165. The Dwarf Named Roger
Berge let out a hollow laugh. Stealing artisans and their techniques?
Truly, utterly ridiculous nonsense.
"Explain it slowly. And in detail."
So that I can understand.
『This morning, an executive from the Black Toad Merchant Company visited our guild formally.』
The executive, flanked by guards, arrogantly demanded a private meeting with Aman, but Aman was tied up with other matters, so Jetoson stepped in instead.
『At first, we had no idea why they'd come.』
He'd guessed they might be there to buy mana cannons, but honestly, that was absurd too.
The Black Toad Merchant Company owned dozens of workshops and supplied the imperial army—they were no small players.
They'd produced over a thousand mana cannons alone.
But it was about mana cannons, alright. Just not buying them.
* * *
"Your guild master won't even show his face? Is this the Golden Moon's way?"
"You didn't bring yours either. Would it be funny if we did?"
"Do you really think the Golden Moon and Black Toad are equals?"
"We're both 'merchant companies,' aren't we?"
"...Fine, whatever. I'll hear it straight from you anyway."
The Black Toad executive droned on about why he'd come to the Golden Moon guild.
Jetoson furrowed his brow.
"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. What did you just say?"
"I said the rights to those mana cannons belong to our company."
He twirled his rat-like mustache.
Jetoson snorted.
"That's an interesting claim. In that case, all your company's rights belong to me."
"What?"
"You're coveting our stuff without reason, so why can't we do the same?"
"We're asserting our legitimate rights over what was stolen from us!"
"That's exactly why it's bullshit."
"B-Bullshit?"
"The mana cannons were made in our workshops, with official certification from the Iasin royal family."
"Hmph, royal certification? A bit of coin gets you that."
"At least it's pricier than your strong-arming. No spit flying out, no effort required."
"Is this the Golden Moon's official response?"
"We always match our opponents' level. Polite to the courteous, bullshit to the bullshitters."
"A company executive with such a filthy mouth."
"What can I say? I drew the short straw dealing with you."
"You little—!"
The executive, fuming at Jetoson's words, took a deep breath and continued.
"You claim the mana cannons were made in your own workshops? Doesn't that strike you as suspicious?"
"Not at all."
"Those so-called brilliant artisans in your workshops are ours! They were affiliated with our workshops until they vanished about half a year ago!"
"Haa."
Jetoson let out a deep sigh.
"Our workshops only hire Iasin artisans, vetted through cross-verification. All volunteers. What kind of nonsense is this?"
He knew well, having been involved himself.
"You can claim that, sure."
"Do I have to counter bullshit with more bullshit?"
"Bullshit? The Golden Moon really puts con artists in executive seats. You clearly poached our artisans."
"Fine, let's hear the story."
Jetoson crossed his legs, leaned back, and shrugged—as if to say, go on, entertain me.
"Half a year ago, several artisans from the royal workshops vanished without a trace. We searched for ages but found nothing."
"Oh dear, how tragic."
"Then suddenly, the Golden Moon sets up workshops and starts selling mana cannons. A guild with zero prior connection to them."
"So you're saying we must've kidnapped your artisans. That the story?"
"Exactly."
"What is this, some back-alley thug nonsense? Your bullshit logic is so predictable."
"...Are you done talking?"
"Not even close."
Jetoson savored the aroma of his coffee leisurely.
"Mana cannons aren't something you whip up on a whim. Especially not some no-name guild with no foundation developing them in months."
"Unless you stole artisans who were already involved in their production?"
"Now we're getting somewhere."
"By that logic, every mana cannon in the world belongs to the Berft Kingdom, so you're all thieves too?"
"No more word games."
"Who knows? Maybe you overworked your artisans until they fled."
"You'll deny it to the end?"
"It's not denial. It's fact."
The Black Toad executive ground his teeth.
"Fine. We're formally requesting inspection of your workshops and artisans."
"Ha? Look here—this isn't your turf. Who do you think—"
"A formal letter's already gone to the Iasin Kingdom from the imperial side."
Soon after, Iasin knights arrived at the guild. They demanded to see the workshops to prove innocence.
Jetoson couldn't handle it alone anymore, so Aman had no choice but to agree.
"...Very well. But if this proves false, you'll pay dearly."
"Of course."
Aman was confident.
They'd only started recruiting artisans and building workshops months ago, all with verified identities via cross-checks.
And above all, the mana cannons weren't made in the workshops—they came straight from Berge.
The workshops were just for show; no key technicians handling core tech were there.
But.
"G-Galio!"
"It's Galio...!"
Some artisans clearly recognized the Black Toad executive—they were Iasin natives, or so it seemed.
"One day, I woke up here... Sob."
Tears streaming, the man claiming kidnapping was one who'd volunteered to join Golden Moon for life.
"There they are. Our company's artisans."
Galio, the executive, fixed him with cold eyes.
"No, why are these guys here?"
Jetoson averted his gaze. Aman replied stiffly.
"They're Iasin citizens who joined us voluntarily. There must be some misunderstanding..."
"They kidnapped us!"
"Threatened to kill us unless we handed over mana cannon tech!"
"Greedy con artists!"
"There you have it."
Will you deny this too?
"Something's off here!"
"I verified them myself—this can't be..."
"No excuses needed. I have two letters from your guild master. One promises a formal apology and compensation if we're wrong."
But that's moot now.
Rip—
One letter was torn to shreds.
"The other outlines what you must do if we're right."
The letter was handed to Aman. As he opened it, Galio recited the contents.
"First, return the kidnapped artisans."
"Second, to prevent tech leaks, cede all artisans who've learned mana cannon production to the Black Toad Company."
"Third, compensate the company and artisans for damages."
"Fourth, reclaim all profits from mana cannon sales and return every cannon made with our tech."
That's all.
"Refuse, and we'll resort to force. Choose wisely."
Remember, the Empire backs us.
Aman's face drained of color.
* * *
『...That's how it happened.』
"...Unbelievable."
"Feels like a well-laid trap."
Berge nodded at Ernan's words as she listened alongside.
Golden Moon had spies planted during artisan recruitment, primed to expose them.
"When we recruited and built workshops, mana cannons weren't even a thing yet."
Aman had only been promised them verbally.
"This was deliberate—to crush Golden Moon."
"What's Black Toad lacking that they'd do this?"
"We'll find out. It'll take time."
Berge nodded.
"First, dig deeper on those artisans. Send people to nobles and royals for help."
『Understood. I'll do that.』
Everyone there knew, though.
Getting Iasin's aid wouldn't be easy.
And great dams fall from a single small crack.
* * *
It started with the Iasin royal family.
"Had we known Golden Moon used such foul methods, we never would've invested."
"A misunderstanding! We're innocent!"
"Evidence is clear. No need for long talk. His Highness demands full investment recovery."
Iasin royals pulled their funds first.
Once they withdrew, other investors followed one by one.
"Just a bit more time! We'll clear our name!"
"With the Empire stepping in? 'Innocent' my ass. Just return the money."
"Count!"
"Let go!"
Money ebbed away like the tide. To repay, they shuttered ongoing ventures one after another.
Panic spread from executives to staff, paralyzing operations amid debt collectors.
The silver lining: Hildean hadn't demanded repayment.
But most figured it was just a matter of time—until Golden Moon collapsed.
* * *
『You truly did nothing wrong?』
"Of course, Your Highness. If they were that shady, I'd have acted first."
『Then how'd you get the mana cannons? You can't produce them that fast.』
"...Your Highness. Can you swear not to tell a soul what I say next?"
『...There's something, then.』
"No foundation, yet mana cannons in months? Impossible. Unless there's a source?"
『You're telling me?』
"Help me, and yes."
『......』
The reply came after a long pause.
『Brother's doing.』
"...Brother?"
『Black Toad belongs to House Osrian.』
『They back him fully, so this is his will.』
"...Why?"
『He took a liking to you. Remember?』
"...That's it?"
『Didn't like you cozying up to me. Bonus: swallow your guild, massive profits.』
Martin muttered.
『Helping you means open war with brother. Is your secret worth it?』
"Yes."
『No hesitation.』
"No need. I stake Hillun Kargil's name on it."
『Your name carries weight...』
Martin fell silent again. Much later, he spoke.
『No reason for you to lie to me.』
『Fine. If your secret checks out, I'll help.』
"Thank you!"
『Not decided yet. So, what's the secret?』
Hillun lowered his voice cautiously. The heavy air made Martin swallow dryly without thinking.
And then.
"Your Highness, do you know the dwarf named Roger—who's been making waves across the continent?"
『......!』