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.
This was indicative of their relative impoverishment.
A nation's strength is not solely determined by its size, especially before it has access to abundant, inexhaustible resources.
The real power lies in the revenues, production, and manpower of its provinces.
These are the true measures of strength.
Indeed, a large territory is advantageous, offering ample room for future development and strategic buffer.
However, without sufficient resources, the size alone does not equate to strength.
After listening to Vettel's explanation, Charles said to Howard, "Regardless, it's still a nation; the overall economy can't be too meager."
"Besides, Howard, you now reign as king thanks to Oungria Kindom's crown." Howard nodded in agreement.
Arriving at the Budopist Hotel, Charles incessantly praised the establishment during his meal, proclaiming it a truly elegant place.
Throughout the year, Nora hadn't visited Oungria Kindom, but an auditor from the empire had.
He demanded payment from Howard.
At the time, Howard was with his friends, and Anna was also present.
Anna questioned the auditor on the reason behind the hefty sum demanded.
The auditor explained it as part of the empire's new reforms, necessitating additional contributions from each member to support the empire's functioning.
Anna scoffed, "The empire's functioning?"
Howard sternly reprimanded Anna, who then fell silent.
Howard paid the auditor, who subsequently left.
On this day, Howard was lying on a sofa, asleep.
He had been reading, but the warm afternoon sun had lulled him into a comfortable slumber.
Howard had recently hired a new secretary, a taciturn woman, far less astute and efficient than Nora.
She initially intended to cover Howard with a blanket but then reconsidered, fearing she might disturb his sleep, and retreated.
This new secretary was a commoner, the result of Catherine's meticulous selection.
Catherine was adamant that Howard's new secretary not be a princess from some kingdom or a high-ranking heir from a prominent family.
She had always felt a sense of competition towards Nora, harboring a cautious attitude.
The new secretary, Kurz, remained somewhat of an enigma to Howard.
Her performance was inconsistent; sometimes she executed her duties well, while at other times her efforts were less than satisfactory.
After waking from his nap and stretching leisurely, Howard noticed the dusk creeping in.
His gaze fell upon the book neatly placed on the coffee table, stirring a tinge of regret for not having finished it.
At that moment, Catherine entered the room, sweetly wrapping her arms around Howard's neck.
"Tonight," she said, "the renowned musician Moka is presenting his latest compositions at a concert in our capital, Pist."
Howard's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I want to go," he declared.
Catherine smiled, "Everything is arranged. I've organized a private royal concert for tonight. It will be just us and our attendants, no one else."
That evening, Howard, Catherine, and a few attendants experienced Moka's music.
Howard found it profoundly beautiful.
Rooted in the tradition of choral singing, it had been transformed by numerous musical masters over time.
Now, in the talented hands of Moka, the music seemed to speak, to sing.
The notes danced, sometimes whispering softly, other times contributing a poignant, heroic quality during climactic moments.
Depending on the mood of the piece, the music could be light and joyful or profoundly moving.
The night's performance was a concerto, a form Howard admittedly didn't fully understand.
Nevertheless, he couldn't help but continuously express his admiration for Moka's talent to Catherine.
The concert, an interplay of tradition and innovation, showcased Moka's genius, leaving Howard and his company deeply impressed by the musical journey they had just experienced.
After the concert, Howard expressed a desire to meet Moka, but his request was declined.
Howard had heard that Moka, originally a musician for a teacher in Surlsburg, had come here following some discord with his former employer.
Golan, now an Earl and the King's Guard Captain, was infuriated upon hearing this and wanted to forcibly bring Moka to Howard.
However, Howard said to Golan, "It's alright. If he doesn't wish to meet, we can try another time. Genius often comes with its privileges."
Golan relented, replying, "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Moka, backstage and hidden behind a curtain, watched Howard and Golan.
Once Howard and his entourage had left, Moka felt a sense of affinity towards Howard, pondering the possibility of serving in his court as a musician.
A month later, Moka prepared to leave Pist.
Before his departure, he said to his attendant Chopon, "You've been looking to work for a noble willing to pay, right? I think Howard is a good choice."
Chopon responded, "Oungria Kindom is quite remote, and its proximity to the fierce Osland Kingdom worries me. I fear for my safety in case of war and defeat."
Moka, about to persuade him, paused, realizing the gravity of Chopon's concerns, and instead said, "Then you should decide for yourself."
Chopon approached Howard, bluntly asking for money.
Vettel, the Minister of Finance, couldn't help but laugh at the audacity, exclaiming, "Who does this? Asking for money without even presenting any work!"
Chopon retorted confidently, "This is called a deposit, don't you understand? It's exactly for cases like this, to ensure payment when dealing with people who might not pay later!"
Vettel snorted disdainfully.
"I don't give money? As the Finance Minister of this country, the amount of gold that passes through my hands daily is beyond your wildest imagination. To say I'm unwilling to pay is, frankly, laughable!"
Margaret, overhearing their conversation, chuckled and suggested, "Why not let the musician demonstrate his skill? If it's pleasing to the ear, His Majesty can pay; if not, then he can leave."
Howard agreed and had an organ brought in for Chopon to play.
As Chopon began, a melodious tune filled the air.
His music, unlike Moka's lively and nimble compositions, was more straightforward and grounded.
Clearly talented, Howard immediately paid him 50 gold coins as a composition fee and hired Chopon as a court musician.
Overjoyed, Chopon barely contained his excitement in front of Howard.
It was only after he stepped out and rounded a corner that he leapt three feet in the air in happiness.
Desperately in need of money and having lived in poverty, Chopon was ecstatic.
Originally hoping for just ten gold coins, he received five times that amount.
He promptly moved his family to Oungria Kindom and, once settled, began composing.
A month later, Chopon ventured into the streets to gauge public opinion on music and gather the locals' preferences and rumors.
Six months later, Chopon unveiled a composition that stunned half the continent.
Previously, many had regarded music as an indulgence exclusive to the opulent and decadent imperial courts, a frivolous pursuit beneath the dignity of choirs and an odd deviation from tradition.
However, now in Oungria Kindom, Howard had enabled his court musician to create a piece of music so noble and enchanting that it piqued interest in music across the continent.
Gradually, the role of court musicians gained popularity, crafting splendid musical narratives.
Despite this cultural triumph, Oungria Kindom, buoyed by the renown of the Budopist Hotel and the musician Chopon, still faced pessimism in matters of war.
The neighboring Osland Kingdom was on a conquering spree, having annexed numerous countries.
For Howard, the prospect of using Oungria Kindom alone to resist Osland Kingdom seemed daunting.
Howard had also inquired of Charles, the King of Fran Kingdom, whether he would honor their alliance if Osland Kingdom were to attack Oungria Kindom.
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