Among the leaders of the various nations, more than one applauded the Northwest Republic's new policy.
For instance, the Chief Grand Consul of the Daka Trade Alliance slammed his hand on the table and cheered in the conference hall.
"Good! Good! Wonderful! Wonderful! What a splendid idea!" He laughed heartily, as delighted as he had been when he had first risen to power. "How did I never think of such a brilliant idea? As expected of His Majesty Void Mask—his wisdom is profound beyond imagination!"
Another Grand Consul asked in puzzlement, "Sir, what exactly is so good about this policy?"
"Yes, if this is done, what distinction will remain between nobles and commoners?"
"I think this policy has some problems."
"I think so too..."
The Chief Grand Consul sighed and looked at his colleagues. "Do you really think this policy is problematic?"
His face bore a faint, knowing smile, with the cunning of one who saw straight through human nature. "We're all among ourselves here. There's no need to put on airs. Speak honestly—do you truly think this policy is bad?"
The Grand Consuls fell silent. They looked at one another, each putting away their puzzled, doubtful, or smiling expressions.
"Actually... there's nothing particularly bad about it."
"Yes. If something like this had happened back when I hadn't yet made my fortune..."
"Too late now!"
These old men, who had entered the circle of a nation's highest rulers through their own efforts or by riding the tide of history, all let out such sighs.
The Daka Trade Alliance was a purely merchant state. Unlike the Gold Coin Federation, which still possessed a powerful noble faction, it had almost entirely followed the commercial path. Because it had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Arcane Tower Federation during its