This BL Novel Is Ruined Now [Book 2]

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“Hoho, Miss Reina. Why are you talking about such an absurdity?”

“Absurdity? I am merely arguing based on facts.”

The debate, lasting for an hour, eventually made Wuran rub his face roughly.

“This place is clearly the Tusa clan’s secret forge. Therefore, the Rosénia technical manual found here naturally belongs to us. But how—”

“Wuran. This place is not the land of the Tusa family.”

Wuran hesitated at Reina’s remark, clearly hitting a nerve.

However, feeling the need to say something, he spoke again.

“…This place has been used by my family for generations.”

To his retort, Reina tilted her head slightly and blinked.

“Oh? But as far as I know, in this principality, usage does not determine ownership, right? Moreover, the principality essentially does not recognize private property.”

“Hrmm…”

It was at that moment when Noven, who had been sent on an errand, returned.

‘Finally here.’

The evidence to end this dispute.

Reina signaled Noven, who brought the principality’s constitution, to recite it. He cleared his throat and began reading loudly from the thick book of laws.

“In accordance with the sovereign authority vested in the Duke of Mao, the ruler of the Principality, it is hereby declared that all territories within the jurisdiction of the Principality are under the ownership and control of the said Duke. Lands granted to vassals are subject to their governance, yet remain susceptible to the ultimate authority of the Duke for reclamation. Any inhabitant of the Principality found utilizing land without formal authorization shall face severe punitive measures as stipulated by law.”

As Noven finished reading, Reina smirked, looking at Wuran, whose face had turned dark.

“As far as I know, this place is currently not Tusa family territory but built underground in an undeveloped area of the Principality.”

“Hoho…”

Unable to find a rebuttal, the old man merely stroked his beard in vain.

“Don’t deny it. The investigation has already been completed, Wuran.”

The Third Knight Order that accompanied Reina wasn’t just sitting around. Although the investigation wasn’t specifically done anticipating such a situation, having information is never a disadvantage, regardless of the era.

Thus, investigations on Tusa and other parts of the Dwarven Principality had already been completed.

Eventually, Wuran, sighing continuously, seemed to make a decision and spoke.

“What do you wish for, Lady Reina?”

Wuran was quick with his calculations.

‘The Duke will soon be ousted, so legally, there shouldn’t be a big problem.’

But what about the leaders of the revolution?

‘The citizens might lack initiative, but those who led the revolution…’

Those outliers born among the citizens would surely want this technology to be shared for the development of the principality.

‘Eventually, more hands will try to spoon in.’

Wuran glanced briefly at the woman standing before him.

He figured that it might be better to split it between the two of them. According to the investigation, the saintess was also conducting secret technological research.

‘At least she won’t make a big fuss about this.’

Having organized his thoughts, the old man carefully began speaking.

“Surely, you don’t intend to monopolize the manual alone… What kind of negotiation would you like to propose?”

“Straight to the point—good. That makes it easier for both of us. Then, I’ll also be upfront.”

After scanning the secret forge, Reina calmly placed her hand on the manual lying between them.

“Joint research. I wish for a joint research on this manual, but it will not involve either the empire and the principality. This will only be between ‘Reina Chantra’ and ‘Tusa’.”

* * *

—An agreement excluding the empire, you say.

The voice of Grand Duke Benedict coming through the communication device carried a hint of irritation. Reina laid out her thoughts to him calmly.

“Preventing the intervention of the Principality is the best course of action. Regardless of the outcome of the Principality’s revolution, it’s uncertain what form of government will take place here afterward.”

Imagine if the sharing of the Rosénia technical manual were to be done through an agreement between states. But what if the revolution veers off in an unwanted direction and a terrible dictator comes into power?

It would definitely become a massive headache.

—You make a valid point.

“Also, creating an institution independent of the government, like Rosénia, seems like a good idea.”

—……

There was no immediate response to the unexpected suggestion.

‘Well, it’s somewhat radical for the current Empire.’

In this era, although large trading guilds exist, there isn’t really a concept of companies or corporations.

“Your Highness might not be partial to the idea, however—”

—No, it’s interesting.

Surprisingly, the Duke expressed anticipation rather than discomfort.

“It’s interesting?”

Surprised, Reina hesitantly asked back, to which he calmly replied.

—Yes. I’ve always hoped that a place like Rosénia would establish itself within our Empire, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

“Ah…”

After all, this was Benedict, the husband of that ‘Rosé’. Would this proposal seem too radical to him?