Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

As for the roads, they were built methodically with cobblestones and reinforced bricks.

Once they were all seated, Cynthia took a deep breath. Her eyes met Simon's, and she carefully considered all of her words and weighed in all the factors.

After a brief moment, all hesitation disappeared from her eyes and she spoke making her decision.

"Lord Simon, after much discussion and deliberation with my advisors and people close to me, I have come to a resolution that I believe will benefit both the dungeon and the Kingdom of Ellesmere. Given the current state of the kingdom, and the unique resources the dungeon offers, I have decided to make Ellesmere a dungeon-exploring kingdom"….

"Hoh? Go on" Simon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the concept.

There was no surprise in his face even though the news came like a bombshell for others behind him. He motioned for her to continue.

"This decision is not just a strategy for survival," Cynthia explained, "It's a way to ensure the future prosperity and strength of the people's kingdom. By focusing on dungeon exploration, we can tap into the abundant resources within these floors—resources that we can use to sustain the kingdom without having to depend on trade with other nations"

"The people will no longer be at the mercy of external forces or the fluctuating politics of the Central Continent."

"And that is not all" she continued "The dungeon is a place that challenges and pushes individuals to their limits. By regularly exploring the dungeon, the soldiers and adventurers of the kingdom will grow stronger, their levels will increase, and they will gain valuable experience"

"In time, we may even see the rise of rankers among our ranks—individuals who can stand toe-to-toe with the strongest in the world. This will not only bolster the kingdom's defences but also give us a significant edge in any future conflicts."

From the explanation, everybody could tell that she had given quite some thought and deliberation about it. Not only that but she had also figured out most of the details for the plan causing Annette and the others to look at her in a new light.

"I believe that this is the best path forward for Ellesmere. It's a way for us to secure the kingdom's independence, to build a foundation of strength that will last for generations".

Simon listened carefully with a half amused half intrested expression. Cynthia's proposal was bold, but it was also logical.

The dungeon had always been a place of both danger and opportunity, and her plan to harness its potential for the benefit of her kingdom was a calculated risk that could pay off immensely.

"You've thought this through," Simon spoke, his eyes staring straight at Cynthia "Making your kingdom a dungeon-exploring nation is not a decision to be taken lightly, I hope you've clearly weighed the pros and cons?"

Cynthia nodded. "I have. I understand the risks, but I also see the potential. If we are to survive and thrive in this world, we need to adapt. We cannot obstinately stick with the old rules and customs. The old ones die and the new carry on. The dungeon offers us the means to survive."

"Hehe, indeed it is as you say. I can now see what you are trying to achieve" Simon leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips.

"The dungeon is indeed a place that can fulfil one's wishes, It is filled with riches and opportunities that you people need. However, princess aren't the statements you made before all benefit your people and the kingdom?"

"What is there for the dungeon to benefit by opening its door for the people of the kingdom?".

Cynthia continued meeting Simon's gaze without breaking away. She had anticipated this question, knowing full well that the demon was not someone who would allow others to take advantage of his domain without gaining something in return.

She leaned forward, her hands resting lightly on the table as she spoke "Lord Simon, I expected you to raise that question. You can rest assured, the dungeon's interests are very much aligned with the kingdom, and I believe there is mutual benefit to be found in this arrangement"...

"Oh? How so?"…

"By allowing the people of the kingdom to enter the dungeon and explore its depths, you will be fostering a new generation of warriors, mages, and leaders who are bound to the dungeon not just by necessity, but by choice"

"They will grow stronger, and in turn, so will your dungeon. Their experiences, their power, their very lives will become a part of the dungeon's legacy."

"Furthermore," Cynthia continued, "the treasures and resources gathered from within the dungeon will not simply vanish into the kingdom. A significant portion will be offered back to the dungeon, a tribute of sorts"

"These resources can be used to further enhance the dungeon, to strengthen its defences, or to cultivate new, more powerful creatures within its depths."

Simon leaned back, intrigued by the direction she was talking about. More so than the treasures and experience of the warriors and adventurers, what he was interested in was the dungeon points.

With the arrival of people, it would bring a fresh new flow of dungeon points to his dungeon. The scale of which couldn't be compared to the points he was earning right now.

If he thought about it carefully, it wasn't a bad trade for him either. The more the warriors and adventurers of the kingdom grow, the more the points they would offer him.

Cynthia did not know about this fact but as the mistress of the Serene Palace merchant guild, she was a professional businesswoman and expert negotiator. She quickly identified what Simon was interested in and took the reins.

"Dungeon city… I'm sure that would be possible to build too"

For the first time since the negotiation started, Simon looked surprised. Up until now, he had predicted everything that Cynthia would say or use as a bargaining chip. However, what he didn't expect was for her to say those last words.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!