The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

Ika pushed open the door and entered, looking at Earl White sitting behind his desk, who was staring at a large map on the table with a serious expression.

"Your Excellency, today's routine tasks have been completed," Ika reported, placing the prepared coffee on the table.

Earl White looked in the direction of the voice and calmly smiled:

"Oh? Your work efficiency is getting faster and faster, Freya."

"Thank you for your praise." Ika Freya thanked her first, then paused briefly before speaking cautiously, "Your Excellency, according to the latest reports, the conflict between our country and the Pots Empire is escalating, and an unavoidable war may break out in the near future."

"In addition, according to recent intelligence reports, border frictions between the two countries are constantly occurring, and it seems that the kingdom is conducting military and large-scale warship testing exercises."

She couldn't help but ask, "Shouldn't we...make some preparations for the impending war?"

"Preparations have been underway, Freya." Earl White gestured for her to sit on the sofa on the side of the room. "You can't see it because it's very well hidden and its purpose isn't very clear."

"Starting six months ago, I have been instructing the family to sell some of our shares in Northburg Railway and overseas trading, as well as some overpriced mining securities."

"Some of the recovered funds were converted into long-term stable bonds of the Kingdom Bank, while others were used to purchase war bonds issued by the Royal Family. Although the interest rates were not high, they served as a token to demonstrate our stance at crucial moments."

After speaking, Earl White picked up the small coffee cup on the tray and took a sip.

His implication was very simple: as nobles, in this situation, they had to fully demonstrate their support through concrete actions.

Rather than waiting for war to break out and for the kingdom to be forced to levy taxes or demand financial assistance from them, it's better to take the initiative first. This way, at least you can leave a better impression on the other side.

"The remaining half of the funds was used to store food in the cellars of various manors and underground warehouses."

"But it's not just food, it also includes salt, sugar, medicine, some fabric, and even some daily necessities. These things will be hard currency in times of turmoil and are necessary preparations for dealing with risks."

Ika's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected this important figure to have such a long-term vision, having started preparations as early as six months ago.

If we only start preparing now after receiving rumors, the price of flour will have already gone up.

Is this the keen intuition of a businessman?

These measures are indeed in line with the mindset of an old nobleman who avoids risks and hoards resources. It is no wonder that he is a great man with a title.

Earl White slowly set down his teacup, then blinked and said with a faint smile:

"Of course, I'm not doing this to profit from the war in times of crisis by selling those supplies to the residents at high prices; I'm just trying to avoid being affected by it."

Ika stepped forward and cleaned up the cups and glasses, a hint of approval in her eyes:

"I'm really surprised; your preparations are quite thorough."

"So, regarding Miss... should we remind her? She seems to be paying particular attention to information related to the royal family lately."

Earl White tapped his fingers on the edge of the table and shook his head:

"I believe Charlotte will make her own judgment and she can handle these things properly. The key is that the preparations we make for the family must be based on the worst-case scenario."

"Understood, I will continue to monitor the latest information." Ika bowed slightly, then left, making sure to close the door behind her as she went.

When he was all alone, Earl White's gaze fell on the map again, as if he were thinking about the future course of events and how to ensure his family's safety during the war.

……

The morning sunlight streamed into the room, making the dark red walls shine.

When Morian woke up, he looked up at the clock on the wall and saw that the hands pointed to seven in the morning.

If he were at the firm and had some rare free time, he would usually consider sleeping in longer, but here he was at the White Rose Palace.

Few people have ever tried sleeping in a palace, and even if no one would blame them, it would still be considered very undignified.

He quickly finished washing up, changed into a well-fitting light gray suit, and looked at himself in the mirror. The young man in the mirror looked like a clerical consultant.

However, that was a disguised appearance.

Under the disguise of the human skin mask, the original black hair has long since turned into conspicuous blonde hair, which is actually the most common hair in this world.

Morian picked up the rose token from the bedside table, carefully put it into his inner pocket, and then checked his belongings again.

Several alchemy potions and alchemy tools, some essential gold pound notes, a handkerchief, and the "Key of Caius".

To avoid causing unnecessary trouble, he left the revolver and its holster at the office.

He threw the "Rainbow Phantom Blade" and "Radiance" weapons into the containment space. At least based on preliminary experiments, that strange space did not convert these types of items.

Because it was impervious to attacks and destruction inside, Morian even took the time to practice his "Radiance" skills inside.

"...If only I had a magical object that could hold things..." Morian muttered to himself.

Back then, the novels I read before I transmigrated mostly featured protagonists who possessed special bracelets or belts that could hold items, making things extremely convenient.

Some rings even contain an "old man" as the master.

In order to carry more things, he even considers whether the design of the inner pockets is reasonable and whether there are enough before buying clothes.

While thinking about trivial matters, Morian opened the door, and a food cart with several trays on it appeared in the doorway.

The trays were all covered with insulated lids, indicating that the breakfast had been delivered by a waiter.

The breakfast wasn't expensive, but it was plentiful.

As a main dish, there are croissants that have been baked and are still warm, served with fried eggs, bacon, and two kinds of jam.

There are two types of drinks: black tea and yogurt. In addition, there is freshly cut fruit and crepes as a supplement.

This whole process made him feel a little uncomfortable.

The food actually tasted quite good, and Morian finished eating quickly, then tidied up the messy table a bit.

After the meal, he notified the waiter to clean up and also to pass on a message for himself.

Not long after, the butler, Paul, appeared at the door of the room.

The old butler had combed all his silver hair back today, and his expression remained as respectful and serious as ever.

"Good morning, Mr. Thias," Paul greeted him routinely, then said very seriously, "His Highness specifically instructed me today to take you for a walk around the palace so that you may become familiar with the surroundings."

So thoughtful? But even if the other party doesn't make arrangements, I will still observe the surrounding environment first.

Morian nodded slightly: "Thank you for your help, Mr. Paul."