Raising the Northern Grand Duchy as a Max-Level All-Master

139. Building Soft Power as a Max-Level All-Master (5)

The warm, festive atmosphere of the year-end lingered in my office as I continued playing the King of Games card game with Entir.

“The toys that are currently trending in Renslet—I believe we can produce them as well,” Entir remarked confidently.

“Is that so? Those require more meticulous craftsmanship than you might expect.”

Unsurprisingly, our conversation revolved around business.

“Labor costs in the Empire are quite low. Anything lacking can be fixed by simply grinding the workforce harder.”

“Hmm…”

“I’ve heard that Arad Group’s toy production is barely meeting demand right now.”

“In that case, let’s do this: Arad Group will outsource manufacturing to Bishop Company factories.”

With that simple exchange, the concept of OEM (original equipment manufacturing) took root in this world.

More factories would be built, and thousands of new jobs would be created.

“Oh, by the way, about the original comic Mech Knight Pluto…”

“Yes?”

“While it might not sell well in the Empire, it should perform excellently in the United Kingdom. Bishop Company has strong connections in Bardenheim—would you like us to handle its distribution? We could do the same for other comics and novels as well.”

Entir smoothly shifted the conversation toward expanding into the United Kingdom.

“The United Kingdom uses Imperial as its common language, but the individual kingdoms retain their native tongues. We can handle translations and even merchandise production.”

Entir’s confidence was almost overwhelming, bolstered by his ability to produce printing plates and presses independently.

“The United Kingdom has only just begun industrializing, hasn’t it? I think it would be better to wait a little longer before entering that market.”

I politely declined Entir’s proposal, steering the conversation in a different direction.

‘We should start preparing for direct engagement with the United Kingdom ourselves.’

Cultural content seemed like the perfect way to initiate this interaction.

“Then, could Bishop Company purchase the licensing rights for the United Kingdom in advance?”

Whether he misunderstood my intentions or simply wanted to test his luck, Entir didn’t give up.

“No, that won’t be necessary. We intend to handle the United Kingdom separately.”

This time, I firmly rejected his offer.

“Ah… I see. Well, with the abolition of the 20 Northerners Act, I suppose it’s worth a shot.”

Accepting my decision, Entir nodded.

Still, the spark in his eyes remained undiminished.

‘It seems Arad and Bishop will inevitably become competitors in the United Kingdom market.’

I didn’t see this as a bad thing.

A lack of competition only leads to stagnation. This was the perfect time for healthy rivalry to emerge.

“If you ever need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to offer our influence in the Empire and the United Kingdom at reasonable rates.” Ř𝓪Ν𝘖ꞖÈS̈

Entir appeared only half-convinced by my assertion that we would deal directly with the United Kingdom. His expression seemed to say, Can you really bypass the Empire without the Bishop’s help?

“Bishop’s support is truly reassuring. I’ll be sure to reach out if anything comes up.”

I didn’t anticipate needing their help, but I expressed my gratitude out of courtesy.

‘Actually… there is something I need their help with.’

A thought suddenly crossed my mind.

‘When people’s priorities change, they can easily switch sides. Who’s to say Bishop won’t secretly sell my comics and novels in the United Kingdom? Even if Entir himself stays loyal, there’s no guarantee his employees will.’

To address this, I needed a safeguard against any potential shenanigans from Entir and Bishop Company.

‘Modern Earth has struggled with copyright and patent enforcement, but introducing these concepts here would be better than having no protection at all.’

This wasn’t just a message for Entir—it was also a preliminary step to protect our rights as we expanded into the Empire and the United Kingdom.@@novelbin@@

“Hmm? Is there something you need help with?” Entir asked, catching on to the look in my eyes.

“Yes, actually. There’s something that could benefit both Arad and Bishop Company.”

“What might that be? Please, tell me.”

“I’d like to introduce the concepts of copyright and patents.”

“Copyright and patents?”

“Yes.”

I briefly explained the principles behind copyright and patents to Entir.

As I spoke, Entir quickly grasped the idea. Whether he understood the importance of the concepts themselves or simply caught on to my motives for bringing them up was unclear.

“Hmm… These are certainly necessary concepts. The problem, however, is whether they can be effectively implemented. As you know, this isn’t something the Noble Assembly and I can handle alone. Cooperation from the Imperial Family and the Magic Tower will be required as well.”

In the North, where Arad essentially was High Tower and High Tower was the Renslet Church, implementing copyright and patent laws would be straightforward.

The Empire, however, was a different story. And the United Kingdom? Even more challenging.

“To gain their cooperation, we’ll need to show them how copyright and patents can benefit them as well.”

“The Noble Assembly could be convinced through the comics and novels being serialized in newspapers. But getting the Imperial Family and the Magic Tower on board will be trickier. Simple bribes won’t be enough.”

“I’ll register a patent for the mass production of magical communication devices in the Empire. That should win the Imperial Family’s cooperation.”

“Ohhh! Now that’s a solid plan!”

Entir was particularly enthusiastic about this approach.

Currently, Bishop Company employed mid- and low-level mages to produce magical communication devices, but their reliance on outdated, artisanal production methods severely limited output.

On top of that, the devices were so expensive that they were practically unaffordable for widespread use.

“Are you saying you’ll register the manufacturing processes and enchanting methods as patents?”

“Yes, it’s the only way to secure the Imperial Family’s cooperation.”

“Ohhhhhh!”

‘Even if it’s patented, it’s not like the situation will change drastically,’ I thought, watching Entir’s genuine excitement.

I couldn’t help but click my tongue internally.

The magic circuits and enchantment techniques used in magical communication devices were relatively simple. Even the Empire’s Golden Magic Tower was fully aware of them.

Even if the mass production methods were patented, the Empire’s current system couldn’t replicate them.

Magicians in the Magic Tower were far more stubborn, prideful, and unwilling to cooperate than artisans.

Even if shown an efficient factory-style production method for magical tools, they’d reject it, saying, “That’s not true magic!” and insist on crafting everything painstakingly by hand.

The Emperor surely knew this as well.

‘Even so, the Emperor will cooperate. He’ll see this patent registration as a gesture of goodwill from me to the Empire.’

If the Imperial Family personally managed the patents and copyrights, they’d assume I’d register even more knowledge under their jurisdiction.

They’d also believe this would provoke the magicians into action.

“But even with this patent registration, nothing will change unless the magicians have a change of heart,” I added, explaining further to Entir, who was still gleaming with joy.

I was slightly puzzled that he hadn’t realized this point himself—something even the Emperor would be aware of.

“Hahaha! I know. But it’ll serve as a wake-up call. Something like, ‘In the northern Renslet, this is how magical tools are made. Are you going to keep doing things the old way? Are you going to let the northern magicians steal all your business?’”

It seemed that Entir’s excitement stemmed from this potential confrontation.

“I sincerely hope this sparks meaningful changes for Bishop,” I said.

“Thank you.”

I genuinely wished for an increase in Bishop’s magical communication device output.

‘The Empire has already cultivated a fertile ground for the masses with its printing revolution. If a communication revolution follows, it’ll become even easier to spread rumors and propaganda.’

This was one of the reasons I had specifically chosen magical communication devices from the vast array of magical tools.

“I’ve finished setting up my deck,” I announced.

Even as we spoke, my hands had been shuffling and arranging my cards without pause.

“So have I. You go first, Marquis Entir.”

“Discussing business while playing a card game—it doesn’t even feel like work. This is delightful.”

We resumed our King of Games card match.

Nearby, the ashtray on the side table overflowed with the mana-infused cigarettes that Entir had been chain-smoking. A little further away, tea and desserts prepared for guests were being kept warm and refilled as needed.

Tap.

Entir placed a druid card on the table.

[Groooarrr!]

While no actual sound came from it, the druid warrior depicted on the card moved vividly, almost lifelike.

As he played the druid warrior card, Entir began another business-related discussion.

“If the noble faction can be persuaded with comics and novels, and the Imperial Family with magical communication devices, that leaves only the Magic Tower. Especially for patents, their cooperation is essential.”

Even as we played the game, the business talk continued.

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about the Magic Tower,” I replied casually.

“Pardon?”

Tap.

Entir raised an eyebrow in surprise as I placed a High Tower knight card on the table.

He seemed taken aback by how unconcerned I was.

Tap.

In response to my move, Entir confidently laid down a grand witch card.

“There’s always a way.”

I countered by playing a card featuring Yulkanes.

[Hooooom—!]

The golden card depicting Pluto, radiating brilliance, obliterated the grand witch card Entir had just placed.

“Grrr…”

Realizing he was likely to lose this round too, Entir frowned deeply.

“Well, if Chairman Jin is that confident, I suppose it’s fine,” he muttered, glaring at my Colossus Mech card while deliberating his next move.

“By the way, is it true that something like Pluto is being produced somewhere in the North?”

“…?”

The casual yet pointed question caught me off guard. The confident expression I’d worn after playing my Colossus Mech card wavered slightly.

“And if I say it’s not true, will you believe me?”

“Ahaha! I think I’ve got a rough idea.”

“??”

The words ‘What exactly do you mean by that?’ almost slipped out, but I simply shrugged instead.

Denying it outright would only lead to people interpreting my denial as confirmation.

I decided to adopt the Israeli approach—neither confirming nor denying.

“By the way, how are the employees I introduced to you?”

“You mean the four Empire natives working at Arad Capital? They’ve been incredibly helpful and seem to be adjusting well.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Just keep things running as they are now, and everything will be fine.”

“Hahaha.”

We briefly touched on the topic of the Empire-born staff currently employed at Arad Capital.

“By the way, I heard that Arad Entertainment is preparing a theater troupe,” Entir said, shifting the topic.

“That’s correct.”

“Are you planning to adapt the content of your novels and comics into plays?”

“Yes, we’re thinking of blending music and drama to create something compelling.”

“Would you need any assistance from me?”

Entir’s earlier mention of Empire-born employees seemed to connect to this topic.

“Do you have talented individuals in the theater field with circumstances similar to the staff at Arad Capital?”

“There are a few. To be precise, they’re people with various backstories who’ve fallen out of favor or lost their footing.”

“Actors? Directors?”

“Both.”

Naturally, the conversation transitioned to discussions about the theater.

‘What’s Entir planning to do with these Empire-born theater professionals?’

I was suspicious of his intentions.

“The perception of Empire-born individuals among Northerners is still poor,” Entir began, as if reading my mind. “I want to instill the idea that while the Empire itself may be bad, individual Empire citizens are not.”

Hearing this explanation, I silently mulled over the idea.

‘I could handle musicals myself, sure. But the truth is, I’m too busy to dedicate my full attention to them.’

It reminded me of the comics and novels I had set up, where I had created the settings and overarching plots but left most of the work to others.

Of course, Arad Entertainment was ensuring the serialized works maintained quality, and I only stepped in occasionally to provide guidance or review their progress.

‘But Renslet doesn’t yet have professionals in the theater field. I can’t leave this as hands-off as I did with the comics and novels.’

Although the Church and High Tower occasionally held festivals featuring plays and concerts, they were more like amateur talent shows performed by commoners as hobbies rather than professional productions like those in the Empire or Bardenheim.

“If your intentions are as noble as you claim, I see no reason to refuse,” I finally said.

“Thank you! I won’t let you down,” Entir replied enthusiastically.

I wasn’t entirely sure if his stated intentions were genuine or if he had ulterior motives, like with Arad Capital. But I decided to accept his proposal.

‘If I train the theater professionals he brings in musical-style production and techniques, and enhances the performances with illusion magic effects in the theaters… it could result in a musical unlike anything seen even on Earth.’

The potential benefits outweighed the risks, so overthinking it would’ve been unnecessary.

“By the way, Marquis Arad, who exactly is the writer ‘Meteor’?”

As we shifted back to our card game, Entir cautiously broached the subject.

“That’s a secret. A top-tier secret.”

“There’s no way one person could write so many works… and even switch seamlessly between genres. The writing styles are so different too. That means there must be at least two writers, right…?”

Entir began voicing his theories as though he had already pieced everything together.

“Could it be Lady Mary? Or perhaps Her Highness?”

“……?!”

Wow, so this is where his mind went?

I couldn’t help but look up from my cards with an amused expression.

“Ah, I see! I’ve got it now,” he exclaimed triumphantly.

“??”

What exactly did he “get”?

Noticing my curious gaze, Entir wore a satisfied look, as if he had just solved some grand mystery.

“But… I haven’t seen Lady Mary around lately,” he said, glancing around as if expecting her to appear at any moment.

Before I could come up with an explanation, he asked, “Did something happen between you two?”

“She’s been busy working at High Tower lately,” I replied curtly, brushing off his curiosity.

‘Go ahead, jump to your own conclusions.’

I resigned myself to letting him believe whatever he wanted and quickly redirected the topic.

“Did you have a fight with her?” Entir asked softly, lowering his voice with a cautious tone.

“Of course not.”

Lately, everyone I met seemed to ask the same thing.

Just when I thought the conversation with Entir was progressing smoothly in a business direction, it inevitably veered into this issue.

“Hmm… Chairman Jin? I realize I may not be in a position to offer advice, but…”

“??”

Oh, for crying out loud. Now I’m getting relationship advice from Entir of all people?*

“…Go ahead, I’m listening,” I said reluctantly, masking my annoyance as I nodded.

“Well… rumors have reached the Empire. They say you fought with Lady Mary, and that your relationship with Her Highness has grown distant recently.”

“So the rumors have spread that far, huh?”

“Yes. Because of this, factions within the Empire—including the reformists, the nobility, and even the Church—are discreetly preparing to introduce potential matches for you. Very discreetly.”

“……!”

I was stunned speechless for a moment.