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Chapter 31
“The Empire relies heavily on maritime trade with other nations. Since the cost of living is maintained through imported goods produced with the cheap labor of the kingdoms, the suspension of trade would make life difficult for many imperial citizens. Even if new laws were enacted, the people wouldn’t accept them right away. Instead, smuggling would flourish.”
The point of rebuttal wasn’t about right or wrong — it was about not antagonizing the original speaker.
“Of course, as Baron Lopez said, I also think a full inspection of all ships is necessary. Maritime crimes are increasing, after all. And the number of unregistered ships is on the rise as well.”
Baron Lopez crossed his arms.
“Then, Lady, how do you propose we resolve this issue?”
“There’s a simple way. We mark every ship with a unique, identifiable symbol.”
Until now, the Empire had managed its ships using manifests and port entry declarations. But paperwork could easily be forged, and checking through all those records took too much time.
However, there was one thing that couldn’t be forged — the ship itself.
“What if we assign each ship a unique number, engraved not only on the stern and both sides, but also inside the vessel, so that even if the exterior markings are erased, we can still identify it using the internal ones?”
It was a system that even existed in modern times — the IMO number system.
Baron Lopez quickly pulled out a scrap of paper and began jotting notes.
“Brilliant. If we record the ship’s type, size, and tonnage alongside its number, forgery will become nearly impossible.”
The more impressed he was, the faster his hand moved.
But then, Müller raised an objection.
“I see it a bit differently. Introducing a new system will definitely face resistance.”
Another secretary chimed in.
“Even if we distribute the numbers for free, engraving them with processed mana-stones will still incur a cost. How do you plan to fund that?”
Lopez, as a policymaker, saw the administrative side — while the other two, being field officers, saw the practical side.
I nodded.
“That’s a fair point. That’s why I thought of collecting a small ‘engraving tax’ from each ship, while offering tax deductions and marine insurance benefits in return.”
Müller blinked.
“Insurance? What is that?”
“It’s a system that compensates for damages when a ship gets into an accident. As you both know, many things can go wrong at sea.”
I briefly explained the concept of modern insurance.
“I see… It could certainly help commoners for whom a single ship is their entire livelihood. But if the imperial treasury must pay compensation for every accident, wouldn’t that cause losses instead?”
Indeed, a system that paid out unconditionally would be dangerous. These people weren’t fools.
‘If I throw out a half-baked idea, someone will definitely exploit it. People could even sink their own ships for the insurance money.’
“That’s why all documents will be thoroughly reviewed before approval — details like whether the ship’s been illegally modified, what cargo it carries, how many crew members are on board, and the full voyage plan. If an accident occurs, we’ll investigate. If the report doesn’t match the truth, compensation will be reduced or denied.”
Müller’s eyes widened.
“Then… to receive the insurance payout, they’ll have to provide accurate information.”
“Exactly. In exchange for potential future compensation, we gain complete information on every shipment.”
After all, shipwrecks don’t happen that often. Each one seems catastrophic, but they’re rare.
“With this system, we can detect illegal ships and secure funding — without extra expense.”
“Incredible… What a brilliant idea. I never would’ve thought of that.”
Müller was impressed.
“As much as I hate to admit it, I really did underestimate you, my lady. I’m ashamed.”
Baron Lopez also nodded in admiration.
“You fool, I knew she was brilliant all along,” Pel muttered quietly — but no one paid him any attention.
Lopez grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and leaned toward me.
“I’d like to discuss this plan in more detail. Would you have some time to spare?”
There was an almost feverish enthusiasm in his eyes — and in the eyes of everyone else present.
‘Of course. What else would you expect from the Crown Prince’s workaholic aides?’
Even before the curse, similar things had happened. Back then, I’d spent days trapped in a conference room just to abolish one hereditary punishment law.
‘Honestly, this is a pain…’
But there was one reason I couldn’t walk away.
‘This plan will definitely succeed.’
If I could implement it, the curse’s weakening rate would surely rise.
Naturally—
“I have all the time in the world,” I said with a smile.
There was no way I could refuse.
The meeting lasted until evening.
Mostly, they asked questions, and I explained using modern knowledge.
“To think we could reduce the imperial burden through joint investments…!”
“I’ve learned so much today.”
Astel’s aides were in awe — while I began to worry that I’d shown them too much of modern society’s darker ingenuity.
But I seemed to be the only one concerned.
“You’re leaving already?”
“There’s still so much more we could learn…”
“I, uh… have someone I need to meet,” I replied awkwardly.
It was nice to have people who listened with such passion, but being interrogated nonstop was a little terrifying. My throat was raw from talking so much.
Thankfully, Asel stepped in.
“That’s enough for today. It’s getting late, and you all must have work piled up.”
At last, I was released.
I walked through the palace, quiet and dim under the night sky.
After a few steps, the messages I’d been waiting for began to appear before my eyes.
– The reform of maritime management has succeeded.
– The number of smuggling and illegal ships has drastically decreased.
– Maritime trade has flourished.
– Related employment has significantly increased.
– Deaths caused by illegal medical supplies have declined.
And among the cheerful notifications, one message stood out:
– You have successfully prevented the death of Jepeto Leweiz.
‘So he was supposed to be executed after all.’
Then more lines appeared:
– You have changed the course of history.
– Calculating curse mitigation based on contribution rate…
– The Curse of Oblivion has weakened by 34%.
– Someone’s memory has been fully restored.
That was the last of the messages.
I brushed away the glowing text with my hand and headed toward the western underground prison of the palace.
At the bottom of the stairs, a knight — clearly informed beforehand — was waiting.
Following the damp smell and uneven stone path, I finally found the figure I was looking for.
“Come out.”
The person huddled beneath a threadbare blanket against the chill of the dungeon slowly raised his head.
“I’m… being released?”
“For now.”
If Jepeto stayed imprisoned any longer, the Grand Duke might find another way to reach him.
‘And Asel said he already extracted what he needed.’
In short, his release was a matter of political convenience.
Even as the knight unlocked the cell, Jepeto only stared blankly at me. I didn’t bother to persuade him — I simply turned and walked away. Only then did he rush to follow.
We sat side by side in the carriage without looking at each other.
There was nothing to say. We’d spent most of our time snapping at each other and grabbing each other’s collars — polite conversation wasn’t really our thing.
Our exchange was curt, practical, and tinged with curiosity.
“Didn’t think you’d be the one to help me.”
And then — “sister”?
For someone who used to call me hey, you, or this woman, it was strange hearing him use an honorific.
Jepeto’s face turned red.
“I-It’s not like I did it because I like you or anything!”
“Oh? Then why?”
“I just know which way the wind’s blowing, that’s all!”
He sounded almost indignant.
“So, you decided you’d survive by siding with me instead of the Second Prince.”
“Obviously! Why else would I strain my throat testifying up there? I could’ve just rotted in my cell!”
I couldn’t help feeling something odd — the man I’d always thought of as simple and foolish had somehow managed to dodge death with uncanny precision.
“So, you only agreed to the Second Prince’s witness request to stay in my good graces.”
“…You take care of the people you call allies.”
Jepeto lowered his gaze.
“I just did the one thing that would get me out of prison alive.”
I had no reply to that. Because in the end, there he was — out of prison, sitting right in front of me.
