Chapter 38
Chapter 38
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Time for Settlement - 1
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With Princess Rosmel's final verdict ruling in my favor, the incident came to a close.
The representative, Sam, was sentenced to lifetime enslavement in the mines for deceiving the emperor, and full authority over the Frontia Merchant Company was transferred to me.
Though I'd seized all the enemy's spoils as war prizes, it felt like I'd been saddled with a pile of trash thanks to the mess Sam had left behind.
"At least the Arachne subjugation commission is tied to me, so I can cover it up..."
Since the subjugation zone was within Altesia territory, they needed my official permission to issue the commission.
But whether they'd taken bribes from the merchant company or not, the Adventurer's Guild had gone ahead and posted it without my approval.
I made an issue of that point and forced them to bear all the damages from the commission.
Normally, they would have protested about sharing responsibility, but since the company was now mine, the guild had no choice but to shoulder it alone.
So they should have stayed away from dirty money and lived cleanly.
"A lot of money flowed into the cult, they say."
The price for shaking hands with devils was never cheap.
Whether Sam had promised to cover all costs or not, the company's funds were completely depleted.
From my position, it would have been better if it went bankrupt and I could just toss it away.
But what sin had the employees committed, those who had worked hard to earn money and offered it to the company?
Only trash bosses like Sam should bear the guilt and responsibility.
"But I do think you bear some responsibility too for not stopping Sam's rampage sooner, Parson."
"...I know."
After dismantling the Frontia Merchant Company, I discovered Parson confined in the underground warehouse of their headquarters.
I'd thought he was the black curtain who dumped all blame on Sam and fled, but he turned out to be just another victim.
Sam had conspired with the cult to plot my downfall.
Even as the one who'd been deceived, he bowed to me instead.
Exceptional in business skills but not assertive enough, he'd been tossed around and ended up failing.
He was the type who could unleash his full potential better as a subordinate than a leader, so I coveted him.
Thus, I wanted to give Parson and the Frontia Merchant Company a chance.
"If you could start over, could you make the company prosper even more than before?"
"Are you handing the company over to me?"
"No, I'm not giving you the Frontia Merchant Company. Instead, on the condition that you tribute a portion of the profits to Altesia, I'll transfer full operating authority to you."
"...I'm sorry, but I'll pretend I didn't hear that offer. The company's main product is just pepper, and tributing profits would mean the employees have to work unpaid for a while. I'm fine with unpaid work, but they have families to support, so I can't burden them."
When it came to matters involving the company's employees, Parson was resolute.
He'd been nothing but a yes-man advisor under Sam, but now he looked like a true leader.
I naturally felt I could trust Parson with the Frontia Merchant Company.
"Hey, aren't you looking down on me too much?"
"Pardon...?"
"Do you think the Altesia family, famous for being the richest in the world, would suck the last drops of blood from a company on the brink of ruin?"
"Th-that's not what I meant at all! I'm truly sorry!"
What flavor could there be in devouring a scrawny fish?
Much less for the Altesia family, who had never known hunger—there was no reason to eat low-quality meat.
As I clicked my tongue in displeasure, Parson began sweating profusely and immediately bowed his head.
"You've hurt my pride, so take responsibility."
"How should I do that?"
"Accept my offer. Then I'll forgive you."
"That offer in particular...!"
"Plus, if you accept, the Frontia people will get much better rice bowls than before."
The silk the Frontia Merchant Company handled was outdated, but their expertise in silk trading remained intact.
What if I gave them Arachne silk?
I couldn't grant exclusive rights, but I expected they'd generate far better profits than other companies.
Even after mentioning Arachne silk, Parson shook his head.
"Because Sam pulled those stupid stunts, Frontia's reputation is in the gutter, and all our existing clients have cut ties. We need to open new trade routes, but we're short on funds for that. Pepper won't last long either— it'll be snatched by our rival, the Belloclin Merchant Company."
"...Want me to show you some awesome magic?"
"Are you a mage, young master?"
"Not exactly, but I can work miracles like magic. Especially when it comes to money."
Parson tilted his head, trying to decipher my words.
Failing to interpret them, he bowed his head deeply, about to apologize again.
At that moment, an employee burst into the office in a panic.
"Br-breaking news! All of Belloclin's merchant ships transporting pepper have capsized after hitting rapids!"
"What...?"
"Belloclin Merchant Company, suffering a massive blow, has officially announced they're abandoning the pepper trade."
"W-wait, does that mean pepper is now our company's exclusive product?"
"Yes! Inquiries from all the clients formerly contracted with Belloclin are pouring in right now!"
Parson widened his eyes and turned to look at me.
Even a grand mage couldn't create currents strong enough to sink every cargo ship.
In other words, our rival had suffered something close to a natural disaster, giving Frontia a new lease on life.
A miracle through and through. Heinz's insane luck with money at work.
"With my luck and your skills, Frontia can become a world-class merchant company. So, what do you say? Still rejecting my offer?"
Parson knelt before me and clasped his hands together.
With his head bowed low, he raised his interlocked hands high in prayer.
The moment a new believer was born, following Gerrick.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Led by Parson, all the employees of the Frontia Merchant Company began worshipping me.
It was the result of Parson stirring them up, saying I'd generously forgiven their mistakes and bestowed even greater mercy.
Great to gain loyal subordinates, but I hadn't asked for worship.
In the end, I'd gained a personal merchant company separate from Altesia, so I was satisfied.
"Phew! All done!"
Among the Nidhogg Cult's seven knights, who'd been a thorn in my side, I'd taken out one, and the one Coco captured was a high priest-level figure.
I'd dealt significant damage to the cult, so it was the best possible conclusion.
I'd informed Lena it wrapped up smoothly, so elixir sales would ramp up in earnest.
Altesia would prosper even more, becoming an unrivaled tycoon.
"I didn't realize it before, but Heinz's abilities are seriously cheat-level..."
I'd thought possessing Heinz meant I'd live lavishly spending money, but instead, I was making even more.
When the family head returned, he might even hand over the position to me.
I hated troublesome duties.
I preferred days of comfort in the capital's luxury inns, like now.
But as I sighed at the thought of returning to Altesia...
"Young Master Heinz, are you inside?"
Knock knock-!
Princess Rosmel suddenly appeared at my room door and knocked.
Her guard, Maribel, had stepped out to the capital streets for a bit.
I was in a very defenseless state, so I hesitated to open the door.
But I couldn't leave the princess standing outside, and this was a high-end inn charging 10 gold per night, with top-notch security.
The cult couldn't just barge in, and Rosmel could visit rooms thanks to her princess status.
With no choice, I cracked the door and peeked out.
"Princess Rosmel? What brings you here?"
"I wanted to talk for a bit. May I come in?"
"It's humble, but if you're fine with it, by all means."
Fortunately, it really was Princess Rosmel, so I let her into the room.
With Maribel absent, I moved to brew tea myself, but Rosmel grabbed my arm, saying there was no need.
She sat in a chair just like that, and I faced her.
"First, I wanted to update you on Lunaria."
"How's it going?"
"We've completely silenced opposition within the empire, but one major problem has arisen."
"What is it?"
"The northern barbarians are vehemently opposing the empire taking root in Lunaria territory."
"You're talking about the barbarians."
"Yes. We've sent scouting parties to Lunaria multiple times, but they always came back thoroughly beaten."
The northern barbarians worshipped the strong and pursued power.
Though human, they were infamous for being utterly unreasonable.
"So His Majesty the Emperor hopes Young Master Heinz can persuade them."
"M-me?"
"Yes. He said with your abilities, you could definitely sway the barbarians."
My affinity with barbarians was terrible.
Asking me, rich in money but zero in martial prowess, to persuade them?
Maybe the emperor realized Rosmel's feelings and wanted me dead.
"No need to worry that much. Unlike before, you'll go as an imperial envoy, so the barbarians won't dare harm you."
"Still, barbarians are a bit..."
"If you succeed, along with Lunaria territory, he'll grant one more wish of your choosing. Isn't it worth at least trying?"
"That does make it tempting."
"I figured you'd say that."
Princess Rosmel smiled brightly and rose from her seat.
Already leaving?
As I thought that, she approached me and sat on my lap.
"P-Princess?!"
"Since it came up, don't we have some settling to do?"
"Settling?"
"Did you already forget about me bringing the empire's top forces to rescue you?"
"O-of course I remember! How could I forget such boundless grace?"
"Hehe! That's a relief then!"
Princess Rosmel's hand rested on my cheek.
The soft touch and her sweet fragrance tickled my nose, making my heart race.
Sitting on my lap out of nowhere—what was she planning?
"Young Master Heinz. As repayment for the grace, will you make one promise with me?"
"What is it?"
"When my brother ascends the throne in the future, please take in a homeless me as your wife..."
Crash-!
Suddenly, the sound of breaking glass rang out, drowning Princess Rosmel's voice.
Turning toward the source, I saw Maribel standing in the open doorway.
Timing, you bastard.