NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39
The Duke Visconti contacted me urgently, and I prepared myself accordingly.
But the duke, upon meeting me, had a surprisingly calm expression.
“You worked hard taking care of everything after your brother’s wedding, didn’t you?”
Honestly, if I hadn’t stepped in, the Medici Baron Clan would have been tightening their belts for two years to repay that debt.
Even regular folks who don’t care much about face-saving have a tough time tightening their belts.
If they had to maintain the family’s dignity while saving money, that Albert guy might have collapsed from stress.
For just stopping that, I should be thanked for life…
Yet, that guy simply expressed a few formal words of gratitude and gave me a token gift.
sigh Seriously, what’s with the jealousy towards a brother with just a knight’s title?
“Just by looking at your face, I can tell that it wasn’t easy for you.”
“I’ve become independent from my father and brother, but I am still a member of the Medici Baron Clan, so it’s only natural that I fulfill my duties, right?”
The duke chuckled at my words.
“Humans know they must do their duty, but when they find themselves watching from the sidelines, it inevitably feels unpleasant. And I heard you went to the Kingdom of Granada recently?”
No matter how much the Medici Clan is a vassal of this great noble, how does he know about that?
Sure, a vassal clan would naturally have spies planted for emergencies, but how did he find out about the secret smuggling route we were pushing within our clan?
Is it a requirement to keep a level of awareness about your vassals if you want to be a duke in the Toscan Empire?
“Yes, I took some risks to go for our clan.”
“It’s good for the youth to explore and take risks, but nobles should also be able to take care of themselves. What if something went wrong?”
I don’t want to take risks just for the sake of it.
I simply know the risks I can handle to achieve great success and dive in.
“To rise up, sometimes one must take risks. I am just stepping up my capabilities to be of more help to you, Your Grace.”
“You are quite the sweet-talker.”
Although he made me sound like a schemer, a smile was painted on the duke’s face.
“It’s fine not to fear danger, but be careful of reckless challenges. There’s only a fine line between recklessness and courage.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
As the duke said, recklessness can easily be confused with courage at times.
Courage means fighting to the end, calculating the possibility of winning even when your legs are shaking with fear.
Recklessness, however, is rushing in without even judging whether it’s a fight you can win or not.
It’s like trying to break a rock with an egg.
No matter the era or country, many young folks don’t know the difference between courage and recklessness.
Those who don’t typically end up in miserable situations.
“I called you urgently because I have good news for you.”
Am I finally of marriageable age, and has someone found me a partner?
Since I can’t avoid a political marriage as a nobleman, I don’t care about looks or anything else, just that she doesn’t annoy me.
I couldn’t help but gulp down my anticipation.
“The Second Prince wishes to see you.”
When we think of a Second Prince, we usually imagine someone ambitious, wanting to dethrone the Crown Prince due to the influence of novels…
But the Second Princes and Princes from various countries on the Albania Continent are, contrary to our imagination, mostly lacking ambition.
To be precise, revealing ambition might lead to receiving a toxic gift set, the first of which was the origin of radioactive tea, so they pretend to have no interest in politics.
They fiercely fulfill their roles as tools for the Emperor and Crown Prince.
If their brother the Crown Prince is a suspicious person like that Albert guy, they might even act foolish.
Forcibly pulling maids or attendants into their rooms and committing despicable acts only to be slapped by the Emperor and become the subject of slander.
And now, this Second Prince wants to see me?
Bum bum! “There’s definitely some wish from the Emperor behind this.”
“I don’t quite understand why the Second Prince would have any interest in a mere knight like me.”
“Thanks to you, we’ve extracted a significant amount of steel in the Toscan Empire. And you’re currently the most prominent among the young nobles in the Empire.”
“Aren’t there many other outstanding individuals besides me?”
Hearing that, the duke scoffed.
“Well, there are some talented folks like Count Altina and the son of the Cosimo Baron Clan. While young nobles have captured enemy leaders with their armies or contributed significantly to victories using small units,
just like in 21st century Korea, where judges or prosecutors earning less than half of a technician’s salary are respected more, our Empire values achievements over economic growth and revitalizing territories.”
“But ultimately, it comes down to money to create a strong army. You need ample funds, rich food, and resources to nurture a strong military. In that respect, I believe you stand at the top.”
The most evident proof of the duke’s words is the United States.
The United States is the richest country in the world. They invest that money into soldiers to provide them with quality meals, advanced weapons with unmatched performance compared to other countries, and train elite troops.
The U.S., with military capabilities exceeding even the Roman Empire, can independently fight and win against all other nations.
“Let’s cut the chit-chat; the royal family is starting to take an interest in you. Whether a merchant or a titled noble, if you want to rise up, how you present yourself to the Second Prince is paramount.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“I believe you understand this by now.”
The Second Prince serves as an agent to evaluate who the likes of me are on behalf of the Emperor.
Just like in the 21st century, if you fail to butter up a higher-up before starting a business, you might easily lose billions without a trace.
So, I need to think about how to subtly charm my way into the Second Prince’s good graces.
Giving a good first impression will be key in passing the Emperor’s trial and obtaining opportunities.
“Your Grace, does the Second Prince have any particular interests? Hobbies, perhaps?”
“His Highness enjoys hunting and practicing martial arts a great deal. It seems he has quite the prowess in swordsmanship.”
The Swordsmanship Guild is packed with distinguished swordsmen.
So they’re highly critical, and for them to be so impressed?
He must be incredibly athletic.
I can understand why the Prince became addicted to exercise.
‘He must be under a lot of mental pressure and stress.’
“He probably indulges in healthy foods regularly, right?”
No one eats well-aged tonics from a young age, no matter the era.
Unless it’s for strengthening vitality, like chewing on eel or garlic.
Considering all this suggests that the Second Prince is a picture of health who can be seen as the embodiment of sexual desire.
The psychological burden from his status as the Second Prince must release through intimate relationships.
Even the great King Sejong and King Seongjong, reputed as one of the best kings during the early Joseon period, relieved their stress via sexual activities.
“Besides seaweed, I have something good.”
While in this uncivilized Europe, coffee is used as a spice for boosting libido, much like chocolate.
After consuming this, if someone wakes up energized at night, they’d likely mistake it for a surge of tiger-like vitality.
“Although I don’t know how His Highness will test me, I’m fully prepared to earn his favor.”
A few days later, the duke took me to meet the Second Prince.
I wasn’t necessarily bursting with anxiety, but…
I naturally tensed up, gripping my hands tightly.
The duke casually started a light conversation upon meeting the Second Prince.
“What did you think of the sword I sent you last time? It’s made from new tech steel, and it’s quite sturdy.”
The Second Prince began to examine the sword, moving it up and down.
It was as if he was licking the naked body of a beautiful woman.
“It’s beautiful. No doubt it has been folded and refined multiple times.”
The duke started bantering.
“I knew that Your Highness would appreciate the value of this sword.”
“I have a bit of knowledge in swordsmanship, Duke.”
The Duke Visconti laughed heartily, pointing at me.
“That sword was made using a method you devised, but I did refine it a little. Yet, the original material is indeed excellent enough for His Highness to recognize.”
I lowered my head in humility, showing my respect for his words.
Now, the Second Prince was turning his attention toward me.
“You’re the second son of the Medici Baron Clan. Cake and seaweed, and you came up with a new steel-making method? I’ve actually had a bit of interest in you.”