391 Episode 383: An overview of the Katlanda Empire. Steel technology.

Tea was served before everyone.

I also prepared tea for my balls, by the way.

"Now, Mr. Follett, shall we begin?

Mr Meyer, Mr Burt, please make up for what is missing.

Two people nod at Takeo's words.

"Right...

Mr. Follett, first of all, geographically, where is the Katlanda Empire?

"Yes.

The Katlanda Empire lies west of the kingdom of Azpur and will have a population of about 1.2 million people.

The land area is about 80% of the kingdom of Azpur, but half of it is mountainous.

There are high mountains to the north and west, and there does not seem to be any national traffic with the nation across the mountain. Also south of the Katlanda Empire and southwest of the Kingdom of Azpur is the Union of Wilip, with which there is a truce agreement.

"I see.

How is the system as a nation?

"Yes.

We lay down an aristocratic system that gives autonomy to each territory, but in the Katlanda Empire nobility is not taken, and it seems that civilians and martial officers are sent to each town from the centre to take charge of administration, etc.

For once, it is said that the class of generals and ministers is what we call aristocracy.

"I see.

As Meyer taught me on the journey, right?

Takeo says with a nod.

"Lord Kitamizato, which is better: the system of the Kingdom of Azpur or the system of the Katlanda Empire?

Meyer asks.

"Hmm? Aren't the Meyers learning?

"Well, I learned it once.

I wanted to hear Lord Kitamizato's thoughts.

"... well, I think the Katlanda Empire is a centralized state, and the Kingdom of Azpur should be seen as a decentralized state.

"What kind of stuff is that?

Thank you. We only listen to people from the kingdom... and we don't really understand the system of the Katlanda Empire.

"Simply put, it would be easy to prevent corruption because a centralized state would collect people, things, and gold in its capital, and local administrations would have central officials taking turns for several years. Besides, while the idea can be achieved quickly because central orders go fast, it is considered that it is good that local administrations do not move forward as late as possible because they may also reset every few years.

"Yes."

"By contrast, decentralized states have local autonomy for each lord, so they can make long-term plans for policies that were in the region.

It is also considered to have the disadvantage of not listening to corruption or central orders while believing that the same family will manage the land for many years, thus creating an understanding of the community and love for the Lords.

"Hmm..."

Meyer and the others wrap their arms around it.

"There is good and bad in both national systems.

Either way, if the rulers are corrupt, it can lead to the destruction of the state and civil unrest.

Besides, the way of the Kingdom of Azpur doesn't necessarily work within the Katlanda Empire, and the way of the Katlanda Empire doesn't necessarily work within the Kingdom of Azpur.

Underlying the state operation is the ability to live the lives of the people properly...

It makes no sense for the people to scream even if policies are good.

Within the Kingdom of Azpur, there is no civil unrest and the succession to the throne is likely to go well.

I am satisfied with the lives of the people, and they say that the state operates well.

You don't think I need to be forced to change this life.

"I see."

Meyer and the others nod.

"If it is, I believe it is now important to uphold this system.

"Right.

This is the laboratory launch of Lord Kitamizato.

"Well, all of a sudden, it's not going to get any better... the development of weapons to improve the quality of our defense.

It seems rewarding, but... you don't know if it's going to work.

And you missed the point.

Mr Follett, what are the key industries of the Katlanda Empire next?

"Yes.

The Katlanda Empire is surrounded by mountains, half of the country is mountainous, so agriculture is not thriving.

As a country, industrial power using mines in mountainous areas seems to be for sale.

The kingdom of Azpar has no mines in the country, but the Katlanda Empire teaches that it is an artisanal nation using a wealth of ore.

"Hmm... you still want the mine, don't you?

"Do you think Lord Kitamizato needs it?

Bart asks.

"Yeah, mine would be a treasure trove of resources... so I guess industrial power will change depending on whether it's in your own country or not.

The kingdom of Azpar relies on imports from the kingdom of Dwarves, right?

"Yes, in the Kingdom of Azpur there is supposedly no iron making technology.

Essentially, we import and process steel from the kingdom of Dwarf domestically.

"Are the imports made by the Proprietary Office?

"Yes, it is imported in bulk by the Proprietary Office and processed into subdivisions and wholesaled into each territory.

"Really... so? What is it that there is supposedly no steelmaking technology?

Takeo asks Bert.

"Actually, there are also steel mills in the country.

But... the fact that the Dwarf kingdom is less pure and the mines of raw materials have not been discovered so far has not developed.

Jinshan, Silver Mountain and Copper Mountain are also present in several parts of the country, but they rely on imports because of their low output.

"... is that right?

I don't know how to refine iron or each metal, so... I can't give you the advice that I said this... but, um, you don't think about it here for now.

And then the Katlanda Empire is an empire, right?

Is there a royal family?

"Yes.

The other side is an organization with the emperor as its apex.

The Imperial Family was five brothers with four princes and one princess.

"It was... what?

Takeo feels uncomfortable with Follett's words.

"Lord Kitamizato, in fact, we are aware that the brothers of the Katlanda Empire have a fierce strife over their tracks.

So the first prince and the second prince are already dead.

Now it's only the third princess, the fourth prince and the fifth prince, right?

"... I'm glad the tracks of the Azpur kingdom are those three brothers.

If they do not fight over the tracks, they are going to split the country.

"Not at all. Now the royal family is making an effort to get along very well.

If this turns out to be a trail fight... ha... it's just horrible to think about it.

"So far, His Royal Highness Cliff, the 1st Prince, is decent, so there doesn't seem to be a problem.

"Yes. His Highness Cliff has also been prepared to be king for quite some time.

I'm trying to support my brother as far as His Highness Neil and His Highness William are concerned.

"Really?

The royal family is in trouble, too.

Well, we have to finish this inspection well for now.

"" "Yes.

Everyone nodded at each other.