Dark Moon (4)
This was truly unexpected information.
According to the report, it was by sheer coincidence that the Dark Moon intelligence network had caught wind of this massive secret.
A month ago, several nobles belonging to the Second Prince's faction had visited Hanes County.
They were lords engaged in international trade, and they had stayed in the county only because they desperately needed the assistance of the Hanes family.
They had spent their days drinking heavily throughout the bustling entertainment districts. During one of those drunken nights, Baron Meric had casually brought up trade with the Lapis Kingdom.
Even in his drunken state, the baron had avoided speaking directly, but by piecing together several fragments of information, the network had uncovered a distinct possibility: they might have traded weapons and leaked military intelligence to the Lapis Kingdom.
An investigation had been underway ever since, though they had yet to secure direct evidence of the weapons trade.
"If that is true, it is a grave matter," Jeron said.
"Which is why the investigation is proving difficult," Evan replied. "Because of the extreme danger involved, we are approaching the matter with the utmost caution."
"You did well. No piece of information is worth more than a life."
"I will keep that in mind."
Jeron considered it a success that they had even established the circumstantial evidence.
Although the nobles colluding with the Lapis Kingdom were only low-to-mid-ranking lords, once a formal investigation was launched and the masterminds were exposed, they would not escape execution.
Depending on how it was played, this information could be used to severely weaken rival factions.
I must handle this with extreme care. Used correctly, this could be the key to securing a higher title.
For now, it was nothing more than a vague lead, but one could never be sure. This might very well be the reason why the other factions, excluding the Crown Prince's faction, kept trying to delay the war.
However, without concrete proof and undeniable evidence, he could not launch a full-scale investigation or make the matter public. Doing so risked a devastating political backlash.
"Treat this matter with absolute discretion until we have irrefutable proof. If it becomes too dangerous, abandon it. The risk is simply too high."
"Understood, Master."
The value of Dark Moon was limitless, depending entirely on how it was utilized.
Jeron knew that to grow both his fief and Dark Moon simultaneously, he absolutely needed workshops and blacksmiths.
There was no need to immediately replicate Earth's modern technology. Even introducing the level of technology from the Joseon Dynasty or the early modern era would be more than enough to change the world.
I definitely need engineers from Earth.
After the meeting concluded, Jeron masked his face and disguised himself as a commoner to tour the organization's underground and surface businesses.
The underground information guild received occasional clients, most of whom were high-paying customers. Anyone in this era who understood the value of information and possessed the means to buy it was bound to be associated with a noble house or a massive merchant coalition. Thanks to this, the information guild boasted impressive revenues despite the low foot traffic.
The second-highest revenue generators were the gambling dens and taverns, which often operated as joint establishments. Dark Moon owned the largest tavern-gambling den hybrid in Hanes County, along with several smaller establishments resembling high-end courtesan houses.
On the surface, their legal businesses consisted of inns, general stores, and a delivery service.
For these legitimate businesses, Dark Moon typically selected fallen nobles from within their ranks to serve as frontmen.
The delivery service, in particular, was a highly unusual concept in this world. Since the concept of a professional courier service did not exist, they held a virtual monopoly over deliveries within Hanes County. While a few merchant coalitions in the north offered transport services, this was the only business dedicated solely to local deliveries.
However, due to the societal disdain for commerce, the customer base remained relatively small.
Their retail shops were diverse, ranging from restaurants and jewelry stores to general goods, fruit stands, and fishmongers. The agents ran these shops disguised as ordinary merchants, generating funds and gathering any useful rumors that drifted through their doors.
Finally, there was the lodging business.
In this era, inns typically doubled as taverns and restaurants. However, unlike the shady establishments of the underworld, these inns catered to international traders, domestic merchants, and mercenaries. They even owned one of the most famous inns in Hanes County, a fact that left Jeron thoroughly impressed.
While they owned many businesses, most were small-to-medium enterprises, and the heavy taxes imposed on them meant their net profits were not particularly large. Most of these businesses were relatively new, having been established within the last three to five years. Ark Farrow had poured his blood and sweat into building Dark Moon, and only recently had they begun expanding into commercial enterprises.
Though their foundation was still fragile, most of these businesses were actively seeking to expand.
As Jeron toured the establishments, he saw immense potential in Dark Moon. If his official family merchants operated in the light while Dark Moon's businesses operated in the shadows, the synergy would be formidable.
By the time Jeron finished taking over the organization and inspecting the businesses, night had fallen.
They walked through streets illuminated by flickering lanterns. It was a city on an entirely different level compared to the Farrow Territory, which was only just beginning to develop with a handful of businesses.
Evan led Jeron and Sir Leila to a fairly large inn located in the heart of the commercial district.
Since there was no need to reveal the connection between Evan and the innkeeper here, they paid for their stay in gold coins. He booked one VIP suite and one standard room. Although Count Hanes had offered them accommodations at the castle, Jeron did not want to be overly indebted to him.
The first floor of the inn featured a bustling tavern for commoners, while the second floor housed a high-end restaurant. The guest rooms began on the third floor, with the VIP suites located on the fourth. The four-story building was thriving, thanks to its prime location in the high-traffic center of the city.
However, Evan noted that they had to pay substantial bribes to secure the permit for this location, and the monthly taxes and maintenance costs were considerable. The profits from the inn itself were modest, but they kept it running because it was a goldmine for gathering intelligence.
The three of them gathered in Jeron's room after ordering a simple dinner of bread and milk. Evan knelt before Jeron.
"It has been an honor to serve you today, Master."
"In the future, you will receive your orders through Sir Leila. Treat her commands as my own."
"Understood, Master."
Evan quietly slipped out of the VIP suite.
The inn had recently undergone renovations, so it felt clean and modern. It featured new furniture, a neatly arranged room, and even private washing facilities. While it could not compare to modern lodging on Earth, an inn of this quality was a rare luxury in this medieval world.
During his tour of the businesses today, several ideas had crossed Jeron's mind. If he could introduce Earth's management philosophies and administrative systems, these businesses would undoubtedly flourish.
I really need people.
Having lived in this medieval world for so long, Jeron could feel his own thinking starting to grow rigid. It would be incredibly beneficial to find talents who had lived on Earth and possessed professional training in management, finance, or accounting. Of course, in a ruined world where finding any survivor was difficult, finding someone who also possessed both expertise and good character would be a monumental task.
Jeron stepped out onto the terrace. Lanterns hung along the streets, casting a warm glow over the night. Even at this late hour, the bustling commerce continued. Unlike other territories, Hanes County had a late curfew of one in the morning.
Yet, despite the lanterns, the streets remained dark enough for pickpockets to thrive, and the stench of urine wafted from the shadowed alleys where people relieved themselves.
"It's better than the slums, but the smell is still..."
Jeron shut the terrace doors. He decided he wouldn't be opening them again during his stay.
"What did you think of today, Sir Leila?"
"I believe Dark Moon has immense potential for growth," she replied.
"Indeed. It was quite surprising."
"Their organizational structure is ready for expansion at any moment, and they have already entered key industries. Although the current profits are small, they will grow as we expand the businesses."
"And?"
"It felt a bit disorganized in its execution. In particular, the management and financial systems require significant restructuring."
"My thoughts exactly."
It was a miracle in itself that they had expanded the organization this much and established infrastructure across the entire northern region. However, the business management left much to be desired. Having grown up in a merchant family, Leila had accurately identified Dark Moon's weaknesses.
A knock sounded at the door. While they were talking, their room service had arrived. The maid who delivered the food was also a Dark Moon agent, and her posture was almost excessively polite for a simple server.
Though they had only ordered bread and milk, she presented a full spread of meat, soup, and wine. Once the maid left, Jeron let out a sigh.
"I only ordered bread and milk because the local food doesn't suit my palate..."
"..."
Leila, however, simply began to eat in silence. The meat was gamey and the soup was unappealing, but she had been walking all day and was clearly famished. Jeron pushed the salt and pepper shakers toward her.
"Let's eat like civilized people."
"Thank you."
Come to think of it, they hadn't eaten much today. Aside from a few glasses of whiskey at the Dark Moon headquarters after lunch, their stomachs were empty. With the addition of salt, pepper, and a bit of cheap wine, the meal became tolerable.
After finishing her meal, Leila set the dishes outside the door.
"Leila."
"Speak, my Lord."
"You will be the one managing Dark Moon from now on."
"I... I do not know if I am capable of handling such a grave responsibility."
"I trust you."
There was no turning back now. Leila had to act as the bridge between Jeron and Dark Moon, managing the organization on his behalf. While Jeron would oversee the big picture, he was the Lord of Farrow. He had to operate in the light; he could not afford to spend all his time in the underworld.
The political landscape would only grow more complex. For now, he only had to worry about his fief and his merchant group, but he would soon have to travel to the capital. Once he became entangled with the power players there, his schedule would be packed. The Farrow Territory, the merchant group, and Dark Moon were all in their infancy. Jeron needed to delegate.
"My Lord."
An indescribable light flickered in Leila's eyes. It was not romantic affection, but rather absolute loyalty—the look of a devoted vassal pledging herself to her lord.
"If it is your wish, I will give it my all."
"Good. That resolve is all I need."
Leila bowed and withdrew. Once she was gone, Jeron washed himself with water from the wooden tub and changed into clean clothes. He lay down on the bed, lost in thought.
Dark Moon is impressive, but it's still missing something. If I want to bring about real change, I have to go back to Earth.
Specifically, he needed to find Mr. Kang. A conflict between Dark Moon and the Silver Wolf coalition could erupt at any moment. He also needed to develop his territory and build up his military strength to prepare for the grand war against the Lapis Kingdom. In times like these, a skilled metalworker would be invaluable.
Having recovered some of his strength, Jeron stood up from the bed.
"I should head to the industrial complex tonight."