Chapter 151: The Collector of Greed (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 151: The Collector of Greed (3)
Marquis Valentino.
He was an interesting man.
Even though Dmitry was still nothing more than a peripheral power, the Marquis had boldly declared his intention to bet on them.
The four factions of Cairo.
They would undoubtedly be displeased by Marquis Valentino's decision. While they had no reason to openly attack him when he remained neutral, he was now highly likely to be targeted from all sides simply for supporting Dmitry. It was a foolish choice. If he had followed Marquis Benedict's Noble Faction, he could have secured a stable place at the core of power. Yet, he abandoned the safe route and opted for a risky gamble.
There was no reason to refuse.
Even with such a powerful ally practically falling into his lap, Roman remained calm.
"I admit it. If Valentino supports Dmitry, Dmitry can rise as a new power."
However.
Roman didn't accept everything just because it was beneficial.
He had clear standards, and Valentino did not yet meet them.
"But you see, Dmitry—or rather, I—do not particularly like vague relationships. If we accept Valentino's support while the Dmitry family has yet to achieve anything, Valentino is highly likely to claim an equal footing regardless of what results we achieve in the future. I do not like that. The Dmitry Alliance. The nobles of the northeastern region did not simply support Dmitry; they swore 'loyalty' as members."
He looked straight into the Marquis's eyes.
No matter what reputation the other party held or what benefits they offered, Roman would not allow the hierarchy of power to be disrupted.
"Dmitry does not need anyone's help. We have the ability to solve all our problems on our own. What we need in the process of expanding a power like the Dmitry Alliance in the future is the loyalty to accept the current hierarchy. Let me ask you. Can the Valentino family, can you, Marquis Valentino, follow Dmitry? Not as a bystander stepping back, but are you prepared to do whatever it takes for Dmitry?"
He turned the question back on him.
Valentino and Dmitry.
Outwardly, Valentino's reputation was still far higher.
Simply offering support was already a massive decision, yet Roman Dmitry stated he could not be satisfied with just that.
Just what.
What was the source of his confidence?
A ripple of emotion stirred in Marquis Valentino's eyes as he looked at Roman.
‘Roman Dmitry doesn't care about the four factions of Cairo at all. Even though rejecting my offer would carry significant risks, there isn't a shred of fear in his words and actions. Is it just a young man's bravado? No. The hero of Cairo, who led Dmitry to seize control of the northeastern region in one fell swoop and achieved brilliant exploits in the war against the Hector Kingdom, possesses something far beyond mere bravado.’
He smirked.
What was the most important thing to a collector?
It was rarity.
While the empires that ruled the continent might overflow with such talents, Roman was a type of human that could never be found in a weak nation like Cairo.
‘I am incredibly drawn to Roman Dmitry.’
His heart stirred.
In the first place, he didn't care much for power.
As long as Valentino could remain secure, he didn't mind playing the role of supporting the best rather than being the best himself.
Even if the other party...
Was a baron family of commoner origin.
"Let me make this absolutely clear here and now. If you accept my proposal, Valentino will follow Dmitry. Even if we must jump into a pit of fire clutching straw, we will do so with a smile if it is your command."
It was an unconventional choice.
Though it was a decision that defied common sense, Roman Dmitry calmly accepted the loyalty of a family as prominent as Valentino.
The life of Baek Joong-hyuk.
Loyalty was familiar to him.
His absolute self-confidence meant he didn't place much weight on the prestige of the Valentino name.
"I look forward to working with you."
That was all.
Even if this caused a backlash, it was a problem to be dealt with when the time came.
The meeting between Roman and Valentino.
An unexpected connection had been forged.
As the meeting drew to a warm conclusion, Marquis Valentino asked one last question.
"...By any chance, once I return to my estate, may I reveal that the artisan who crafted Blaze is none other than you, Lord Roman Dmitry? Having acquired such a magnificent sword, I don't think I can bear it if I don't brag about it to those around me."
It was certain.
Marquis Valentino was a truly unique breed of human.
* * *
The Collector of Greed.
Just as great as his desire to collect was his love for showing off his collection.
The nobles near the capital.
He invited them for a simple tea party, and once the atmosphere ripened, he subtly unveiled Blaze.
"Ohh."
"Is this the famous sword from the rumors?"
The eyes of the nobles sparkled.
Blaze.
Since he had won the bid with an astronomical sum of money, Blaze's fame among the nobility was already considerable. A sword that amplified the power of Aura. Its abilities, as known through public rumors, were jaw-dropping, and above all, the fact that the Collector of Greed had won the bid was a perfect guarantee of its quality.
Marquis Valentino spoke.
"Ahem. I don't know what rumors you all have heard, but this sword is far beyond them. Recently, I conducted a simple experiment with the swordsmen under my command. A 1-Star Swordsman holding Blaze faced a 2-Star Swordsman, and amazingly, he blocked a 2-Star Aura with a 1-Star Aura."
"Is that really true?"
"Have I ever lied about my collectibles? Furthermore..."
He lowered his voice.
The twitching corners of his mouth showed just how much he was enjoying the bragging.
"The artisan who crafted Blaze is none other than Roman Dmitry. The hero of Cairo who defeated the Hector Kingdom, and the eldest son of Dmitry, the holy land of blacksmiths. He made Blaze."
"Gasp?!"
"Does that mean this is Roman Dmitry's sword?"
"Indeed. Roman Dmitry has only crafted three swords in his life, and this Blaze is his second. And when he defeated the Hector Kingdom, Roman Dmitry used Blaze to strike down Butler. Isn't that amazing? I judged it was worth investing a fortune based solely on the sword's quality, but its true value lay elsewhere. You all know, don't you? Roman Dmitry is a talent destined to become the greatest swordsman in Cairo. A sword crafted by him is an immense treasure in itself."
Everyone went wild.
Only then did they realize.
The amount Marquis Valentino had bid was mere pocket change; the value of the sword would only skyrocket in the future.
Their eyes, which had initially been filled with simple admiration, quickly turned to envy.
Setting aside its monetary value, they were genuinely envious of the fact that it was Roman's sword, of which only three existed in the entire world.
The rumor spread like wildfire.
The famous sword chosen by Valentino.
And the artisan who made that famous sword was Roman Dmitry.
People praised the sword's performance and marveled at the story behind it.
The value of the sword skyrocketed.
That wasn't all.
When some people began to doubt the sword's capabilities, Marquis Valentino summoned master artisans to conduct a public verification.
"...This sword is even more incredible than the rumors. I have seen countless famous swords in my life, but this is the first time I have ever seen a weapon that can accept Mana to this extent. To be honest, if I had the money, I would want to buy it myself."
The artisan's statement put an end to all doubts.
People paid close attention to the swords Roman had crafted, and they began to refer to the three weapons as the 'Roman Dmitry Collection.'
And those rumors brought about an unexpected result.
* * *
The Dmitry Forge.
Lately, it had been busier than ever.
While they had always received many orders, the rumors about Roman caused an overwhelming flood of requests to pour in.
"You want to purchase Young Master Roman's sword?"
"That is impossible. Young Master Roman does not sell his swords individually."
"It is possible to order equipment to arm a hundred men, but we have a massive backlog right now, so you will have to wait at least a month. We are sorry. Although Dmitry has many blacksmiths, we cannot process orders any faster at the moment."
At first, people only inquired about Roman's swords.
Naturally, after being repeatedly rejected, they placed crafting orders with the Dmitry family instead.
Roman Dmitry, who had crafted a famous sword.
Was it not his family?
Even before this, they were renowned as the best in Cairo for their blacksmithing technology. With their credibility soaring even higher, people believed they could trust Dmitry with anything. Indeed, the Dmitry family did not disappoint their clients. Once those who received top-quality goods spread the word, orders exploded beyond control.
Flames roared in the furnaces.
The blacksmiths had no time to rest, enjoying the greatest boom in Dmitry's history.
And this fact was also reported to Baron Romero.
"...That is the current situation. Thanks to Young Master Roman's reputation, we have a backlog of orders stretching over half a year."
It was Hendrick.
His face was flushed with excitement.
While he was pleased with the forge's prosperity, he was truly delighted that people were finally recognizing Roman's worth.
"Bwahahaha! So everyone is coveting my son's sword, are they?"
Baron Romero laughed heartily.
His reputation as a swordsman.
It was pleasing.
While his son's success was naturally a joyful thing, this particular event delighted Baron Romero more than anything else.
"Roman, Rodwell, and Lauren. My sons have frequented the forge since they were young, following me around, but none of them ever truly connected with steel. Honestly, I thought that was only natural. I spent my entire life in the forge from birth, but children born as nobles couldn't possibly live a life like mine. Yet, for Roman to craft a famous sword that has the entire Cairo Kingdom in awe... What a joyous thing this is!"
His three sons.
The eldest son, whom he considered his successor, had embraced the family business.
Seeing him display such talent as a blacksmith, Romero could not help but be genuinely overjoyed.
"Indeed. Young Master Roman was born with the talent to succeed you, Lord Romero."
"Is that so? Hahaha!"
The succession.
He had worried about it a lot.
Roman had lost all his points during his years as a good-for-nothing, but now, there was not a shred of doubt left.
He was certain.
Roman Dmitry was the perfect successor to the Dmitry family.
* * *
While the world was in an uproar, Roman met an unexpected visitor.
"It has been a long time."
It was Mackin.
A member of the Valhalla Intelligence Bureau.
The man who had previously offered to recruit Roman had shown his face again after a long absence.
"What brings you here?"
"I have heard much about the recent rumors surrounding you, Lord Roman. You are truly remarkable. Not only did you defeat the Hector Kingdom, but you also struck down Butler. I thought I knew you quite well, Lord Roman Dmitry, but it seems even that was an underestimation."
The Valhalla Empire.
They had been highly displeased lately.
The fact that Roman Dmitry was a 4-Star Swordsman was no longer a secret known only to them, and the four factions of Cairo were actively making moves. Marquis Benedict, in particular, was extremely aggressive. Seeing him offer a political marriage with his cherished daughter, the Valhalla Empire judged that they would lose this talent if they remained idle.
And.
"In truth, I wanted to give you ample time to consider, Lord Roman. However, seeing you form the 'Dmitry Alliance' centered around the northeastern region has changed my mind. What on earth are you thinking? Is it your intention to form an independent power rather than joining one of Cairo's four factions?"
The Dmitry Alliance.
Rumors could not be suppressed forever.
Eventually, word had reached Valhalla's ears, and they decided they could no longer grant Dmitry any more time.
"The leadership of the Valhalla Empire is questioning your intentions, Lord Roman Dmitry. The only reason the Dmitry family has remained free from any threats until now is the possibility that you might swear loyalty to Valhalla. If you harbor other thoughts... we wish to hear a definitive answer. You may consider this a threat. If you wish to remain a member of the Cairo Kingdom rather than joining the Valhalla Empire, Valhalla cannot simply leave a future risk factor unchecked."
His gaze turned sharp.
The goodwill was gone.
His eyes, gleaming with murderous intent, showed absolutely no intention of negotiating with a smile.
The Dmitry Alliance.
The fuse had been lit.
The hierarchy of power that had revolved around Roman Dmitry was beginning to show signs of gradual collapse.
"Make your choice. Will you follow Valhalla, or will you remain as Valhalla's enemy?"
It was a one-sided ultimatum.
The moment he rejected the proposal, Valhalla's goodwill would turn into threatening hostility.
And yet.
Creak.
Roman leaned back in his chair.
Looking at Mackin, Roman wore a cold expression.
"I understand what you are saying, but why must I follow your choices?"