Quincy Rachel frowned at the map, his expression shifting slightly.
"Because of the iron mines in the Samarant Duchy?"
"Exactly." Garn Solon nodded with a smile. "If you ask me, the Grand Duke of Venice has real foresight and decisiveness. He figured out so quickly that iron and steel were the essential materials for developing magic industry, then immediately used the military magic machinery we supplied him to attack the Samarant Duchy. That's genuinely impressive."
Quincy Rachel studied the map for a while, then slowly nodded.
"You're right. The Venice Duchy has hardly any iron mines, and only a few magic crystal mines. Those natural conditions severely limit its ability to develop its magic industry sector. The Samarant Duchy happens to have plenty of those resources. For the Grand Duke of Venice to attack it so readily, despite the enormous risks, certainly shows how decisive he is."
"That's not all. I suspect he's using this opportunity to demonstrate his resolve to the president. He might even be... forcing the president to take a stance..." Garn Solon said gravely.
"Huh? Why would you think that?" Quincy Rachel looked startled.
Garn Solon tapped the spot marking the Venice Duchy on the map and said thoughtfully, "Quincy, you've met the Grand Duke of Venice too. Do you think he's impulsive?"
"No. However you look at him, he seems like a very calculating man." Quincy Rachel shook his head. "Of course, that's only to be expected of a grand duke."
"Exactly." Garn Solon nodded. "I admire how he recognized that securing resources lies at the heart of magic industry, and how he showed such remarkable initiative by resolutely attacking the Samarant Duchy. But think about it carefully. Given the Venice Duchy's current situation, he didn't have to do this now."
"The safer approach would