The Incompetent Emperor Who Changes the World from the Shadows: Iron, Gunpowder, and the Young Maidens of Favor - Chapter 9: Establishing the Workshop and the Shadow Economic War

Chapter 9: Establishing the Workshop and the Shadow Economic War

I summoned Ariel the following afternoon.

I framed it to my aides as a “whim of the emperor.”

The pretext was “a board game partner”—in other words, having her play something like chess.

This allowed me to bring a favored woman to a private parlor near my chambers for a “chat.”

As long as the formalities were observed, no one would question what we discussed.

To guard against Gerda’s usual intrusions, I stationed Sopina as a lookout.

This plan couldn’t be revealed to her or the chancellor behind her—not yet.

When Ariel entered the room, she was trembling, clearly frightened.

She must have been terrified of what was about to happen to her.

(She probably thought I was going to force myself on her.)

She knelt and bowed deeply.

But I stopped her and pointed to a chair.

“Sit there. I just want to talk.”

“…Understood.”

A flicker of confusion crossed her downcast expression.

“A week ago, I saw you at the washing area.”

“Yes… I’m honored to have caught Your Majesty’s attention…”

It’s obvious she doesn’t mean that sincerely.

But that’s fine. The real topic is something else.

“No, I was impressed by your work ethic.”

At those words, her eyes briefly met mine.

There was caution and tension, but beneath them, a spark of intent, as if she was sizing me up.

“Your washing technique was precise and careful.

In that freezing water, using soap that barely lathers, you still managed not to damage the fabric’s fibers.

That’s skill.”

For a moment, Ariel seemed about to respond but hesitated.

Yet her expression visibly brightened.

I think she was reacting not as “just a maid” but as someone whose craft was recognized.

“…I have a lot of sisters, so I helped with chores at home.

I was the eldest.

I learned how to handle tools and judge water from a young age—it’s in my body.”

“Are you interested in using that experience on a larger stage?”

“…What do you mean?”

I pulled an unsubmitted proposal from the desk drawer.

Sanitation Materials Research Lab Establishment Plan—not yet a formal organization or company.

But this will be the entity to channel the funds.

“You can read this, right?”

“…Yes.”

Among the maids, she was one of the few who could read and write.

In this world, at this time, literacy rates are below 20%.

That makes her a valuable asset.

“I’m planning to develop a new ‘cleaning agent’ for washing clothes and tools.

Not soap made from fats, but something derived from petroleum compounds.”

Her eyes widened, but she quickly closed her mouth and listened silently.

She neither agreed nor disagreed, showing no sign of rejection.

“The problem is my position.

An emperor can’t be a business owner.

But if I place a trusted person as the ‘public face,’ things change.”

Ariel’s expression stiffened.

“…Why does it have to be me?”

“You can read and write.

You know the field.

You understand the real effort involved and have the will to improve things.

It’s not just about being a figurehead—you can judge what’s needed on the ground.

You can act on your own judgment, not someone else’s word.

That’s significant.”

“…Even so, someone like me…”

“No one else can do it.

I can’t wash clothes, but you can.

And that perspective is essential to this plan.”

A long silence followed.

Ariel looked down at her hands.

Her fingertips, thin and cracked from constant exposure to cold water.

“…Can this cleaning agent really be made?”

“I don’t know yet.

But there are signs it’s possible.

I’ve found collaborators.

Still, this plan won’t take shape with just me.

I need the strength of someone who knows reality, like you.”

Ariel lifted her face and looked straight at me.

In her eyes were hesitation, fear—and a spark of resolve, like kindling catching fire.

“…I’ll do it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.

I felt like I’d regret it my whole life if I didn’t.

If someone can ease the pain of plunging hands into that water on cold mornings…”

Her voice, though quiet, didn’t tremble as she nodded.

I stood slowly and glanced at the contract paper prepared on the desk.

“This will be the first document bearing your name.

The private research workshop, ‘Finn Workshop’—the title will be in your name.”

Ariel bowed deeply and silently.

※

Night.

The office was quiet.

On the desk lay a few letters and a single signed contract.

This was the “first cornerstone” of a plan finally taking shape.

Figurehead: Ariel Finn.

Position: Representative, Limited Sanitation Materials Research Institute.

Location: Private sector within the administrative district of the Imperial Capital’s Fifth Ward—commonly known as “Ash Wall Alley.”

It’s a small rented house renovated to look like a dye workshop on the surface.

The emperor’s funds will flow through the “Imperial Support Sanitation Improvement Fund.”

On paper, it’s just “investment in a private sanitation improvement project.”

But in reality, it’s a research facility operating entirely under my direction.

I can’t make moves openly.

As emperor, I’m bound by my role and can’t become anything else.

So, I use external hands and minds to make the necessary moves happen.

(I’ve secured talent, a location, and funds. Now, I just need to make the “product.”)

For now, the research focuses on three areas:

1. 1. Extraction of surfactant components from petroleum or coal.

1. 1. Reducing irritation to the skin.

1. 1. Testing effects on clothing.

I’ve already listed the necessary personnel.

By combining Sopina’s information-gathering with the basic knowledge I have from the modern world, we should be able to find some “shortcuts.”

All that’s left is time and persistence.

And—the “acting” needed to deflect unwanted scrutiny.

At that moment, Sopina’s voice came from the back of the room.

This is pretty meticulous work.

I thought an emperor would be giving flashier orders.

“The flashier the order, the messier the cleanup.”

Sopina said nothing, just peered at my documents.

Her gaze was unusually serious.

Then she looked up.

…Hey, is this really just about making detergents?

Aren’t you thinking about something bigger down the line?

I didn’t answer.

But I didn’t deny her question either.

Making detergents.

That’s just the beginning.

Once the technology is developed, it becomes a product.

Products hit the market, change people’s lives, and transform society.

And, above all—they make money.

With money, the country can move.

Even if someone schemes behind my back in places I don’t know about, I can respond if I hold this country’s “real power.”

(I’ll win with “technology.”)

I didn’t say it aloud, but my resolve was clear.

Sopina quietly stepped back.

Well, I’ll do my job as your partner properly.

“Counting on you.”

Outside the window, the nightscape of the imperial capital stretched out.

Countless small lights flickered, like another starry sky beneath the real one.

I imagined one of those lights coming from Ariel’s room.

Those hands, frozen from washing in the cold, might one day touch a future product with surprise and a smile.

And if, beyond that smile, there’s “happiness” for her…

That alone makes it worth doing.