The Ugly Wife of the Shady Duke - Chapter 53.1
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“However, in that case, the meeting point would become an issue.”
“We can again split the people using the gate into two groups. One group will head to the farthest outskirts of the western region, and the other group can directly join the ones coming by train.”
“If the starting point of the river is contaminated in the outskirts, we can take immediate action otherwise the situation could be severe. On the other hand, if there’s no contamination there, the goal can become to boost the morale of the Empire by showing the Saintess venturing into the hazardous western region.”
“Yes, if contaminated water has even reached the capital, the source of contamination must be in a severe condition.”
Grace pondered and asked.
“Where is the destination of the expedition?”
“It’s Count Ardel’s territory. That’s where the Rondel Canal begins.”
“Ardel…”
As the name echoed in Grace’s mind, a clear piece of information came to her instantly.
Count Ardel’s lineage had become extinct, leaving the territory ownerless for quite some time.
“Isn’t that an unclaimed land?”
“…Ah! Yes, you seem to be well-informed.”
Benjamin appeared slightly surprised, and Grace felt awkward.
‘Did the original Grace not know about this?’
It came to my mind so naturally that I wondered if the former Duchess Felton knew about this, but Benjamin’s reaction was not as normal.
“I read a book about the empire’s territories last time, and the memory is still there.”
Grace tried to play it off.
“But just because it’s an unclaimed land doesn’t mean it’s not being managed.”
“Yes, that’s right. Unclaimed territories are usually managed by someone authorized by the royal family, a nearby noble, or a designated proxy.”
However, there had been no report of contamination from Count Ardel’s territory so far.
So people had not considered it to be the source of the pollution.
‘Somehow I feel grateful that I know the content of the novel.’
She wanted to investigate further about the circumstances surrounding the contamination.
“The main produce from Count Ardels territory was root vegetables and nuts. Is it possible to find out the current market prices?!”
“Indeed, by checking the marking prices of the produce, we might get an idea of the situation in the region. However, with the gate being used for exporting and importing to other countries smoothly, there might not be significant changes in market prices.”
“Then how about gathering information about the amount of crop imports or the sources of the distributed crops?
In the market where Grace often visited the orphanage, various crops were sold without indicating their place of origin.
‘Because in this world, it’s not essential to label the origin.’
The reason why gate transport is more expensive than sea or wagons in terms of the distribution process is to balance the economy between countries.
‘So, even if they don’t mark the place of origin in the market, they have to record it on the gate side to collect taxes.’
“It does seem better that way. It would make it easier to determine the destination.”
“I’ll leave it to you then.”
“It’s nothing. It’s for the empire’s benefit, after all.”
Benjamin grinned and shook his head. It was a peculiar expression that didn’t seem fazed at all.
‘Strange.’
Grace’s stomach churned again at the sight of his smile.
It was a painfully sweet feeling that made her want to run away from this place right now.
⋆★⋆
Following Grace’s instructions, they checked the recent records of imports through the gate, and there was an increase in the import of nuts.
Abel commented, “For root vegetables, there are many types, and harvesting can be done in various territories. It’s also challenging to pinpoint the origin when individuals distribute them personally.”
“But nuts, especially almonds, are abundant in the western region… They must have been affected.”
The import quantity of almonds had gradually increased over the years.
Benjamin lowered his head in thought.
“However, we can’t be certain that this alone indicates there’s contamination in Count Ardel’s territory.”
“But the possibility is high. If that’s the case, Count Ardel’s territory must be in a severe condition.”
“….”
“Then why hasn’t there been any report to the royal family until now?”
Although there was no direct gate installed in the territory of Count Ardel, it was possible to visit the gate management office by riding a carriage.
Benjamin mumbled with suspicion on his face.
“….It’s better to follow My Lady’s opinion.”
“Your Highness?”
“If this is just a concern, we can smile it off and move on. But if Count Ardel’s territory truly is the source of contamination, it’s a problem we can’t simply overlook. Sending someone else ahead is also not a good idea.”
Among those responsible for the contamination expedition, Benjamin held the highest rank. Although the Saintess accompanying him, held an honorary position, she didn’t carry much responsibility.
“The harvest in the west has been gradually decreasing, right? It wouldn’t hurt to take this opportunity to visit other territories as well.”
“Understood.”
Abel nodded without opposing Benjamin’s decision.
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