The incident involving King Jiji might be a major crisis for him personally.

But for the entire Holy Alliance, it was just a small episode during the Central Council Meeting, and the meeting continued as usual.

By late September, the Central Council Meeting had also reached its conclusion.

Amidst the mutual questioning and answering between the cardinals and representatives, new policies and memoranda were being produced one after another.

These included the construction of new freight trains, building relay stations on major trade routes, establishing a new department called the Purification Court, and gradually abolishing the Prohibition Order, among other things.

By this point, most of the issues and bills had been addressed and resolved, and the budget allocation for the coming year was also communicated to the representatives.

The main tasks were already completed, and Horn announced, "We will recess for a day and hold the final summary meeting the day after tomorrow."

In this way, the ten-day conference finally headed towards its conclusion.

The representatives were satisfied, and the cardinals finally breathed a sigh of relief, beginning to concern themselves with candidates for the head of South Mangde County's Monastery and the president of the Faith Citizens Bank.

They didn't dare to disturb Horn and instead focused their attention on Madlan.

Almost every day, Madlan, who was responsible for personnel movements, would encounter various people trying to probe for information, whether in the dining hall, corridors, restrooms, gardens, or even at his own doorstep.

This left Madlan overwhelmed, and he rarely lost his temper and scolded people, but even that couldn't stop the concerned crowd.

Horn, who held the actual power of consent, was sitting with Catherine in an open carriage, allowing the cool breeze to caress their faces.

"Most issues at the Central Council Meeting have been resolved, leaving only the Steel Guild and the tariff agreement," Horn said, stroking Catherine's small hand. "Coincidentally, both are related to you."

"Given the current situation and the collaboration from within and outside the Falan spice faction, maintaining the current agreement is not difficult.

However, whether Charles VIII will agree remains uncertain."

Catherine, while allowing Horn to hold her hand, pretended not to notice and responded earnestly.

But Horn shook his head mysteriously: "There's no need to draft an overly strict agreement. We can make some concessions on spices and sugar to maintain the existence of high tariffs on the rest.

Just give Charles VIII a little sweetener to make them think we're giving in."

Catherine was surprised: "Wouldn't that greatly reduce our income? Will the shareholders and wholesalers of the Spice Company agree?"

"No worries, we've inadvertently discovered a great new route, so there's no need to fret about that."

For four years, sugar and spices have been in massive production, and it's foreseeable that in the next four years, various commodities from the Holy Alliance will also see massive growth.

However, to the Falan, the quality and reputation of Holy Alliance's goods remain too poor, and even low tariffs can't open up the market.

Instead of persisting, it's better to make some concessions and find other markets for sugar, spices, and other products.

Horn selected two targets.

Sell bulk cheap goods like potions, wool, and grain to Griffin Horn, but the premise is to open the eastern county of Black Snake Bay, bypassing the Falan's territory.

Sell luxury goods like sugar, spices, and furs to the Blood and Flesh Royal Court, these vampires are rich big spenders.

It's known that especially the ancient grand dukes, despite their longevity, their senses are deteriorating.

They need seasonings, sugar, toys, and even stronger hallucinogens to fill their empty lives without goals or futures.

They have endless manpower to plant grain and dig for minerals, and more money than they can spend.

For Horn, it was a perfect match.

As for whether trading with vampires violates doctrine...

The Falan did it, Leia did it, and even both popes Grandiva and Puliano did it.

Business is business, there's nothing to be ashamed of.

However, truly recruiting that informant Paolina requires a lot of testing and trials, and it's best if she provides a token of allegiance.

As for her debts, Horn can help her repay them, then convert them into debts to the Holy Alliance, deducted from her salary and bonuses.

Upon hearing that the Holy Alliance actually offered a salary of up to 8 gold pounds per year, that vampire's expression was priceless.

If a big stick is used, naturally a carrot should also be given.

But this matter is not urgent and can be taken slowly. The priority now is still to bring the Steel Guild under control.

Previously, Horn had already exerted no small amount of pressure on the Steel Guild, and the most critical final touch was assigned to Hilov.

The Lightning Furnace, the first mass-producible Lightning Furnace project, has finally officially launched.

"Your Majesty, we have arrived."

With the coachman's voice, Edwin was the first to jump off the front row of the carriage, running around to the back and opening the door.

The noble mine owners and dwarf artisans from North Mande County involved in smelting and mining, who had long seen the banner of the Holy Lance Knights, immediately came forward to greet them.

Pushing open the black-painted car door, Horn stepped onto the pedal, and the soldiers guarding the test site immediately saluted with their legs together.

Horn also waved to greet them, then with a mysterious smile, walked towards the representatives from North Mande County.

In the current framework of the Holy Alliance, North Mande County is the stronghold of old nobles.

On one hand, it is because of the Mountain Knights and Jia Li, and on the other, they did make significant contributions in the Thousand River Valley war.

Although newspapers criticized them, during the war, they strived to meet demands for iron ore and various raw materials.

While they resemble the former land nobles, they aren't the same.

The mountainous land is barren, and the nobles more or less have other industries besides land, so losing the land is not a big deal.

As for these other industries, they're basically related to minerals and smelting.

In a sense, they are fundamentally no different from nobles who invest in commerce and industry.

Only that the old nobles live off movable assets by buying bonds and financial products, while they, besides movable assets, have various smelting plants and mines.

The Mayo Mine isn't considered a rich mine, unable to supply the future's enormous demand for iron ore, only North Mande County has the capability.

Upon seeing Horn approach, though reluctant, these old nobles from North Mande County had to present a respectful attitude.

This isn't bowing to Horn, but bowing to the papal crown on Horn's head.

Following the lead of Herman, the head of the North Mande County Monastery, they lined up according to their ranks.

"Holy Father bless, greetings to you, Your Majesty."

Dozens of mine owners and dwarf Workshop Masters bowed deeply with a backward step.

Just as they started, Horn stepped forward and forcibly pulled Herman up: "Haven't you read the 'Etiquette Decree'? These overly outdated and cumbersome salutations have been abolished—handshakes and hugs will suffice."

These old noble factions glanced at each other but didn't know what actions to take, remaining awkwardly in place, half-squatting.

It wasn't until Herman led by rising and shaking hands and embracing Horn that they mumbled and stood up: "What's abolished isn't etiquette, but precious traditions of a thousand years."

No matter what these people thought, Horn went up to each one, shaking hands and hugging.

No matter the nobles, having grown up in social circles, their emotional intelligence wasn't low, so the atmosphere was naturally harmonious.

Were it not for the occasional complaint from within the crowd, a casual observer might mistakenly think they were staunch supporters of His Majesty the Saint's Grandson.

"What matter does His Majesty Saint Sun call us for?" asked Herman, the leader, with a complex expression.

Seeing everyone quiet, Horn understood they were also awaiting his answer.

Walking to the center of the crowd, Horn looked around and loudly announced, "I invite everyone here to showcase to you all the Holy Alliance's latest steel furnace. You are all experts, and I hope you can provide the Holy Alliance with more suggestions."