[??? PoV]
The Vetucini Pass is a route connecting the Republic of Venetia with the Greco Republic on the coast of the Gulf of Cosentia. This path is one of two primary trade routes linking the central lands with the western territories.
The other route is the Tegaris Pass in the land of Kuwalid, which connects that desert nation to the Kingdom of Francia. However, merchant guilds frequently prefer the Vetucini Pass as it is faster, cheaper, and safer compared to the Tegaris Pass, which suffers from a desert climate, numerous bandits, and the corrupt bureaucracy of Kuwalid.
"Samos, the border post is in sight!"
My colleague shouted the alert from the front of the line.
We are a caravan transporting trade commodities from the La Escudo Merchant Guild, based in the Empire, toward the Kingdom of Weimar. This guild was only formed last year, yet it has rapidly acquired numerous business partners across the continent.
A merchant guild is an organization established to facilitate business owners in distributing their products to both business and consumer markets, managing business permits with the government, providing networking infrastructures, and much more. Such guilds can also lobby a nation's government to implement specific regulations for their benefit, depending on their agreements with the state administration.
Currently, we are on the Vetucini route, preparing to cross the border between the Republic of Venetia and the Greco Republic.
"Halt at the front!" I shouted loudly.
Our group came to a stop as several border officials approached the caravan. Typically, they inspect the goods we carry to ensure no prohibited items are being exported from their territory.
"Who is the Caravan Master of this group?" one of the border officers asked.
"I am—Samos, leader of this caravan," I answered, approaching them with several documents in hand.
"State your destination and which merchant guild you represent," the officer commanded, producing a pen and a notebook.
"We are from the La Escudo Merchant Guild, headquartered in the Aragon Empire," I replied. "We are bound for the Kingdom of Weimar to deliver these commodities to our trading post there."
"Show your membership cards," the officer ordered.
I pulled a card from my breast pocket and handed it to him. He began recording the data listed on the card.
"Sergeant, over here!" the officer's colleague shouted from nearby.
The officer and I approached his colleague, who was busy inspecting our cargo.
"Animal hides, wool, silk, and various textile materials," the colleague noted, listing the commodities.
After listening to the report, the officer turned his sharp gaze back to me.
"Are you aware of which goods are prohibited from entering or passing through the Republic's territory if they originate from guilds within the Empire?" the officer asked.
"Of course. The Republic prohibits finished product arriving from various merchant guilds in the Aragon Empire," I answered. "However, the commodities we carry are all semi-finished product and do not violate the policies of the Republic of Venetia."
This policy was enacted by the Republic specifically against the Aragon Empire to prevent them from dominating the markets of the western continent. The Empire has no choice but to follow these disadvantageous policies if they wish to utilize this trade route. Furthermore, the western nations agreed to these export restrictions to allow each country to maintain market equilibrium within their own borders.
"We must seize all your commodities for violating our policy," the officer stated with a grim expression.
"What? Why? We haven't violated your policies at all! All our commodities are semi-finished product!" I protested vehemently.
"That was the previous policy," the officer countered. "Three hours ago, a new policy was ratified prohibiting both finished and semi-finished product entering from the Aragon Empire into our lands."
Hearing this explanation, I was speechless. If the Republic of Venetia implements this, won't it cause the Empire's economy to weaken significantly? The Empire might tolerate a ban on finished goods, but if semi-finished goods are also barred, wouldn't the Republic face massive protests from the Imperial side?
"Everyone, seize all the commodities of this caravan!" the officer commanded his subordinates.
"Wait! Do you truly wish to make the Empire your enemy?" I demanded.
The officer turned and glared at me intensely. His expression showed he was quite irritated by my words.
"The Republic of Venetia is a sovereign state! We will not allow a foreign nation to dictate our domestic policies!"
With that, he and his men began confiscating our trade goods and detained me and my colleagues on charges of smuggling. Facing this crisis, my only thought was how I would explain this situation to Chairman Joff later.
***
[Joff Bozes PoV]
This is quite dire...
Due to the policy implemented by the Republic of Venetia a few days ago, we are forced to find alternative routes to deliver our commodities to the international market.
"What should our next step be, Joff?"
In front of me, a black-haired man sat waiting for my answer regarding the problem we currently face.
"My Lord, we must change our trade route," I replied. "There are two options available: the Tegaris Trade Route in Kuwalid Kingdom and the Southern Sea Route."
"Explain the risks of both," Raul commanded.
"If we take the Tegaris Route, the risks are the heat and sandstorms which could damage our products. However, with extra protection and sufficient supplies, these can be managed," I explained. "The real issues are the security and the corrupt bureaucracy in that desert land. We would need to lobby the local leaders there to ensure our caravans pass the borders easily."
"And the Southern Sea Route?" Raul asked.
"The southern path has lower risks than the Tegaris route; the only threats there are storms and pirates," I clarified. "Fortunately, pirate activity is currently declining. However, if we take this path, travel costs will be significantly higher as we must increase our fleet and cover ship maintenance."
After hearing my explanation, Lord Raul appeared deep in thought. His index finger tapped rhythmically on the table, sounding like the ticking of a wall clock. Currently, our guild's annual profit reaches 4,500 Gulden. Taking the Kuwalid route would drop our profit to 4,000 Gulden, while the Southern Sea route would plummet it to just 3,200 Gulden per year.
"We will use the Southern Sea Route for priority commodities; for the rest, we will take the Kuwalid Route," Raul finally decided. "As for lobbying the local leaders... do not worry. I will deal with them myself."
"Understood, My Lord. Your will be done."
"Is that all you have to report? Do you have any other requests?" Raul asked.
"Nothing further, My Lord. I will provide periodic reports on the guild's progress once these new policies are in effect," I answered.
Raul nodded, stood up, and donned his coat. "Very well. Thank you for your hard work, Joff. I am returning to the Garcia family mansion in the capital; my father has requested my presence."
Raul then departed, leaving me alone in the room. I suppose I must reconvene the meeting with everyone else. This is going to be a very long day.
***
[Raul PoV]
Currently, I am at the House Garcia mansion in the capital. I am here because Duke Alvaro suddenly wished to speak with me about something. However, upon my arrival, he was unavailable as he was receiving guests.
As I headed toward my room, I saw Princess Alisha having tea with a woman with shoulder-length grey hair in the lounge. Isn't that her sister—Anastasia?
I approached them. Princess Alisha noticed my arrival and looked me in the eye.
"Oh, so you've returned," the grey-haired woman remarked. "It seems you still remember your fiancée?"
"Forgive me, Princess Alisha. There were urgent matters I had to conclude abroad," I said with a regretful tone.
"Heee~ So there was something more important than accompanying your future wife? I wonder, will you frequently abandon me once we are husband and wife?" Princess Alisha said with a mischievous smile.
I... couldn't find the words to counter her. Especially knowing she won't live past this year. Why does she make such jokes?
"Stop it, Sister, you're bullying Lord Raul!" Anastasia said, looking at Alisha with annoyance.
"Fufufu~ Forgive me, I was only teasing you, Raul. The Romanova family is very grateful to the Garcia family for the assistance provided to our country," Alisha said with a light laugh. "Allow me to introduce you; this cute girl is Anastasia—my only sister. I believe this is your first time meeting."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Brother Raul! Since we are going to be family, you can call me Ana!" Anastasia said with a wide smile.
Anastasia was one of the previous Saint candidates. Thinking back, she likely would have been chosen as the new Saint if Ariel hadn't awakened her powers at that time. I feel quite guilty thinking about it.
However, considering Anastasia's personality in the game, I don't think she would have been suited for the role of a Saint—especially not when facing the political machinations played by world leaders seeking a Saint's blessing.
"It is a pleasure to meet you too, Ana," I said, attempting a smile. "By the way, where is the attendant who usually follows you, Princess Alisha?" I asked the elder sister.
"Leon? He is preparing our belongings to return to the Slavia Tsardom," Alisha answered. "I am aware of the rising political tension between the Aragon Empire and the Republic of Venetia. Our father does not want us here if war breaks out."
I see. It seems Tsar Feodor does not want his two daughters held here as hostages should the Empire demand the Slavia Tsardom take a side in the conflict.
"Young Master."
I turned at the sound of someone calling me. An elderly servant was walking toward us. It was Alfred—the Head Butler of the Garcia family.
"What is it?" I asked.
"You may see Duke Alvaro now," Alfred replied.
"Very well." I turned back to Alisha and Anastasia. "Forgive me, I must see my father. I shall take my leave."
Both smiled and nodded, and I left with Alfred. We arrived in front of Duke Alvaro's study. Alfred knocked and announced he had brought me.
"Enter." I heard the Duke's voice from behind the door.
Alfred opened the door and closed it once I stepped inside. Currently, it is just the two of us. His black eyes stared directly at me. Duke Alvaro—one of the most dangerous villains in the game Path of Destiny. To this day, I still cannot guess what he is planning.
"Sit, Raul. We shall speak of family matters," the man said.
I followed his instruction and sat in the provided chair.
"So, what is it you wish to discuss with me?" I asked.
"Well... you are aware that both Princesses will be returning to their country?" the Duke asked.
I nodded in response.
"I shall be going with them to the Slavia Tsardom," Duke Alvaro revealed. "There are certain things I must attend to there."
"And what does this have to do with me?" I asked.
Duke Alvaro pulled a letter from his desk drawer and handed it to me. It was an invitation addressed to all nobles directly under the Emperor to attend a meeting to be held five days from now at the Imperial Palace.
"You shall go there representing our family," Duke Alvaro said.
"I believe I can attend, considering we still have 10 days of vacation remaining after our Internship," I remarked.
"Good. But I must warn you: there will be several nobles there who will question our allegiance regarding the Imperial candidates," Duke Alvaro revealed. "Be careful with your words; our family has not yet officially declared support for anyone."
It was true. Although Duke Alvaro had given me full authority to steer the family's support, I had not yet officially announced it to the public. I suppose I must begin making maneuvers now to prepare for our situation after graduation.