I Became A Black Merchant In Another World-Chapter 372: Merchants Want to Become Politicians Too (1)

Fabio had also warned the emperor not to get involved in this speculation.

However, Teresa’s warning had come just slightly earlier.

A mere hour ahead.

But that single hour had significantly increased the emperor’s trust in Teresa, allowing him to be the only one to survive the collapse of the market while everyone else suffered losses.

"That was the natural course of events."

"Are you saying that the finance minister, commerce minister, and trade minister I personally appointed are fools who couldn't even see that natural outcome?"

The emperor burst into laughter at his daughter's flustered reaction.

Normally, she was as composed and sharp as Fabio, but when it came to matters involving men, she reacted just like any other girl her age.

"It’s Fabio who’s the odd one out."

Even when he was subtly threatened that any misstep in social maneuvering could lead to "unfortunate consequences," he never wavered and continued to offer "loyal actions and advice."

Because of that, the emperor came to trust Fabio completely.

"It was Viscount Rothschild who designed and built the current imperial authority."

"That’s not what I meant."

"What seems obvious to you is not always obvious to the general public. Never forget, people are often more foolish than you think."

"Yes, Father."

"And I worry that the nobles will raise taxes to cover their losses. The enactment of the Four Pillars Law, tax cuts, and labor standards law have improved the lives of serfs and workers, but... their lives are still far from easy."

Teresa showed no visible reaction, but internally, she was quite surprised.

Just a few years ago, this same emperor had treated the commoners like talking livestock.

Not that he had ever abused them, but he believed feeding them was enough and always considered the aristocracy first when making decisions.

Now, he had completely transformed, prioritizing the well-being of the commoners over the nobles.

"Father, there is a way."

A smile appeared on the emperor's face.

"We can ask Viscount Rothschild. Surely, he would know a way to solve this problem."

"Indeed. Though young, Viscount Rothschild is incredibly intelligent. He will surely have a solution."

Are you worried about the rise of the Granada Kingdom? Then just instigate a conflict with Governor Nadore and weaken their national power.

Is the Kingdom of Lyon provoking the Empire?

I already arranged for spies in advance, won the war before it even began, and set traps to drag them into another country’s conflict.

To the emperor, Fabio was a problem solver for everything.

"Yes, that will work. Teresa, you truly are a blessing."

"No, Father."

"But I have one question."

"What is it?"

The emperor barely held back a grin that threatened to stretch to his ears.

"What do you think of Viscount Rothschild?"

"I find him extremely intriguing and entertaining."

"I see. I thought you might have feelings for him."

If Teresa had the slightest romantic interest in Fabio, she would have overreacted to that statement.

And then, the emperor, with a sigh, would have "reluctantly" offered a solution that would make himself happy, make Teresa happy, and, of course, allow Fabio to "advance in life."

But instead of being flustered, she simply smirked.

"As the imperial princess, I cannot carelessly harbor feelings for a man, Father."

"Of course."

For noble sons and daughters, free love might seem romantic on the surface, but to their families, it was often a catastrophic disaster.

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

There were even cases where noble families arranged engagements before their children were even born, with financial interests worth billions at stake.

A romantic relationship jeopardizing such arrangements?

The aftermath would be unimaginably difficult to manage.

And if the person pursuing free love was an imperial princess, it could even shake the foundations of the nation itself.

"It would be improper for me to send an official envoy, so I’d like you to go in my stead once again. Can you help me?"

"Yes, Father. Don't worry."

The emperor carefully observed Teresa’s expression.

Even though she was being given an additional burden, she showed no sign of displeasure.

On the contrary, she seemed rather pleased.

Seeing that smile gave the emperor an idea.

A brilliant plan to tie Fabio, who had already taken a duchess as his official wife, to the imperial family.

"If an accident happens... if I use the power of circumstance..."

Of course, the emperor had no intention of revealing this plan ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ to anyone, but he felt tempted to steer things in that direction.

Well, if his daughter truly disliked it, he wouldn't force it...

But if Teresa liked him, how could he, as a father, deny his daughter's happiness?

This was absolutely not about keeping Fabio shackled as the Empire’s administrative workhorse for generations.

It was pure, unconditional fatherly love.

"Heh heh heh... This is wonderful."

That night, the emperor enjoyed fried potatoes and beer while delighting in his amusing thoughts.

By the next day, rumors spread throughout the palace that the emperor must have had an exceptionally good night.

Teresa, carrying a secret imperial decree, was on her way to meet Viscount Rothschild.

A faint smile graced her lips.

Her chief lady-in-waiting didn’t miss the noticeable expression.

"Your Highness, are you truly that happy to meet Viscount Rothschild? Your face is beaming with joy."

"Of course. The viscount is a rather unique person. It’s always entertaining to meet him."

"In what way, specifically?"

"He always acts in ways I don’t expect. Even when pressured, he doesn’t show the slightest fear and sometimes turns the situation against me instead. And he is constantly introducing new systems and institutions to the Empire. It’s like watching a kaleidoscope."

"A kaleidoscope... Certainly, Viscount Rothschild is quite..."

Teresa had described him as unique, but from the perspective of others, Viscount Rothschild was simply insane.

Not the kind of madman who could be tamed with kindness but one who remained dangerously rational in his madness.

If someone dared to provoke him even slightly, he would retaliate by breaking their leg—and with a smile, snap one of their fingers as a bonus.

And even those brutal punishments were carried out with cold calculation, ensuring that the victim would never be able to retaliate.

To her lady-in-waiting, it was clear—

"She holds some favor toward the viscount."

Of course, the lady-in-waiting didn’t see any signs of romantic interest in Teresa just yet.

But as the saying goes, there are no true friendships between men and women...

Who knew when their relationship might change?

"Besides, all other nobles see me as a tool to exploit. The young lords from count families are practically scheming in front of me, trying to establish a connection. And the men my age are only focused on flattering me for their own gain."

The higher one’s status, the less likely true love existed.

Every noble and royal understood that.

That was why they idealized romantic love, even while knowing it could destroy their families.

"But Viscount Rothschild has no such intentions. And since he’s already married to Erika, there won’t be any scandals either."

"That is true."

"I just want us to remain good friends."