With the attention of the attendees drawn to her thanks to the Duchess, Estelle seized the moment to bring up a topic she had been waiting to discuss.

“Spices like pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and saffron are currently traded under protective trade policies. They are inherently expensive, and the low volume of trade is burdensome for the common people.”

“That’s true. But isn’t the rarity part of what makes them valuable?”

At the Duchess’s question, the surrounding noise quieted.

Thanks to this, Aristie could hear Estelle’s voice more clearly.

“You’re right. However, artificially inflating their value by controlling trade is undoubtedly a problem. The fact that they are distributed as bribes and tribute for the upper class is also something that needs improvement.”

“That’s true. That’s why the prices keep soaring.”

“Spices are not just luxury items. Some spices are used as medicine, so there’s a need to relax regulations. I believe expanding trade through international agreements would help stabilize people’s livelihoods and benefit each country’s finances.”

Many nodded in agreement with Estelle’s persuasive suggestion. The most surprised person among them was undoubtedly Aristie.

Because it was a proposal she was planning to suggest to Khalid soon.

How could this be? It’s as if she completely copied my thoughts!

‘…The book? Could it be that the novel Estelle read contained such content?’

She felt disheartened. The appetite she had barely regained thanks to Ryuel disappeared again.

As she sipped water to soothe her aching stomach, she suddenly heard a voice calling her.

“I would like to hear the opinion of Lady Yentrice.”

Aristie set down her glass and looked at the person speaking.

That woman… she was definitely Princess Systea of the Kingdom of Shatra, wasn’t she?

“What opinion are you curious about?”

Even though she was in a terrible mood, Aristie managed to put on a perfect, hospitable smile. Princess Systea smiled brightly and asked eagerly.

“I heard that the Ferzen Empire has many good systems in place. Is there perhaps a system that other countries could emulate?”

“A good system…”

Aristie took in the other’s words and organized her thoughts. Everyone was watching.

Her father, Khalid, and even Ryuel.

“There is a system I’d like to recommend, though it’s not grand enough to be emulated.”

Aristie finally spoke.

“Oh, what might that be?”

“The national crisis response system.”

She reminded herself to stay calm and explained slowly.

“As you know, this empire had to endure a war several years ago due to the invasion of the fallen Cordio. Many citizens were sacrificed as a result.”

“Yes, I know. It’s truly heartbreaking.”

“The situation in Cordio was even more severe than in our country. They had no foundation to prepare for such a disaster. One of the means that allowed us to turn that situation around was our national crisis response system.”

Princess Systea’s eyes sparkled as she listened. Seeing that sparkle, Aristie felt a bit lighter at heart.

She had wondered if the question was meant to put her in a difficult position, but it seemed the content was genuinely of interest.

“At the time, the empire established facilities and focused on manpower support at a national level for the citizens affected by the war. War orphans and refugees were the main focus.”

“Do you mean the state actively helped the citizens recover?”

“Yes. Thanks to the established response system, both countries were able to quickly overcome the national crisis. Providing shelter for refugees, employing them in city reconstruction, paying wages, and setting up childcare facilities for orphans were part of the process.”

Aristie looked around at the audience focusing on her and strengthened her voice.

“The national crisis response system was created under the belief that ‘the people’s livelihood is national power.'”

“The people’s livelihood is national power…”

One of the delegates murmured, seemingly impressed.

“Once such a system is in place, it helps swiftly respond to various national disasters, not just wars, benefiting the people’s livelihood. I believe establishing a system for the people ultimately lays the foundation for national development.”

Clap, clap, clap.

As soon as she finished speaking, applause came from a corner of the table. It was one of the invited delegates, a man with an impressive plump figure.

“I truly agree… If you permit, I would like to learn the specific implementation plans for this system later.”

As the man spoke, sounds of agreement arose here and there. Ryuel, who had been quietly listening beside her, also added a word.

“I would like to request that as well.”

He expressed a sincere attitude of listening.

“From what I’ve observed while walking around the empire, the country seems stable. It’s hard to believe it went through a war. I believe it would also be helpful in the event of a nationwide famine or plague. If you teach us, I will gladly learn.”

Aristie felt a bit perplexed. She hadn’t expected such a response.

When she glanced at Khalid, she saw a pleased smile in her view.

Earlier, he seemed upset seeing the handkerchief snail, but now he looked like a teacher whose mood had softened by the praise his student received.

‘…Well, it’s not a bad atmosphere.’

Aristie responded with a bright smile in her eyes.

“If it helps, it would be rewarding for me. However, when applying the system, it must be adapted to the circumstances of each country.”

“That’s absolutely right.”

“It will only settle stably after several trials and errors. Therefore, I recommend establishing new administrative departments or adding management personnel to oversee when necessary.”

Having wrapped up, she returned her attention to Princess Systea.

“I hope this answers your question.”

Systea was beaming with joy.

“It was perfect. Just what I was hoping for.”

‘She’s bright, cheerful, and straightforward.’

Aristie felt a growing fondness for Systea. At the same time, she became curious and turned the topic to Systea.

“I’ve told you about our system, but I know there are many good systems in other countries that our nation can learn from. How about the Kingdom of Shatra? I’d be happy to hear about it.”

“If you put it that way…”

At that moment, Systea’s eyes gleamed mischievously. Aristie couldn’t understand why.

What could be the reason for such a look in an official setting?

She soon found out.

“I hear the Ferzen Empire has a unique law called the Duty of the Dragon.”

“……!”

“In fact, the Kingdom of Shatra has a similar, or perhaps even stricter system.”

As Systea began, Aristie’s cheeks flushed.

It is widely known that the Ferzen imperial family has the bloodline of a dragon. As a result, there is a law regarding the first night with the Empress, which has been well discussed.

But to think she would bring it up here. No matter how straightforward she is…

“To explain further.”

Systea continued smoothly, as if unaware of the sensitive topic.

“In Shatra, one cannot take a concubine until at least five years after marriage. Even if they have a lover, they cannot grant them any rights, whether in status or material. If violated, they face legal sanctions.”

One of the delegates listening asked.

“Why specifically a five-year period?”

“They believe it takes at least that long for a couple to have a child. If a child is born outside during that time, the child can have no rights. It’s unfortunate but unavoidable.”

After the explanation, someone coughed lightly.

Some showed discomfort, while others agreed it was a reasonable law.

Among them were people who had concubines, had children with concubines, or were embroiled in inheritance disputes due to such matters.

With so many diverse perspectives coexisting, opinions were bound to be divided.

But Systea seemed completely unfazed by the reactions. Well, if she cared, she wouldn’t have brought it up in the first place.

“The reason for enacting such a law, despite the side effects, is because they hold marriage sacred and respect the spouse. Don’t you think it has similarities with the Ferzen Empire’s system?”

Systea asked Khalid with a playful look. Khalid’s golden eyes darkened further.

Just seeing that, Aristie could tell. He was feeling quite troubled.

“With laws this strict, it’s unimaginable to think of meeting another woman while having a betrothed. Ah, of course, that’s in Shatra.”

Aristie sensed something in Systea’s words, which were laden with meaning.

Could it be that she brought up such an awkward topic…

“But Your Majesty wouldn’t need such laws. You must be simply happy to have such a beautiful and wise person as the Empress.”

“Princess Systea…”

Aristie tried to dissuade her quietly, but Systea only smiled brightly, feigning innocence.

“Words like lover or concubine must sound vulgar. I also want to meet a wonderful person in the future, like Your Majesty, who won’t look at other women and only sees me.”

‘Oh, did I speak too freely?’ Systea smiled bashfully.

As if she had heard rumors about the emperor and his woman. Yet pretending to know nothing.

Despising a playboy emperor who makes his fiancée sad, but never revealing that disdain.

“Indeed, taking a woman like Lady Aristie, who combines beauty and talent, as a partner is a great honor.”