Chapter 1797 - 499: Two Families Bond as One (Part 4)

When Lino comes of age, Gutaf will be in his prime as well, making this the perfect time for an engagement.

As for Vivian...

The reconciliation between the eldest son and a bastard is known as a charming tale, yet family intermarriage has absolutely no relevance to bastards.

Unrecognized bloodlines are tantamount to having no lineage; at least, within the feudal system of the Aus Empire, unrecognized offspring remain commoners unless bestowed a title by their father.

Moreover, even if putting that aside, Edward is not fond of this girl who "clearly has not received a proper aristocratic education."

"Gutaf is truly a good child," Edward said with a smile, speaking to Luo Yan with implicit meaning, "He has a gentle temperament and is of similar age to my Lino. See, how happily they're playing."

Luo Yan returned the smile without responding, certainly having already surmised this.

The ambitious Duke seems unsatisfied with his current relations with Princess Aileen, or perhaps my ambiguous attitude left His Majesty uncertain.

Edward's gaze moved away from the two children towards Prince Colin, speaking with genuine sincerity.

"Colin, my friend. The friendship between the Campbell Duchy and the Colin Duchy is our most treasured asset, as well as that of the citizens of both countries. We all understand that enduring friendships require strong ties to sustain them, and I seek to make our bond even stronger than before."

This hint is no longer a hint—it's almost explicit.

The Campbell family wishes to establish a closer relationship with the Colin family!

However, regrettably.

Nanfu's status is truly too unique, and Luo Yan cannot make decisions on his behalf.

"Your Grace is too kind. Miss Lino is as charming as an Elf, but unfortunately," Luo Yan spoke in a tone tinged with just the right amount of regret, "Gutaf...his family has long arranged his marriage, and it seems Miss Lino's favor will go unreciprocated."

"Is that so...what a pity indeed. Please forget my earlier presumptuous proposal."

Indeed, a trace of barely discernible regret flashed across Edward Campbell's face.

Yet after all, he is a sovereign and the regret lingered only for a fleeting moment.

He raised his cup of tea, as if the previous proposal had been merely an ordinary jest, soon smoothly transitioning to another topic.

Luo Yan cooperated seamlessly with him.

For discussing the increasingly chaotic genealogy of the Colin family would merely burden his brain, and comparatively, he preferred lighter subjects.

The conversation shifted swiftly from the landscape of the Gana Continent to the reforms in Thunder City.

It was evident Edward did so intentionally.

When discussing this topic, his expression notably became focused and keen.

"Prince Colin, as you have observed, the reforms in Thunder City have arrived at a deep-water zone. In this regard, your Duchy was a pioneer, and I am eager to hear advice from you, a wise and experienced friend."

Luo Yan smiled and sipped his tea.

"I wouldn't dare; the colonial development in Colin Duchy is actually quite rudimentary. I just happened to stand on the shoulders of a Giant Dragon."

"You are too modest," Edward shook his head, "Your insights on currency even astounded Mr. Andes. I believe you have even more profound ideas."

Luo Yan neither confirmed nor denied his statement, speaking softly.

"Tell me the specifics. If I know, I shall speak without reservation."

"It's about money!"

Observing Prince Colin as he put down his teacup, Edward spoke with candor, "The post-war reparations committee has done an excellent job. After accounting for all the assets of rebellious Nobles and fully compensating all civil war victims for their losses, we still have a substantial surplus."

This funding mainly comes from auctioning off forests and mines held by rebellious Nobles.

Unlike farmland, such properties cannot be used to compensate commoners, as they clearly lack the capability for development, and at most might venture into the mountains to hunt Wild Rabbits.

Only qualified mining companies possess the means to utilize the rich natural resources of the Campbell Duchy.

"...Sometimes, having too much money is a form of blissful distress, especially with so many eyes fixed on it. I cannot easily trust suggestions from even my own advisors," Edward's fingers lightly tapped on the table, "I wish to hear your thoughts—how do you think I should use this money?"

Luo Yan pondered for a moment, casting his gaze towards the lawn.

Nanfu was still being chased across the ground by Lino, while Vivian had started teaching two little "Heroes" how to wield swords more impressively.

Apparently, she knew nothing of swordsmanship, merely putting on a facade with nonsense, yet those future Heroes believed they received the "Demon King's" authentic teachings, clearly leading them astray.

"...If you truly don't know what to spend the money on," Luo Yan mused briefly, withdrawing his gaze from Vivian, and said with a smile, "Invest in education, perhaps."

He paused, then continued.

"Wealth will ultimately deplete, but knowledge can be inherited. Your citizens cannot forever remain on assembly lines—they can also become great scholars, engineers...or more valuable persons. Even if this generation won't make it, they can pin their hopes on their children. And this hope, only you can give them."

"Education..." Edward savored this word, soon revealing an enlightened smile, "Colin, we are again of one mind."

He too set down his teacup, gazing intently at Colin, and continued.