Social Experiment

Hansel Abbott sat somewhat stiffly in the Royal Palace dining hall, nodding slightly to the server beside him as they arranged his food.

He turned his gaze toward the tableware on the tabletop. It was exquisitely crafted, with no visible flaws, but it was all ordinary porcelain.

As a flagship product that had brought Arda enormous profits, porcelain had long since become popular throughout the world aboard merchant ships from Northwest Bay. These smooth articles with their delicate patterns were beloved by people of every social class.

But as the country of porcelain's origin, Aldo had enjoyed prices that were not nearly as outrageous as those in other countries. After the craze that had accompanied porcelain's initial appearance faded, its price had fallen back to merely somewhat expensive.

In any case, it could not be compared to utensils made of gold or silver.

But Hansel had heard from his father that the utensils used to entertain guests in the Royal Palace were all made of gold and silver.

"This is not meant as disrespect, Sir Abbott."

King Rodney XVIII noticed Hansel's gaze linger briefly on the tableware and began to explain.

"I have already exchanged most of the gold and silver goods in the Royal Palace for money."

"Oh! Your Majesty, you truly made a tremendous sacrifice for the country." Hansel flattered him aloud, while his heart ached.

It really did ache—he was aching on the king's behalf. Many of the objects in the Crystal Radiance Royal Palace had been passed down for several centuries, and their value had long since far exceeded the worth of the objects themselves, whether it was a dinner plate or a set of knives and forks.

Rhodesney XVIII said decisively, "As long as it can make Aldo's army stronger, no sacrifice is too great."