Chapter 96: Gold Rush
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 96: Gold Rush
Stephan exhaled a breath he had been holding for far too long.
His face was drenched in sweat, and droplets fell from his white-knuckled fists. Herman Pascal stared at him in silence.
Herman had always been an oppressor. He was the kind of father who would whip Stephan for a single mistake on a test and demand he never let his guard down in the presence of others.
When the old man finally spoke, his words were simple.
“Then do as you please.”
“……Pardon?” Stephan blinked, looking utterly stunned.
It was as if he had armed himself to the teeth for a life-or-death struggle, only for his opponent to suddenly throw down his weapon and surrender.
“Wait, Father. Is that it? You’re just ending it like this?”
“Ending it or not, what more do you want from me?”
“It’s unlike you to just stop. If you’re planning some scheme behind my back—”
“I am merely an old man in the back room, just as you said,” Herman interrupted. “What could such an old man possibly do? I told you to do as you wish.”
“Until a moment ago, you looked like you were going to devour me if I didn’t step down. Why give me permission now?”
Herman looked at him with a look of pity. “Back then, didn’t you ask for my opinion?”
“I did.”
“So, I told you to step away.”
“How is that any different from now?”
“Back then, you asked for a choice as an employee,” Herman said, turning away. “Now, you have issued a notification as the owner of this establishment. If the owner says he doesn’t want to do something, what am I supposed to do about it?”
With those final words, Herman vanished.
The heavy air rushed back into Stephan’s lungs.
“Hah.”
A profound sense of futility washed over him. His mind was reeling, the silence ringing in his ears as if a massive bomb had just detonated nearby.
“The owner…… I see.”
Stephan chewed over his father’s words. Suddenly, his eyes fell on his desk. Two apples had rolled across the surface when he had slammed his hand down earlier.
Two things to grasp. But only one hand to hold them with—or so he had believed.
“Haha…….”
A foolish thought crossed his mind. No, it wasn’t foolish. It was the wisest, most brilliant realization he’d ever had—one he couldn't grasp as long as he was being suppressed.
Stephan picked up both apples, one in each hand.
“I have…… two hands, after all.”
He placed the apples back onto the fruit tray. The crushing pressure that had weighed on his chest vanished. Stephan smiled, feeling a deep, soul-stirring sense of relief.
* * *
Herman left the headquarters and climbed into his carriage. Waiting inside was a mountain of a man, nearly twice Herman’s size.
It was Murchit Pascal.
Herman glanced at him and said, “Let’s go home.”
“Yes, sir.”
Murchit signaled the driver, and the carriage lurched forward. Noticing that Herman seemed different than usual, he asked, “Did the talk with my little brother go well?”
Herman nodded. “I don’t like it, but I am satisfied.”
“Ho? So, is Stephan officially the chairman now?”
“I’ll have to watch him a bit longer. If I hand it over too recklessly, he’s bound to get complacent.”
“Haha! I never thought I’d live to see the day that kid actually earned your recognition, Father.”
Murchit laughed heartily, while Herman merely clicked his tongue.
“Seeing him bark back at his father like that…… it was like watching you during your rebellious years. It left a bad taste in my mouth.”
“That wasn't rebellion; he’s just always had a temper. Isn’t everyone in the Pascal family like that?”
“And what about you? Are you truly okay with this?”
Herman was asking if Murchit was fine with Stephan inheriting the Pascal Trading Company. Since family businesses were typically passed down to the eldest son, it was a situation that usually bred bitter friction.
However, Murchit waved his hand and laughed dismissively.
“The mercenary agency is more than enough for me. I’ve never had a head for crunching numbers, have I? I’m the brawn, and Stephan is the brain. It’s better to let him run things so my head doesn’t ache.”
“Is that so?”
“Though, it’s not like I’m entirely without greed. Looking at my son, he seems to have inherited his mother’s sharp mind. Once I give him some successor training, I’ll eventually have him snatch it all back.”
“Are you planning to sabotage the boy so he can’t even get married?”
“Khahaha! I wish there was something to sabotage! He has no eye for women and is so shy it’s pitiful! It’s so bad that his mother is out there whispering in the ears of noble young ladies just to get them to look at our boy.”
It was impossible to tell if Murchit wanted to steal from his brother or support him.
“Still, that insolent brat needs to clear the way so I can breathe a little. Why don’t you do something about it, Father?”
Herman shrugged. “I’ll have to discuss it with the owner. What would you gain by discussing it with me?”
“Ha! Looking at how that bastard is using his head lately, bullying won’t work anymore. I really will have to make my son smart enough to just swipe it from him.”
Herman let out a short laugh. In any case, the battle for the Pascal succession was over. The carriage continued its steady journey back to the mansion.
* * *
“Did you hear the news?”
“I take it you’re talking about the Dandolo Merchant House.”
“Indeed. Who would have thought the world-renowned Dandolo Merchant House would fall into someone else’s hands?”
“With Rico Dandolo dead and Henri Dandolo giving everything up, it’s nothing short of bizarre.”
“Wasn’t it that fellow Ferda from the Far East who took it? He must have used some sort of trickery.”
“There are suspicions, of course, but isn’t Henri famous for hating his work? Once the shackles of his father were broken, he simply walked away.”
“Isn’t that giving up too much? Why would anyone walk away from enough money to live in luxury for ten lifetimes?”
“There was surely some deal made among the high and mighty.”
“You can’t ignore Ferda's reputation, either. All those executives voted in favor; you have to assume it was handed over to the right person.”
“I’d support Regent Ferda too. He’s on a roll after discovering the western ore veins and rare earth minerals, and now he’s even got that rising star called Magitech.”
“So, will the Dandolo name stay the same?”
“Not a chance. I heard they’re changing it to the Hestia Merchant House.”
“Not Valdrova?”
“They believe that keeping the name of that terrifying evil dragon will bring a curse. How could they keep using it? They said they’d name it after the village they’re building.”
“The village is named Hestia? Sounds like a girl’s name.”
“Isn’t that why it’s good? Heh.”
“But with all those people and money gathering in the Archduchess’s territory, is the Empire just sitting still?”
“They have the pretext of the Eastern Conquest, don’t they? Iorga declared her support, and they said they’d build a village to house adventurers.”
“Adventurers? What are they going to do in the Far East?”
“It seems the Adventurer Guild is planning to explore the Land of Demons in earnest.”
“Hah! Do they even have the strength to enter that cursed land!?”
“Apparently, they have a way to resist the demonic energy.”
“If that’s true, does it mean there’s a way to dig up the mysteries of the East!”
“There are so many strange things in their medicine and magic. We might finally see the things we only heard about in legends with our own eyes.”
“Guh…… I can’t just sit here! I have to change the route of my caravan!”
“You’re going to the Far East?”
“Money flows where people gather! How could I not go? I’ll try selling grain and whetstones there!”
“Oh, then let’s go together!”
“Brother, make a spot for me too! I’m coming along!”
* * *
A fever known as the Gold Rush was sweeping through Hestia. It drew people in like a moth to a flame, and even the stagnant winter was shifting to make room for the new arrivals. As crowds flocked in, the streets became vibrant.
“Step right up! Only thirty portions left today! Selling the Western region’s specialty, grilled flathead catfish! Just thirty portions!”
“Selling bracelets that bring good fortune! Wear this and you’ll have health and longevity! Success in all things! And that’s not all! After just a hundred days, immense wealth will come your way!”
Stalls packed every available inch of space. Where there were jobs, people gathered; where people gathered, money moved. Street vendors who had been ignored in the big cities set up shop one by one and began making a fortune, prompting everyone else to follow suit.
The refugees, who previously had nowhere to spend their earnings, were now able to improve their quality of life through these stalls.
“A lot of people are gathering.”
Isabella observed the scene from a distance. She wasn’t just checking documents; she was judging the progress with her own eyes.
“Expand the streets further and keep the traveling merchants in check.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And don’t forget to properly collect the stall fees. Since things haven’t settled yet, tell the collectors not to get greedy for no reason.”
“Yes!”
It was a stern warning not to take bribes under the guise of fees. If it were any other administrator, the subordinates might have snorted and ignored it, but this was a Dragon Spawn. Her meticulousness was legendary, and her martial prowess was so great that no one dared to line their pockets behind her back.
As the tax collectors moved out, a man in armor stepped before her. He wore half-plate armor with an epaulet on his shoulder that read ‘Security Force Captain.’ It was William, the knight trainee who had led the group of refugees.
“Administrator. Security Force Captain William, reporting for patrol. No unusual incidents, except for three cases of theft.”
“Good work, Captain. With so many people flocking in, I expected more trouble, but it seems quiet.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve ordered the Security Force to manage traffic to prevent issues, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”
“Well done. Then I have no further orders for now.”
William walked alongside Isabella and asked hesitantly, “Um, Administrator Isabella…….”
“What is it?”
“Is it really alright for me to be the Security Force Captain?”
Isabella adjusted her glasses. “I understand you might be dissatisfied since it’s a lower rank than a knight trainee, but the Regent said he would consider a knighthood for you later, so do not worry too much.”
“No, that’s not what I meant…….”
It was a difficult situation for William. Being a knight trainee and having performed distinguished service under Duke Yurei was all in the past now. William had come to Hestia prepared to live as a humble refugee.
‘But to be the Security Force Captain…….’
What was a Security Force Captain? It was essentially the second-highest position of power after the Administrator. He commanded the Security Force and could legally exercise force within the village. Because of that responsibility and privilege, it was a heavy duty that required immense trust.
“Since the Regent appointed you personally, the only power I have over you is the right to dismiss you. However, I also find your work satisfactory, so I have no complaints. And…….”
“And?”
“If you quit, I will deport you straight back to Duke Yurei, so don’t even dream about it.”
“Ugh…… such heartless words…….”
It was enough to make his face turn pale, but he didn’t feel bad. It was Isabella’s way of saying she needed him. Coming from Isabella—who was often called a cold-hearted witch—it was actually a bit embarrassing.
“Then, I shall go write my report. Good day.”
“Yes, good day.”
With the Security Force established, the village was stabilizing. But could things always be so good? Where there is one person, there is one worry; where there are a hundred, there are a hundred worries. Isabella suppressed the urge to sigh.
“Hey there, horn-girl.”
An arrogant voice provoked her.
“You abandoned the Magic Tower just to come here and clean up after humans? No, I suppose you were kicked out, so this is all you can do?”
Though she was rational, Isabella was no saint who would stay calm after hearing a Dragon Spawn being insulted.
“What insolent fool dares—!”
The moment Isabella turned to vent her rage, her expression changed. Though the newcomer lacked horns and a tail, her elegant features were very familiar. Having worked under her for hundreds of years, there was no way Isabella wouldn't recognize her.
“Lady Erica?”
“Long time no see, Bella.”
Erica Iorga waved her hand lightly in greeting. Isabella scanned her from head to toe.
“Are you enjoying a ‘play’?”
“A play? You make it sound like I’m just out having fun.”
“You’re acting like a human, which doesn't suit you, so that’s how it looks.”
“I can’t believe this…… I’m not just playing around, you know? Despite how I look, I’m here as Eri, a platinum-rank adventurer.”
Erica showed her adventurer badge—a token given only to those with the highest achievements in the Adventurer Guild.
“Aren’t you ashamed? The ‘Wisdom’ of the Twelve-Member Expedition, acting like that among humans? In modern terms, that’s what they call ‘smurfing.’”
“Anyone listening would think I’m the most wicked woman in the world. It just happened naturally while I was solving difficult problems.”
Despite her claim that it wasn't intentional, the hand holding the badge was trembling with pride. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Erica decided to change the subject.
“How have you been lately?”
“I’ve been well. It’s much better listening to these fresh voices than the constant groaning of those old fogies.”
“Fresh? Are you talking about Valdrova’s maid like that?”
“Is there a problem?”
At Isabella’s counter-question, Erica spoke as if it were absurd. “That girl has lived for hundreds of years too, you know?”
“She’s still younger than me, isn’t she?”
“She even has the alias ‘Nightmare of the Frost Giant.’”
“I can understand why. Her pitiful beauty is more than enough to be lethal,” Isabella murmured with an ecstatic look on her face. “Haa, if I could just give her one tight hug, all this old fatigue would vanish.”
Erica stared at her blankly, finding her behavior ridiculous. Something Isabella said caught her attention, and she couldn't let it slide.
“Wait, you said ‘things,’ plural. Is there someone else? Another…… ‘fresh’ one?”
“A girl named Mori. She’s a beautiful girl who looks like she stepped right out of a painting.”
“You haven't touched her?”
“It seems that damn witch staying at the castle is managing her.”
Isabella’s face was full of jealousy. Even Erica, who had spent centuries with her, rarely saw her display such a range of emotions.
“……Does the Regent know you’re like this?”
“He seems to have a vague idea, but he doesn't seem to care.”
“Well, then I guess it’s fine…….”
“Anyway, let’s talk about something constructive.” Isabella shifted the topic away from ‘fresh things.’ “Lady Erica, did you visit here as an adventurer?”
“I figured I should check out the Adventurer Guild side of things as an adventurer myself. What do you think? About the adventurers who came here?”
“They couldn't be worse.” Isabella sighed. “The ones who think they’re spirited are just immature, and the high-ranking adventurers we actually need don't seem to have any intention of showing up. It feels like they only came here to act like back-alley thugs.”
“They worked hard for those ranks, so I suppose it makes sense they’d be cautious.”
Gaining merit was difficult, and death could come in an instant. It was only natural to be careful once one reached a high enough position.
“I’ll have to make a suggestion to the central guild. Those ‘Gold’ ranks need a wake-up call.”
“Won’t they push back?”
“Let them. I’ve risked my life countless times to help save this continent; do they think I can’t even speak up?” Erica bit her lip and spat out a curse. “Those bastards. I don’t give them money just so they can sit on their asses and eat expensive meals.”
“Tower Master. Please maintain your dignity.”
“Whatever. I’m not Erica right now; I’m Eri, the platinum-rank adventurer, so I don’t need dignity. I can use foul language whenever and wherever I want. Want to hear? Eri’s vulgar girls’ talk?”
“This is the moment I am truly proud of myself for leaving the Magic Tower.”
Erica laughed playfully. “Is the Regent in?”
“He’s likely sitting in his office today as well. Would you like to meet him? I’ll ask him via telepathy.”
“It’s a bit awkward to show up without an appointment, but I have some good news, so it should be fine. Could you let him know?”
“Understood. I will report it in advance so he can prepare.”
Just as she was about to send the telepathy—
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The warning bell installed in the center of the village began to ring loudly. Everyone stopped moving and looked toward the sound. Erica also looked up at the bell.
“What’s that? Why the bell?”
“……That bell is connected to the Monster Appearance Prediction Device. It’s set to ring automatically when something is detected.”
“Which means…….”
“Unless it’s a malfunction, it means a monster has appeared.”
The bell continued to ring incessantly, its loud clanging filling the air with a sudden, sharp tension.