Chapter 1055: Promise Between Two Kingdoms

Strax let out a resigned sigh and sat back down on the sofa. Mercedes remained standing for a few moments, watching her husband with her arms crossed, before finally returning to her armchair.

"Before you start threatening me again, can I at least ask how things are going in the Snow Kingdom?" Strax asked, making himself comfortable and picking up one of the fruits from the table.

Mercedes raised an eyebrow.

"Are you trying to change the subject again?" Mercedes asked, watching her husband bring the fruit to his mouth.

"Not exactly. I’m asking about my wife’s kingdom. I think I have that right," Strax replied with a smile.

Mercedes sighed but eventually relaxed her posture.

"Fine. Actually, quite a lot has changed since we started cooperating with Asgard," Mercedes replied, picking up her cup of tea.

Strax tilted his head slightly.

"For the better, I hope," Strax remarked, leaning back against the sofa.

"Considerably," Mercedes confirmed, a small smile appearing on her face. "Do you remember what things were like when you first came here?"

Strax thought for a few seconds.

"I remember a lot of snow, suspicious people, and merchants who seemed convinced that every foreign visitor was trying to rob them," Strax replied, beginning to laugh.

Mercedes shook her head.

"It wasn’t that bad," Mercedes protested, trying to hide a smile.

"Darling, a merchant tried to sell me an ordinary sword for the price of a relic because he discovered I was from another continent," Strax reminded her, raising an eyebrow.

Mercedes burst into laughter.

"Fine, maybe some people were a little opportunistic," Mercedes admitted, resting her cup on her lap.

Strax smiled.

"A little?" Strax repeated, looking at his wife.

Mercedes ignored the teasing.

"Anyway, our economy has always had certain limitations. The cold makes agriculture difficult, trade routes become blocked during storms, and we have to spend considerable resources to keep the more remote settlements supplied," Mercedes explained, her expression becoming more serious.

Strax nodded slowly.

The Snow Kingdom possessed valuable mineral resources and inhabitants accustomed to surviving in extreme conditions, but its location made trade with other territories quite complicated.

"And cooperation with Asgard has helped with that?" Strax asked with interest.

"A great deal. Especially when it comes to food," Mercedes replied, adjusting a strand of her hair. "Before, we had to import a large portion of the products we couldn’t grow here. Prices were absurd during the harshest winters. Now we receive regular shipments of grain, fruit, meat, and other supplies."

Strax smiled faintly.

"The World Tree has been helping Asgard’s agricultural production quite a bit. Monica mentioned that some regions are producing far more than we expected," Strax explained, remembering the reports he had received.

Mercedes nodded.

"And we’re able to offer something in return. Our mines continue producing excellent metals, ice crystals, and rare minerals. Asgard’s craftsmen seem particularly interested in the materials used in our magical equipment," Mercedes remarked, looking at her husband.

"Especially the crystals," Strax replied, crossing his arms. "Frieren almost went crazy when she received the first shipments."

Mercedes laughed.

"I can imagine. Those crystals can store elemental energy for a very long time. Here, we use them for heating, food preservation, and certain defensive formations," Mercedes explained, subtly gesturing toward the fireplace.

Strax followed her gesture.

"So the exchange is working for both sides," Strax concluded with a satisfied nod.

"It is. And not just economically," Mercedes replied, leaning slightly forward. "The presence of foreign merchants has also changed the city considerably. Before, many families spent their entire lives without meeting anyone from outside the Snow Kingdom. Now we have merchants from Asgard, visiting craftsmen, and even researchers interested in our ice magic techniques."

Strax raised an eyebrow.

"Researchers? You’re allowing foreigners to study your techniques?" Strax asked, visibly surprised.

"Some of them. I’m not stupid enough to hand over the kingdom’s military secrets to just anyone," Mercedes replied, giving him an amused look.

Strax began laughing.

"That’s my wife," Strax remarked, raising his fruit in a makeshift toast.

Mercedes smiled.

"But the exchange of knowledge has been quite beneficial. Some of our mages have learned better mana circulation methods, while the visitors have discovered ways to stabilize spells in extremely low temperatures," Mercedes explained, gesturing delicately.

She paused briefly.

"And the craftsmen have started experimenting with new equipment using materials from both kingdoms. They’re still developing the first prototypes, but the results seem promising," Mercedes added, showing obvious satisfaction.

Strax watched his wife for a few moments.

There was something pleasant about seeing her speak that way.

Mercedes was genuinely proud of her kingdom.

"And the people? How are they reacting to so many changes?" Strax asked, placing the fruit on a small plate.

Mercedes became thoughtful.

"There was resistance at first. Some nobles didn’t like the idea of becoming commercially dependent on Asgard, and certain merchants were quite satisfied with the high prices they used to charge," Mercedes explained, her smile fading slightly.

Strax chuckled.

"I imagine they complained quite a bit," Strax remarked, crossing his arms.

"They did. Until they realized they no longer had to pay a fortune to transport goods along dangerous routes," Mercedes replied with a shrug.

She took a sip of tea before continuing.

"We’ve also had families whose living conditions have improved. Small merchants have started selling products that were previously inaccessible, and some workshops have hired more workers to meet orders coming from Asgard," Mercedes explained, observing her husband’s satisfied expression.

Strax nodded.

"That’s good. It’s exactly what I wanted when I proposed the cooperation," Strax replied with a smile.

Mercedes placed her cup on the table.

"I know. And I have to admit you were right about something," Mercedes remarked, crossing her legs.

Strax immediately straightened up.

"Wait. Did my wife just admit that I was right?" Strax asked, widening his eyes dramatically.

Mercedes narrowed her eyes.

"Don’t ruin the moment," Mercedes replied, pointing at him.

Strax raised his hands.

"Sorry. Please continue. I want to treasure this memory forever," Strax replied, trying to suppress his laughter.

Mercedes shook her head.

"Idiot," Mercedes muttered with a faint smile. "You said the Snow Kingdom didn’t need to remain isolated just because our climate was different. That we could use what we have best to establish more advantageous trade relations."

Strax nodded.

"And you really do have plenty of valuable resources. You just needed better ways to distribute them," Strax replied, looking at his wife.

"Exactly. Before, our main problem wasn’t a lack of wealth, but the difficulty of transporting it," Mercedes explained, pointing toward the window. "During certain times of the year, a caravan can take weeks to cross the mountains. And that’s assuming it doesn’t encounter a storm along the way."

Strax remained silent for a few seconds.

Then he realized where the conversation was heading.

Mercedes smiled.

"Are you starting to understand why I’m so interested in that railway?" Mercedes asked, tilting her head.

Strax sighed.

"I knew you’d find a way to bring the conversation back to that," Strax replied, massaging his forehead.

Mercedes began laughing.

"Because it’s important, darling. Not just for Vex," Mercedes explained, her expression becoming more serious.

Strax nodded slowly.

"I know," Strax replied, leaning forward.

Mercedes watched her husband.

"Imagine what would happen if we could transport goods regularly between the two kingdoms without depending so heavily on the weather. Our merchants could plan deliveries, settlements would have more stable supplies, and prices wouldn’t fluctuate so much during storms," Mercedes explained, accompanying her words with small hand movements.

Strax listened attentively.

"And it would also be easier to send workers, researchers, and construction materials," Mercedes added, looking directly at him.

"Besides allowing Vex to travel between the two kingdoms," Strax completed, his smile fading slightly.

Mercedes nodded.

"Especially that," Mercedes replied, her expression softening.

For a few moments, they remained silent.

The fireplace crackled peacefully.

Strax looked toward the window, watching the snowflakes falling outside.

"You know I don’t want to be away from her," Strax remarked, turning his eyes back toward his wife.

"I know, love," Mercedes replied, uncrossing her arms. "But Vex is growing up. Today, she asked me whether you’d stay long enough to watch her next training sessions."

Strax let out a small sigh.

"She also asked me whether I was leaving tomorrow," Strax replied, remembering their conversation in her bedroom.

Mercedes nodded slowly.

"She asks that almost every time you visit," Mercedes remarked, a trace of sadness appearing in her expression.

Strax lowered his eyes.

Mercedes noticed.

"I’m not saying this to make you feel guilty," Mercedes clarified, rising from her armchair and walking over to him.

She sat beside her husband.

"I know you have responsibilities in Asgard. I rule a kingdom too, remember? I understand perfectly well how difficult it is to find time for everything," Mercedes continued, taking one of his hands.

Strax intertwined his fingers with hers.

"But that doesn’t change the fact that I made a promise and failed to keep it," Strax replied, looking at his wife.

Mercedes smiled.

"Finally, we’re getting somewhere," Mercedes remarked, resting her head on his shoulder.

Strax began laughing.

"You really don’t let anything slide, do you?" Strax asked, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Not when it involves my daughter," Mercedes replied, closing her eyes for a moment.

Strax gently kissed her hair.

"Alright. When I return to Asgard, I’ll speak with Monica personally and check the project’s progress. If there isn’t already a team responsible for it, I’ll arrange one," Strax promised, caressing his wife’s waist.

Mercedes raised her head.

"And you’ll oversee the work?" Mercedes asked, raising an eyebrow.

Strax smiled.

"I will. I’m not going to simply dump another pile of paperwork on Monica," Strax replied with a small laugh.

Mercedes seemed satisfied.

"Good. Because that woman is probably already doing the work of five people," Mercedes remarked, snuggling closer to her husband.

Strax sighed.

"Maybe six," Strax replied, remembering the absurd amount of paperwork Monica usually carried.

Mercedes began laughing.

"You should give her a raise," Mercedes suggested, absentmindedly caressing his chest.

"Probably," Strax agreed with a smile.

She remained in her husband’s embrace for a few moments.

Then she looked toward the fireplace again.

"Did you know we’re considering expanding the central market?" Mercedes remarked, returning to a calmer tone.

Strax raised an eyebrow.

"Already?" Strax asked, showing surprise.

Mercedes nodded.

"The current buildings can’t accommodate all the merchants during the busiest periods. We’re also considering building larger warehouses to store products arriving from Asgard," Mercedes explained, gesturing subtly.

"That sounds like a good sign," Strax remarked, stroking her hair.

"It is. And some families have started renovating their homes. The streets near the market are busier, new workshops have opened, and even the restaurants are experimenting with ingredients that weren’t available here before," Mercedes explained with a smile.

Strax chuckled.

"So the people of the Snow Kingdom have finally discovered that there’s food besides dried meat and hot soup," Strax joked, looking at his wife.

Mercedes lightly slapped his chest.

"Our cuisine is excellent!" Mercedes protested, raising her head.

"I know, darling. I’m joking," Strax replied, laughing.

Mercedes narrowed her eyes.

"It had better be a joke," Mercedes muttered, resting her head on his shoulder again.

Strax remained thoughtful.

The cooperation between the two kingdoms had begun as a way to strengthen their relations, but apparently, it was producing much greater results than he had imagined.

"I’m glad it’s working," Strax remarked, watching the flames.

Mercedes smiled.

"Me too. The Snow Kingdom is changing, and for the first time in a long while, we don’t have to think only about surviving the next winter," Mercedes replied, gently squeezing his hand.

Strax looked at her.

"You’ve done an excellent job, Mercedes," Strax praised, caressing her face.

She seemed a little surprised.

Then she smiled.

"Thank you, love," Mercedes replied, leaning closer to kiss him.

Strax returned the kiss and held her more tightly.

When they pulled apart, Mercedes kept her forehead resting against his.

"But I still want that railway," Mercedes murmured with a smile.

Strax closed his eyes.

"I know," Strax replied with a resigned laugh.

"And I want a station near the palace, so Vex won’t have to cross half the city whenever she goes to visit you," Mercedes added, caressing the back of his neck.

"Alright," Strax agreed with a nod.

"And I want the journeys to be safe, especially during storms," Mercedes continued, raising a finger.

"Of course," Strax replied with a smile.

"And I want you to come visit us even after it’s finished. Don’t think building a railway will replace your presence," Mercedes added, her tone becoming a little more affectionate.

Strax watched his wife for a few seconds.

Then he gently held her face.

"It won’t replace me. I promise," Strax replied, giving her another kiss.

Mercedes smiled with satisfaction.

"Good," Mercedes murmured, snuggling against him again.

They remained in each other’s arms for some time, enjoying the quiet of the residence.

Strax was beginning to relax when Mercedes raised her head once more.

"Oh, and there’s one more thing," Mercedes remarked, looking at him.

Strax sighed.

"Another requirement for the railway?" Strax asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mercedes smiled.

"No. Tomorrow, I want you to watch Vex’s training with me. She’s very proud of her new spells and has spent the entire week saying she wants to show Daddy everything," Mercedes explained, caressing his hand.

Strax immediately smiled.

"I’d be happy to," Strax replied with a nod.

Mercedes seemed satisfied.

"Then it’s settled," Mercedes declared, standing up and extending her hand toward him.

Strax took her hand and stood up as well.

Before they could leave the room, he gently pulled his wife closer by the waist.

"You know I missed you too, don’t you?" Strax asked, smiling at her.

Mercedes raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, did you?" Mercedes asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Very much," Strax replied, leaning in to kiss her.

Mercedes returned the kiss before pulling away with a satisfied smile.

"Then make sure you visit your wife more often, you irresponsible dragon," Mercedes murmured, caressing his face.

Strax began laughing.

"I’ll try, darling," Strax replied, embracing her.

Mercedes narrowed her eyes.

"Try?" Mercedes repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Strax immediately corrected himself.

"I’ll visit," Strax replied with a smile.

Mercedes nodded, satisfied.

"That’s better," Mercedes remarked, taking her husband’s hand and leading him out of the room.