his country to a prosperous nation and strong military. As for the immediate agricultural problem, not only was it enough to somehow cultivate land that was far from fertile due to salt damage, but a better alternative was also suggested.
The secret to the drug-addled madman Albeniz’s rule has always been moderation. I never felt embarrassed even if there was something I didn’t know, but I just looked for subordinates who were knowledgeable in that field and whom I could trust. His ability to discover, hire, and deploy talented people was his specialty.
“One more thing, I heard that recent trends in the province of Santa Fe are unusual. “I heard that the Apostolic fundamentalists continue to discriminate against Nasrid merchants despite their orders.”
“So, I apologize.”
“We will recall the current governor of Santa Fe and replace the vacuum with a dedicated organization comprised of foreign ministers. “Hire many minstrels to lead public opinion and temporarily withdraw the province’s tax-exemption policy, suggesting that the reason lies in that fundamentalist faction.”
“Your Majesty, the backlash will be formidable! To forsake the cause of an apostle and join hands with pagans who serve God or something like that is clearly a betrayal of God’s command… !”
“David de la Herán, what is this divine name you speak of? Is this something we proudly show off for the sake of the transcendent who will no longer return because he is disappointed in us? In my opinion, it seems like the strong opposition came not from those fundamentalists, but from them.”
“Your Majesty, how can you say such a thing! We, the De La Herán family, have received the honor of the late King Javier and have dedicated ourselves only to the royal family of Aragon! Have you forgotten the son of Soshin who delayed the invincible knight of Gaul in Limousin in exchange for his life!”
“Embrace? He was the proud leader of the De La Herán family. Nevertheless, it did not reach the level of Lumière’s invincible knight that the Lord spoke of. It’s not just General Rodriguez. Garcia was like that too. Where was the Bay of Limousin? In every war I started and fought, there were always people who shed blood and tears!”
Kwasik! The King of Light, who had completely destroyed the colander containing his opium underwater, stood up. He broke the solid wooden vessel into pieces with just one hand, and only after the fluttering powder of the rainforest was blown in the wind did he add it while lifting his head.
“Everyone out there calls me a mental patient deceived by the enemy! Not only was it not enough to be his father and wife, he went crazy because he lost the lineage of his unborn child! But this Albenis Aragorn is not just a well of despairing resentment!”
David, the old man, was sweating. This was because the lord, who rarely showed anger towards his subjects, scolded them in a very angry manner. He realized long ago that he was protecting the province simply because it was the base of his power.
“Evil will definitely return! It will return even more cunning and vicious! When that happens, who do you think will lose their precious person? At least it’s not a burden! Because my Mercedes has already crossed the river of no return!”
“Your Majesty, please inform me!”
“Please, please fix it!”
“… Sirs, listen carefully today. Albenis Aragorn proclaims in the name of the great apostle, so write it down clearly. The prosperity of the kingdom is the calling given to me. However, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be, I will not choose a path that resembles the evil enemy I have criticized.”
It was so clear and clear that I couldn’t refute it. Then, as if he was tired of all the trouble, he spoke in a calmer voice. While comforting David, an old man who was trembling and panicking because he was facing a ghost.
“Just as we have the cultivated fields of Granada, there is a golden crescent in Nasr. And every year, more than enough grain to feed Sultan Yusuf’s people pour into the fertile land.”
The secret to the formation of the Grand Alliance was not just that the interests of the three parties were aligned. Of course, it is true that their desire for revenge served as a significant impetus. However, the reason why three countries with different religions and cultures like Aragon, Nasrid, and Hellas were able to unite was to satisfy a deficiency.
“And what about the military equipment made by numerous craftsmen in Hellas? They will help us with armament that can give them the trade routes they want cheaply. The reality is that we ultimately have to be self-sufficient in both military and military supplies, but we have allies up to that point.”
Crazy Albeniz’s sense of purpose is firm. He sat back down on his throne, leaving his embarrassed subjects behind, and let out a deep sigh. Perhaps his mind was becoming hazy due to the effects of the medicine coming back late, or he was no longer able to keep up with the topic due to his tired mind and body, so he dozed off and mumbled.
“War is a means, not an end. If you decide to do the lesser evil to prevent more bloodshed, don’t forget the cause. “The people who follow the burden and sacrifice themselves to the greed of those wicked people are so innocent.”
Millennial Duke, you abominable Alexandre.
“… Yes.”
Why do you not feel guilty when you kill someone?
“Like the peace felt in this Pamplona night.”
Should I struggle with guilt after losing it?
* * *
The mad king fell asleep. It was only eight days ago.
“Ministers and Ministers, thank you very much for attending today’s monthly meeting.”
The military officer in charge of security, Conquistador Antonio, known as the double spear of the Costa family, put his index finger to his mouth and let out a soft sigh. King Albenis, who was barely asleep despite his drugged body sitting on an uncomfortable throne, was careful not to wake up and sent the attendees out one by one.
“For consideration of His Majesty’s health, please be careful not to wake him from his deep sleep before leaving.”
I trace back memories of the time when my respected father and beloved wife were alive.
“… Please have a restful night, my lord.”
On the other hand, I also think of Romuald fighting for my sister.
“We, the Conquistadors, will protect your rest with our lives.”
I reflected on my resentment and will.
“Definitely.”
I reflected.
