Chapter 336: The Shortcut to Becoming a Hegemon (2)
“I shall undertake a project that will bestow the Magentano royal family with a thousand years of continental hegemony.”
“Hmm?”
Bang!
The clash of wooden swords and shovel heads reverberated once again.
Shockwaves and noise roared in all directions.
Sweat droplets flew and scattered.
Amidst the storm-like atmosphere, Queen Alicia raised an eyebrow.
She stared directly at Lloyd, who was fending off her wooden sword with his shovel.
“Did you not just boast that you would provide overwhelming benefits to me and the royal family?”
“Yes, I did.”
“The reward being as great as receiving the Eyes of Summer?”
“Indeed, it will be so.”
“That sounds suspicious.”
“Excuse me?”
Lloyd tilted his head in confusion.
A fierce smile appeared at the corner of Alicia’s lips.
“A benefit that will secure a millennium of continental hegemony. I didn’t realize you had such a profound talent for bluffing.”
“Oh, it’s not a bluff…!”
Swoosh!
In an instant, Queen Alicia’s sword technique changed.
Until now, it had been a series of rapid consecutive strikes.
Now, it shifted to a style of delivering heavy, singular blows.
Lloyd, who was about to answer the Queen’s questioning, failed to adapt to the sudden change.
“…Ugh!”
Thud!
Like a giant’s axe, a heavy downward strike fell.
In a fluster, Lloyd raised his shovel to block.
His vision went black for a moment.
It was as if the film had cut out.
Even though it was only for a second, his sight completely blacked out.
His stomach churned violently.
‘Ugh, what is this…!’
It felt like being hammered in the chest a hundred times.
His knees wobbled and half-buckled.
His waist bent over.
But there was no time to complain.
“If you stay dazed like that, your head will be smashed.”
“…!”
Wham!
A second downward strike was coming.
‘Too late to block!’
At that moment, Lloyd leaned his bent body forward.
He rolled forward as he fell.
Thanks to this, he narrowly avoided the Queen’s second downward strike.
Thud!
The terrifying sound of the ground shaking came from right behind him as he finished his roll.
A pit had formed from the Queen’s single strike.
Lloyd felt sweat trickling down his neck and quickly spoke.
“It’s not a bluff.”
But the Queen’s assault did not cease.
She swept her wooden sword up from the ground, swinging it horizontally.
Whoosh!
“…!”
If he got hit, his left ribs would be shattered.
Sensing this, Lloyd struggled to evade the range of her attack and spoke.
“We just need to open a trade route through the Pantara Mountains.”
“What?”
Whoosh!
The Queen’s wooden sword halted 2 centimeters from Lloyd’s left ribs.
She tilted her head in curiosity.
“What nonsense is that?”
“It’s not nonsense, nor is it a bluff. I’m being sincere, Your Majesty.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Truly?”
“Indeed.”
“Then shall we continue our bloody duel?”
Queen Alicia chuckled.
She glanced sideways beyond the training ground.
Her meaning was clear.
The royal guards, who were standing at a distance, might hear their conversation with their sharp hearing.
So they should continue to clash and make noise while talking.
Catching on, Lloyd smiled wryly.
“Thank you for your grace.”
But would he be able to walk out of here unscathed after this conversation?
He gripped his shovel tightly.
He didn’t wait.
He charged in.
‘If I lose the initiative, I’ll be overwhelmed!’
The Queen was clearly stronger than him.
Even with Asrahan’s techniques, it was evident.
So, when facing such a formidable opponent?
He had to maintain the offensive as much as possible.
That was the only way to keep his rhythm.
With this in mind, Lloyd swung his shovel energetically.
He mixed in sharp thrusts amidst seemingly clumsy movements.
“Huh?”
The Queen’s eyes showed a hint of amusement.
She easily parried Lloyd’s shovel thrusts with her wooden sword.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
Amidst the clamor, Lloyd opened his mouth to speak.
“First, if I may be so bold, Your Majesty, do you know the length and size of the Pantara Mountains in our kingdom’s southwest?”
“How insolent. Are you testing me?”
“I apologize, but…”
“The length of the Pantara Mountains is approximately 690 kilometers. The highest peak is Pantara Mountain at about 5,700 meters. The general formation of the mountains stretches diagonally from the southeast to the northwest. Is that sufficient?”
“Magnificent, Your Majesty. However, there’s a peculiar feature you didn’t mention.”
“Oh, you mean the unique topography?”
“Yes.”
“Must I mention that as well?”
“It’s not as if you are unaware, Your Majesty.”
“…Despite their vast height and length, the width of the mountain range is extremely narrow. Barely even a few dozen kilometers. It’s as if a tall partition were set up. Because of the high peaks and narrow width, it’s also the steepest mountain range in the world.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Hence, the Pantara Mountains are also called the ‘Blade of the Gods.'”
Even while breathlessly thrusting his shovel.
Even as all his attacks were blocked by the Queen.
Lloyd smiled.
Everything they had just discussed was true.
The Pantara Mountains were the most rugged and treacherous mountain range on the continent of Loracia.
The highest peak was an astounding 5,700 meters.
The average height of the entire range was about 4,200 meters.
But the width of the range was only a few dozen kilometers.
As a result, it was incredibly steep.
It wasn’t just steep.
If you stood a blade on the ground, it might look like that.
It was a continuous series of terrifying cliffs and precipices.
Like a blade, or standing potato chips stuck into the ground.
Or perhaps…
‘It’s like a folding screen standing upright, a folding screen.’
Of course, the mountains weren’t naturally formed.
In the distant past, they had a somewhat normal appearance.
But about a thousand years ago, a being called the Dragon of Destruction, Kaiserthus, had carved and smashed the mountains into that peculiar shape.
‘…As mentioned in the Iron Blooded Knight. That dragon was later destroyed by the Dragon King Verkiss.’
Recalling the origins of the mountain range, Lloyd organized his thoughts.
The grand plan he had envisioned.
Keeping it in mind, he spoke.
“Anyway, due to the unique and harsh terrain of the Pantara Mountains, the southwestern trade of our kingdom has always been highly inconvenient, hasn’t it?”
“That’s true.”
Queen Alicia nodded.
Lloyd’s words were accurate.
“The terrain is too treacherous. As a result, only a few hunters, explorers, or seasoned local peddlers risk their lives to cross it.”
“Yes, that’s right. Only those familiar with the geography or veteran explorers can barely cross it. Thus, large-scale trade caravans can’t even dream of crossing it. That’s the current situation.”
“But you’re suggesting opening a trade route through there?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. If successful, it will bring immense benefits.”
Lloyd’s voice turned more earnest.
He continued speaking while still clashing with the Queen.
Managing his breath diligently.
“Consider this, Your Majesty. Currently, direct trade to the southwestern part of the kingdom is impossible, isn’t it? Because of the impassable Pantara Mountains.”
“Indeed. The only trade routes are those that detour around the long mountain range, either from the southeast or northwest.”
“Exactly, Your Majesty. Not only do these trade routes become unnecessarily long, stretching over a thousand kilometers, but they also pass through two other kingdoms before reaching the southwestern region. This unfortunate situation results in enormous customs duties and logistical costs.”
“Are you saying you can eliminate all those wastes and expenses?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Currently, to reach the lands beyond the mountain range, one had to detour nearly a thousand kilometers.
But what if there was a direct passage that was only about 100 kilometers long?
What if they didn’t have to pass through other kingdoms?
If such a direct trade route were opened?
It would yield incredible benefits.
‘It would be similar to the economic impact of the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal on Earth.’
Lloyd recalled similar cases from Earth.
Although the sea was involved, it was somewhat similar.
The Suez Canal eliminated the need for ships to go around the Cape of Good Hope when traveling between Europe and Asia.
It reduced the travel distance by thousands of kilometers.
The Panama Canal did the same.
Thanks to the Panama Canal between North and South America, ships could travel directly between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
The economic impact was enormous.
And it would be the same here.
‘Direct trade with the southwestern countries beyond the mountains will be possible. This will lead to an explosive increase in the distribution of various resources, agricultural products, and manufactured goods. Commerce and industry will enter a boom period. Moreover, the Magentano royal family will entirely control the trade route through the mountains, reaping all the customs benefits.’
It would also be advantageous militarily.
Whenever they wished, they could easily extend their military reach to the southwest.
‘The Magentano royal family is already on the verge of becoming a hegemonic power on the continent. If this trade route is opened, it’s like a tiger growing wings. It’s akin to starting with five bases in Starcraft or killing Baron three times in a row in League of Legends. Or in terms of child-rearing, having a baby with an IQ of 200 from birth, with no minor illnesses, who sleeps for eight hours straight. It’s amazing.’
The mere thought of it thrilled him.
If the trade route were genuinely opened?
Depending on how it was managed and utilized, the Magentano royal family could solidify their position as a hegemonic power for a thousand years.
‘So, there’s no way the Queen will reject this. Absolutely.’
Lloyd was confident.
No matter how one looked at it, it was a beneficial proposition for the royal family.
Even compared to the sacred artifact, the Eyes of Summer.
‘The sacred artifact is just stored away in the treasury. But the trade route, once opened, can be exploited for hundreds of years until it’s completely drained.’
That was his calculation.
From the beginning, when he devised this grand plan.
It was the most crucial aspect he considered.
‘And the Queen will likely express some concerns at this point.’
Swinging his shovel busily.
Trying hard to avoid the wooden sword.
Lloyd glanced at the Queen’s expression.
Sure enough, she frowned slightly at him.
“Lloyd Frontera. My loyal subject. Your claims and proposals are indeed enticing. But there are two concerns on my mind.”
“What might they be… Ugh! Your Majesty?”
Bang! Clang!
Amidst the shockwaves and sparks flying from the wooden sword and shovel.
The Queen’s voice, tinged with concern, mixed in.
“The first concern. The decree delivered by the angel today will split the Noble Assembly in two. Have you considered that?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Truly?”
“Yes.”
Lloyd nodded vigorously.
He confidently shared his expectations.
“Given the unprecedented event of an angel descending and delivering a decree, the Noble Assembly will be divided. Into those who support following the decree and those who oppose it.”
“Indeed.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. The supporters will advocate for bestowing the Eyes of Summer upon me, accusing the opponents of blasphemy.”
“Correct. The opponents, however, will argue that even though it’s a decree, granting the royal family’s sacred artifact to a mere vassal is excessive, calling the supporters traitors.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Hence, you are worried about me, aren’t you?”
“…Did you deduce that as well?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Of course.
He had figured it out early on.
“You will be in a difficult position due to the national division. Both the supporters and opponents will have justifiable reasons. Thus, it will be hard for you to readily take sides.”
“That’s likely. But are you saying you’ll bear the burden and responsibility of that choice?”
“Exactly.”
Yes, that’s why he proposed this.
“Test me, Your Majesty.”
“Test?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Command me to undertake the direct trade route construction through the Pantara Mountains. And grant me the qualification based on the success of the project.”
“…Do you mean the qualification to receive the Eyes of Summer?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lloyd spoke in a more sincere tone.
“If so, both the supporters and opponents will accept the outcome. Whether I receive the Eyes of Summer will depend solely on the success of the project.”
“And you intend to relieve me of the political burden of that choice?”
“I am grateful for your understanding.”
“Hah.”
The Queen chuckled.
The proposal was indeed clever and calculated.
It was also clear how much Lloyd had racked his brains over it.
“If the project succeeds, the royal family gains a trade route as valuable as the sacred artifact, satisfying the opponents. If the project fails, it proves you’re not worthy of receiving the sacred artifact, satisfying the supporters.”
“Exactly, Your Majesty.”
Clang!
Lloyd responded while parrying the thrust of the wooden sword.
He thought while counterattacking with a sharp thrust.
‘The Queen will accept this proposal. It’s a win-win for her.’
The Queen had nothing to lose.
If he succeeded in the project?
She would gain an invaluable trade route in exchange for the Eyes of Summer.
If he failed?
She would lose nothing and retain the Eyes of Summer.
Either way, there would be no loss.
Moreover, he had taken an open approach to emphasize these points.
‘That’s why I revealed that I acquired the Heart of Winter instead of losing it earlier. The Queen, with her keen political acumen, would have likely guessed as much. But if I had hidden it with a lame excuse, I would have lost her trust.’
So he had naturally mentioned acquiring the Heart of Winter.
And that its side effects were threatening his life.
He had been honest.
The result?
‘Not bad.’
The Queen had accepted his subtle confession smoothly.
She probably had already suspected his acquisition of the Heart of Winter to some extent.
‘Therefore, the Queen should understand my intentions now.’
Lloyd was confident.
However, perhaps his intentions were too apparent.
Suddenly, Queen Alicia gave a meaningful smile.
“Hah. How amusing.”
Clang!
The thrusting shovel was blocked.
At some point, the Queen’s wooden sword had entangled with Lloyd’s shovel handle.
One of her hands reached out.
She grabbed his neck.
Thump!
“…!”
A tremendous grip tightened around his throat.
The Queen’s smile turned fierce.
“Are you trying to tempt me with a proposal that seems to have no losses for either side?”
“…Ugh, did I get caught?”
“Obviously.”
The Queen’s fierce smile turned into a bitter chuckle.
“But despite that, your proposal is indeed attractive. So, I will ask about the second concern.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“Certainly. Did you think the Magentano royal family, and I, were fools? We’ve attempted to build a trade route through the Pantara Mountains multiple times.”
“I am well aware, Your Majesty.”
“You know?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then you must also know that all those attempts failed.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Then what confidence do you have to ensure the success of this project?”
“I have seen a method for success.”
“A method?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Explain.”
The Queen’s gaze turned sharp.
It was as if she was trying to see through his intentions.
But Lloyd did not flinch.
“Yes, Your Majesty. The secret to ensuring the success of the project I proposed is—”
As if he had been waiting for the Queen’s reaction and question.
He revealed the answer he had been keeping to himself like a top-notch tutor.
“Narrow gauge railways, loop tracks, and switchback systems.”