A few days later.
After obtaining promises of legislative cooperation from the delinquent debtors, Wilhelm met the person he had arranged to see in a lounge inside the Imperial Diet Hall.
“It has been a long time, Wilhelm.”
“It has, Orenje.”
The person Wilhelm exchanged stiff greetings with in one room of the Imperial Diet Hall, addressing him only by name, was a man who divided the empire’s financial world with House Medichin.
Strictly speaking, however, he was still one step behind them.
He was Orenje Billen, Family Head of House Billen, Head of Billen Konzern, Mayor of Anstelda, and Consul of the Flandern Autonomous Territory.
“Why did you ask to see me? I do not think we are on terms where we can sit affectionately together and sip tea. Would the tea even go down smoothly?”
In their days as heirs, they had been friendly competitors and irreplaceable friends.
But as each of them grew older, took on titles, and found themselves responsible for more and more, Orenje Billen had become so estranged from Wilhelm Medichin that calling them bitter enemies was no exaggeration.
Yet even at Orenje’s sharp opening attack, Wilhelm did not grow angry. Instead, his smile deepened.
“Are you that upset that I am blocking you from entering Banking?”
“Would it be fortunate if I were only upset? You tore out the pillars beneath us! Do you know how much we suffered trying to fill that gap?”
When Orenje inherited authority over the Flandern Autonomous Territory after his late father and attempted to enter Banking,
Wilhelm had responded with merciless retaliation, collecting every loan issued to Flandern, withdrawing the Medichin trading houses, and even accepting a bleeding competition in product sales. He had done so despite the friendship between their families that had continued for generations.
But Wilhelm had something to say as well.
“Do you forget that I told you Banking was absolutely off-limits, no matter what else? You know as well as I do that if we lose that, pushing Etilant out of the center of the empire would be no difficult matter.”
“...I do know that.”
If Medichin Konzern’s Banking collapsed, then Etilant would be pushed from the center of the empire to the margins, just as its geographical position suggested.
Because Orenje knew all too well what Wilhelm had said, he felt momentarily stung. However, as the leader of the Flandern Autonomous Territory, he could not simply be dragged along, and he soon refuted him.
“Even so, the empire is not exactly small. Is it not greedy to try to eat all of it?”
“Greedy? Then what do you call it when, in my great-grandfather’s time, we sent technicians to help Flandern foster its woolen industry?”
“That was only lower-grade manufacturing technology! Do not act as if it was some great favor!”
Even at a glance, it was clear who had given more and who stood above the other.
Yet the two men continued bickering and dragging family history into their argument, their age and status forgotten, until Wilhelm let out a sigh.
“Whew. Let us stop. I did not ask to see you for this.”
“Tsk, what a waste of time. Why did you ask to meet?”
“There is a bill I intend to pass this time. Lend me a hand.”
“Ha! After what you did to me, you want me to lend you a hand? Even aside from that, you come to me out of nowhere! In that commanding tone! Are those supposed to be words, or dung?”
Even when Orenje frowned and answered roughly, Wilhelm merely shrugged as if it were no great matter and gave a faint laugh.
“It would not be any fun if I told you in advance. Still, if I tell you one thing, it is not a law meant only for the interests of our Medichin Konzern and Etilant. Absolutely not.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Orenje crossed his arms and even crossed his legs, leaning back with a consistently cynical attitude as if to say Wilhelm should keep talking.
‘My son made this bill, and I acknowledged it, you bastard!’
Contrary to the curse he hurled inwardly at the crookedly behaving Orenje, Wilhelm answered with a confident expression.
“Your Billen Konzern and Flandern are involved as well. No! I should say it is a matter tied to the interests of every Merchant Caravan, artisan, and scholar in the empire.”
“!!! Hmm...”
There had never been even a single line—no, not even a single character—about a law of the kind Wilhelm described in the Codex where the empire’s various laws and ordinances were recorded.
Wilhelm looked on with enjoyment as Orenje, startled for only a moment, let out a troubled groan with frustration on his face.
“Even if we fell out over Banking, the bill that will be presented this time has more than enough value for us to join hands and pass it. I even prepared for it by using the Black Ledger you envy so much, so is that not enough said?”
“You used the Black Ledger!?”
Orenje had wanted to enter Banking not only to make greater profit margins, but also because of the Black Ledger Wilhelm had just mentioned.
Was it not a sturdy leash that allowed its holder to move territorial domains, knight orders, and even Mage Towers all across the empire whenever necessary, using loan reductions as bait?
‘Damn it...’
If that spiteful Wilhelm, whom he nevertheless acknowledged, had used the Black Ledger that Orenje wanted so badly he could almost feel a hand clawing out of his throat, then this could not be an ordinary matter.
Wilhelm grinned as he looked at Orenje’s face, where envy, jealousy, and curiosity had become tangled together.
“Listen to the details in the assembly chamber and think carefully. If you lend a hand this time, the bleeding competition will stop, so I trust you will not do anything stupid.”
Except entering Banking.
With that hateful remark tossed out as if mocking his old friend and current Political Rival, Wilhelm drained the tea left in his cup.
CLACK!
After setting down the empty teacup, he left the lounge without so much as glancing at Orenje.
When the back of that awful old friend disappeared beyond the door, Orenje’s face crumpled.
“Really, that insufferable bastard...”
Ever since their relationship had turned sour, that man had always been like this.
Even though, among those who held votes in the imperial election, they were the only two men of commoner birth, himself included; even though they were old companions and nearly equal of the same kind; that arrogant attitude of his always made it seem as if he were looking down on Orenje!
Separately from that.
Orenje was a Merchant who detested ruining a grand design over old, private feelings from the past. The past could not be undone, but the present and future could be resolved depending on how one handled them.
‘It cannot be because he is suddenly overflowing with generosity...’
Orenje knew better than anyone that Wilhelm was the kind of man who hated nonsense. How many years had they interacted as friends?
If he was the Wilhelm Orenje knew, then the bill he had just proposed cooperating on would bring great benefit not only to the Etilant Autonomous Territory, but also to the Flandern Autonomous Territory and, further still, to the merchants, artisans, and scholars who led Free Cities throughout the empire.
Moreover, if Orenje obstructed a bill that came with the promise of ending the bleeding competition if he cooperated in its passage, and it was then rejected?
It was obvious that the rumor would spread across the empire, and he would fall forever behind that arrogant old friend. It went without saying that the merchants of Flandern, including Billen Konzern, would rise up against him.
“Whew, damn bastard.”
Should I help him, even if it means assuming I am being deceived?
Orenje Billen was tasting a bitter sense of defeat against Wilhelm Medichin, his hateful old friend and competitor.
***
After finishing his conversation with Orenje, Wilhelm sat down in his seat in the main assembly chamber.
At that moment, he was providing supporting fire for the Patent-Intellectual Property Law, which his delinquent debtors had opened fire on according to his instructions.
“I believe the effect of the bill recognizing the property rights of individuals or groups over knowledge and technology should apply only to newly registered items after the bill is passed, excluding knowledge already known before this Diet. Furthermore, registration must be conducted after strictly evaluating the value of originality and utility. Ah! As for the institution that will manage patents and intellectual property rights throughout the empire, it would be best to place it directly under the Imperial Diet and to collect and pay usage fees through cooperation among territorial domains across the empire.”
After that as well, Wilhelm poured out various opinions in a steady stream: paying a certain percentage of the usage fees collected under the law as taxes to each region according to the amount collected there, prohibiting acts of buying up only intellectual property rights to siphon off profits, and more. It was all exactly according to the supplementary measures his son had produced based on the points Wilhelm had indicated!
Many imperial assemblymen were astounded by Wilhelm’s fervent proposals, unaware of that background.
‘Look at that shamelessness.’
‘He pushed the men he had leashed in front as arrow shields before stepping forward himself...’
There were some who inwardly condemned Wilhelm’s conduct as cunning or cowardly, believing that he had stepped forward after others in order to damage his own prestige as little as possible.
But such people were only a portion of the imperial assemblymen.
‘Even so, it is true that there is no flaw to point out.’
‘From now on, there will be fewer things to worry about when it comes to Technology Leaks!’
‘To think we can profit through the secret teachings of our School...!’
‘If this passes, the more new technologies appear, the more tax revenue will increase, so it is not bad.’
Most of the imperial assemblymen, especially those whose interests were directly connected—Merchant Caravan heads, artisan guilds, university professors, Mages, and imperial assemblymen from the ranks of thoughtful Lords—were greatly satisfied with the Patent-Intellectual Property Law.
‘There is no room to oppose it.’
Orenje was among those who viewed it favorably. Was this not the best law for breathing vitality into Free Cities that lived on technology and knowledge?
‘If we follow that law, anyone and everyone will be able to use the Brine-Curing Method, but...’
Flandern’s Brine-Curing Method boasted overwhelming price competitiveness thanks to the large rock salt mine owned by Billen Konzern in the mountain range on Flandern’s western frontier.
Besides that, they had thoroughly hidden as confidential information the secret technique of using only clear water for curing after settling and filtering out its lime content, so he could generously overlook the rest.
‘So it does not matter.’
As long as the core secret technique was not made public, Flandern-produced brine-cured fish could maintain its supremacy. Orenje therefore relaxed and focused on reviewing the bill.
‘There is one blind spot...’
That was the method of securing supporting data to collect intellectual property rights usage fees, but Orenje instead grinned.
‘We of Flandern can resolve that easily enough.’
Flandern’s Merchant Caravans, including Billen Konzern, conducted all manner of transactions and intelligence gathering at the trading houses they had opened across the empire, excluding Etilant.
Therefore, Flandern had no reason to be fleeced in any way over patent and intellectual property rights fees.
‘The same must be true of Etilant. For a law this good...’
Would it have hurt him to explain it plainly?
Orenje Billen looked at Wilhelm with an expression that said he found him hateful enough to kill.
Then he turned his head again and bit his lip.
‘He may be my friend, but I have no choice but to acknowledge that he is remarkable. Rather...’
If possible, sitting across a table from Wilhelm and negotiating over Banking would be far more productive.
‘Perhaps...’
Would it not be better to compromise appropriately, enlarge the pie, and divide it between them rather than keeping their blades drawn? To stop the meaningless bleeding?
‘Still, considering our relationship until now...’
It would be unbecoming to suddenly change his attitude.
He was an economic actor who had to weigh practical benefit, but was he not also a politician who had to protect his face and prestige? The current Orenje Billen was both the Head of Billen Konzern and the Consul of the Flandern Autonomous Territory.
When Orenje’s thoughts reached this point, he set his mind furiously to work.
‘This time, I will have to raise my hand for him. No, I have no choice but to do so.’
If he lent a hand in this matter, it would bring great political and economic benefit to House Billen, Billen Konzern, and the Flandern Autonomous Territory.
Opening a channel to restore his relationship with Wilhelm was an added benefit.
No sooner had Orenje organized his thoughts than he raised his hand.
“Speak, Consul Orenje.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Orenje rose from his seat and expressed his thanks to Magnus von Bessen, who, as emperor, had permitted him to speak in his role as presiding officer of the Imperial Diet. Then he began his statement.
“Although further discussion will be necessary, I dare to assert that the legislation of the Patent-Intellectual Property Law, by its purpose alone, will become a driving force for developing the lost and stagnant technologies and knowledge of our empire. Therefore, I, Orenje Billen, hereby declare my support for this bill regardless of the outcome of deliberations.”
After elegantly stating that he would support it unconditionally, Orenje sat down.
A faint smile settled over Wilhelm’s face as he looked at Orenje.
The smile of a victor.
***
While the vote on the Patent-Intellectual Property Law was proceeding in the Imperial Diet,
Friedrich was drinking tea with his family at the encampment.
“That Mage named Merlin whom we brought with us has quite a good reputation.”
“That is right, Mother. He even helps with weapon maintenance and digging wells. He did not refuse simple treatments either.”
“He certainly seems different from the other Mages. They all shut themselves up in tents they use alone and hardly ever come out.”
Friedrich smiled proudly at the fact that Johanna, Maria, and Felix all viewed Merlin’s character favorably.
‘Of course. He is a person chosen by the god Merkl.’
Even among those siblings, the one who made Friedrich feel most satisfied with his decision was the youngest, Julian.
“Second Brother is right. When I said I wanted to learn Magic, he taught me all sorts of things, hehe.”
“Aww, our youngest. Are you happy because you might have a teacher who will teach you Magic if things go well?”
“That mister might teach me Magic?”
“If Father hires that mister, it should be possible, should it not?”
At Friedrich’s question offered in place of an answer, Julian’s eyes shone even more brightly.
“Really, Eldest Brother?”
“But that mister’s work with me comes first. I am sorry, youngest.”
“Why?”
“Because I was the one who asked Father to hire that mister. Once we return, he will have many things to do with me.”
“Hiiing...”
Julian’s face fell as if he had been given a delicious sweet only to have it taken away.
But Friedrich had a clear reason.
‘Leaving theory aside, the Magic Merlin can actually demonstrate is limited to 1st Circle, youngest. What am I supposed to do if you end up disappointed?’
Not wanting to destroy his adorable youngest brother’s innocence(?), Friedrich swallowed the words that had risen to his throat.
Johanna, who had already heard Merlin’s true circumstances in detail from Friedrich and Wilhelm, quickly began to soothe the youngest.
“Please understand your brother, Julian. Instead, if you wish, I will let you study at a Magic University after you undergo your Coming-of-Age Ceremony.”
“Really?”
“Of course. What would I not do for you, when you have sensed the Breath of Mana so exceptionally since childhood? Hoho.”
Among the upper classes of the empire who possessed wealth and fame, children had their talents as Knights or Mages appraised each time one was born.
Naturally, the four children of House Medichin had also had their talents appraised, and the result was interesting.
‘All four of us were born with talent for both Knight and Mage. Extremely rarely, at that.’
Although the degree differed from one to another, among the four siblings, Julian was the child born with the strongest potential to achieve greatness as a Mage.
In any case, after resolving his youngest brother’s career path with his mother’s push, Friedrich entered his own room, which had been separately prepared inside the large tent.
‘I am sorry to our youngest, but it cannot be helped. Unless Merlin suddenly has a great awakening and becomes an Archmage, it is better to keep them apart for Julian’s future.’
To Friedrich, who had come to a cold conclusion for the sake of his youngest brother’s interest, aptitude, and future path in Magic, Merkl’s voice rang out.
[A law that guarantees rights over knowledge and technology has passed! From now on, people will receive fair compensation according to the effort they put in!]
[Pass a law protecting the rights to knowledge and technology in the Imperial Diet. (Achieved)]
‘Yes!’
Friedrich Medichin clenched his fist and cheered.