Chapter 165 (1)
Bonus chapter thanks to @RewindThis from Ko-fi!
Rockefeller's words were enigmatic.
"How can that be possible?"
As the emperor expressed his doubt, Rockefeller lowered his voice and explained the method.
The emperor's expression after hearing the story was strange.
Could it really happen?
"Do you think that will happen?"
"Anyway, the goblin bank is not a group we can just leave alone. It wouldn't be bad to weaken them when we have a good opportunity."
"Hmm..."
"And if we're going to dig, they might be interested in other places as well. Just dig without worrying about the consequences. If you think about selling the country, quite a lot of money will be gathered."
"Is this a gamble involving the country?"
"Think of it positively. If you think about the power the empire has, it won't be destroyed so easily."
Gambling.
The emperor didn't like it.
However, the only way to cover the financial deficit at once was what Rockefeller had said.
'Maybe this could be an opportunity.'
"Then I'll listen to your advice and give it a try. Honestly, I don't like the idea of gambling with the country, but if it's an unprecedented event in the history of the continent…."
Is it worth trying once?
The plan didn't look too bad after hearing it.
"The possibility is high."
"If we succeed, Your Majesty will be somewhat relieved from financial problems. Usually, when a country becomes unstable, it's often due to financial issues. On the other hand, if the finances are abundant, the country can maintain a stable and peaceful rule."
Rockefeller's words continued.
"What kind of empire do you want to lead, Your Majesty? A financially affluent empire or a financially impoverished one? I think you already know the answer without me asking. But to gain something, betting is always necessary. There's nothing free in this world. Please don't forget how you got to where you are now."
After finishing the conversation with the emperor, Rockefeller went to find his younger sister Lucia before leaving the imperial palace.
Lucia, who had been with the palace maids, ran and hugged Rockefeller when he arrived.
"Rockefeller oppa!"
"Lucia, what do you do when you suddenly do this?"
"What's wrong with it, oppa?!"
"Even so, you should maintain your dignity as an imperial person."
The maids stepped back, and in the place where only Rockefeller and Lucia remained, Rockefeller wanted to ask about her married life.
"Lucia, how have you been lately?"
"I'm fine. How about you, oppa?"
"I'm just..."
Rockefeller, who had hesitated for a moment, wanted to apologize to Lucia.
"Lucia, I'm really sorry for arranging your marriage without your consent."
"No, not at all. I'm really happy!"
"Really? Then... that's good."
He apologized just in case, but it turned out to be an unnecessary worry.
Lucia was very satisfied with her married life with the emperor, and there seemed to be no problems.
'Well, I'm holding on like this. At least there will be no problems as long as my power and position are maintained.'
Even if a problem arises, Rockefeller, who knew the emperor's temperament, didn't worry much.
'The emperor is a kind person too.'
"Lucia."
At Rockefeller's call, Lucia looked at him with sparkling eyes.
"What is it, Rockefeller oppa?"
"Always be dignified as the empress of the empire. Our family doesn't have to bow down, so just think about me and live as you please."
Rockefeller really wanted to tell his youngest sister, who had unknowingly married into the royal family, to live as she pleased.
"However, don't make a mess. You know what I mean, right?"
At his words, Lucia responded with the most innocent smile in the world.
"Yes, I know."
Since that day.
The empire began to issue a large amount of national debt to prepare for a full-scale war with the dwarves.
As the rumor of the empire's issuance of national debt spread, there was movement among the big players to buy the national debt, including the goblin bank.
At the round table meeting leading the goblin bank.
Goldman, wearing round glasses, opened his mouth after hearing the news of the empire's issuance of national debt.
"Good. The empire has started issuing national debt as we expected."
National debt is, in other words, a loan certificate, which means a debt document.
Unlike other loan certificates that can be exercised at any time, national debt required a certain amount of time to repay the borrowed gold coins.
And depending on the repayment period, there were short-term national debts within one year and long-term national debts that exceeded one year. The longer the borrowed period, the higher the interest rate.
Thus, investors who wanted stable high returns bought long-term national debts issued by the empire.
"It's quite a large scale. The empire seems to be frightened by the upcoming fierce war, so they're issuing national debt that they haven't even issued before."
Goldman's smile deepened.
"Foolishness leads to the suffering of the country."
At Goldman's words, Morgan responded.
"That's right. That's why the country's leader must be smart."
"First of all, buy the issued national debt unconditionally, even if you have to pay a premium."
"That's how it should be. What's the point of having national debt halfway? They'll just laugh at us."
Goldman emphasized.
"Then, when the national debt repayment period approaches, cause trouble so that the empire cannot repay it. Another war. Then they'll issue national debt on their own. They'll have to repay the issued national debt anyway, right?"
What would be the end of that vicious cycle?
"So, they'll become our loyal slaves, hehehe..."
Goldman's smile grew even more sinister.
"They'll spend their whole lives just printing out national debt until they die. And when they reach their limit, everything in the empire, including the Montefeltro territory, will naturally become ours."
At Goldman's words, Morgan and JP laughed along.
"Great plan. Let's proceed with it."
"Start buying up all the national debt you can. Buy up the entire empire if possible."
Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi. Access 5 advance chapters with the Imperial Dalants Tier ($10) or 10 advance chapters with Dwarven Sovereigns Tier ($18) or till the end with Goblin Dollars ($35). For every $25 collected on Ko-fi, I will release an extra chapter. Choose your tier by clicking the 'Support me' button! Rate and review this on NU to help people find this . Happy reading!