Chapter 24: The Scenery of Prosperity

Several months had passed since Zenon declared the policy of Free Markets and Open Trade.

The central city of the Arkwright Territory had transformed—almost beyond recognition.

Once desolate, the central square had become a vast, bustling market that thrived from dawn to dusk.

Fresh vegetables and fruits grown within the territory.
The savory scent of smoked meats wafting through the air.
Golden Arkwright ale being poured merrily from casks.

Countless stalls lined the streets, displaying goods of every kind, while the spirited voices of sellers and buyers filled the square without pause.

“Come and see! Sweet, big potatoes from the northern village!”
“Hot sausages right off the grill! Perfect with your ale!”

The townspeople, their eyes sparkling, enjoyed shopping at the heart of that vibrant commotion.

Just half a year ago, many had struggled even to put food on the table.
Now, their crops sold one after another, bringing in coin—and with that coin, they could buy rich ingredients and useful tools they had never seen before.

The shadow of poverty that had long lingered on their faces was gone, replaced by bright, genuine smiles.

This transformation also drew crowds from beyond the territory.

The highways, once rough and muddy, had been rebuilt under Zenon’s orders into smooth, stone-paved roads.
With tariffs abolished, merchants from the royal capital and neighboring lands streamed in without end, bringing all manner of goods—silks, spices, rare crafts and leaving with cartloads of Arkwright’s high-quality specialties.

Where goods move, money flows.
Where people gather, new businesses are born.

Around the market, new inns opened for travelers, taverns served delicious meals, and skilled blacksmiths and weavers—lured by tales of free enterprise relocated to this thriving city.

The town grew larger and richer with every passing day.

Zenon observed it all calmly from his office in the manor.

On his desk, there were no longer ledgers filled with red ink.
Instead, neatly stacked reports detailed the territory’s economic indicators— population trends, tax growth, sales data, and increases in household savings.

Every line formed a beautiful upward curve.

“…Just as planned,” 

Zenon murmured, satisfied.

Fiscal reform, agricultural revolution, and commercial revitalization—his “three arrows” of reform functioned perfectly, propelling the once-bankrupt Arkwright territory to miraculous growth.

Knock, knock.

“Pardon the intrusion, Zenon-sama.”

Entering the room were Rio, the chief accountant, and Marc, the assistant magistrate.
Their faces brimmed with confidence and fulfillment.

“The tax revenues for last month are finalized, my lord. Reporting as follows.” 

Rio said, handing over a document with barely contained excitement.

“Compared to the same month last year, revenues have increased eightfold! The growth in commercial tax has far exceeded our projections!”

“Our product development is also progressing well.” 

Marc added.

“In particular, the ‘Northwind Vodka’ we created has become immensely popular among the nobles of the royal capital. Orders are flooding in faster than we can produce—it’s practically a gold mine!”

Zenon nodded quietly at their reports.

“A good trend. But don’t grow complacent. Identify the remaining issues, and always plan the next improvement. Markets are living things—let your guard down for even a moment, and growth will stagnate.”

“Yes, my lord!” 

Both men responded firmly, tension returning to their posture.

After they departed, Zenon turned toward the window.
Beyond the glass stretched a city alive with energy— citizens free from hunger, a bustling marketplace, and beautifully maintained streets.

It was proof that the “rational and comfortable society” he had envisioned since his reincarnation was finally taking shape.

His plans, his knowledge, were transforming this inefficient world into something better—
and that truth lit a faint but undeniable satisfaction within him.

It was different from the cold sense of accomplishment he had once felt as a corporate consultant when improving a client’s business.
This warmth was something new—something human.

(…Not bad.)

He whispered the words softly.

At that very moment—

Bang, bang, bang!

The door was struck hurriedly.

It was Gray, his bodyguard, wearing an expression Zenon had never seen before—uneasy, almost alarmed.

“Zenon-sama! Urgent news! A messenger has arrived from the royal capital!”

“From the capital? What business could they have?”

Gray swallowed hard before continuing.

“By royal decree… Her Holiness, Saint Liliana, will be visiting our territory for inspection!”

Saint Liliana.

At the sound of that name, long-buried memories from Zenon’s previous life flooded vividly back.

The main heroine of “The Holy Cantata of Light Woven With You”— and the very person who, in the game’s story, would ultimately condemn the villainous noble Zenon von Arkwright.

For the first time, Zenon’s brow furrowed deeply in displeasure.

His perfectly advancing plan had just encountered its greatest—and most irrational—risk factor.

“…This could be troublesome.”

The winds blowing from the royal capital carried with them a faint scent of unease.

The light of prosperity Zenon’s reforms had kindled was now casting a shadow he had never intended to summon.