Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

The next day, in a corner of the capital, a market was held by the Klimianas.

The market was not a large one, but a so-called street stall, and although it was not very attractive, it sold rice, wheat, and many other daily necessities. They were sold at unbelievable prices, and the stores in the vicinity did not hide their upset when they saw them.

At first, few people living in the capital city approached Klimiana's store, as they were wary of it. However, when it became clear that the goods sold there were of reasonably good quality, people began to visit little by little, and after a month the store was thriving.

After a month, the shop became very prosperous. The store was faced with the choice of cutting prices at the risk of losing money, or else closing.

The stores were not sitting on their hands. They had formed a commercial association, which had deep connections with the nobility of the Grand Duchy. They appealed to the powerful nobles and asked them to get rid of Crimiana's store.

The nobles tried to sabotage Crimiana in various ways, but all of them failed. As a last resort, they attempted to sabotage Crimiana's shop by force, but that too was easily defeated. They were attacked with swords and other weapons as they moved about, but despite their bare hands, they beat the thugs to a pulp.

These movements were reported to the Grand Duke, Taste, at every step. Gradually, the people of the capital began to trust Crimiana. Moreover, those who were given money by Klimiana actively bought goods in the surrounding stores, and the stores could no longer maintain their stores without them. In a sense, this country had been seized by the Crimiana cult by the scruff of the neck in terms of food.

Grand Duke Teisto was becoming more and more concerned. If the Church of the Crimiana used this as a shield to force the country to do what they wanted, the country would have no choice but to obey them.

......We must get rid of them somehow.

Taste had this thought in his mind, but when it came time to put it into action, he was hesitant. Already the people of Crimiana have gained popularity among the people of the capital. If they were eliminated, they would lose the trust of the citizens at once. If that happens, the country will be in a state of civil war. This is exactly what Klimiana has ordered. Perhaps, taking advantage of the upheaval in this country, Klimiana will send out his army to occupy it and make it his vassal state. This was the usual method of the Crimiana, which was seen in many countries of the world in the past.

What should be done to avoid interference from the Church? The Grand Duke Taste called a meeting of the principal figures of the Principality to discuss the matter.

Surprisingly, the majority of the participants were of the opinion that Crimiana should be eliminated in secret. Among them, the Marquis of Funst was a strong advocate.

I have a plan. We can bury the Crimeanas without anyone knowing. We can tell the people that we have all returned home because something urgent has happened in the home country. Leave it to me. We'll get you out of the shadows and see what's going on. As for the ships at anchor, I have men on my hands who know how to maneuver them. If the dead bodies of the Crimeanas are brought on board and taken out to sea, where they will be sunk, no evidence will be left behind.

The Marquis of Funst was the family in charge of the Duchy's military forces. The Marquis of Funst was confidently puffing his chest. For this reason, many of those assembled agreed with the Marquis' opinion. The Grand Duke asked if anyone else had an opinion, but no one answered.

"...... that."

It was the Archduke's younger brother, the Duke of Hartz, who opened his mouth weakly. The man who had always hidden behind his brother and let himself be carried along by the world around him opened his mouth of his own volition. Everyone in the room looked at him.

"This is a very serious matter..."

The Duke of Hartz took a breath, swallowed his spit, and continued to speak.

"The Marquis says he will get rid of Klimiana in secret. ....... It has failed many times. I don't ...... think it will work. If it fails, if it fails, our principality will be destroyed. ......

"I understand what you are saying, but what would you have me do, Duke?"

The Marquis of Hartz, annoyed by the Duke's opinion, opens his mouth bitterly. Without making eye contact with him, the Duke of Hartz continues to speak.

"Hey, we need to get support from other countries. ......"

"Please wait, Duke. My country has not received aid from any country for the last hundred years. We have provided for all our own needs at home. We have never caused any trouble to other countries. ....... This is the pride of our principality!

One nobleman stands up and makes his case. Most of the assembled nobles nodded in agreement. The duke, however, was not intimidated at all.

"So, then, is there enough room in this principality to feed the people?

At these words, everyone was silenced.

"I understand."

The Grand Duke opens his mouth in a grave tone. He turns his head and looks at the Duke of Hertz, who is looking down and gawking.

"You said support from other countries, didn't you?　Specifically, where are you asking for help?"

"Ah, Agartha, sir."

"Agartha ......"

"I, for one, am the only person in the world who can shun the interference of the Klimiana: ......"

"Enough."

The Grand Duke interrupted Duke Hartz, closed his eyes and fell silent.

The Grand Duke knew exactly what his brother meant. Agartha is one of the largest food producers in the world. It has been providing free of charge seeds that will bear fruit even in the most barren lands, to countries that have been hit hard by volcanic eruptions. Moreover, Agartha's King Rinos is said to have the most powerful army in the world, yet his character is said to be extremely gentle. Moreover, he has a track record of repelling the interference of Klimiana. He is the right person for this country to make a connection with.

The Grand Duke opened his eyes and looked again at the Duke of Hartz.

"And when I ask for your support, I don't expect it to come for free. What do we offer Agartha?

"......"

"What's up, Hartz?"

"...... mmm, my daughter, Serloit, to Agartha, as a hostage, yes, yes."

The Archduke was rendered speechless by Duke Hartz's words. Then he understood why his normally taciturn brother was speaking out so aggressively at this moment.

...... You want to protect your daughter, Serloitte?

His brother, the Duke of Hartz, was a family man. He was especially devoted to his only daughter, Serloitte. Serloitte, the niece of the Grand Duke, was taciturn like her father, not very outgoing and rather introverted. Nevertheless, her good manners, the result of her parents' careful upbringing, and the intellect that flowed from her body were sufficient proof of the kind of person she was.

Recently, the shadow of a man had been glimmering in Serloitte's mind. It was a man named Mataca, Cardinal of Crimiana. A seemingly good-natured man with cool eyes. ....... He and Serloitte were meeting each other night after night at the Duke's residence.

This was privately reported to the Grand Duke by the wife of the Duke of Hartz. Meanwhile, the Duke happened to overhear the startling conversation between Mataka and Serloito at the residence.

"Cerloito, my orders are absolute. Will you swear to obey?"

"I swear."

You will be my slave.

"I am willing."

I had no idea that the mild-mannered, gentle girl was in such trouble. ....... The Duke was astonished when he heard these words, and at the same time a small flame flared up in his heart.

He had to save his daughter at any cost. ......

This strong desire moved the quiet Duke. This small move by this timid man would later save the Duchy, but the petty Duke had no way of knowing that. .......