Chapter 26: Pre-Departure Conversation (2)

Sophia placed a hand on her forehead, sinking into thought. She couldn't understand how Ethan, who seemed so wise, could say something so naive.

After a moment of hesitation, she decided to give Ethan a lesson, much like she did with her students at Merlin Academy.

"Ethan, I don't mean to belittle you, but what I'm about to say might embarrass you. Are you willing to listen?"

"Of course," Ethan replied calmly. "If I'm embarrassed, it's my own doing."

"Good," Sophia smiled slightly. "Ethan, in your eyes, the law represents enforcement, much like your actions—say it, do it. But to me, the law represents constraint. This constraint manifests as the rules of the game in politics. Everyone at the table must play by these rules. Although it's a war without smoke, the price of failure can be the destruction of a family.

"Take the matter of stationing troops in the territory, for example. Indeed, as you said, the Empire isn't going to send someone to check. But that's irrelevant. What's important is the political maneuvering in the background. If we report to the Empire that there are people stationed there, specifying who they are, but our enemies find out there's nothing there when they attack, they'll make a huge fuss. We won't be able to refute it, and the consequences are obvious.

"You know we've harmed many great nobles' interests by establishing this territory. Many see us as a thorn in their side and will do anything to get rid of us. This matter's essence isn't about the front lines; it's about the struggle at the rear. Therefore, even if we keep losing there, we must strictly follow the law to shut our enemies' mouths.

"Of course, if you can defeat those with ulterior motives with a decisive victory and take the heads of the knights masquerading as bandits to declare our territory, it would be even better. Just like the opening line of a lord's declaration: 'Those who offend my country, no matter how far, must be punished.' If you can do this, not only will you live well on the front lines, but we'll also have a better situation in the rear."

Ethan, for the first time, bowed his head in front of Sophia. He had always thought of himself as a wise traveler with vast knowledge, feeling superior to the "ignorant natives." However, hearing Sophia's words, even though he knew she was sending him to his death, he was impressed by her insight.

"Is this woman really only fifteen?" Ethan wondered.

"I understand now. It was foolish of me to ask such a dumb question," Ethan said with a bitter smile. "But allow me to ask another dumb question. Why that territory? You said it's a natural port, so why not just unload cargo there directly when we have ships?"

Sophia laughed. "An interesting question! You're right, but you must understand a legal fact. Our Lawson family has never transported any goods to the border by sea, not even a grain of wheat. The rules of the game are written this way, and we follow them strictly. As for why goods are sent from that territory to the border, it's because that's what the territory produces. Whether they believe it or not doesn't matter. As you said, no one will go there to check. As long as it's within the rules, no one can criticize us.

"If someone were foolish enough to cause trouble, I'd boldly claim that the weapons sent to the border grew on trees in the territory. No need to explain, because they're breaking the rules first. Not only will I not explain, but I'll also humiliate them for their ignorance and throw them out. And believe me, everyone will support me and criticize that person for lacking knowledge.

"Moreover, if we hadn't developed that territory, we could have secretly transported goods. But since we developed it, unless we stop doing business at the border, we can't give it up. If we do, someone else will take it, maybe an ally or an enemy. If it's an ally, we can still negotiate. If it's an enemy, well, you know what that means."

"I understand," Ethan said, taking a sip of coffee to hide his embarrassment. "But it seems like I'm going there to die. Facing harsh conditions, ruthless enemies, and having no place to stay. Plus, you want me to win a decisive victory. It's too much to ask."

Sophia smiled wryly. "What do you want? Just tell me, instead of complaining."

"I remember we're taking a ship," Ethan said with a sly look. "I want to keep the ship there, so at least we won't be sleeping in the wilderness. Is that too much to ask?"

"Way too much!" Sophia refused without hesitation. "Don't even think about it. That ship is one of our family's most valuable resources, more important than a knight's life."

"How many people will land with me?" Ethan asked, looking dejected. "And how much supplies?"

"If it were up to me, I'd send you alone. But since you'd refuse, I've arranged for three people to go with you. Of course, this doesn't include my sister and the woman named Lily."

After replying, Sophia thought for a moment and added, "As for supplies, mainly food and winter necessities like tents, stoves, and warm clothing."

"A one-man show!" Ethan said in shock. "You really don't care if I live or die. As long as the rules are upheld, you don't care about anything else."

"Don't be so pessimistic," Sophia said sternly. "The territory's only purpose is to uphold the rules. More people would be a disadvantage. A strong family member stationed there is the best option. You are that person. Allowing my sister to go with you shows my absolute trust in you.

"You may think I'm heartless, treating my own sister like a pawn. And you may think I don't respect you, seeing you as expendable. I understand, but please don't just look at the surface. Let me tell you something that might help you understand my situation.

"My sister has no talent and can't do anything for the family. But her daily expenses are more than what an average family spends in ten years, just for food and clothing. She can't bring any benefit to the family, but we have to pay for her lavish lifestyle. Is that fair?

"In peaceful times, maybe. But in these harsh times, no. You've seen how complex relationships are in Marlow. You should understand what I'm saying. It may look peaceful, but it's full of hidden dangers. No one can stay out of it. If it's like this in Marlow, imagine the imperial capital. One small mistake in the rules could mean the family's downfall.

"Our family's success wasn't handed to us. Every member fought hard for it. Now that you're one of us, you're not exempt. You've seen I have influence in the family, but I also sacrifice for it. I don't like my fiancé, but I must marry him because he's the heir of Duke Stan.

"And let me tell you, he doesn't like me either. He's in love with an imperial princess. Don't think I'm living well in Marlow. In the capital, those princesses and noblewomen call me a country girl. Yet, he still has to marry me. You should know why.

"Everyone is trying to climb up. If you want a good life, put aside useless emotions, face everything rationally, and give your best effort."