"I want control of Helios Factory."
The words left my mouth before I could second-guess myself. The other nobles fell silent and stared at me like I'd finally lost it. To them, it made sense—Helios might be a major production hub, but in the bigger picture, it didn't seem all that important.
"Helios Factory? For what purpose? If you're trying to make sure the capital's factories aren't being exploited, wouldn't it make more sense to oversee Iridium Cooperatives instead?"
Another duke spoke up, genuinely confused.
Iridium Cooperatives—another major production center, and infamous for its shady dealings. And he wasn't wrong. It played a huge role in the capital's unrest.
But I wasn't really trying to stop the disaster.
No...
Even if I tried, I doubted I could prevent a major arc like that with my power alone.
The next best thing I could do? Use this chance to get stronger.
"It's too obvious," I replied.
"Obvious? Even then, Helios Factory, even if it's tied up in illegal contracts, shouldn't be that big of an issue."
This time, it was a baron who spoke.
And he wasn't wrong either. If I, one of the most capable dukes, made the wrong call, it would drag all of them down with me. If they wanted to survive, they had to make sure I was positioned in a way that benefitted everyone.
But I'm not that naive.
At least... I don't think I am.
"Do I really need to explain myself?" I asked, my tone turning sharp as I shifted my gaze to the herald. "Tell me—do I actually need to justify my actions?"
By now, I knew exactly how much of a pushover the imperial herald was when it came to my orders. Besides, most of the people in this hall would be losing their power soon anyway.
Making a few enemies now wouldn't be the end of the world.
Right...?
I really am pushing my luck here...
"If that is your will, Duke Noctierre, then I can order the scribes to prepare a suitable agreement with the owners of Helios," the herald said carefully. "Though... it will not be cheap."
"I can afford it."
The herald nodded, brought his hand down on the podium to seal the decision, then moved the discussion back to the main topic. My choice had been made. Now he was waiting for the others to make theirs.
"Helios Factory? Is there something there?" Faye asked.
"Yes. Quite a lot, actually."
It wouldn't hurt to gain some power while I'm trying to pursue romance, right?
***
After the meeting, the moment I exited the room, scribes were already waiting for me, contracts already on hand; it's obvious what it was.
The rights to Helios Factory, already procured, and the one that commanded those scribes? The imperial steward, at least, was one out of the hundred other stewards the empire had.
I knew it was imperial orders, but I'm surprised they managed to convince the original owners of Helios Factory to hand over the rights to their company like that.
This place wasn't a full-on monarchy after all; bureaucracy still exists beyond the imperial family.
So it was either their skill, or... maybe the owners just didn't want to cross me by refusing what I want.
Either way, it's a win-win.
"Here's the contract to the land, my lord; the negotiated amount is close to—"
Edward interrupted him from behind, approaching the stairs with a clean look on his face.
"I'll handle him for you if you want, my lord; your stewards would be able to handle them without any issue."
Edward, you really are a lifesaver. I wasn't sure what I was going to do when I heard the negotiated amount. I still had no idea how much gold here actually is compared to the money that I was used to.
And while paying Faye's debts was one thing, it really didn't compare to buying a full factory like Helios.
"Please, be my guest, Edward."
Edward only nodded, gesturing for the scribes and the imperial steward to follow him.
Now... that leaves me with free time, but if I were to spend it, I definitely need to make sure Faye is there. I still need to advance her relationship to know what kind of specialty my system has in store for me.
Maybe I should bring her somewhere fun?
***
I'm no expert when it comes to girls… but shopping's got to be a safe bet, right?
Luckily, the capital isn't exactly short on places to burn money. If I had to put it in my old world's terms, this place is basically a supermall.
The Imperial Marketplace.
Guns, vehicles, clothes, jewelry—if you could name it, you could buy it here, no questions asked.
"What are we doing here?" Faye asked.
She sounded more curious than annoyed, but still. Even though she'd been getting bolder lately, she still trailed after me more like a servant than someone who actually wanted to be with me.
That… didn't sit right.
I needed to change that. I wanted her to feel like she was choosing to spend time with me, not just getting dragged along into whatever nonsense I came up with.
It shouldn't be that hard, right? I just need to step out of my comfort zone and be more proactive.