Chapter 238: +Picture

Chapter 238: +Picture

The Erzsebet Kingdom, as a major power dominating the western part of the continent, was a Kingdom with immense economic strength.

And no wonder, as the Erzsebet Kingdom was situated in a geopolitically advantageous position.

Its territory was positioned in a location that was central to continental western logistics, making the trade benefits immense.

As a result, the Erzsebet Kingdom possessed tremendous military power and was renowned as one of the foremost great powers on the continent.

"From the Kingdom of Erzsebet's perspective it makes sense."

Otto did not pay much attention to Ego’s words.

Why?

Because he already expected it.

"It's understandable to be concerned. With so many other issues to deal with, it's troubling that we're being targeted by them."

The Kingdom of Erzsebet was a rich country, but it had too many enemies around it.

Currently, it borders the Arad Empire, the strongest Kingdom in the world, and there are many powerful neighboring Kingdoms with powerful military forces.

Therefore, despite being a powerful Kingdom, it could not rush to war.

Focusing their military resources in one place would likely trigger attacks from other powers, so they could not afford to fight a large-scale war except for small-scale localized wars.

Because of this, the Kingdom of Erzsebet primarily used money to pressure its neighboring Kingdoms.

Using its advantage as a logistical hub, it was adept at choking neighboring Kingdoms by imposing trade sanctions.

"It's a predictable step, so don’t worry too much."

"However, Your Majesty."

Ego’s expression was serious.

"They say they are raising tariffs on all goods flowing from the Kingdom of Erzsebet to the Kingdom."

"That's to be expected."

"Are you really not worried at all?"

"Well."

Otto gave Ego a nonchalant expression.

"We can just open up other distribution channels."

"Yes?"

"I'm also paying close attention to the Kingdom of Erzsebet, so don’t worry too much."

"Understood."

Ego sensed that Otto had something in mind and nodded in agreement.

From Ego's experience, Otto always knew the answer.

So when Otto spoke as if it were nothing, Ego felt reassured.

"I see."

Otto glanced at the map, his mouth curled into a scowl.

"How dare they interfere with my profits?"

At that moment.

*Flinch!*

Ego was frozen in place by the madness in Otto's eyes.

Otto was so furious that it made Ego’s skin prickle.

‘Well, His Majesty is sensitive about money, after all.'

Ego was all too familiar with Otto's obsession with money.

It was inevitable because the most important thing in running a country was none other than money.

A Kingdom is a money driven system!

But they're cutting off the source of that money and causing trouble?

It was only natural for Otto to be furious.

"And also, you see."

Ego continued.

"Because of the Kingdom of Erzsebet, there has been a significant disruption in the import of Obsidium."

Obsidium is a mineral that contains dark energy from the universe and is the primary ingredient in the dementia treatment drug, Diane.1

Currently, the Lota Kingdom was fully prepared for the mass production of Diane and focused on securing the raw materials.

However, the disruption in the import of the most crucial Obsidium was a very serious setback.

With Quran’s dementia symptoms worsening, being unable to import Obsidium was a devastating blow to the Lota Kingdom.

"Heh. Hehehe."

Otto let out a maniacal laugh.

"Our lioness is going to interfere with my moneymaking. Yeah, I expected it. Okay. I have just cause. Let's see how this ends."

"Situations must be reported in real time, and any unusual developments can be reported directly to me at any time."

Bathory planned not only to use economic sanctions but also to destabilize the Lota Kingdom from within through the use of foreign agents.

And that was currently the most fatal weakness of the Lota Kingdom.

The Lota Kingdom had expanded its territory too rapidly in a short period, so internal disorder was a given.

Naturally, there were bound to be numerous individuals dissatisfied with the current King, Otto.

Bathory decided to take advantage of that.

She aimed to actively recruit and support those dissatisfied with Otto in order to sow discord within the Lota Kingdom.

It was a highly complex operation, but Bathory was confident of accomplishing it.

Bathory had carried out countless such operations using the intelligence agency, and it was still an on-going process.

It wasn’t for nothing that the powers around Erzsebet Kingdom were silent.

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As the Erzsebet Kingdom's trade sanctions against the Lota Kingdom began, the continent was transitioning from autumn to winter.

As the cool breeze turned cold, the season entered early winter.

Every winter, the consumption of magic stones worldwide surged dramatically.

Magic stones were the most important strategic and energy resource in this world, and during winter, they were as essential as everyday necessities.

Even just a few pieces of low-quality magic stones could keep one very warm throughout the winter.

The larger the Kingdom, the higher its consumption of magic stones.

The higher a Kingdom's economic power, the more cheaply it could supply magic stones, making it unnecessary to go through the trouble of chopping down trees.

The same applied to the Erzsebet Kingdom.

The Erzsebet Kingdom sought to import a large quantity of magic stones before the onset of the full winter.

The primary source of magic stones for the Erzsebet Kingdom was none other than the Caliphate Kingdom.

The Erzsebet Kingdom had maintained a very good relationship with the Caliphate Kingdom for a long time through their trade in magic stones.

Therefore, the Erzsebet Kingdom intended to import magic stones from the Kaliph Kingdom just as they had every year.

But...

"What?"

As soon as the court meeting began, Bathory had to doubt her own ears.

"Did you say that the Caliphate Kingdom cannot export magic stones?"

"Yes, that is correct."

The official bowed his head, clearly at a loss for what to do.

Heating magic stones were essential for winter and thus a very important commodity.

If there were any disruption in supply, it could lead to an unimaginable disaster where countless citizens might freeze to death.

Even for a great Kingdom.

"What has happened?"

Bathory asked with a voice tinged with anger.

"Why is it suddenly that the Caliphate Kingdom cannot export magic stones? Surely there must be a reason?"

"Th.. That."

"Speak up at once!"

Bathory shouted with a voice as sharp as frost.

*Flinch!*

The high and low-ranking officials trembled in fear.

It was due to the intense mana storm emanating from Bathory.

"Forgive me... but."

The official, trembling with fear, managed to speak.

"The Caliphate Kingdom says that.... if the trade sanctions against the Lota Kingdom are not lifted, they will not export magic stones this winter."

** ** **

TL/N:

1. Diane – Ref Ch 179

*Medicine that was created by the Kuntachi Family Elder Alphondal

2. A female could indeed become a powerful ruler, even if the title of “king” was less common for women in medieval times.

Queen Bathory – 여왕 바토리