Chapter 137

The sun was turning the sky red but there were still guests in the First Prince Palace.

He was the householder of the Baraport family, one of the famous vassal families of Angenas, and the younger brother of the Empress.

"Whoa..."

Duigi Angenas let out a stifled sigh, rubbing his fingers around his tired eyes.

The Baraport's Lord, who was sitting next to him, also took a hint and quenched his sore throat with alcohol.

"You two look tired. Let's stop now, shall we?"

Astana told Duigi and Baraport's Lord.

But Duigi shook his head.

"No, there's still a lot of stuff you need to study."

Duigi Angenas and Baraport's Lord were now helping Astana prepare for the conference two days later.

No, to be honest, it was like giving the answer to a question on the test in advance.

The general view on the important issues to be addressed at the conference and what the Angenas forces would argue were all informed in advance.

"Ha-am..."

But Astana was yawning and unable to resist boredom.

Obviously quite motivated at first, but he quickly lost interest as complicated political content poured out.

At the request of the Empress, they had been teaching Astana from one to ten for several hours but Duigi's patience was also running out.

"Your Highness."

Eventually, Duigi called Astana in a stern voice.

"Don't forget that the Second Prince will attend the next conference."

Astana frowned at the words of Duigi Angenas.

Then Baraport's Lord, sitting next to him, glanced at the liquor and said in an obnoxious voice.

"So? What does that have to do with this boring study?”

"...The Second Prince is a smart man. You can tell just by him graduated from the academy with the highest rank. He will probably leave a good impression on His Majesty and the nobility at the conference."

Duigi drew up the last bit of patience and spoke as if he were exhorting.

But Astana did not change his attitude.

"What's the difference if the lowly man acquires the favor of His Majesty and the nobles with a few words?"

"Of course..."

"You think he's a threat to me?"

Duigi Angenas shut up instead of answering.

It was because Astana's eyes looking at him were shining dangerously.

It was as if he were looking at a bad-tempered hunter who had set a trap.

At that time, Baraport, who was looking around, said tactfully.

"But if the First Prince makes a statement that digs into the issue, everyone will look up to you."

"Hmmm... that's not bad."

Astana rolled his eyes wide once and said.

"Then don't try to explain everything boringly, but speak more briefly. What is the issue, and what should I say?"

Astana was thinking of memorizing the correct answers and reciting them.

Taking this opportunity to give Astana a proper political lesson, Duigi Angenas took a deep sigh inside.

"...The most important issue at this conference will be the story of the Eastern Trade Route."

"Eastern again?"

Astana asked irritably.

"The East is always in trouble. There's always something to complain about!"

"It was an independent kingdom just a few generations ago, so it's still a very demanding area. It's also because it's difficult to trade smoothly because the land route to the East is far away and has to pass through rough mountainous regions."

"Well, then they have to try harder and melt into the empire. There's a lot they want every time on that subject."

"That's exactly what our Angenas would argue about."

"Oh, really?"

"The East has increased trade volume with the Central to facilitate a cultural exchange under the Imperial Order, but the trade routes are rugged, raising the problem that the Tops of the Empire sell goods at higher prices only in the East."

"What do they want?"

"For the next 10 years, the Imperial Family wants to provide annual subsidies to the East every year."

Astana jumped as Duigi explained in a calm voice.

"What a bunch of thieves!"

"Eastern isn't the only place in the Empire that has tricky trade routes. It's a very selfish and unreasonable request. To get to the North, we have to cross the mountain range as tough as the East."

The Baraport's Lord helped from the side.

Astana already had a slightly confused look on his face.

So Duigi Angenas said it as simple and easy to understand as possible.

"Your Majesty can point out what Baraport's Lord said a little while ago and argue that 'The benefits to the East are already sufficient, so it is right to divert trade subsidies to the North.'."

"Why do we have to go North? Shouldn't we not lose to the East for this?"

"There are a lot of jobs in politics where you have to choose either side. In that case, it's right to make a thorough choice for your ally. We, Angenas, need the help of the Ivans in the North for the development project, so this time we're taking care of the North."

"It's definitely a great opportunity to take credit, as Ivan's Deputy will be attending the conference as well."

Duigi and Baraport's Lord alternately explained.

"What about the East? I was told that I needed the consent of all local representatives to be appointed as Crown Prince."

"We can take care of them through other things next time. Besides, they are such closed groups that they are not too involved in central affairs. Even more sensitive issues such as the appointment of the Crown Prince. Perhaps they will quietly follow the opinions of His Majesty and the rest of the Empire."

"Well, then."

Astana shrugged and said.

"So it's almost over?"

"No, there are still a few more important issues on the agenda..."

"I only need to know the most important thing!"

"No, you have to be prepared for it this time. If you're too tired, we'll come back tomorrow."

He cant believe he has to do this again tomorrow.