Chapter 535: The Murder
Royal Road, ordinarily bustling with myriad shops, was a thriving commercial artery in the heart of Pist.
Today, however, the street had taken on a different character.
The King’s Guard, in their effort to ensure the safety of Howard, had cordoned off the area.
Shopkeepers were compensated with double their usual earnings to close for the day.
As Charles strolled along, he remarked to Howard, "I’ve often heard people speak of Oungria Kingdom’s poverty, yet what I see contradicts those claims. Look at these woolen fabrics, unavailable in Fran Kingdom, and these cloths, subtly imbued with exotic patterns. Your daily commercial turnover must be substantial."
Howard responded with a knowing smile and gestured towards Vettel.
The Finance Minister of Oungria Kingdom then took the opportunity to enlighten the King of Fran Kingdom about the economic reality of Oungria.
Howard was aware of the truth; despite its vast territory, Oungria Kingdom lagged in development.
A glance at the map might suggest grandeur, but the nation’s intrinsic strength barely matched half the potential of Fran Kingdom’s entire territory.
The administrative division in Oungria was composed of large, sprawling provinces, few in number.
Each of these expansive provinces, surprisingly, contributed less in terms of tax revenue, production, and manpower than smaller counties in other realms.