What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?-Chapter 104 Time Is Running Out And Solutions

At the border of South

"Duke, I humbly apologize for the interruption. I come bearing urgent news that demands your immediate attention," a man expressed with a tone of utmost respect, bowing before the commanding presence.

The figure standing before him, draped in a magnificent robe and adorned with fiery red armor, emanated an aura of majestic authority.

His attire, adorned with a blazing emblem and accentuated by striking black details, served as a testament to his commanding stature.

In his right hand, he wielded a sword, its blade gleaming with a fierce, black-tinged red hue.

Hearing the man's words, the imposing figure nodded and spoke with a slightly hoarse and aged voice, "What is it, General Valha?"

Despite the hoarseness, the voice carried a sense of strength that matched the imposing presence of the figure before him.

As the head of the Valha family and the main general of the southern region's forces, the man felt the weight of the figure's presence and could only take a deep breath to steady himself.

"Is Duke Asvold's power growing stronger, reaching the level of a legendary elemental, the Supreme?" A chilling question haunted his mind.

"If that is the case, shouldn't we expedite the implementation of the plan devised ten years ago?" Roy Valha pondered but swiftly dismissed the idea, his focus shifting to the impending war against the Barbarian Empire and the formidable Savaran Empire.

After a moment of contemplation, he regained his composure and offered a respectful salute to Duke Asvold, standing before him.

"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Roy acknowledged it with the utmost deference.

"Our spies have provided reports revealing that notable military activities are underway within vital cities of the Savaran Empire, notably Lumindor and Solara."

Roy's furrowed brow accentuated his concerns as he elaborated, "Furthermore, we have witnessed the deployment of troops equipped with formidable heavy weaponry within both of these critical cities."

The Savaran Empire garnered renown for its indomitable soldiers, renowned for their unwavering courage and exceptional combat prowess, as if they were born warriors.

While the empire lacked prominent elemental masters among its ranks, their invincibility stemmed from their reliance on the formidable heavy troops who skillfully wielded mana in battle.

Indeed, unless a high-level elemental saint resorted to employing advanced elemental arts to vanquish them all, conquering their forces would prove an arduous task.

In this world, even the mightiest elemental figures may find themselves overwhelmed and perish when confronted by thousands of heavily armored horsemen, their full potential restrained before they can unleash their most potent elemental spells.

Such is the dominance of the Savaran Empire, renowned for its formidable army and unrivaled military prowess.

David's brow furrowed slightly as he absorbed Roy's explanation, offering a subtle nod of comprehension.

"I understand now," David replied in a casual tone.

"In that case, what has been the response from the capitals of Arkham and Arcantera?" he inquired nonchalantly.

Roy nodded in acknowledgment before clarifying, "Regarding the latest reports, it appears that both Emperor Alex and Duke Noah are aware of the situation, but their subsequent actions have yet to be observed."

"Nevertheless, it appears that both of them should have foreseen this," Roy added with a serious tone.

Given the heightened tension, he was confident that these influential figures had already devised countermeasures or taken precautions.

In a fleeting moment, he cast a glance at David's figure, unable to suppress a slight sigh.

"However, out of the three, it is only Duke Asvold who harbors an intense hatred for the Savaran Empire," Roy remarked, emphasizing the depth of his resentment.

As Roy observed Duke Asvold, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within him—compassion mingled with a sense of helplessness—recognizing the profound impact the past incident had left on the Duke's spirit.

It seemed that his thirst for vengeance had become his sole driving force, leaving Roy unable to intervene.

Lost in his thoughts, Roy was startled when David interjected, "Indeed, these two must have made their own preparations."

"After all, it appears that war is imminent within a matter of days!" David's faint smile accompanied his indifferent remark.

With unwavering determination, David locked his gaze on Roy and commanded in a resounding voice, "Prepare the troops!"

"In a span of two to three days, it is highly likely that the Savaran Empire's forces will breach the border and dispatch soldiers to monitor our fort at the edge!"

His commanding presence intensified, casting a palpable aura of authority.

In response, Roy nodded firmly and exclaimed, "Very well! As you command!"

Having uttered those words, he swiftly vanished into thin air, akin to a fleeting breath.

As David caught sight of this, he swiftly pivoted and whispered to himself,

"Is the situation within the mansion under control? Can that boy manage everything?" His voice exuded an air of indifference, while his closed eyes seemed to address an unseen entity.

In a mystical manner, a masculine voice resonated throughout the room.

"Everything is in order, Lord Duke!"

"Young Master Arthur is handling matters exceptionally. His governance displays remarkable organization, implementing various changes that garner admiration," the voice responded with utmost respect.

David's eyebrows lifted slightly as he nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand."

"Please closely monitor his actions and inform me immediately if anything unusual arises," David said in a casual tone.

Upon hearing David's inquiry, the voice abruptly fell into silence, arousing his suspicion.

"What's the matter?" he queried.

The voice promptly responded, "Apologies for the oversight, but it seems that the young master has left the mansion to visit the daughter of the Weis family."

David, listening to this information, dismissed any concerns, assuming, "They're probably just spending time together since they have been close since childhood."

"Nevertheless, continue to keep a close watch on him. Those are my orders!" David asserted.

Upon receiving his instructions, the voice replied respectfully, "Yes, I understand!"

Soon after, the voice faded away, and no further sound emanated from it. 𝗯𝐞𝗱𝐧𝗼𝐯𝐞𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Seating himself in his chair, David took a deep breath; his usually resounding voice had now softened.

"Butler, have you located her?" David's words carried a touch of vulnerability.

Moments later, the elderly butler materialized beside him, bowing his head respectfully.

"Report, Duke!"

"Unfortunately, Lady Elizabeth has yet to be found," the old butler expressed with a tone of apology.

David nodded, his gaze turning piercingly sharp.

"Locate her wherever she may be and ensure her safe retrieval," David commanded the old butler in a deep, authoritative voice.

"As you command!" The butler swiftly vanished from David's sight, carrying out his orders.

David closed his eyes, his determination evident in his murmured words, "I will undoubtedly find you, without fail!"

...

In Anna's room

"So, Anna, do you understand the reason behind my desire to overhaul the trading system?" Arthur fixed his gaze on Anna, his expression serious.

Upon hearing this, Anna furrowed her brow, her mind swirling with thoughts.

"I must confess, young Master Arthur, that I am uncertain of your intentions," she replied, puzzled.

"Isn't the current trading system already highly efficient, fostering prosperity among the merchants?" Anna questioned, her confusion apparent as she struggled to grasp Arthur's intent.

Arthur shook his head and posed another question: "But then, I ask you, who truly reaps the greatest benefits from all these transactions?"

Anna tilted her head, contemplating his question, before responding, "Well, naturally, it's the merchants who make sales and the buyers who acquire the goods they require, isn't it?"

Nodding in agreement, Arthur continued, "You are partly correct in your assessment."

"Indeed, the merchants derive benefits from these transactions. However, you are mistaken in assuming that the buyers also benefit, as the prices set by the merchants do not equate to the true value of the goods they require."

Arthur fixed a penetrating gaze on Anna, who attentively listened to his words.

Indeed, while the trading system in their world may lag behind, capitalism has permeated the merchants in the southern region.

It was not inherently wrong, as a merchant's objective is to maximize profits while minimizing capital investment.

However, such capitalism must be regulated to prevent it from running unchecked.

With the imminent war on the horizon, these profit-driven merchants were bound to seize every opportunity that presented itself.

While the Weis family, known for their prominent merchant lineage and their status as a high-ranking Luvic family serving the Asvold family, might genuinely prioritize the advancement of the southern region over personal gain, the same could not be said for all merchants.

The influential Association of merchants known as "The Society Is One," holding a substantial 30% market control, likely operated with a primary focus on self-interest rather than the overall progress of the region.

Anna took a deep breath, her expression serious, as she posed a crucial question: "So, young Master Arthur, how do you intend to address this situation?"

In that moment, she realized that her perspective had always been that of a merchant, which was inherently wrong.

However, Arthur's words had struck a chord, and she now recognized their truth.

Arthur's faint smile remained as he stood up, extending his arms.

With a determined gaze, he declared, "Naturally, the key to subduing them lies in acquiring more power!"