Chapter 303: Good News! Bad News!

"You silly girl, what are you talking about?"

Simon had just finished test-firing the flintlock and was in a good mood, so he joked with her.

Ysabeau giggled.

"I’m not making it up, My Lord. Sir Carl is waiting in the hall. The Emperor’s marriage decree has arrived. You’re getting married this winter."

"Sir Carl is here?"

Simon frowned. He hadn’t heard that Carl was coming to Brambleford.

Still, if Carl had come personally, it must be something important.

He quickly headed into the hall.

"Your Highness," Carl said, pacing in the main hall.

When he saw Simon enter, he walked over.

"Sir Carl." Simon greeted him politely.

"Why didn’t you send word? I would’ve welcomed you myself."

"Don’t tease an old man, Your Highness. I came in a hurry, with both good and bad news. Formalities can wait." Carl replied.

"Oh?" Simon’s smile faded.

"Please go on."

"The good news," Carl said. "Is that the marriage between you and Chancellor Hughes’ daughter, Elin, has been approved. Your wedding will be on the eighth day of the twelfth month. Congratulations!"

"And the bad news?" Simon asked.

Carl sighed.

"The reavers have made two types of cannons. One is called the Urban Siege Cannon, and the other is known as the Mighty Cannon. The Emperor hasn’t slept well in days. The reavers’ cavalry and archery were already terrible enough. Now they have cannons. What are we to do?"

"So the report was true..." Simon’s heart sank. The intel Richard had brought back was accurate.

"You’ve heard about this already?" Carl asked.

Simon nodded.

Carl sighed in relief.

"Good. But that’s not the real issue. The Emperor is now considering relocating the capital."

"Relocating the capital?" Simon was shocked.

Carl had expected that reaction.

"Yes. Eldora has no natural defenses. Prince Ravencrest can’t be trusted. The reavers are growing stronger. The next time they attack, it will be with overwhelming force. The Emperor is thinking about the safety of the royal family and the people of Eldora."

Simon gave a bitter smile.

In truth, moving the capital had been discussed for generations.

Eldora faced the reavers directly; it was always in danger.

Now that Emperor Alaric knew they had developed powerful cannons, he must be thinking:

"Eldora can’t stand against those guns."

The light scent of tea floated through the main hall.

Carl sipped gently from his cup while watching Simon’s expression, trying to gauge his reaction.

The idea of relocating the capital had already sparked intense opposition in Eldora from Empress Gretchen, the Crown Prince, and many officials bribed by Prince Ravencrest. They argued using old ancestral laws and superstitions, but everyone knew their real motive: self-interest.

If the capital moved, Prince Ravencrest’s influence over the Emperor would shrink dramatically.

"So, where does the Emperor plan to move the capital?"

Carl wasn’t just making small talk; he was clearly probing Simon’s stance.

"Among all royal lands, only Brighton is truly suitable. If we move there, Prince Ravencrest will guard the west; Link Pass lies beyond; Prince Augustus guards the north; Prince Gerad guards the southeast; and Your Highness guards the northeast. With three princes surrounding the capital, it will be safe."

Carl smiled as he spoke, clearly pleased with the plan. Brighton, once the Northern First Dynasty’s capital, was a wise choice. As Carl explained, a new capital there would be defended by loyal royal princes and could finally stand firm against powerful vassals with different surnames.

"Father is wise. Brighton is indeed a blessed place." Simon said after a pause.

On the surface, he remained calm, but in his heart, waves of thought surged.

In modern terms, the capital was like the core of an economic zone. A rich capital meant wealth for surrounding regions. If the capital moved to Brighton, his goods would cost far less to transport.

Eldora was 800 kilometers from Brambleford, but Brighton was only 400 kilometers away. From Btighton, it was just 100 kilometers to Oak Ridge, the westernmost part of his territory, the same as the distance from Brambleford to Burrow’s Town.

That meant the capital would be twice as close to his land, greatly increasing its strategic and economic importance.

And with his influence nearby, he could help prevent internal chaos from breaking out, just as crucial as resisting foreign threats.

Overall, the relocation only brought benefits to him.

In fact, he’d gain a geographic advantage over the capital just like Prince Ravencrest once had.

"So Your Highness supports moving the capital?"

Carl smiled slyly.

"Eldora is already in a proar over this. If that’s the case, Your Highness should submit a memorial to declare your support. That way, the court officials won’t target you over it."

Simon was briefly stunned. He usually stayed out of court politics, but Carl wanted him to submit a formal petition backing the move.

He smiled faintly.

So without realizing it, he was no longer just a minor prince.

Now, even the central court counted on his voice.

He was, after all, a powerful territorial prince, a key player in the empire.

It became clear: Carl’s visit wasn’t just to deliver good news, but to secure Simon’s support. He’d probably head to Prince Gerad next.

But then Carl said something that truly surprised him:

"Since Your Highness supports the move, you might have to help with building the new capital."

Simon’s face paled.

"Sir Carl, you know how tight our finances are. Where would I find money to build capital?"

"Hahaha, Your Highness misunderstands! The court will fund the construction. You’ll only benefit, never lose."

Carl grinned as if sharing a secret.

Simon relaxed.

Carl meant that he could take part in the construction project, a golden opportunity to make a profit from public works.

Big construction meant big money, and he wasn’t about to miss out.

Still, Simon would’ve preferred the new capital to be built in West Ham.

"The ruler guards the gates; the king dies for the people." He wished for a golden age where emperors stood firm against invasion.

But right now, West Ham was in enemy hands. Suggesting that site would be a joke.

After talking about the capital, Carl changed the topic with a smile:

"Your Highness, when I arrived in Brambleford, I saw many construction projects and strange roads. What are they?"

"Those are cement roads," Simon replied, then glanced at Carl.

"What do you think of them?"

"Very nice. They’re as sturdy as the stone roads in Eldora, but better, they don’t flood or get slippery in the rain or snow." Carl said, impressed.

Even though the capital move might take years and face many political hurdles, this was a good chance to show off Brambleford’s construction capabilities.

Simon needed to build up capital, and constructing the new capital could be a massive moneymaker.

If the relocation happened, there would surely be competition among princes to oversee the building process.

"But Sir Carl has only seen the surface."

Simon smiled.

"It’s still early; why not let me show you something even more interesting?"

"Oh?" Carl leaned forward with curiosity.

So the two left the castle and walked through Brambleford’s streets.

By now, about 20% of the roads had been paved, and many underground pipes had already been installed.

But instead of going to a government building, Simon brought Carl to the Goldwynd Family Restaurant.

"Is Your Highness treating this old man to a drink?"

Carl chuckled as they arrived.

"Not quite. Sir Carl, take a look here."

Simon pointed at a trench where cement pipes were being laid.

"What’s this?" Carl asked, puzzled.

"Cement drainage pipes. One connects from inside the restaurant to the main pipe outside. In the future, customers will be able to use a toilet inside the restaurant, and even during heavy rains, the streets won’t flood."

Carl was confused.

"Aren’t toilets already inside restaurants? Isn’t a bucket enough? Isn’t this overkill?"

"That’s the difference, Sir Carl," Simon said.

"With these pipes, no need for chamber pots. Guests can enjoy modern comfort. See those ceramic pipes going from upstairs to downstairs? Each room will have a flushing toilet."