Bargaining with the Emperor
Duke Amur wore a peculiar expression.
"An iron mine deposit?"
"Yes."
"Let me ask just one thing first. Why go out of your way to report this to me?"
"May I speak frankly?"
"Of course."
"My own power alone isn't enough to figure out what to do next, so I've come to you."
"Trading some of the profits for help with what you don't know?"
"Yes."
Duke Amur burst into loud laughter.
He soon withdrew his smile and stared intently at Mu-hyuk.
"You're more ambitious than I thought."
It wasn't exactly that, but there was no need to refuse the compliment.
"Thank you."
"People surprisingly refuse to admit their ignorance. If they don't know something, they should just learn—but they treat it as shameful and try to hide it. You've acknowledged that and come to me. You've proven my judgment right once more, so I'll help you actively. In that spirit."
"Yes."
"We should verify the facts first, of course?"
"Naturally."
"Do you know the location?"
"Yes."
"Then go with the man I'll summon. He'll give an accurate assessment."
"Understood."
Duke Amur called for a knight.
"Bring Yorn."
"Yes, sir."
"Wait a moment and we'll talk."
"Sounds good to me."
Duke Amur offered Mu-hyuk various advice on expanding a small village. It was more helpful than expected, so Mu-hyuk listened attentively. In the meantime, a knight informed them that the man named Yorn had arrived.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Outside the building stood a neatly dressed middle-aged man.
"It's been a while, Your Grace."
"Good to see you. I called you for a favor."
"A favor? Of course I'll comply."
"Haha, yes. Go with this friend—no, with Baron Mu-hyuk here for a short trip."
There was no hesitation.
Just acceptance of the order.
"Understood. I'll assess it precisely."
His response alone showed he was experienced in such matters.
"Thank you."
Duke Amur looked at Mu-hyuk.
"Good luck."
"Yes, I'll be back."
As he summoned a warhorse, Mu-hyuk glanced at Yorn.
"Can you ride?"
"Ah, of course. And feel free to speak casually."
"This feels more comfortable."
With a smile, he summoned an extra warhorse.
"Let's go."
He rode out of the castle with Yorn and used the warp gate.
*
Midway up the Bamburk Mountains.
"Here it is."
Yorn headed to the spot Mu-hyuk indicated, pulled out a strange device, and crouched on the ground. Soon, a low, clear sound emanated from it.
Beep—
Yorn stood up and walked around the area.
"Iron deposits are definitely here."
"Good."
"Yes, and..."
The sound stopped only after they'd moved quite a distance.
"The reserves seem larger than expected."
"Excellent."
Yorn wandered a bit more.
He nodded to himself several times.
"All done."
"Shall we head back?"
"Yes."
They mounted their warhorses again and returned to the Hemil Empire. Upon arrival, they went straight to Duke Amur, who nodded in satisfaction at Yorn's report and smiled.
"Perfect. Now, let's go see His Majesty."
"Yes."
Yorn departed, and Mu-hyuk headed with Duke Amur to the emperor's residence.
The central building in the palace.
Knights stood on either side of the corridor as they entered.
No tests this time.
Just a peaceful stroll through the grand space.
Hm, should I turn on Illusion TV?
The thought complicated his mind for a moment.
But he quickly dismissed it.
As the quest rewards indicated, the support was guaranteed. That meant the Hemil Empire's emperor was involved—no user would dare rebel or resist.
If someone did? They'd be hunted by the empire forever.
At last, the end of the long corridor.
They arrived before the firmly shut door of the emperor.
"Your Majesty, I have come with a matter to report."
"Is that Duke Amur?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Enter."
The voice came through the door crack.
The doors opened.
In the vast hall, the emperor sat high on his throne, gazing down imperiously. Despite it being their second meeting, Mu-hyuk involuntarily bowed his head under the overwhelming pressure.
They said those who rule thousands have a unique charisma—perhaps that aura was it.
"You're not alone."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Baron Mu-hyuk insisted on speaking with you, so I've brought him."
"Raise your heads."
Both men looked up.
"So, Baron Mu-hyuk."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"What brings you to see me?"
He spoke plainly, neither adding nor subtracting.
"I've discovered an iron mine in the mountains west of the territory you granted me."
"An iron mine?"
"Yes, so I came to report it."
The emperor smiled softly.
"Interesting. I wouldn't have minded if you'd developed it yourself."
He gave the same answer as to Duke Amur. The emperor nodded in satisfaction and spoke the words Mu-hyuk had hoped for.
"So, share the profits and gain support?"
"Yes."
"How about 9 to 1?"
"Pardon...?"
"I take 9, you take 1."
What a crazy thief.
Should he refuse?
He desperately wanted to, but he absolutely couldn't. Grinding his teeth, he opened his mouth to say even 1 was fine.
"That's a bit..."
But different words slipped out.
Damn it!
A brief silence followed.
"Kuhahaha! Watch your words!"
The water was spilled.
No taking it back.
"That won't do."
"Kukuku, serious?"
"Yes..."
The emperor stopped laughing.
"Quite bold."
"My apologies."
"That one phrase could endanger your life. Ah, but that's impossible—you're an outsider. Still, you could face the Hemil Empire's eternal pursuit. If caught, you'd rot in prison forever. No regrets over those words?"
Why the long-windedness?
Seizing and punishing him on the spot wouldn't be strange.
But why not?
Perhaps the emperor valued honesty.
Mu-hyuk swallowed and replied.
"No regrets."
The emperor laughed again.
"Kahaha! Good, excellent."
"Th-thank you."
"Then 8 to 2."
"..."
Is this bastard toying with me? Just upping it by 1?
But the next words exceeded Mu-hyuk's expectations.
"You take 8, I take 2."
"Pardon...?"
"Still not satisfied?"
"N-no! It's perfect."
"Kukuku, Duke Amur."
"Y-yes, Your Majesty."
Duke Amur seemed a bit flustered too.
"Support Baron Mu-hyuk fully."
"Understood."
[Optional Quest 'To the Emperor' cleared.]
'Capture the Emperor's Heart!'
🎁 Success Penalty Reduced
🎁 Success Rewards Greatly Increased
The success penalty of reduced iron mine profits had lessened, while the support reward upgraded to full backing.
Thanks to clearing the hidden quest.
Whoever hid it didn't matter.
The result was good.
"If nothing more, withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
As the two left the emperor's presence, his gaze lingered on Mu-hyuk's back. He smiled genuinely for the first time in ages.
Passed the test, and got guts too.
Baron Mu-hyuk.
He firmly etched the name in his mind. Meanwhile, Duke Amur, exiting the residence, instructed a waiting knight.
"Assemble a subjugation force for the Bamburk Mountains."
"Understood."
"With top forces."
"Yes!"
As the knight departed, Duke Amur turned to Mu-hyuk.
"Once subjugation ends, I'll send personnel for mine development. After that, steady miners for ore extraction..."
True, proper support.
"Thank you."
Soon, the knight returned with the subjugation force.
Everything proceeded swiftly.
Mu-hyuk was simply pleased.
Came the right way.
Satisfied once more with his choice, he headed to Column Village with the subjugation force.
*
The massive discovery caused another uproar.
Some expressed concerns.
Most users simply envied him.
Top rankers or top guilds, upon hearing the news, reacted with shock for different reasons.
"What? For real?"
"Yeah. He met the emperor."
"Insane. I'm barely chatting with low nobles..."
"How's he progressing so fast?"
"And he seemed super tight with the duke."
"Duke Amur?"
"Yeah."
"Should I try my luck?"
Some users with connections to minor nobles began gambling on it.