Chapter 23: Free Markets, Open Trade

Having seized full control of the Merchant Guild, Zenon wasted no time launching his next reform.

His goal was not to destroy the guild, but to dismantle its inefficient, corrupt system and rebuild it into a rational, productive organization.

The next day, every merchant in the territory along with many traveling traders drawn by rumor — gathered in the square before the guild headquarters.

They buzzed with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
News that Guildmaster Deckard had completely submitted to the young Lord Zenon had already spread throughout the land.

Soon, Zenon appeared on the stage erected in the square, with Deckard beside him, pale-faced, hollow, like a discarded shell.

At once, the murmurs fell silent. Every gaze fixed upon the boy standing before them.

“I’ve gathered you here for one reason,” 

Zenon began, his clear, unamplified voice carrying across the entire square.

“As of today, all old regulations governing commerce in the Arkwright Territory are hereby abolished.”

The statement hit the crowd like a thunderclap.

“Abolished… the old regulations?”

“What does he mean…?”

As confusion rippled through the merchants, Zenon continued in his calm, steady tone.

“Until now, anyone wishing to do business in this land was required to join the Merchant Guild and pay exorbitant fees and a percentage of their profits. But that ends today. From this day forward, anyone, guild member or not, is free to conduct trade in this territory! No stall fees, no bureaucratic red tape!”

The square erupted in shock and disbelief.

Especially those who had long been excluded by the guild’s iron walls — small merchants, independent craftsmen, and traveling traders — could hardly believe their ears.

“You mean… I can open a shop without joining the guild!?”

“This can’t be real! Am I dreaming!?”

Zenon raised a hand to quiet the uproar.

“Furthermore,” 

He declared. 

“The monopoly on price-setting held by the guild is abolished. From now on, every merchant may set their prices freely. I will personally ensure that no unfair manipulation occurs and one more thing: all tolls and tariffs on goods entering or leaving the territory are abolished — effective immediately.”

Free trade. Free pricing. No tariffs.

It was an economic revolution that overturned the very foundation of the age.

Commercial activity — once chained by the guild’s self-serving monopoly — was now entirely liberated.

Zenon had placed his faith in the forces of the market itself.
What he declared was nothing less than “Free Markets, Open Trade.”

“This… this will change everything…” 

Murmured one elderly merchant, trembling.

He instantly grasped what this policy would bring.

Without tariffs, cheaper and higher-quality goods would flood in from other lands.
With freedom to trade, skilled artisans and ambitious entrepreneurs would flock here.

Competition would intensify — but as a result, the market would flourish like never before.

And at its center would stand the Arkwright Territory, proud producer of fine, high-quality goods.

“However.” 

Zenon added, his voice cutting through the excitement like a blade.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. Any merchant who commits fraud or deception will be punished directly by me. Sell inferior goods or cheat customers, and you will be banished from this land forever.”

A chill ran through the crowd — a reminder that Zenon’s reform was not lenient idealism, but a disciplined system of order.

Finally, Zenon turned to the pale Deckard beside him.

“The guild’s role changes today as well.” 

He said coldly.

“Your duty is no longer to control and exploit merchants. From now on, you exist to support them — to foster the growth of commerce throughout the territory.”

“Specifically: establish a product quality assurance system, mediate disputes between merchants, and help expand trade routes beyond our borders. If you fail to fulfill that mission… you know what will happen.”

“Y-yes, my lord…” 

Deckard stammered, unable even to meet his gaze.

Zenon looked over the assembled crowd and delivered his final words.

“My goal is to make the Arkwright Territory the richest, most vibrant commercial hub in the kingdom. Those with skill and ambition — work freely. Here, your efforts will be rewarded justly. I guarantee it.”

A brief silence followed his declaration— then the square erupted in thunderous cheers that shook the air.

It was the triumphant roar of merchants welcoming a new era.

They no longer saw the young noble before them as merely a lord’s son.
He was the very embodiment of revolution— a leader who had shattered old conventions to forge a new order.

From the stage, Zenon watched their fervor with cool detachment.

To him, this too was just another step in organizational reform— deregulation to activate the market, competition to raise overall quality— basic economic policy, nothing more.

Yet in this backward, inefficient world, those “basics” shone like miracles.

Zenon felt a faint sense of exasperation at the gap.

His reforms were far from over—but the great machine he had set in motion was now turning with unstoppable force.