Arc 4 : Prolouge

[??? POV]

The Vetucini Route was a trade route connecting the Republic of Venetia and the Republic of Greco along the coast of the Gulf of Cosentia.

It was one of two major trade routes connecting the Central Continent with the Western Continent.

The other was the Tegaris Route, located in the Nation of Kuwalid, which connected the desert nation with the Kingdom of Francia.

However, trade guilds preferred the Vetucini Route because it was faster, cheaper, and safer than the Tegaris Route, which was plagued by harsh desert weather, numerous bandits, and the corrupt bureaucracy of the Nation of Kuwalid.

"Samos, the border checkpoint is just ahead!"

My companion at the front shouted those words.

We were a caravan transporting trade commodities from La Escudo, a trade guild based in the Empire, to the Kingdom of Weimar.

The guild had only been established last year, yet it had quickly accumulated numerous business partners throughout the various nations.

A trade guild was an organization established to make it easier for merchants to distribute their products to both commercial and consumer markets, handle their business permits with the government, establish business networks, and much more.

Trade guilds could also lobby a nation's government to establish certain regulations for their own benefit, depending on the agreements they reached with that government.

At present, we were traveling along the Vetucini Route and were about to cross the border between the Republic of Venetia and the Republic of Greco.

"Stop up ahead!" I shouted loudly.

Our caravan came to a halt.

Several border officers approached us from ahead.

Normally, they would inspect the goods we were carrying to determine whether we were attempting to take any prohibited items out of their country.

"Who is the Caravan Master of this group?" one of the border officers asked.

"I am. My name is Samos, and I am leading this caravan," I replied as I approached them, carrying several documents with me.

"State your destination and the trade guild you represent," the officer ordered, taking out a pen and a notebook.

"We are from La Escudo, a trade guild headquartered in the Aragon Empire," I answered. "We are traveling to the Kingdom of Weimar to deliver these trade commodities to our trading post there."

"Show me your membership card."

I took a card from inside my coat and handed it to the officer.

He began recording the information written on the card.

"Sergeant, come over here!" one of his fellow officers called.

The officer and I approached the man who had shouted.

He was inspecting the commodities our caravan was carrying.

"Animal hides, wool, silk, and various textile materials," the other officer listed.

After hearing his colleague's explanation, the first officer turned his attention back toward me.

"Are you aware of which goods are prohibited from entering the Republic when they originate from trade guilds in the Empire?" he asked.

"Of course. The Republic prohibits finished goods from entering from trade guilds based in the Aragon Empire," I replied. "However, all of the commodities we're carrying are semi-finished goods. We aren't violating any of the Republic of Venetia's regulations."

This policy had been created specifically to prevent the Aragon Empire from dominating the markets of the Western Continent.

The Empire had little choice but to comply with these unfavorable regulations if it wanted to use this trade route.

Furthermore, the nations of the Western Continent had also agreed to restrict imports from the Empire so that each nation could maintain control over the balance of its domestic market.

"We have to confiscate all of your commodities because they violate our regulations," the officer said seriously.

"What? Why?" I protested. "We haven't violated your regulations at all! Everything we're carrying is semi-finished!"

"That was the previous regulation," the officer replied.

"Three hours ago, a new regulation was enacted prohibiting both finished and semi-finished goods from the Aragon Empire from entering our nation."

I was rendered speechless.

But if the Republic of Venetia had truly implemented such a policy, wouldn't it significantly weaken the Empire's economy?

The Empire might still tolerate a ban on finished goods.

But if semi-finished goods were prohibited as well, wouldn't the Republic of Venetia face massive protests from the Empire?

"Everyone, confiscate all the commodities belonging to this caravan!" the officer ordered his subordinates.

"Wait! Do you really intend to make the Empire your enemy?" I asked.

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The officer turned around and glared sharply at me.

His expression made it clear that my words had angered him.

"The Republic of Venetia is a sovereign nation!" he declared. "We will not allow a foreign nation to dictate our policies!"

After saying that, he and the other officers began taking our trade commodities.

They also detained me and my companions under suspicion of smuggling.

Realizing the predicament we had found ourselves in, I could only wonder how I was going to explain this situation to Chairman Joff later.

[Joff Bozes POV]

This was quite bad...

Because of the policy implemented by the Republic of Venetia several days ago, we had no choice but to switch to another route if we wanted to continue shipping our commodities to the international market.

"What should we do, Joff?"

A black-haired man sat before me, waiting for my answer regarding the problem we were currently facing.

"Lord Raul, we need to change our trade routes," I replied.

"There are two options: the Kuwalid Trade Route and the Southern Sea Trade Route."

"Explain the risks of both routes," Lord Raul ordered.

"If we use the Kuwalid Route, the main risks are the extreme heat and sandstorms, which could damage our products," I explained.

"However, those two problems can be dealt with by providing additional protection and sufficient supplies."

"There's also the matter of security and the corrupt bureaucracy in that desert nation. At the very least, we'll have to negotiate with the local authorities there to ensure our caravans can cross their borders without difficulty."

"Explain the Southern Sea Route," Lord Raul said.

"The Southern Route carries fewer risks than the Kuwalid Route. The primary threats are storms and pirates," I explained.

"Fortunately, pirate activity in that region is currently declining. However, if we choose this route, our travel expenses will be significantly higher because we'll need to increase our fleet and cover additional ship maintenance costs."

After hearing my explanation, Lord Raul fell silent for a moment.

His index finger repeatedly tapped against the table, almost like the ticking of a clock.

At present, our trade guild generated approximately 4,500 Gulden in profit each year.

If we used the Kuwalid Route, our annual profit was expected to decrease to 4,000 Gulden.

If we used the Southern Sea Route, however, our profit would fall to only 3,200 Gulden per year.

"We'll use the Southern Sea Route for priority commodities. For everything else, we'll use the Kuwalid Route," Lord Raul finally decided.

"As for negotiating with the local authorities there..."

He paused briefly.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of them myself."

"Understood, My Lord. We will carry out your orders."

"Is that all you wanted to report? Do you have any other requests?" Lord Raul asked.

"No, My Lord. I will periodically report the guild's progress to you after we've implemented this new policy."

Lord Raul nodded before standing and putting his coat back on.

"Very well. Thank you for your hard work, Joff. I'll be returning to the Garcia family mansion in the capital after this. My father has summoned me to meet with him."

Lord Raul then left, leaving me alone in the room.

All right.

It seemed I had another meeting to attend with everyone.

This was going to be a very long day.

[Raul POV]

I was currently at the Garcia family mansion in the capital.

I had come here because Duke Alvaro had suddenly requested to speak with me about something.

However, when I arrived, I couldn't meet him yet because he was receiving a guest.

As I was heading toward my room, I noticed Princess Alisha drinking tea with a shoulder-length, ash-gray-haired woman in the lounge.

Wasn't that her younger sister—Anastasia?

I approached them.

Princess Alisha noticed my arrival and looked directly at me.

"Oh, you've returned," the gray-haired woman said.

"It seems you still remember your fiancée?"

"My apologies, Princess Alisha. There were some important matters I needed to take care of elsewhere," I replied apologetically.

"Heee~ So there was something more important than spending time with your future wife, huh?"

Princess Alisha smiled mischievously.

"I wonder... will you often leave me behind like this once we're married?"

I...

I couldn't think of a response to that.

Especially knowing that she wouldn't live past this year.

Why would she joke about something like this?

"Stop teasing Lord Raul, Sister!" Anastasia said, glaring at Princess Alisha. "You're bullying him!"

"Fufufu~ I'm sorry. I was only teasing you, Raul."

Princess Alisha chuckled.

"The Romanov family is extremely grateful to the Garcia family for the assistance you've provided to our nation."

She then gestured toward the girl beside her.

"Let me introduce you. This adorable girl is Anastasia, my only younger sister. I believe this is the first time the two of you have met."

"It's nice to meet you, Big Brother Raul!"

Anastasia gave me a wide smile.

"Since we're going to be family, you can call me Ana!"

Anastasia had been one of the previous candidates for Saint.

Come to think of it, she probably would have been chosen as the new Saint if Ariel hadn't awakened her power back then.

I couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty thinking about it.

However, considering Anastasia's personality in the game, I didn't think she would have been suitable for the role of Saint.

Especially when facing the political maneuvering that would inevitably be carried out by the world's leaders in their attempts to obtain the Saint's blessing.

"It's nice to meet you too, Ana," I said, trying to smile.

"By the way, where is the servant who is always accompanying you, Princess Alisha?"

This time, I looked toward her older sister.

"Leon? He's preparing our belongings for our return to the Slavic Tsardom," Princess Alisha answered.

"I know about the rising political tensions between the Aragon Empire and the Republic of Venetia. Our father doesn't want us to remain here if war breaks out."

I see.

It seemed Tsar Feodor didn't want his two daughters to remain here as hostages if the Empire eventually demanded that the Slavic Tsardom take a side in the conflict.

"Young Master."

I turned around at the sound of someone calling me.

An elderly servant was approaching.

It was Alfred—the Head Butler of the Garcia family.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You can meet with Duke Alvaro now, Young Master," Alfred replied.

"All right."

I turned back toward Princess Alisha and Anastasia.

"I'm sorry, but I have to meet with my father. If you'll excuse me."

The two of them smiled and nodded.

Alfred and I then left them behind.

We soon arrived in front of Duke Alvaro's study.

Alfred knocked on the door and informed him that he had brought me here.

"Come in."

I heard Duke Alvaro's voice from behind the door.

Alfred opened the door and closed it again after I entered.

There were only the two of us in the room.

His black eyes stared directly at me.

Duke Alvaro...

One of the most dangerous Villains in the game, Path of Destiny.

Even now, I still couldn't figure out what he was planning.

"Sit down, Raul. We're going to discuss a family matter," the man said.

I followed his instructions and sat in the chair provided.

"So, what did you want to discuss with me?" I asked.

"Well... you already know that the two Princesses will be returning to their homeland?" the Duke asked.

I nodded.

"I'm going with them to the Slavic Tsardom," Duke Alvaro revealed.

"There are several matters I need to take care of there."

"Then what does that have to do with me?" I asked.

Duke Alvaro reached into one of his desk drawers and pulled out a letter.

He handed it to me.

The letter contained an invitation for all nobles directly under the Emperor's authority to attend a meeting that would be held at the Imperial Palace five days from now.

"You will attend in our family's place," Duke Alvaro said.

"I suppose I can go. We still have ten days of vacation remaining after completing our practical training," I replied.

"Good. But there's something you need to remember."

Duke Alvaro's expression became serious.

"Several nobles there will ask where we stand regarding the candidates for Emperor."

"Be careful with your words. Our family has not officially declared its support for anyone yet."

He was right.

Although Duke Alvaro had already given me complete authority to decide which direction our family's support would take, I had yet to officially announce our allegiance to anyone.

I supposed it was time to begin making my moves.

I needed to prepare everything for what would come after graduation.