Oil!?

“What did you just say?”

Ian, startled by the sudden report, couldn’t help but think he must have misheard. But the explanation that followed made it clear there had been no mistake.

“They say that while digging down in a landfill site in the southeastern region, they discovered crude oil buried underground.”

“Is that true?!”

“Yes, that’s what I’ve heard. It’s quite astonishing. Who would’ve thought we had an oil deposit on the mainland?”

Even Mardin, who was reporting, looked visibly surprised. The Polia Kingdom had always had a plentiful supply of coal, but no oil deposit had ever been discovered. In reality, all oil had been imported from abroad.

And with internal combustion engines gradually replacing steam engines, there had been growing concern. Everyone had predicted that oil would eventually replace coal as the dominant energy source.

That such a long-hidden deposit had been discovered by pure chance while digging in a landfill was nothing short of miraculous. Even better, it had been uncovered close to the surface, making drilling relatively easy.

“This is great. Fantastic!”

Privately, Ian had also been worried. Relying on imported oil was a strategic vulnerability. He had been uneasy about the steadily increasing number of cars while having to depend entirely on imports for the fuel.

‘We were really lucky.’

He had wondered—on such a vast island, could there really be no oil? And he had worried that if there wasn’t, it would limit their future capabilities. But now, with this discovery, the Polia Kingdom could become a nation that produced and stockpiled its own oil.

‘There was even a risk we wouldn’t be able to fly planes in the future due to lack of fuel. This is a relief.’

“By the way, does the Polia Kingdom even have an oil company?”

“I’ll look into it immediately.”

At Mardin’s reply, Ian nodded as if to say, “Please do.” He also gave orders to quickly cover the surface deposit to prevent oil from spilling, since it had burst in the open. Two days later, they finally found an oil company and summoned it to the palace.

A man who appeared to be in his early forties entered the audience chamber and knelt on one knee in a formal greeting.

“Baron Dogy von Smith, at your service, Ruler of the Sea. I was told Your Majesty summoned me.”

“Welcome. I heard that you own an oil company.”

“That is correct. It’s a small operation, but I run it.”

“Have you heard the news about the oil discovery?”

“Yes, word has reached me. The whole kingdom is abuzz about it.”

“I’d like to request the Smith Oil Company, the only oil company in this country, to drill at the site.”

“I must humbly report, Your Majesty, that our company only has refining facilities. We have no drilling technology whatsoever.”

In truth, the Smith Oil Company was founded with funds from the Smith baronial family, using refining technology purchased from an oil company in the Magnia Empire. Since the Polia Kingdom had always imported crude oil from abroad, the Smith Oil Company handled refinement and sold oil for cars and aircraft.

“So you’re saying you can’t drill?”

“Not exactly. If we purchase drilling technology from abroad, it will be possible. But the cost is so high that we’ve never been able to attempt it.”

Oil exploration and drilling require an enormous investment. As a small oil company, Smith had never had the chance to pursue such ventures.

“So if we provide the funds, can you purchase the drilling technology?”

“Of course. We’ve had opportunities before but postponed purchasing due to the cost.”

“Then the state will cover the cost of acquiring the drilling technology. However, as you must know, a portion of your company’s shares will need to be transferred to the royal family in return.”

“Yes, that is something I’ve somewhat prepared for.”

While it pained him to hand over a portion of the company to the royal family, Baron Smith understood that it would be impossible to drill oil domestically without accepting such conditions.

Of course, this had nothing to do with the ownership of the oil field itself, which was entirely royal property. In this country, nearly all natural resources extracted from the land belonged to the royal family.

‘That’s why they’ve been able to live in such luxury.’

The mainland had abundant resources like iron and copper, and the royal family, monopolizing them, had grown incredibly wealthy. And with that wealth, they had both indulged in extravagance and built up the kingdom’s industrial capacity—evidence of just how vast that fortune truly was.

“Baron Smith, prepare a consolidated plan detailing the cost of bringing in drilling technology and initiating the drilling process.”

“I shall do so as Your Majesty commands.”

“But one thing—I’m curious. If the oil is so close to the surface, is it truly impossible to extract it without drilling technology?”

“Well, to extract oil, at the very least, a drill is needed. In addition, other facilities are required for mass production. It’s not completely impossible without them, but the quantity would be very small.”

“So it’s possible to get oil through manual labor, but mass production isn’t feasible.”

“That is correct.”

“Understood. I look forward to seeing what you can do.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall ensure the Polia Kingdom becomes a nation capable of producing its own oil.”

Baron Smith’s face was flushed with passion. Until now, they hadn’t been able to drill properly due to the lack of domestic deposits, but now he could finally see the possibility of turning his company into a real oil enterprise.

More than ten days had passed, and soon, the midpoint of December had arrived. In just fifteen more days, the year would come to an end, and the palace was now bustling with activity. Preparations were underway to host a grand party to close out the year.

While minor events had been suspended, major celebrations were still permitted, and so a royal party was allowed to take place. The nobles, eager for a large-scale event after a long time, were brimming with excitement.

At this busy moment in the palace, Baron Smith returned to meet Ian. However, what he brought caused Ian to frown involuntarily. It was unexpected news—deeply unpleasant.

“So you’re saying… they refused to provide the drilling technology?”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty. They had said in the past that as long as we paid, they would provide it. But now that we’ve offered to purchase it, they’ve outright refused.”

“They wouldn’t do that without a reason. Do you know why?”

“I suspect it’s because of the newly discovered oil deposit. They probably see us as potential competition.”

“So the bottom line is they don’t want to sell it to us anymore because they fear they won’t be able to keep selling their oil?”

“That seems to be the case.”

“Cowards, the lot of them.”

“Yes, truly despicable behavior, Your Majesty.”

Baron Smith’s face reddened with anger as he nodded in agreement. Ian considered the implications. If this was happening here, it could happen with other sources too. He began to suspect that oil companies around the world might band together to suppress Polia’s rise.

“Let’s try resolving it diplomatically first.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

It was possible that a nation like the Polia Kingdom stepping in—rather than just a private company—might break the deadlock. Thus, diplomatic channels were immediately opened with the Magnia Empire. Though Ian expected it to take time, a reply came back sooner than expected.

“So the export of drilling technology has been restricted?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty. This message comes from the Magnia Empire.”

“Count Montble, do you think this is a normal occurrence?”

“It certainly doesn’t seem normal, Your Majesty.”

Hearing this from Count Montble, the head of foreign affairs, Ian stroked his chin, beginning to suspect the imperial court of the Magnia Empire was involved. Where large sums of money flowed, the royal family and oil companies were often closely tied.

‘They seemed like good people back then—but maybe not after all.’

Ian recalled the emperor and prince he had met during the past negotiations over the purchase of Bomber-class battleships. It confirmed that one should never judge based on appearances alone. From their perspective, Polia drilling its own oil would hardly be welcome.

‘So they’ve decided to interfere?’

It was clear that even for the sake of their oil sales, they didn’t want Polia producing its own. But that wouldn’t make Ian back down. While other kingdoms might fold under imperial pressure, Polia would not.

‘Fine. If the Magnia Empire won’t sell, then we’ll look elsewhere. The best alternative I have is the Noma Empire.’

The Noma Empire had previously proposed an alliance, a sign they desired closer ties. Ian thought they would be willing to help. Just in case, he also asked Count Montble to check whether the Magnia Empire might reconsider selling the drilling tech.

Telegraphs were swiftly sent to contacts around the world, and by the following day, the replies had arrived.

‘So the Magnia Empire refused again.’

But Ian wasn’t disappointed. When he read the message from the Noma Empire, a smile crept across his face.

“To the honorable King of the Polia Kingdom. First, congratulations on the discovery of the new oil deposit. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist you with the drilling technology you require. I, the prince, still consider myself in your debt. And in return, I will offer the technology at a generous price.

– Your friend, Prince Alexei.”

“It’s done.”

Ian was visibly pleased that Prince Alexei of the Noma Empire had agreed to provide the technology. It was an act of repaying the debt from when Ian had helped them during the Kraken attack. Ian felt a deep sense of gratitude.

‘I’m glad I helped back then. If he ever needs help again, I must repay the favor.’

Of course, it would be difficult to help on a national scale, but Ian believed he could do so personally. Though nothing specific came to mind now, he was confident he’d find a way. In any case, Baron Smith was promptly summoned to the palace.

Ian shared the news about the Noma Empire with Baron Smith, who was delighted and immediately set out to contact the Noma Empire’s oil companies. If all went well, and the technology was purchased, it would likely take at least a year before drilling could begin.

In the meantime, oil would still have to be imported. But with current reserves, usage could be sustained. All things considered, the end of the year was quickly approaching.

Inside the royal palace, the Hall of Waves was once again alive with grandeur, hosting thousands of nobles for the celebration. At least for today, no one held back, and everyone indulged freely in the festivities.

Knowing that total restriction wasn’t always wise, Ian had allowed some leeway. And so, in this year-end party, Ian, along with his mother and younger sister Charlotte, stood as the only remaining royals in the palace, making their presence known.

This year had indeed been filled with sudden events. Much had changed. It had been six months since the new king ascended the throne. And now, it was starting to feel as if this king might be the most unusual ruler in the kingdom’s history.

Before long, the party came to an end. As the final day of World Era 1910 passed, the new year—World Era 1911—had begun.

Ian was now twenty-one.