Subtle Influence

Hozzenplozz walked over to Pavel and struck up a familiar conversation.

"Sir Pavel," he said, wearing a genial smile. "I hear you're studying at Wessen Military Academy. A promising young man indeed."

"It must be hard keeping up with us merchants as we travel from place to place."

"What do you think of our preliminary plan?"

His question seemed casual, but it was a probe. He wanted to know whether the young man had genuine insight or was merely caught up in the moment.

Pavel turned to face Hozzenplozz and replied with a warm smile. "Councilor Hozzenplozz, you're too kind."

"It's an honor to learn from all of you."

"Your plan is ambitious, and every part fits together. It's been deeply enlightening."

"Your points about Industrial Chains and Industrial Clusters, in particular, have helped me understand from practical experience how fragile a single project can be, and how powerful a cluster can become."

He paused and glanced across the vast tract of undeveloped land before them. His voice took on a note of personal longing and resolve. "To be frank, I come from the north, and I have a small estate of my own."

"As I passed through, I saw Budweis City seeking change, and heard all of you describe your vision. It made me wonder whether I could bring this approach to development back to my hometown."

"I may not have your financial means or resources, but perhaps I could start with something smaller, something better suited to our local circumstances."

"For instance, I could learn from Mr. Spike's Technical Improvements to improve local Animal Husbandry, or take inspiration from Madam Leia and increase the meager agricultural output of my estate."

"I hope I can do something like all of you and contribute to building up my hometown."

His