The Count Who Was the Best Executor, the Marquis Who Lacked Men

What did Northwind Province have?

In the common perception of the Imperial Nobles, there was only one answer: iron.

Ryan gave Count Ferguson the same answer.

"I saw your slaves and subjects reclaiming wasteland. This is clearly not a good job. Their efforts yield twice the work for half the result, and I'm afraid they can no longer keep up with this year's spring planting."

"I don't know how many people will starve to death this autumn."

"Northwind Province has many tools for reclaiming wasteland, perfectly suited to the current Hot Spring Province. Count Ferguson may not know this, but two years ago, Northwind Province had already achieved self-sufficiency in food production."

"Furthermore, my Frozen Earth Territory has a large number of people skilled at growing food in wasteland."

"I can have them help Hot Spring Province reclaim its wasteland."

"Forgive my bluntness, Count Ferguson, but you have only one opportunity: to gain control over this land's future productivity while Hot Spring Province is still rebuilding from ruin."

"If I leave here, I will go to the governor's residence. Perhaps I will say the very same things to that Marquis."

"The resources possessed by Northwind Province are precisely what Hot Spring Province desperately needs right now, including those spoils of war. As far as I know, Hot Spring Province does not have the ability to remelt scrap materials."

"And I sincerely suggest that you accept my proposal, Count, because it will grant the Count Ferguson Family unprecedented political influence."

"No one would dare offend the noble gentlemen of Volga Province, because they controlled the food that fed tens of millions."

With threats and inducements alike, Count Ferguson had no more time to think. He stared fixedly at Ryan, his expression deeply conflicted.

"But what do you want?"

"This is a