For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 43 - Business Trip (1)
#43. Business Trip (1)
Inside the conference room where everyone gathered. Originally, this meeting was held only once a month, but an emergency meeting was convened due to important matters. Those who could be called the pillars of Psychedelia were participants in this meeting. Among them were Psychedelia’s King, along with the First Prince Alfonse, Duke Ferdinand, Count Penelope, and others.
“Thank you all for gathering. We are here because of the recent riot in the Hiver region. During this year’s tax collection, riots broke out in certain areas, refusing to pay taxes citing famine as a reason.”
The Hiver region was an outlying area of Psychedelia. Psychedelia had a challenging structure for other countries to invade. The reason was this Hiver region, known for its rugged mountains and harsh climate. To invade Psychedelia from other countries, soldiers had to endure these harsh conditions. Even in the military stronghold of Hiver, people lived, mostly indigenous inhabitants. Since the inception of the nation, Psychedelia has endeavored to coexist with these indigenous people without rejecting them.
“Shouldn’t we send troops?”
“Fortunately, it’s been suppressed for now.”
Duke Ferdinand was a confrontational Perthon. He even seemed dissatisfied with the current situation where there was no war. Despite the situation almost escalating into civil war, he appeared disappointed that the riots had been quelled.
“Then isn’t the problem solved?”
“No, if there’s a famine severe enough to cause riots, the country should come up with fundamental solutions. After all, those residents are also our Psychedelian citizens.”
The King tried to align more with the citizens rather than the nobility. He had been a king since birth but constantly strived not to forget whose king he was. On the other hand, Count Penelope was a moderate mediator to everyone. His main role was to stand in the middle and propose compromise solutions.
“Well, then, before considering fundamental solutions, shouldn’t we first think about urgent matters to help them?”
“May I speak first?”
The first to raise his hand was Prince Alfonse. He had only attended for educational purposes as the successor, so he rarely expressed opinions. There were many doubts about whether he even had his own thoughts. Despite the burden of everyone’s gaze, his smile remained consistently calm.
“What if we temporarily reduce taxes in the Hiver region for a year? And during that time, work on fundamental measures to avoid famine. If successful, Hiver will steadily avoid famine, and we will also be able to collect taxes smoothly. Wouldn’t that be a perfect proposal for both parties?”
“Oh?”
It was an intriguing proposal, and it was also the opinion that Count Penelope had intended to present last. The prince who had been quietly listening and sitting there suddenly spoke up. Naturally, this raised suspicions. On the other hand, Ferdinand, who was Alfonse’s father-in-law, was pleased with his opinion—not necessarily the content of the opinion but the fact that ‘he’ expressed an opinion.
“Oh, Prince Alfonse has finally shared his opinion after so long.”
“I believed I lacked sufficient insight to interject thoughtlessly. From now on, I would like to express my opinions, albeit limited.”
The king also looked proud when his son expressed his opinion. Everyone seemed to anticipate and react to him.
“It seems like a good suggestion, but how specifically do you plan to overcome the famine?”
When Count Penelope asked, Alfonse’s eyes momentarily sparkled. His reaction suggested that he had already anticipated being questioned.
“What if we dispatch greenhouse workers to directly study the ecology of the crops they grow? They could recommend climate-appropriate crops or create environments for better growth.”
The mention of greenhouse workers naturally brought to Count Penelope’s mind his youngest daughter, Lia. He wondered if she could be sent if things went well. Was this his aim? As he contemplated this, Duke Ferdinand offered his opinion.
“If it’s just about growing plants, wouldn’t it suffice to send plant specialists?”
This, too, was related to Lia. Was he thinking of sending her to the harsh Hiver region? Count Penelope couldn’t answer hastily.
“No, even plant specialists have their limits. Even if they rely on their abilities to grow plants, it’s only a temporary solution. I believe experts should step in to help them fundamentally find their own way.”
Surprisingly, Alfonse opposed this matter. His first opinion was quite straightforward and clean. Although he worried whether Lia might be dispatched, he agreed with Alfonse’s opinion. Lia herself wanted to work in the greenhouse. The Count believed that if it was her responsibility, she should take charge.
“I agree.”
Therefore, the Count first cast his vote in favor. There was no need to ask the opinions of the king or Duke Ferdinand. Their support was also assured.
“Thank you. Since it’s my proposal and we need someone to assist in Hiver’s recovery, I’ll go there myself.”
“You mean you’ll go yourself, Prince?”
This part hadn’t been considered yet. Alfonse seemed determined today to solidify his image as a rightful heir to the throne.
“Yes. I would like to go with the greenhouse managers to assist the residents of the Hiver region.”
“Isn’t that risky?”
“It’s not right for someone in a privileged position to deem an area where ordinary people reside as dangerous without experiencing it firsthand.”
When did he acquire such leadership qualities? The Count still found him disagreeable. One thing that could be speculated was that he had a competent aide. But for someone previously thought to be a carefree prince, being intelligent wasn’t always beneficial to everyone.
Duke Ferdinand was smiling, but what he truly felt inside was unknown. Outwardly, he cherished Alfonse, who would become his son-in-law, but the thought of him growing wise and eventually asserting authority to strengthen the monarchy was something he couldn’t accept. Therefore, it seemed like he was intentionally pushing Lia to attach himself to him, to safely secure his place on the throne, to make himself a king.
“What a formidable opponent…”
Of course, the Count’s muttering went unheard amidst the confusion in the chamber caused by other matters.
* * *
After the meeting ended, Alfonse greeted each departing Perthon individually. Suddenly, his aide, Perth, approached and stood behind him. With his head bowed, his expression behind the glasses remained hidden. The Count briefly glanced at Alfonse and greeted him first.
“Prince, you’ve worked hard today. That was an excellent proposal.”
“It’s an honor to receive praise from the Count. I will continue to seek your advice in the future.”
Seeing the smooth smile before him, the Count felt slightly twisted inside.
“If you ever need my help, you’ve shown your abilities well whenever necessary.”
It was a reference to using Lia for the sake of the Count’s friendship. Alfonse was taken aback by his straightforwardness. Instead, Perth stepped forward and bowed his head.
“If it’s alright, may I speak on his behalf?”
“Please do.”
“With my limited opinion, I arranged for Lady Lia to be brought to the palace, but Lady Lia truly is talented. She’s proving herself with her abilities.”
“Oh? Do you know Lia quite well?”
Certainly, compliments about Lia were sweet to the Count. However, doubts arose as to whether she was truly deserving of such praise. After all, it had only been two months since she started working as an apprentice.
“I don’t speak idly.”
“Yeah, I can see that, which makes me wonder.”
Although Perth had a smiling face, it was clear he was a composed person. The Count could tell he had experience dealing with people for a long time.
“Then, I entrust the Hiver matter to you, Your Highness.”
“Yes, you need not worry. I will ensure that Lady Penelope does not get sent away.”
“No, Lia is now part of the palace. If she takes on the responsibilities of a worker, she should go. That’s fair. I don’t particularly like special treatment.”
“Understood.”
Alfonse offered his consideration, but the Count coldly refused. He was renowned for his fairness. Alfonse wondered if he had misspoken and swallowed hard. His recent words were spoken from his own thoughts rather than prompted by Perth. The Count nodded slightly in acknowledgment to Alfonse before turning and leaving without hesitation.
Before he disappeared from view, he briefly locked eyes with Perth, who offered a sly smile. The Count didn’t particularly like dealing with inscrutable individuals, but he certainly recognized his competence.
“Until next time.”
“Goodbye.”
As the Count moved away, Alfonse let out a long sigh.
“You really can’t let your guard down.”
“That’s why it’s helpful to have someone who can work in our favor.”
“I know. So he’s going as far as going out of his way to attract attention.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
“As expected, the nobles liked it when you played your part as planned.”
“Prince Alfonse, you’re still outside.”
“Understood. Anyway, you talk too much.”
Alfonse turned and headed towards his room. Perth, noticing that Alfonse was heading not towards his study but towards his living quarters, asked.
“Are you going to rest right away?”
“Yeah, I feel like I’ve had quite a busy day today.”
Just from a meeting. If he had to give a speech, he might not leave his room for two or three days. But Perth, being a wise aide, didn’t show any thoughts on his face.
“An official business trip. It’s annoying. I wonder if there will be many beauties in the Hiver region?”
“It’s a business-related trip. It wouldn’t be good to go too far.”
“Then why don’t we take them with us!”
Alfonse’s face brightened as he proposed what he thought was a great idea. Usually, at times like this, Perth would come up with ideas that weren’t particularly pleasing.
“If there are many people unrelated to the work following us, it would be strange. Besides, it’s a cold region, so there might not be enough food. We can’t bring too many people.”
Alfonse pondered seriously as they walked. If it was a work trip, Perth wished he would stop with the frivolous ideas. But it seemed like Alfonse’s mind was focused solely on his own interests. It was suspicious whether he had the intention to firmly establish himself as the heir apparent in times like these.
“Then, should I take Lady Penelope with me after all…?”