Chapter 52
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Timons Merchant Group (2)
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‘What should I squeeze out of that guy?'
Lately, Nior Bellun had been in a pretty good mood. It was all thanks to the promissory note now clutched in his hand.
"Every time I feel down, looking at this lifts my spirits."
The note stated that if the Timons Merchant Group failed to repay the money within three months, the Banheart Count Family would cover all the debt.
'I was a bit taken aback when that fool showed up out of nowhere...'
Sure, he'd ended up fleeing home in disgrace because of it, but on second thought, it was an offer with no downsides for him.
'The Timons Merchant Group won't be able to scrape together 100,000 gold in three months. In the end, that Clay bastard will have to foot the bill.'
He couldn't fathom why anyone would sign such a foolish contract. As far as he knew, the Banhearts didn't have the means to pay 100,000 gold either.
They'd earned major merits in the recent war, but they hadn't turned those into profit yet.
They might have received reward money, but that would vanish in a puff if they had to shell out 100,000 gold.
'I'll wring money out of that guy and take Maria too.'
Regardless of the debt, Nior planned to threaten Rabin into handing Maria over as his maid.
Clay had interfered last time, but next time, he'd drag her away no matter what.
"Y-Young Master!"
It was then. A servant burst through the door.
Nior's face twisted in fury at the servant barging in without knocking.
"What is it?"
"W-Well, Rabin from the Timons Merchant Group is here."
"Rabin?"
Why the hell was he here?
'Ah, he must have realized too late it's impossible and come begging!'
Clearly, Clay had regretted his actions and ordered Rabin to come apologize.
'Sorry, but no can do.'
Nior snickered and asked the servant.
"So, is the bastard groveling and begging forgiveness?"
"No. It's... he brought the money."
"What?"
Nior couldn't process the servant's words and blurted out a retort. The servant explained as calmly as possible.
"Rabin brought 100,000 gold."
"What?!"
* * *
"Thank you. Truly, thank you."
Rabin, fresh from the Bellun Count Family estate, had come straight to the Banheart manor to express his gratitude to me.
"If not for the Count, the Timons Merchant Group would truly have been done for."
"No, isn't everything resolved now?"
I brushed it off casually, but Rabin shook his head vigorously.
"No matter what, the Timons Merchant Group will serve the Banheart Family for life. We'll move our base here as soon as possible."
"No need to push yourselves too hard."
"No. It's the condition you mentioned at the start, right?"
Rabin paused there, glancing at me cautiously before speaking up gingerly.
"And from now on, please treat me as your trusted retainer and speak freely with me."
"Trusted retainer...?"
"You didn't just pay off our debts, Count. You're practically the savior of my sister Maria. So please, I beg you."
He seemed bothered by my continued use of formal speech.
With no choice, I nodded as if conceding.
"Fine, I'll speak casually from now on."
"Thank you!"
I chuckled inwardly at Rabin bowing deeply.
'Worth handing over that mithril gear, at least.'
I hadn't expected such fervent thanks. Plus, according to the settings, Rabin was the type to keep his word no matter what.
The Timons Merchant Group was now essentially one with the Banheart Family.
"So, when can we start mining the ore vein?"
"Probably as early as two days from now."
Two days...
Much faster than expected.
'Rabin must have gone all out.'
Choosing the Timons Merchant Group had been a wise move.
It would one day rank among the continent's top three merchant groups, after all. Bright future ahead.
"I'll leave the mine entirely to you."
"Me, sir?"
"You're better versed in mining and distribution than I am. I'd just get in the way."
Rabin looked stunned by the unexpected responsibility.
But he soon hardened his expression, nodded, and replied.
"...Understood. Leave it to me. I'll ensure results you'll be satisfied with."
I smirked faintly at the solemn Rabin, then sank into thought.
'Then I should head back to Damian now.'
I'd returned early last time, but this time, I planned to stay a while. Assuming Damian allowed it, of course—but that was no issue.
'...But is it really okay? Even like that?'
I'd mentioned it to Gransesia beforehand, but I still needed the boy's permission this time.
[What's this? You, always brazenly scamming, now growing a conscience?]
'You think I have none? Even I can't just proceed when you're reacting like that.'
She let out a small laugh at my earnest words.
[Doesn't matter to me. And I want to see him too. How much stronger that little one's gotten.]
Seemed genuine.
'Sir Damian must be someone special to you?'
[Not really. Just a kid who visited the temple often. I'd take him along sometimes for monster hunts.]
'Taking a kid on monster hunts?'
[What danger with me around?]
Her nonchalant tone made me vow never to let her babysit.
'For someone you knew that way, you were pretty sentimental about him.'
[Didn't think he'd still be alive.]
'Death Knights count as alive?'
[Anyway! It bugs me how he talked like he admired me. I'm not that great.]
She might have been idolized as a saintess, but she didn't see it that way.
'Anyway, thanks if you permit it.'
[Do as you like. I'm just a ring anyway.]
I chuckled at her grumbling and stood up.
Time to prepare for Kitten Forest.
* * *
"Nothing missing, right?"
At the dungeon entrance, I checked the supplies one by one.
Bulk preserved rations procured via Rabin, training wooden swords, and daily necessities.
'Confirmed water inside.'
Damian's lair had a flowing water source. Probably used it even before becoming a Death Knight.
It might be contaminated from neglect, but I didn't care.
'I've got divine blood!'
Might turn my stomach, but no health risks. Water was all I needed.
Descending the now-familiar dungeon path, passing prior sections, I reached a hemispherical chamber.
"Why have you returned?"
Unlike before, Damian stood in the center, sword in hand, staring at me.
"I have a request for Sir Damian."
"A request?"
He eyed me suspiciously, as if wondering my angle, a hint of wariness.
"Before I explain, could you take a look at this first?"
I slowly removed my glove. Then raised my right hand for him to see.
"That's...!"
Damian stepped forward involuntarily, eyes wide in shock. On my finger was a ring.
"The relic of Saintess Gransesia, the Eye of Simosa."
"How do you have that? The Atel priests guard it strictly... Did something happen to the Atels?!"
He strode over and gripped my shoulder hard.
His red eyes blazed like flames.
"No. I received it directly from Lady Gransesia's descendant. There's proof."
"Proof? What reason would they have to give a non-priest like you a saintess's relic?"
"Of course."
I pricked my fingertip lightly with a dagger. Then showed Damian the beading blood.
"My blood is divine blood."
"You expect me to believe that nonsense?"
"If you doubt, touch it."
Damian grabbed my finger without hesitation.
Sizzle!
"...!"
His hand burned instantly.
He yanked it back, muttering in shock.
"Impossible. True divine blood..."
"I don't know why I have it. But the Atels called me the saintess's heir and entrusted me with this ring. To face the disaster that will come."
"Disaster?"
I drew the sword at my waist.
"It's called Genova. You might know it, Sir Damian—made to combat disasters."
"Genova... Yes, I've heard tales. Didn't think it real."
He alternated glances between the blood and sword, pondering, then spoke.
"...So, what's the request?"
"I wish to learn the Lone Moon Divine Sword from you, Sir Damian."
"I could teach, but your talent won't grasp much. I lack time."
Softer than before, but still blunt.
"I lack time too. The disasters ahead surpass even Rugal. I must grow stronger ASAP."
"...I see."
My words were pure truth. Beyond desire for the sword, it was essential against future foes.
"Very well."
After a pause, Damian spoke slowly. Just as I thought he'd agreed easily, he continued.
"Come at me."
"Pardon?"
"I'll believe you after seeing your skill."
He raised his sword straight, no mana used—yet an immense pressure emanated.
'Damn.'
Instinct screamed: a pathetic loss here means no Lone Moon Divine Sword.
[Damian's always been sword before words. Adorable as a kid.]
'You call that adorable?'
[Still a child in my eyes.]
Gransesia seemed amused, enjoying my fluster.
"Understood. I'll go first, then."
Damian used no mana, but I circulated it through my body, going all out from the start.
Opponent: first of the Seven Heroes, Sword God. No room for holding back.
Boom!
Swords clashed with an explosion.
Silver Star Sword, latter half, first form: New Star.
A super-accelerated strike slashed toward Damian's neck.
Clang!
"...!"
Damian deflected it effortlessly.
A diagonal swipe along my swing's path altered my sword's trajectory entirely.
'And without mana.'
His body hadn't twitched.
His red eyes bored into me: *That all?*
'If that's all...'
Cold sweat beaded on my forehead.
If New Star was blocked so easily, others would fare no better.
'...Then.'
If straight attacks fail, time for tricks.