Chapter 214: I Knew This Would Happen (3)
Chapter 214: I Knew This Would Happen (3)
Viscount Haimon was a local noble who had been settled in the East for over two hundred years.
Even in the barren Eastern region, he was a lord who possessed rare, fertile farmland, allowing him to be self-sufficient and even sell surplus grain to his neighbors.
However, the story had changed over the last few years as a poor harvest swept through the East.
With his crops ruined, Viscount Haimon found himself in desperate need of money and food.
Like many other nobles, he borrowed money from the East’s biggest pushover, Viscount Schneider.
At first, he only borrowed what was necessary.
He planned to buy food and essentials with that money and pay it back the following year.
But here was the thing.
Money is a strange thing; you feel grateful when you borrow it, but when the time comes to pay it back, it feels like a waste. It feels as if your own money is being taken away.
Furthermore, Viscount Schneider never pressured him to pay it back.
And after seeing other neighboring nobles simply holding out and not repaying their debts, he thought to himself:
‘Maybe I just don’t have to pay it back?’
Come to think of it, there was no specific collateral involved when he borrowed the money.
That good-natured Viscount Schneider had lent it to him without any security at all.
So, if he just grew a thick skin and refused to pay…
‘What’s he going to do about it?’
That was his mindset.
Thus, he decided he wouldn't pay it back, or at the very least, he would delay it as long as possible.
Yes. That was his plan, right up until today.
KRA-BOOM!
“W-what’s going on?”
Viscount Haimon, who had been sleeping in his bedroom late at night, was jolted awake by the sudden noise.
His concubine, who had been sleeping beside him, also sat up, and he scrambled to his feet, shouting.
“Is anyone there? What happened?”
At his call, one of the maids appeared in a panic and said, “My Lord... a... a guest has arrived.”
“A guest? At this hour? How dare they be so rude!”
At the Viscount’s words, the maid bowed her head and said, “I urged them to leave, but they insisted they had to see you... Eek!”
CRASH!
It was then.
The door to the Viscount’s bedroom shattered, and someone—no, something—revealed itself.
Twin swords rested on his shoulders.
Eyes filled with madness glowed with a red light.
White steam drifted from his slightly parted lips.
‘W-what is that?’
At first, he thought an evil Dark Mage had summoned a demon.
However, the figure cleared up the Viscount’s misunderstanding.
“Gooood evening, Viscount Haimon.”
“W-who are you?”
“I’m Patrick Schneideeeer.”
“P-Patrick Schneider?”
“Oh, so you know me?”
“……”
Viscount Haimon nodded frantically.
Of course he knew. How could he not?
There wasn't a person on the continent who didn't know the name Patrick Schneider.
And as a noble of the East, how could Viscount Haimon possibly be unaware of him?
An uninvited guest in his bedroom late at night.
Normally, he should have shouted and kicked him out, but…
“It is... an honor to meet you, Young Master Schneider.”
“The honor is all miiine.”
Why are you talking like a thug?
And could you please stop breathing steam?
It’s terrifying.
He wanted to say these things, but the words wouldn't come out. So instead, he asked:
“May I ask what business brings you to see me at this late hour?”
Viscount Haimon was a titled noble.
And Patrick was merely the young son of a noble family who held no official rank yet.
But what did that matter?
This was that Patrick Schneider.
He was the man who would slice the head off a 7-star knight from another country if they crossed him.
He was a monster who had fought against a regular army mobilized by a nation and emerged victorious.
Titles? Age?
They meant nothing in the face of one's precious life.
Thus, Viscount Haimon’s attitude toward Patrick was extremely cautious.
Perhaps that calmed things down a bit?
Patrick gave a thin smile and said, “You’re saying you don’t know why I’m here?”
“...I... I do not?”
“You don’t? Really?”
“……”
“Viscount. I’ll ask you one more time.”
“……”
“I’m telling you in advance, if you say you don’t know this time, my fragile and delicate heart will be wounded. And if that happens, there’s no telling what I might do to heal that wound. Understand?”
The Viscount swallowed hard.
As the man trembled, Patrick leaned in with his mad eyes and whispered:
“Why do you think I’m heeeere?”
Viscount Haimon’s legs shook with terror as he spoke.
“I... I will repay the borrowed money as soon as possible.”
At those words, the madness that seemed to have bubbled up from the depths of hell vanished from Patrick’s eyes.
“Ahhh... what a relief. Our Viscount Haimon is a man of conscience after all. Since you say you’ll pay it back.”
“Ha... hahaha...”
“Right. Then pay up.”
“……”
Viscount Haimon was flustered as he saw Patrick hold out his hand.
Surely he didn't mean right this second?
Common sense dictated that was impossible.
“Ahem, I don’t have the money on me right now.”
“I see. You don’t have the money.”
Viscount Haimon spoke desperately.
“Please, have some consideration. I can’t pay back money I don’t have, can I?”
“Hmm...”
“If this year’s harvest goes well, I’ll have some financial breathing room. I will definitely pay you back then.”
“Hrrrrm...”
“So, please leave for now.”
Go back to hell, you demonic bastard.
Hiding his true thoughts, Viscount Haimon pleaded with a pathetic voice.
Then, the demon before him said…
“Well, I guess it can’t be helped then.”
It was unexpected.
Surprisingly, the demon took a step back with a hollow expression.
‘As expected of a pushover’s son.’
For a moment, Viscount Haimon breathed a sigh of relief.
Of course.
Parents and children were bound to be alike, weren't they?
His father, Viscount Schneider, was such a pushover, so even if the son was good at swordsmanship, he was the same kind of pushover.
Just as he thought that…
“Then, from this moment on, I shall begin the seizure.”
“Right. Huh? What?”
“You don’t have the money, so what else can I do? I’ll have to take goods instead.”
Patrick snapped his fingers, and soldiers from the Schneider Territory poured in from all directions. Then…
“Young Master. Should we take this painting on the wall too?”
“Of course, take it all. And move that marble sculpture carefully. Rip up the carpet on the floor too. Oh, that cat over there. Looks expensive. Pack it up for now.”
Viscount Haimon’s jaw dropped.
What on earth…
“What... what do you think you’re doing?!”
“Huh? Didn't you hear me? I’m seizing your assets.”
Seizure: Everything belonging to a person who doesn't pay their debts becomes mine. Therefore, I can take it. It’s not illegal.
—Source: Sayings of the Radiant Dragon Hero—
Viscount Haimon stared in disbelief before screaming.
“Does this make any sense?!”
“Why not? You said you don’t have money.”
“That’s why I asked you to wait!”
“Why should I?”
“……”
“Why do I have to wait?”
At Patrick’s question, Viscount Haimon fell silent. The best he could manage to say was…
“How can you be so cold-hearted toward a fellow Eastern noble? What about the friendship and loyalty we’ve shared for hundreds of years?”
“Ahhh... Friendship? Loyalty?”
“That’s right. Your father wouldn't want this either. As an elder of a neighboring territory, I should decently advise you—Guh-ack!”
THWACK!
Patrick Schneider’s uppercut landed squarely on Viscount Haimon’s jaw.
The soldiers of the territory watched the scene with pitying expressions.
I knew this would happen.
In the end, it always turns out like this.
Patrick grabbed the collar of Viscount Haimon, who had flown into the air, just before he hit the ground. Then…
“Is this bastard crazy? Friendship? Loyalty? You backstabbed my good-natured father and you talk about loyaaalty?! Friendshiiiip?!”
Thud! Crack! Bam!
“Gah... Wait, just a... cough...”
Patrick’s fists rained down mercilessly on Viscount Haimon’s face.
Watching this, the soldiers remarked:
“Wow. Our Young Master is the same as ever.”
“Tell me about it. Don't they teach personality or ethics at the Academy?”
“I’m sure they do.”
“Then why hasn't he changed at all?”
“How can an educational system designed for humans reform a demon?”
“That makes sense.”
This was already the fifth time today.
Patrick had been touring the neighboring territories with his soldiers.
He focused on the places that had borrowed the most money and showed no intention of repaying it, demanding debt settlement.
Naturally, they claimed they couldn't pay.
Then, without hesitation, Patrick seized their assets in kind.
Artworks, jewels, precious metals, weapons, and so on.
He swept up everything that could be turned into money. And did the other party just sit still?
Of course not. They threw fits, shouting, “How dare you seize a noble’s property? Does this make sense?”
The result…
“You bastard! Do you think I worked my fingers to the bone to send money home just so a guy like you could stuff your face?! Huh?!”
“Cough... Gack...”
They all ended up in that state.
A short while later.
In the end, Viscount Haimon was beaten half to death by Patrick and had his property seized.
Not only the immediate assets in the house but even the land deeds for the territory and the ownership documents for a mansion he kept in the capital were all taken.
The Schneider territorial army loaded Viscount Haimon’s wealth into the wagons they had prepared.
There were already dozens of wagons lined up, filled with assets seized from other territories.
“Young Master. Where to next?”
“We’re out of empty wagons. Should we head back to the territory first?”
“Are you stupid? If you search the stables here, you’ll find a few more.”
“Ah, right.”
Watching the soldiers, who were now expertly looting, Sanson let out a sigh.
‘Anyone watching would think they’re professional bandits.’
Less than a day after Patrick’s return, the soldiers of House Schneider, known as the strongest army in the East, had become excellent bandits.
Sanson sighed, but he thought to himself:
‘Well, I understand how you feel.’
How frustrated and resentful had they been all this time?
All the soldiers of the Schneider territory were squires and vassals of the family.
In other words, Viscount Schneider was their lord.
How much had it pained them to see their lord being treated like a pushover?
The territory was developing day by day, the lives of the people were becoming more affluent, and even their own salaries and the quality of their equipment had improved.
Yet, the owners of that territory, the Schneider couple, were still living frugal lives.
There wasn't a single person in the Schneider territory who didn't know the reason why.
Whenever they saw a carriage from an unknown noble family in the territory, they would whisper, “Those beggars are here to borrow money again.”
However, no one could speak directly to the lord and say, “Please stop being such a pushover,” so they had simply left it alone.
But now that Patrick had returned and was settling things so decisively, they were thrilled.
Just then, Patrick approached Sanson.
“Sanson.”
“Yes, Young Master. Speak.”
“Take all the confiscated property and return to the territory. There’s a lot of expensive stuff, so be careful not to break anything.”
“Understood. But are you not coming with us, Young Master?”
“I have somewhere else to stop by.”
Sanson started to ask why but stopped himself.
If the Young Master was doing it, there must be a reason.
“Understood.”
With that, Sanson led the territorial soldiers and the wagons piled high with wealth back toward the territory.
Patrick, standing alone and looking in the opposite direction, muttered:
“I can’t repeat the same mistake twice.”
*
Jeyton Parmas, Count Parmas.
An uninvited guest appeared at the window of the office of the Margrave of the East and leader of the Eastern nobles.
“You’re working hard until late, Count.”
“...You are?”
Count Parmas’s eyes widened for a moment at the sudden appearance of the figure, but he quickly regained his composure.
“It seems you’ve returned, Young Master Schneider.”
“Yes, I have. May I come in for a moment?”
“If I said no, would you not come in?”
“Probably not.”
“Then it’s a meaningless question. Come in.”
At Count Parmas’s blunt reply, Patrick entered with a sly smile.
“Don’t be so cold. I even brought a gift.”
In Patrick’s hand was a bottle of liquor.
“It’s Johnny Black, 20-year-old.”
“You brought something strong.”
“I’ve tried all sorts of famous liquors in the capital, but this one suits my taste best.”
What Patrick brought was a strong spirit with an alcohol content exceeding 80 percent. Having brought it, Patrick took the liberty of taking out two glasses from a corner of the office and poured for both the Count and himself.
Then, raising his glass, he said:
“First, let me say thank you. Thanks to you sending me to the capital, I’ve gained a lot in many ways.”
Initially, Patrick had wanted to cut the Count’s head off when he mentioned sending him to the Academy.
But that was just his initial feeling.
In the end, the past four years had allowed Patrick to learn about the wider world and served as an opportunity to prepare for many things.
In that sense, Patrick felt a small debt of gratitude toward Count Parmas.
‘A very small debt, though.’
Patrick knocked back the strong liquor in one shot and said to the Count:
“Do you know why I’ve come to see you today?”
“Well, I wouldn't know the mind of the Double Dragon, the renowned 7-star swordsman.”
Count Parmas’s attitude toward Patrick had clearly changed from before.
In the past, he had seen him as a promising talent of the East and a potential son-in-law.
But now, he was showing clear hostility and wariness.
‘I knew this would happen.’
Patrick wasn't particularly surprised by the Count’s change. It was something he had fully expected.
“It will probably reach your ears soon, but I caused a bit of a stir as soon as I arrived.”
“What kind of stir?”
“I visited the homes of people who borrowed money and intended to skip out on it, and I seized their property. There might have been a very slight display of force in the process.”
“……”
Beating them half to death and then talking like this...
Count Parmas, who already knew the situation, frowned.
He picked up the strong liquor in front of him and downed it.
“Oh, you drink well.”
“Urgh...”
Count Parmas grimaced as he felt a fire in his stomach.
He turned to Patrick and asked:
“What is the reason for telling me this?”
“You are the Margrave of the East and the leader of the Eastern nobles, aren't you?”
“……”
“It’s obvious those people will come crying to you, so shouldn't I come and make the first move?”
“……”
The Count’s expression became complicated.
Yes. It was certain that the nobles Patrick had dealt with would come to him to protest.
But what of it?
Should he impose sanctions on Patrick or House Schneider in the name of House Parmas?
Should he order them to return the seized property?
‘There’s no way that would work.’
The prestige of House Schneider now clearly surpassed that of House Parmas.
Even though House Parmas held the position of Margrave of the East, they couldn't dare to throw their weight around with House Schneider.
It was all because of the young man before his eyes.
‘I didn't think he would become such a giant...’
To the bitter-looking Count Parmas, Patrick said:
“Count. I have one thing to make clear.”
“What is it?”
“Our House Schneider has no reason to be hostile toward you. And we have no intention of forming a faction centered around our family either.”
“……”
“In short, we have no interest in doing anything to the noble society of the East. So, could you please stop being so wary of us?”
“You think I’m wary of your family?”
“Aren't you?”
“On what grounds do you say that?”
“The grounds are the bastards who treated my father like a pushover banker and squeezed money out of him.”
“That has nothing to do with me.”
“Is that so? Would it have been possible for them to be so thick-skinned without your tacit approval, Count?”
“……”
Count Parmas fell silent.
This was the truth.
Normally, if something happened to disturb the order of the East, Count Parmas would mediate and nip the conflict in the bud.
That was his duty as the leader of the East.
However, Count Parmas had looked the other way even while seeing Viscount Schneider being treated as a blatant target for exploitation.
The reason was simple.
He was checking House Schneider, which had grown enough to threaten the position of House Parmas.
Patrick sighed as he looked at the silent Count Parmas.
‘I knew this would happen.’
Count Parmas’s current appearance reminded Patrick of a memory from long ago.
‘He’s exactly like that Peach Blossom Sword Sect Leader. Exactly the same.’