Chapter 434: The Dutch Greatest Danger

The northern wind swept through Brambleford, carrying snowflakes onto the city’s smooth cement roads.

A thin layer of shimmering white gradually covered the gray streets, signaling that the end of the year was drawing near.

Since experiencing the lingerie introduced by Elin, Princess Lisa had become reluctant to leave Brambleford. She spent nearly half a month enjoying everything the city had to offer before finally deciding to return to the empire to celebrate the New Year.

Before her departure, Princess Lisa repeatedly reminded Simon not to forget the construction of her mansion.

Simon naturally agreed without hesitation.

After all, even modern countries rely on attracting wealthy residents to stimulate economic growth. If Princess Lisa could be persuaded to establish a residence in Brambleford, other nobles and wealthy merchants might follow her example.

Their arrival would bring investment, increase consumption, and create new opportunities for local businesses. For Simon, this happens to be an opportunity he could hardly afford to waste.

During those two weeks, Elin had accompanied Princess Lisa almost everywhere. Since becoming Simon’s consort, she had gradually begun shouldering the responsibilities expected of her position, particularly those involving diplomacy and relations with the empire’s nobility.

Simon, meanwhile, had been occupied with the affairs of Brambleford.

The city’s finances remained tight, and he needed every possible source of revenue to support its continuous development.

Consequently, he ordered Joan to accelerate the production of lingerie and arranged for Percival to transport a large shipment to the imperial capital.

Princess Lisa had also promised to help promote the new garments throughout the empire. As one of the most influential trendsetters among the imperial nobility, her endorsement alone could transform an unfamiliar product into the latest fashion.

Once the princess began wearing the garments publicly, other noblewomen would undoubtedly follow.

For Simon, this meant another profitable industry. For Brambleford, it meant increased tax revenue and further economic growth.

Baldwin was naturally delighted with the arrangement.

More importantly, the expanding textile workshop had recruited three hundred workers, providing stable employment for three hundred families that had previously struggled to make ends meet.

The workers earned wages, their families gained a reliable source of income, and the resulting increase in spending stimulated the surrounding businesses.

It was precisely the kind of development Simon wanted to see.

After bidding farewell to Princess Lisa, he had hoped to spend a peaceful New Year in Brambleford with Elin.

Unfortunately, his plans were interrupted by an unexpected visitor.

The newcomer was none other than Alonso, the Dutch ambassador whom Simon had encountered in Ashenford. At their previous meeting, Alonso had presented himself as a representative of Dutch commercial interests.

This time, however, his purpose was considerably more important.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness, Prince Simon."

Inside the main hall, Alonso bowed respectfully before the prince.

Following Earl Grey’s instructions, he had returned from Ashenford and traveled into the heartland of the Eldorian Empire.

His previous attempt to meet Simon in Ashenford had failed. Nevertheless, Alonso had expressed his desire for another audience, prompting Governor Monti to relay the request to Brambleford.

After receiving Simon’s approval, Monti arranged for the Dutch ambassador to travel here.

Now, Alonso finally stood before the man whose decisions would determine the Dutch position in Split Rock.

"There’s no need for such formalities, Ambassador Alonso." Simon gestured for him to rise. "Since you’ve come all this way to Brambleford, I assume you’ve reconsidered your previous position."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"I have no desire to settle the Split Rock dispute through war either. However, when negotiations fail, certain measures become unavoidable."

His tone was calm, but the meaning behind his words was unmistakable.

Alonso’s gaze deepened.

Since arriving in Brambleford, he had carefully observed the city.

The smooth cement roads, the disciplined soldiers carrying flintlock firearms at the city gates had all left a profound impression on him.

Everything seemed organized according to a standard he had never encountered elsewhere.

Even the roads were strange.

The locals called the material cement, but Alonso had never heard of such a building material being used in Europe.

The more he observed, the more he realized that Brambleford was far more formidable than he had initially imagined.

"His Excellency Earl Grey, whom many regard as the conqueror of the seas, also has no desire to resolve this dispute through war," Alonso replied carefully. "That is precisely why he sent me here to discuss Split Rock and the shipping routes once again."

Simon nodded.

"Then tell me, how does Earl Grey intend to resolve the matter?"

If a peaceful settlement could secure Split Rock, Simon had no intention of rushing into war.

Battles consumed enormous quantities of money, weapons, ammunition, and supplies. Even a victorious campaign could leave a kingdom burdened with unnecessary expenses.

If the Dutch were willing to withdraw peacefully, he would gladly save those resources for other projects.

Alonso took a breath before presenting his proposal.

"Earl Grey is willing to surrender the main island of Split Rock. However, he hopes Your Royal Highness will permit the Dutch to retain Fort Zeelandia. We consider it the last remaining symbol of our dignity in the region."

Simon’s eyebrows drew together.

"Fort Zeelandia?"

He was familiar with the location.

Fort Zeelandia stood on a small island off the eastern coast of Split Rock’s main island. The Dutch had established their port there, using it as a base for their commercial activities and military operations.

There was also another fortress, known as Flipper, positioned across the sea and facing the main island. Richard had already informed Simon about its existence.

Alonso quickly clarified his proposal.

"Yes. We are also prepared to surrender Fort Flipper, which faces the main island, along with Split Rock itself. However, we hope to retain Fort Zeelandia."

Simon fell silent for a moment.

The Dutch proposal was hardly surprising. They wanted to abandon the territory they could no longer defend while preserving a military foothold that would allow them to return whenever circumstances favored them.

From their perspective, Fort Zeelandia was a valuable strategic asset.

From Simon’s perspective, it was a threat.

Allowing a foreign power to maintain an armed stronghold beside territory under its control would create endless complications. Even if the Dutch promised to maintain peaceful relations, their garrison could become a source of conflict at any moment.

Simon had no intention of allowing such an arrangement.

"No," he said firmly. "Fort Zeelandia must also be returned."

A flicker of anger crossed Alonso’s face.

He had expected Simon to be difficult, but the prince’s refusal left him with almost no room to maneuver.

Nevertheless, recalling the strength Brambleford had displayed, he suppressed his frustration.

"Your Royal Highness, this is our final bottom line. If you refuse to leave the Dutch even a little dignity, we may have no choice but to meet on the battlefield."

Simon regarded him calmly.

"Ambassador Alonso, I haven’t finished speaking."

Alonso paused.

"Every territory belonging to Split Rock must come under my control. That point is not open to negotiation."

Simon’s expression remained composed as he continued.

"However, once the Dutch formally acknowledge my sovereignty over Split Rock, I am willing to transform Fort Zeelandia into a trading port. Your merchants will be permitted to continue conducting business there as they have in the past."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Alonso’s eyes, but Simon had not finished.

"There is one condition. Your warships and garrison must withdraw completely. My soldiers will take over the fortress, and my fleet will assume responsibility for defending the port."

Alonso’s heart sank.

"Your Royal Highness, how is that any different from surrendering Fort Zeelandia entirely?"

"Of course there’s a difference."

Simon leaned back slightly.

"Your merchants will still be able to sail to Split Rock and conduct their business. Your trading ships can continue using the port, provided they abide by the laws of my territory."

His gaze sharpened.

"If you refuse this arrangement, you risk losing access to the entire region. Consider carefully which outcome would be more beneficial to the Dutch."

He spoke without hesitation.

"Remember, Ambassador, you are the invaders here. You occupied territory not belonging to you, and now you are asking me to preserve your commercial privileges after your military withdrawal. You should consider yourselves fortunate that I am willing to entertain such an arrangement."

Alonso remained silent.

Simon’s words were harsh, but he could not easily refute them.

The Dutch had come to Split Rock seeking to establish a profitable foothold in the region. They had never expected to encounter an opponent capable of challenging their position so decisively.

Now, the situation had been reversed.

They were the ones negotiating for permission to remain in a region they had once hoped to dominate.

After a prolonged silence, Alonso finally spoke.

"Your Royal Highness, please forgive me, but I must discuss these terms with Earl Grey one final time. Once I have received his instructions, we will decide whether to accept your proposal."

Simon nodded.

"That is reasonable. However, I suggest you make your decision quickly."

He had already made arrangements for his fleet to sail south in four months, following the New Year celebrations.

If the Dutch refused to cooperate, he would have to reconsider his plans and prepare for a more forceful solution.

"I understand," Alonso replied.

After a brief pause, his attention shifted to another matter that had occupied his thoughts since entering Brambleford.

"Your Royal Highness, may I ask about the material used to pave your roads? I believe the locals call it cement."

Simon’s expression changed slightly.

Alonso continued, "I have never encountered such a material in Europe. The roads here are remarkably smooth, and I imagine this substance has considerable advantages over ordinary stone paving."

He glanced toward the hall’s entrance before making another request.

"If Your Royal Highness permits it, I would also appreciate the opportunity to visit some of Brambleford’s factories. Seeing your industries firsthand might help us better understand one another and perhaps create opportunities for future cooperation."

Simon immediately understood what the ambassador was thinking.

The Dutch had come to negotiate over Split Rock, but Alonso was also trying to uncover the source of Brambleford’s growing strength.

The cement roads had caught his attention. The organized city and its well-equipped soldiers had only deepened his curiosity.

If the Dutch could discover how Brambleford produced such materials and manufactured its equipment, they might find a way to narrow the technological gap.

Simon smiled faintly.

The Dutch were certainly reluctant to leave without learning something useful.

"Cement is an excellent building material," he replied casually. "It is used quite extensively in Brambleford. It improves our roads and makes construction more convenient."

He rose from his seat.

"Since you are interested, Ambassador Alonso, I will personally show you around the city."

In truth, cement production in Europe had yet to reach the level Simon had introduced in Brambleford. Although early cement-like materials existed, the large-scale production and application of modern cement belonged to a much later period.

To Alonso, Brambleford’s roads represented an entirely unfamiliar development.

To Simon, they were merely one part of a much larger plan.

Soon, horses were prepared, and the two men left the castle.

As they moved through Brambleford’s streets, Simon pointed out several buildings and explained their purposes. Alonso listened attentively, studying the roads, the drainage channels, and the construction methods used throughout the city.

Every discovery raised more questions.

How had Simon managed to develop these technologies?

Where had the prince obtained the knowledge required to organize his industries so efficiently?

And how much more was Brambleford hiding behind its seemingly ordinary streets?

Alonso had come hoping to negotiate a compromise over Split Rock.

Now, he was beginning to suspect that the territory itself was only a small part of the problem facing the Dutch.

The greater danger lay in the prince who ruled Brambleford.

However, their tour soon encountered an unexpected interruption.

As the two men passed through a busy street, several pedestrians suddenly noticed Alonso riding beside Simon.

His red hair and blue eyes made him look strikingly different from the local population.

For a brief moment, the pedestrians stared at him in astonishment.

Then someone cried out.

"Monster!"

The shout spread rapidly.

Several frightened townspeople hurried away, while others pulled their children aside and watched the foreigner with alarm.

Alonso’s expression darkened.

He had endured difficult negotiations, suppressed his anger, and traveled a considerable distance to meet Simon. Yet now, ordinary townspeople were treating him as though he were some kind of creature.

Although he had encountered prejudice before, being openly called a monster in the middle of a crowded street was still deeply humiliating.

He turned toward Simon, struggling to conceal his displeasure.

Simon, however, merely glanced at the retreating pedestrians.

In Brambleford, foreigners with unfamiliar appearances were still a rare sight. The people’s reaction was hardly surprising.

But he also understood that this incident might reveal something important about the relationship between the Eldorian Empire and the outside world.

After all, if even a Dutch ambassador could cause such a commotion simply by appearing in public, then the arrival of foreign merchants in greater numbers would require careful preparation.

Simon turned back to Alonso.

"Please don’t take their reaction too personally, Ambassador. They have simply never seen many people from your homeland."

Alonso forced a smile, though the irritation in his eyes had not completely disappeared.

"I understand, Your Royal Highness."

But as they continued down the street, his attention returned to the unfamiliar city around him.

The cement roads, the advanced infrastructure, the disciplined soldiers, and now the strange reactions of the local population all reminded him of one undeniable fact.

Brambleford was a place the Dutch are yet understand—and that ignorance could prove far more dangerous than losing a fortress.