Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Steel Can Be Copied (5)
“Haha, Fabio. You’re like a goose that lays golden eggs for our Visconti family.”
Judging by his demeanor, there was no sign of frustration over the merchant caravan carrying over 12 tons of steel being robbed.
Compared to the profits we were making, losing “just” 12 tons of steel wasn’t a major financial issue.
But the fact that some unknown vermin had tarnished the duke’s authority—and he was still smiling?
It meant the duke had already resolved the matter.
“I am humbled.”
“You’re not trying to downplay it.”
“Denying the results of my work would be the same as diminishing Your Grace’s prestige.”
I wasn’t the only one who benefited from the steelworks.
The duke had taken a share of the profits as well.
And he must have gained tremendous political leverage by distributing steel among nobles.
“To recognize the value of your own work at that age… truly remarkable. No wonder you broke a bishop’s pride in a church trial. I doubt I could ever match you in words.”
A subordinate must not appear superior to his lord.
Even if I were more capable, I must always appear inferior.
Otherwise, suspicion would arise.
“I was merely aided by Deus, and the bishop spoke nonsense. How could I ever match Your Grace in speech?”
The duke smacked his lips.
I wish he wouldn’t make that face—it’s unsettling coming from a man.
“Enough small talk. Steward, bring it.”
The steward handed me a document.
It was filled with ornate phrases and oaths to God.
The more elaborate it was, the more important it was.
But the key line was simple:
‘Payment of 99,373 pounds, being 80% of total steel sales of 124,217 pounds.’
“Nearly ten thousand gold coins.”
The amount was staggering.
Even just seeing it made my head spin.
Now that I was actually receiving it, I felt dizzy.
I finally understood why characters in stories get nosebleeds from money.
This was more thrilling than anything.
“You’re a true rich man now. Soon you’ll earn twice, even three times this.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“This is simply the result of our contract. No need for gratitude. But aren’t you curious?”
“About what?”
The duke smiled wickedly.
“How I dealt with the blacksmith guild.”
As expected, he hadn’t summoned me for advice.
“How did you handle it?”
“They hired bandits to attack our caravans. I had elite guards prepared, but…”
His expression hardened.
“They must have spent heavily—there were knights among the bandits.”
That explained it.
Many knights are essentially unemployed.
Some turn to banditry when fortunes fail.
“Bandits with former knights are basically mercenaries.”
“Exactly. I warned the Sforza duke directly. If it continues, we go to war. Since then, proper escorts have prevented further attacks. Half the problem is solved.”
Only half.
“I’d like to crush the guild entirely, but trading steel outside the guild violates imperial law.”
“Yes.”
A duke wouldn’t be executed for such violations.
But he could lose immense wealth and influence.
Even he could not risk it.
“So this is the best I can do.”
He couldn’t act directly.
But perhaps indirectly…
“Your Grace, do you wish to grow closer to the imperial family?”
“To defeat Sforza, I must.”
The issue was simple.
Breaking the law risks imperial punishment.
But pleasing the emperor overrides that.
“In that case, supply steel to the imperial family at 80% of market price.”
“That would cost you profit.”
For the duke, political power matters more than money.
For me, it’s the opposite.
“I am your vassal. I cannot let personal profit stand in the way of your gain. One must think long-term.”
He still looked suspicious.
Naturally.
“I want to live long and prosper. Dying miserably would make wealth meaningless.”
I even delayed marriage for this.
“In exchange, obtain imperial permission to sell steel outside the guild.”
The duke frowned.
“If I crush the guild, others may boycott us.”
That was true.
Without justification, other guilds would unite.
The economy could halt.
“But if you have imperial approval, none will oppose you. After all, they attacked your caravans.”
We would have legitimacy.
“And once you control the guild, you can raise prices for Sforza’s forces.”
The Florence guild leads all others.
With control, the market could be manipulated.
‘Raise prices by 20%… that would hurt them.’
“I may lose some profit, but Your Grace will compensate me, will you not?”
The duke finally smiled.
A wicked smile.
“Do it immediately. And once this is done, you will be rewarded again.”
“It is an honor.”
“I trust you’ll handle taking over the guild properly.”
