Empire and World Economy

The Empire's new His Majesty the Emperor wanted to do something very simple.

Turn the trade guilds that had once created wealth for the nobles into trade guilds that created wealth for the Empire.

Naturally, this was difficult for people to accept. Even nobles like Grand Duke Mayers stared at Volvo Columbus, Emperor Columbus IV, in shock.

"Your Majesty, the major trade guilds are wealth belonging to the nobles. No one has the right to undermine the nobles' territories. The trade guilds belong to the nobles, and only to the nobles."

Grand Duke Mayers spoke with some anger. If the Emperor held such ideas, then nobles like them who supported him could also become Grand Duke Fleming's allies.

The Empire's current political structure, when all was said and done, still consisted of the Emperor and the nobles.

There was a clear line dividing them.

Columbus III had nearly erased that line, but he had died.

The nobles had made that boundary distinct once more.

"Grand Duke Mayers, you must understand that I am creating wealth for the Empire."

The Emperor looked at the great nobles before him and said sternly,

"You should believe that I will bring greater glory to the Empire, and that my followers—you nobles—will also reap greater wealth from it."

"The Emperor of the Empire does not plunder the wealth of the nobles. He expands it."

"In my view... not every noble is qualified to conduct trade."

Grand Duke Mayers raised his head, his aged eyes narrowing as he looked at the Emperor.

Northlands, Frozen Earth Territory.

Ryan had returned from the Andara Kingdom in the east and took the time to look over another decree sent by the Emperor from the Imperial Capital.

"This is already the third one, isn't it? Is he