Chapter 467: Landowner (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 467: Landowner (2)
House Alminus was not one of the great houses that had risen to power back when the Rafdonian royal family first took the throne.
Alminus Central Exchange – Alminus Bank
However, as the person who ran the Alminus Stores brand, Count Alminus wasn't far behind the palace in terms of influence. His status as a supporter of one of the largest clans in the city, the Sawtooth Clan, allowed his reach to extend even into the labyrinth.
"I figured they were going to do something, but I never imagined they would get the Mozlan involved and go public with it," Amelia lamented under her breath as if talking to herself. "That count has more guts than I thought. I didn't expect him to make such a public affair of it, especially since they were clearly attempting to take down a Lord of the Floor without approval."
"Emily, it's not your fault, so you don't have to feel guilty."
"...Guilty? Why would I feel guilty?"
"Oh..." I just said that since it seemed like that was what you should say in a situation like this... but I guess I shouldn't have. Feeling awkward, I hurriedly changed the subject. "But why are you only giving me this letter now, two days after it arrived?"
"We knew you were busy, and there were a few things I needed to check on first. If you didn't come home today, I was planning to go find you."
"Things you needed to check?"
Amelia then began to list off the things she had been looking into over the past few days. Unfortunately, it was all pretty bad news.
"First, it looks like they've already started sending their people into pubs to sway the general public."
So Count Alminus was trying to make this a battle of public opinion.
"I expected as much, but what are they saying?"
"It depends on who you ask, but ultimately, it comes down to us swiping the Lord of the Floor's loot from right under their noses. Also, they're implying that we might have been the ones who summoned Riakis in the first place."
"Just as I thought..."
"Still, quite a few people are refuting the claims, saying they're just rumors. Fortunately for us, the work you've done to build up your reputation hasn't been in vain."
Yeah, it looks like the Reputation stat I've been nursing is coming in handy now. I guess I should be proud that—
"But you have to hurry."
"What?"
"I already saw them approaching the adventurers you saved in the labyrinth. It looked to me like they were trying to sway them into testifying in their favor instead."
"...How? Verification magic roots out any lies, so they won't be able to give false testimony."
"Did you not know? In a Mozlan trial, you can exercise your right to remain silent. They'll probably refuse to answer any tough questions and just give some vague truths that'll make the other side look better."
"...But still, don't we have a lot more people on our side than they do on theirs?"
"In a trial like this, that won't matter. It's an issue of conflicting narratives, so they are probably going to limit the overall number of witnesses. It's a common strategy."
I sighed. So that was how they were going to play it...
"But... how do you know all of that?"
"I spent the last two days eavesdropping and reading up on it."
Maybe she was the real genius around here. Since I was nervous about the upcoming trial, I eagerly asked her for advice. "What do you think I should do?"
"There's no avoiding the trial, so the best thing to do is find people who will testify that you saved them in the labyrinth."
"And?"
"Ask Melbeth for help. They must have gone through disputes like these before, given how long they've been around. I'm sure they must have at least one good lawyer."
"Okay, and then what?"
As I stared at her in anticipation, Amelia awkwardly avoided my gaze, looking overwhelmed. "...What I'm good at is finding things out, not coming up with solutions."
In other words, nothing else had come to mind.
"Mister, is there anything I can do for you?" Erwen, who had been listening this entire time but unable to contribute to the conversation, asked. Warm gratitude filled me at the offer.
"If I need help, I'll make sure to come to you first. For now, though, I'll take care of this on my own."
I'd done more than enough chieftain work these past few days, so it was now time for me to fulfill my role of clan leader.
***
It had been four days since my last visit to the holy land. While what I really wanted to do was sleep in, I was forced to leave the house and head to Mozlan's main office. I needed to gather information before I could start working on a strategy. So far, none of that was that big an issue, aside from one thing.
...Why did they have to call me to headquarters?
When Dwalkie was arrested, I'd had to go to the District Seven branch, but now, I was being asked to go to their main office, which was located all the way in Karnon.
...Should I spend some money to use the military carriage platform?
I was tempted to use a teleportation circle to get there faster, but as a clan leader, I had to resist such temptations. Then again, how much money would one ride end up costing me? It wouldn't be a waste if I used the journey to catch up on sleep...
"It's an honor to have you visit our headquarters, Baron Yandel. Allow me to show you inside."
Shortly after I arrived at Mozlan's headquarters, I was politely greeted by the guards and guided onto the premises. Was this the sort of treatment I should expect now that I was a baron? When I tried to get into the District Seven branch to save Dwalkie, they wouldn't even let me set foot in the building.
Anyway, this wasn't the time to be reminiscing.
"I am Christina Bealon." The elegant middle-aged woman who greeted me inside was none other than the head of Mozlan herself. Though she was dressed in civilian clothing, I knew she had to be a knight, given that she was a part of Mozlan.
"Bealon? Are you related to Count Bealon?"
"Yes. Count Bealon is my brother-in-law."
"I see. But is it normal for the head of Mozlan to come and personally handle a case?"
"Normally, that wouldn't be the case, no. However, disputes between nobles are of a rather sensitive nature, so I decided to take it upon myself to oversee the process and ensure that no mistakes are made."
"Is that so? Then you can start with an explanation. You wrote in your letter that I would be filled in once I arrived."
"Of course. After all, there is only so much that can be said over a letter. Hm, where should I begin...?" She looked me up and down, a cautious look in her eye, and slowly began. However, like the noble she was, she spoke in a way that was decidedly eloquent and entirely roundabout. After a long series of pleasantries, she finally filled in the missing blanks.
Maybe she was the real genius around here. Since I was nervous about the upcoming trial, I eagerly asked her for advice. "What do you think I should do?"
"There's no avoiding the trial, so the best thing to do is find people who will testify that you saved them in the labyrinth."
"And?"
"Ask Melbeth for help. They must have gone through disputes like these before, given how long they've been around. I'm sure they must have at least one good lawyer."
"Okay, and then what?"
As I stared at her in anticipation, Amelia awkwardly avoided my gaze, looking overwhelmed. "...What I'm good at is finding things out, not coming up with solutions."
In other words, nothing else had come to mind.
"Mister, is there anything I can do for you?" Erwen, who had been listening this entire time but unable to contribute to the conversation, asked. Warm gratitude filled me at the offer.
"If I need help, I'll make sure to come to you first. For now, though, I'll take care of this on my own."
I'd done more than enough chieftain work these past few days, so it was now time for me to fulfill my role of clan leader.
***
It had been four days since my last visit to the holy land. While what I really wanted to do was sleep in, I was forced to leave the house and head to Mozlan's main office. I needed to gather information before I could start working on a strategy. So far, none of that was that big an issue, aside from one thing.
...Why did they have to call me to headquarters?
When Dwalkie was arrested, I'd had to go to the District Seven branch, but now, I was being asked to go to their main office, which was located all the way in Karnon.
...Should I spend some money to use the military carriage platform?
I was tempted to use a teleportation circle to get there faster, but as a clan leader, I had to resist such temptations. Then again, how much money would one ride end up costing me? It wouldn't be a waste if I used the journey to catch up on sleep...
"It's an honor to have you visit our headquarters, Baron Yandel. Allow me to show you inside."
Shortly after I arrived at Mozlan's headquarters, I was politely greeted by the guards and guided onto the premises. Was this the sort of treatment I should expect now that I was a baron? When I tried to get into the District Seven branch to save Dwalkie, they wouldn't even let me set foot in the building.
Anyway, this wasn't the time to be reminiscing.
"I am Christina Bealon." The elegant middle-aged woman who greeted me inside was none other than the head of Mozlan herself. Though she was dressed in civilian clothing, I knew she had to be a knight, given that she was a part of Mozlan.
"Bealon? Are you related to Count Bealon?"
"Yes. Count Bealon is my brother-in-law."
"I see. But is it normal for the head of Mozlan to come and personally handle a case?"
"Normally, that wouldn't be the case, no. However, disputes between nobles are of a rather sensitive nature, so I decided to take it upon myself to oversee the process and ensure that no mistakes are made."
"Is that so? Then you can start with an explanation. You wrote in your letter that I would be filled in once I arrived."
"Of course. After all, there is only so much that can be said over a letter. Hm, where should I begin...?" She looked me up and down, a cautious look in her eye, and slowly began. However, like the noble she was, she spoke in a way that was decidedly eloquent and entirely roundabout. After a long series of pleasantries, she finally filled in the missing blanks.
"...Ordinarily, in such cases, I would advise that you settle out of court. Count Alminus has agreed to lower the amount owed if you, Baron Yandel, comply with his request, but..." She met my eye. "I'm guessing you don't want to do that."
She was exactly right.
"Of course not."
"Then it can't be helped. Your case will be brought before the Royal Justice Court."
She then began to explain the legal procedures and what I would need to do. One such thing was to write an affidavit.
"I can summon a scribe to write one for you now if you wish."
I decided to postpone it, however. This was a document that would be used during the trial. The best thing to do would be to meet with a lawyer to make sure it accomplished its purpose. That was why after I left Mozlan, the first place I visited was the Rabbit Baroness's house.
"Baron Yandel...? My mother hadn't mentioned that you would be visiting."
The baroness's daughter greeted me at the door. Apparently, the Rabbit Baroness was out on business. I decided to stay put until she returned, but the time I spent waiting quickly added up.
"Baron Yandel, what brings you here? I heard from Minia that you've been waiting for me for half a day..."
"Baroness Lirivia, I need your help."
"My help...? Tell me what you mean."
After being out all day, the Rabbit Baroness finally came home. Unfortunately for her, she now had to sit down and listen to my story rather than rest. As I explained what happened to her, she let out a heavy sigh.
"I hope you don't take offense, but... storms really do follow in your wake, Baron Yandel. Well, don't worry too much. I know a man well-versed in law that can help. Unfortunately, it's a bit late to call on him tonight, so I'll schedule a meeting for tomorrow."
"Thank you for your help. By the way, do you happen to have an empty room?"
"An empty room...?"
"Going back home now only to come back tomorrow would be a hassle."
"...That's right, you did say you live in Ravigion. I'll have one of my maids prepare a room for you."
"Thanks."
Great, I even got free accommodations for the night. After having dinner with the Rabbit Baroness's family, I borrowed a crystal ball to let Amelia and Erwen know that I would be staying over.
"It's nice to meet you, Baron Yandel. My name is James Elk."
Early the next morning, I was able to consult with a legal professional thanks to Lirivia. When I told him my side of the story, his expression only darkened.
"...This is quite the predicament. Just to clarify, Mozlan is officially charging you with the unjust distribution of loot according to contribution. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
The clan was also going around calling me a piece of trash that did other horrendous things, like summoning the Lord of Chaos on purpose, but that wasn't important right now.
"Unfortunately, since it is clear that Sawtooth contributed to the battle, they're well within their legal rights to ask for compensation."
The basis for this lawsuit was the Labyrinth Disaster Act. The act stated that in the event of a disaster, every adventurer was obligated to work together to overcome it, and the resulting loot would be evenly distributed after the fact. Because of that, there were clear grounds for the Sawtooth Clan to receive compensation.
"...Ordinarily, in such cases, I would advise that you settle out of court. Count Alminus has agreed to lower the amount owed if you, Baron Yandel, comply with his request, but..." She met my eye. "I'm guessing you don't want to do that."
She was exactly right.
"Of course not."
"Then it can't be helped. Your case will be brought before the Royal Justice Court."
She then began to explain the legal procedures and what I would need to do. One such thing was to write an affidavit.
"I can summon a scribe to write one for you now if you wish."
I decided to postpone it, however. This was a document that would be used during the trial. The best thing to do would be to meet with a lawyer to make sure it accomplished its purpose. That was why after I left Mozlan, the first place I visited was the Rabbit Baroness's house.
"Baron Yandel...? My mother hadn't mentioned that you would be visiting."
The baroness's daughter greeted me at the door. Apparently, the Rabbit Baroness was out on business. I decided to stay put until she returned, but the time I spent waiting quickly added up.
"Baron Yandel, what brings you here? I heard from Minia that you've been waiting for me for half a day..."
"Baroness Lirivia, I need your help."
"My help...? Tell me what you mean."
After being out all day, the Rabbit Baroness finally came home. Unfortunately for her, she now had to sit down and listen to my story rather than rest. As I explained what happened to her, she let out a heavy sigh.
"I hope you don't take offense, but... storms really do follow in your wake, Baron Yandel. Well, don't worry too much. I know a man well-versed in law that can help. Unfortunately, it's a bit late to call on him tonight, so I'll schedule a meeting for tomorrow."
"Thank you for your help. By the way, do you happen to have an empty room?"
"An empty room...?"
"Going back home now only to come back tomorrow would be a hassle."
"...That's right, you did say you live in Ravigion. I'll have one of my maids prepare a room for you."
"Thanks."
Great, I even got free accommodations for the night. After having dinner with the Rabbit Baroness's family, I borrowed a crystal ball to let Amelia and Erwen know that I would be staying over.
"It's nice to meet you, Baron Yandel. My name is James Elk."
Early the next morning, I was able to consult with a legal professional thanks to Lirivia. When I told him my side of the story, his expression only darkened.
"...This is quite the predicament. Just to clarify, Mozlan is officially charging you with the unjust distribution of loot according to contribution. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
The clan was also going around calling me a piece of trash that did other horrendous things, like summoning the Lord of Chaos on purpose, but that wasn't important right now.
"Unfortunately, since it is clear that Sawtooth contributed to the battle, they're well within their legal rights to ask for compensation."
The basis for this lawsuit was the Labyrinth Disaster Act. The act stated that in the event of a disaster, every adventurer was obligated to work together to overcome it, and the resulting loot would be evenly distributed after the fact. Because of that, there were clear grounds for the Sawtooth Clan to receive compensation.
"This is quite a tough case..."
"...Is it that bad?"
"Yes. Their demand for their share of the reward is completely legitimate under the Labyrinth Disaster Act. Not only that, but their confidence implies that they must have proof of their contribution." He sounded apologetic that he couldn't offer much more help than this. "I must ask, how do you feel about accepting Count Alminus's offer? We might be able to lower the amount you have to pay if this is taken to court, but at the same time, there is a much greater risk that things will turn out even worse for you."
"...Even though we have enough circumstantial evidence to suspect them of summoning the Lord of the Floor without permission?"
My tone was much sharper than I'd intended, but he continued to talk to me in the same calm, businesslike tone. "Unfortunately, that has no bearing on this case. It is a completely separate matter that will have to be addressed in a different courtroom. Even if you were to prove it in court, it doesn't change the fact that the Sawtooth Clan contributed to the battle yet returned without their share of the loot."
In other words, whatever fines Count Alminus would have to pay or jail time he might have to serve, I would still have to pay restitution regardless.
"I am only giving you the facts as I understand them so that you can make an informed decision, you understand. I hope you don't suspect otherwise."
I sighed.
Yeah, I know. It's not like he's the one who's screwing me here.
"James, is there anything else I can do?"
"Once again, my recommendation is to reconsider Count Alminus's offer. You of course have the option of taking this issue to court to lower the payment, but the risk is much too great. It would be safer for you to simply accept the settlement."
"What if I don't care about the risk? Is there anything else I can do?"
Despite my persistence, James didn't change his stance.
"Unfortunately, this is your best option. You will most certainly have to pay compensation, whether you accept his offer or not. Unless Count Alminus withdraws the request he sent to Mozlan entirely, I see no better alternative."
So that's that.
My consultation came to an end, and all I had learned was that I had no legal grounds in this case. But thanks to James, I was still able to come up with a plan of action.
I just need to make him withdraw the lawsuit.
My goal was now to get Count Alminus to withdraw the suit on his own. In other words, I needed to point a gun at his head.
***
After meeting with my legal counsel, I went straight back to Mozlan to write my affidavit. I planned to not go to trial in the first place, but just in case, I prepared the necessary documents.
They said the trial wouldn't take place for another two or three months.
There was plenty of time between then and now, so I decided to put off my meeting with Count Alminus until later. What difference would meeting with him now even make?
Ring!
Instead, I dropped by the Adventurers' Guild on my way back and immediately filled out a raid application. The form was completed under the supervision of the branch manager rather than a regular employee, of course.
The target for my next raid would be the first floor's Lord of the Floor: the Lord of Terror, Dreadfear.
"...It's been a while since someone applied for this one."
That made sense. A rank-five clan had several avenues open to them if they wanted to be promoted to rank four. Most clans that had just been founded but were composed of highly skilled members tried to raise their clan's rank as quickly as possible through various means. But the best way to do so was to take down this guy.
"Your raid will take place the next time the labyrinth opens, hm... I will need to hurry and send an official statement to the other branches."
Thankfully, I received permission without any issues.
"But Baron Yandel, you should know that once the official statement is released, there is going to be an uproar."
How could I not know that? In fact, that was exactly what I was hoping for.
"Attempting a raid with only five participants... If you succeed, this will be the tenth time since the era of the Last Great Sage."
This would be my first shot fired on Count Alminus.
"This is quite a tough case..."
"...Is it that bad?"
"Yes. Their demand for their share of the reward is completely legitimate under the Labyrinth Disaster Act. Not only that, but their confidence implies that they must have proof of their contribution." He sounded apologetic that he couldn't offer much more help than this. "I must ask, how do you feel about accepting Count Alminus's offer? We might be able to lower the amount you have to pay if this is taken to court, but at the same time, there is a much greater risk that things will turn out even worse for you."
"...Even though we have enough circumstantial evidence to suspect them of summoning the Lord of the Floor without permission?"
My tone was much sharper than I'd intended, but he continued to talk to me in the same calm, businesslike tone. "Unfortunately, that has no bearing on this case. It is a completely separate matter that will have to be addressed in a different courtroom. Even if you were to prove it in court, it doesn't change the fact that the Sawtooth Clan contributed to the battle yet returned without their share of the loot."
In other words, whatever fines Count Alminus would have to pay or jail time he might have to serve, I would still have to pay restitution regardless.
"I am only giving you the facts as I understand them so that you can make an informed decision, you understand. I hope you don't suspect otherwise."
I sighed.
Yeah, I know. It's not like he's the one who's screwing me here.
"James, is there anything else I can do?"
"Once again, my recommendation is to reconsider Count Alminus's offer. You of course have the option of taking this issue to court to lower the payment, but the risk is much too great. It would be safer for you to simply accept the settlement."
"What if I don't care about the risk? Is there anything else I can do?"
Despite my persistence, James didn't change his stance.
"Unfortunately, this is your best option. You will most certainly have to pay compensation, whether you accept his offer or not. Unless Count Alminus withdraws the request he sent to Mozlan entirely, I see no better alternative."
So that's that.
My consultation came to an end, and all I had learned was that I had no legal grounds in this case. But thanks to James, I was still able to come up with a plan of action.
I just need to make him withdraw the lawsuit.
My goal was now to get Count Alminus to withdraw the suit on his own. In other words, I needed to point a gun at his head.
***
After meeting with my legal counsel, I went straight back to Mozlan to write my affidavit. I planned to not go to trial in the first place, but just in case, I prepared the necessary documents.
They said the trial wouldn't take place for another two or three months.
There was plenty of time between then and now, so I decided to put off my meeting with Count Alminus until later. What difference would meeting with him now even make?
Ring!
Instead, I dropped by the Adventurers' Guild on my way back and immediately filled out a raid application. The form was completed under the supervision of the branch manager rather than a regular employee, of course.
The target for my next raid would be the first floor's Lord of the Floor: the Lord of Terror, Dreadfear.
"...It's been a while since someone applied for this one."
That made sense. A rank-five clan had several avenues open to them if they wanted to be promoted to rank four. Most clans that had just been founded but were composed of highly skilled members tried to raise their clan's rank as quickly as possible through various means. But the best way to do so was to take down this guy.
"Your raid will take place the next time the labyrinth opens, hm... I will need to hurry and send an official statement to the other branches."
Thankfully, I received permission without any issues.
"But Baron Yandel, you should know that once the official statement is released, there is going to be an uproar."
How could I not know that? In fact, that was exactly what I was hoping for.
"Attempting a raid with only five participants... If you succeed, this will be the tenth time since the era of the Last Great Sage."
This would be my first shot fired on Count Alminus.