Chapter 97, Trading

"When facing difficulties, seek out your elders," a principle applicable across all times and cultures, spared not even a prince.

Unfortunately, Wilhelm was currently being scrutinized, and although a telegram asking for help could solve most problems, it also meant that he failed his assessment.

To become a qualified monarch, one must first possess the ability to tackle difficulties; asking for help could hardly prove one's own capability.

The development of the Southeast Asia region was important to be sure, but in Franz's eyes, it was obviously not as significant as cultivating a responsible son.

As for the colonies, if economic growth was slow, then let it be slow; it was far more worrisome if the economy progressed rapidly to the point where it became too big to control.

After all, the most distinctive feature of the Shinra colonial system was its exceptional military prowess. Given money and an industrial system, it would be difficult to ensure the absence of ambition.