Chapter 211 - Chapter 211: Aurora (Part 2)
The chaos in the Kingdom of Cascade shifted instantly when the Sowell family threw their support behind the royal family, and came to an end.
As a result, the Sowell family established a firm position in the western region. Furthermore, Aurora's marriage was decided, and immediately following that, it was announced that the Margrave was taking a leave of absence due to poor health.
This marked the beginning of full-scale governance by Aurora over her territory.
Though, for several years, nothing remarkable occurred. In a word, it was safe, unremarkable territory management.
Change did not arrive until the year 636 of the Cascade Kingdom calendar. In that year, magic talent was confirmed in Steve Archibalt (at the time), and the domestic situation changed drastically because of it. And it was Aurora who utilized this most effectively.
The discovery of Steve's magic talent was reported to Aurora immediately.
"Industrial Magic?"
Even the astute Aurora tilted her head at this unfamiliar magic attribute.
"I've never heard of it. Do not take your eyes off that boy. Keep a constant watch on him."
She gave that order.
After that, a merchant named Emmanuel belonging to the Grande Trading Company began selling steel brought back from the Archibalt Territory.
The report reached Aurora immediately.
"They are selling high-quality steel? Find out where they obtained it. If it is stolen goods, it will be a problem."
"Such a possibility?"
Harry asked with a question, and Aurora frowned deeply between her eyebrows.
"The Archibalt Territory isn't completely barren, but it is land unsuitable for agriculture. They are in debt to purchase food, yet have no means to repay it. The only option left would be to sell their daughter. So, if they are not doing that..."
"Indeed. But even if they were to steal, it would be impossible in such a remote place."
"That is precisely why I am curious about the source."
Ordering further investigation to find the source of the steel, a report arrived stating that hunting tools had been developed in the Archibalt Territory, and the villagers using them to hunt had slightly improved their food situation.
"They say it is a hunting tool that shoots bolts (arrows) from an iron tube?"
"It looks like a spear. However, the tip flies off and can even bring down flying birds. It is like a crossbow combined with a spear."
Harry glanced through the report and offered that comment.
"I wonder where they are sourcing the iron. There is still no report on that. If they are selling it and manufacturing weapons, there must be quite a large-scale operation. I have received no reports of bandit groups stealing iron in the western region. This means either there is a circumstance preventing damage reports, or no damage has occurred."
Aurora rested her chin on her hand and pondered. Yet, no satisfactory answer came to mind.
"I suppose I have no choice but to summon them and ask directly. Not knowing is uncomfortable."
At this time, Aurora held a strong interest in the Archibalt Territory. However, she never dreamed that this would greatly influence her life thereafter.
Just as she was considering when to summon them, a new report arrived.
"They say they have started producing and selling Reversi? The actual product was delivered to Aurora along with the report."
"This board game was invented and put up for sale by them."
"Yes. Peddlers purchase it in the Archibalt Territory and sell it in taverns and other places across the land."
"How interesting of them to come up with such a thing. But something of this level will surely be imitated soon."
As Aurora had glared, workshops appeared that attempted to imitate it. However, due to the difference in manufacturing costs, they could not match the products produced in the Archibalt Territory and were driven out.
Even the astute Aurora had not read that far ahead.
And then, another report arrived.
"They say they discovered an edible plant? Its name is Soba?"
It was reported that Steve had accidentally discovered Soba, made Soba noodles from it, and started eating them in the Archibalt Territory. Aurora took a strong interest in this.
After all, they had named a newly discovered plant "Soba." And they had started eating it.
If this were true, they possessed knowledge from the very beginning that it was an edible plant. Moreover, the method of eating it involved grinding the fruit into powder to make noodles. This was a situation that could not be dismissed as a mere accidental discovery.
At this stage, Aurora was desperate to meet Brian and Steve.
This information alone was already overwhelming, yet an even more unexpected report was about to arrive from the Royal Capital.