Chapter 110
Chapter 110
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: The Blood Fragment
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“Hello, Mayor.”
A group of people walking along the coast bowed their heads and greeted Wang-sik.
“Thanks to you, Mayor, we can now raise our children. Thank you so much.”
This wasn't the kind of feigned greeting one would show a noble.
“We will never forget this kindness for the rest of our lives.”
They were the workers of Elart. The reason their faces were wreathed in smiles was because of Wang-sik. He was playing the role of a good mayor to build his reputation.
“No, I should be thanking you. You’ve all worked hard.”
As Wang-sik accepted their gratitude with a smile, the workers bowed their heads once more before departing. Wang-sik’s steps naturally led him toward the building the workers had just exited.
—Elart Workers’ Guild.
It was an organization that Wang-sik and Oh Min-jae had created after much deliberation.
The Workers' Guild was modeled after systems on Earth, though it was less a labor union and more a combination of a vocational training center and a job placement agency.
At first, it had been a last-ditch effort.
They needed people to develop the six newly recovered regions, but finding the right workforce for such unique areas was difficult.
So, they came up with the idea of a place for worker selection and education.
The response was better than expected, and a huge number of people flocked to it.
—Residents of Elart and the surrounding areas will be given priority in selection.
It was only natural that the residents cheered at this news.
The positions offered were in a place with considerable added value. The recovered regions had recently received imperial permission, making them suitable for workers to move in and live without any issues.
Oh Min-jae’s ideas shone here.
The total tax paid to the Empire and Elart was twenty percent.
The rest was entirely under Wang-sik's authority. He donated ten percent of his share to the Hemian Temple and entrusted the remainder to Oh Min-jae.
—Publicly, we’ll say you’re taking thirty percent.
Wang-sik went along with Oh Min-jae's plan.
—And we’ll distribute five percent to the migrant workers according to a set ratio.
This part was crucial.
The announcement that payments would be distributed based on family units motivated the workers to dedicate themselves even more to their jobs, which directly translated into increased productivity. Since these were people who had only ever been exploited, they didn't believe it at first, but Wang-sik used a method to dispel their doubts.
“It would be best to pay them at the end of each month.”
That settled the matter.
When the workers received their bonuses at the end of the first month, they were first surprised by the amount, which was close to their salary, and second, by the news that if they worked harder, their bonuses could exceed their wages.
It was a situation where a rise in productivity was inevitable.
On top of that, Wang-sik’s reputation as mayor grew as a bonus.
“Hello, Mayor!”
People greeted him as he entered the Workers’ Guild.
It was payday, so the atmosphere was definitely cheerful. The reason they received their wages here was due to a special feature established when the Workers' Guild was founded.
—Wages are guaranteed by the Mirje Trading Company.
Once a contract was signed, the Mirje Trading Company guaranteed their wages. Where else in the world could one find such a reliable job?
On top of that, technical training was free.
It was no wonder the workers were pleased.
“Are there any problems with the operations?”
“We still lack skilled technicians, so production isn't high yet. However, we expect it to improve soon.”
The guild leader dispatched from the Mirje Trading Company answered respectfully.
“Don’t forget to prioritize the workers.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
As Wang-sik turned to leave after saying this, everyone bowed deeply. Wang-sik made eye contact with each of them in acknowledgment.
‘Politicians are really something else.’
Wang-sik’s visit here was a move to win over the people. Though not as influential as on Earth, public sentiment wasn't entirely without effect here.
Public sentiment creates reputation, and reputation builds an image.
Even in Elart, the core positions of power were filled with people from the Magnen family. To squeeze into those spots, he needed an image of impartiality that everyone could see, as well as the blind devotion of the people.
‘There’s still such a long way to go.’
Oh Min-jae was helping with money, but…
‘Until I can take the emperor’s head.’
Wang-sik clenched his jaw and stepped outside.
* * *
He met with Bellard, the head of the Pandea Trading Company, in the capital, Azeria.
Bellard had sent a personal invitation and dispatched a carriage to pick him up at the appointed time.
Sending a man even though he would be traveling by gate was a show of sincerity.
Upon arriving in Azeria, Wang-sik lowered the carriage window.
‘So this is Azeria.’
It was his first time in the capital.
The scenery wasn’t drastically different from other places, but guards bearing the imperial crest patrolled everywhere.
He didn't notice it at first, but as time passed, he could feel that the city was divided into zones.
‘Are they dividing classes by districts?’
In Azeria, access to different areas was strictly divided by social status.
The Imperial Palace, the Noble District, the Commercial District, and the Residential District.
Even the Commercial District was split into a high-end commercial district for nobles and a general one, meaning commoners spent their lives using only half of Azeria unless they had a special reason.
It was an unwritten rule not to enter without a clear purpose.
After passing through the areas permitted to commoners, the carriage stopped in the high-end commercial district.
Compared to the general commercial district, the shop lots were larger and there were fewer people. The street lined with shops was wide enough for four carriages to pass side-by-side, giving it a quiet feel.
“We have arrived.”
With the coachman’s voice, the carriage door opened.
“Welcome.”
A servant opened the door and stepped aside, revealing Bellard standing there.
Receiving his leisurely greeting, Wang-sik stepped out of the carriage and was soon guided to a reception room.
They exchanged simple pleasantries, and after some light refreshments, the negotiations began.
At that moment, Bellard’s gaze sharpened.
‘No need for a difficult battle with a sly fox.’
But Wang-sik had no intention of engaging in a battle of wits with him from the start.
What Wang-sik wanted was clear, and it wouldn't be a losing deal for Bellard either.
“I intend to follow the decision of both trading companies.”
Bellard looked surprised.
Wang-sik's words meant he would cooperate with Bellard's entry into the Seven Islands. Although much would depend on the negotiations with the Mirje Trading Company, Bellard hadn't expected him to agree so easily.
As he was calculating in his head, Wang-sik continued.
“From what I heard from the Mirje Trading Company, they said they could concede on other parts if you recognize their gem processing and furniture exports.”
“The Mirje Trading Company…”
For Bellard, this was quite shocking news. He needed to confirm it.
“Did they really say that? That they would give up imports too?”
“That’s what I heard. It would be best for you to speak with them directly. I am merely relaying the message.”
What Bellard wanted from the Seven Islands was imports.
‘Luxury goods must naturally be conceded. They are essential for maintaining relations with the Seven Islands.’
He never had any intention of taking the luxury goods in the first place.
He had been willing to give up cosmetics and perfumes in addition to gem processing, but surprisingly, they only wanted gem processing and furniture.
‘These terms are too good.’
He had expected tough negotiations, but things were resolving too easily. This, in turn, made him suspicious.
“You can make your decision after negotiating with the Mirje Trading Company.”
“And what does the Count gain from this?”
Bellard asked the crucial question. His expression had hardened, a clear sign of his unease.
Wang-sik replied with a smile.
“I want five percent of the profits. This is a condition for both trading companies, and…”
Wang-sik added as if it were nothing.
“There is one item I desire.”
“Please, tell me.”
The five percent Wang-sik demanded was too small a request. Bellard was certain there had to be something more.
“It is one of Lord Bellard’s collectibles. Would that be an acceptable condition?”
Bellard’s brow twitched involuntarily. Many items in his collection were priceless.
“The Blood Fragment.”
Bellard felt as if a thick fog had lifted.
He wants just that? A lot of things don't make sense today. Thinking this, Bellard uttered words he normally never would have.
“Why do you want that…?”
Wang-sik’s expression remained unchanged as he asked.
“Do I have to disclose that as well?”
Wang-sik offered no excuse. Any reason he gave would only be met with suspicion.
So he chose to say nothing.
“True, I don’t need to know.”
In the end, the Blood Fragment was just a condition of the deal.
“I need time to think.”
“Please let me know when you have decided. I trust you understand that I cannot wait for long. If Pandea declines, I will have to negotiate with another company.”
“It won’t take long.”
Their negotiation ended there.
* * *
Bellard’s suspicions were completely erased as he proceeded with negotiations with the Mirje Trading Company. What Mirje wanted was clear.
The confectionery business in the capital.
Bellard pretended to ponder for a moment.
In terms of profit, it was a deal where he had nothing to lose.
The only lingering feeling was the unease of handing over business rights in the capital to a future rival. Of course, even that was a small price to pay compared to what he would gain, so there was really nothing to contemplate.
‘The only issue is the Blood Fragment. Why on earth does he want that?’
But that question didn't last long either.
‘To me, it’s just a collectible. It was something I would have used as a gift someday, so I can just think of this as a form of lobbying.’
Once the decision was made, things progressed swiftly.
He went to the Seven Islands himself to survey the local situation and confirmed the potential for future trade.
This took half a month.
Afterward, it took another month to work out the detailed contract terms and payment methods.
Duke Dupont was present as a witness at the contract signing.
It was at Bellard’s request, an intention to display his power and prevent any tricks in the contract’s execution.
Of course, the Blood Fragment was not mentioned.
After the contract was signed and Duke Dupont had left, Bellard presented a box wrapped in red cloth.
The box was made of blue crystal, which served to block the red light emanating from within.
“The Blood Fragment you mentioned.”
“Thank you. With this, our deal is concluded.”
“The deal is concluded, but the work is just beginning. I hope we will only have opportunities for mutual cooperation in the future.”
“Indeed.”
They exchanged farewells and parted ways.
* * *
Returning to his grand mansion in Elart, Wang-sik placed the crystal box containing the Blood Fragment on a table.
“Don’t let anyone approach.”
As the ghost butler disappeared, Wang-sik lifted the crystal.
Instantly, a red light exploded, filling the living room, and a condensed energy that made his skin tingle spread out. The aura was so harsh it was difficult to breathe, and the ghost butler quickly approached, shouting.
—M-Master! Are you alright?
His voice was almost a scream.
“Stay as far away as possible.”
The ghost butler, who had felt the threat of annihilation, saw that Wang-sik was unharmed and moved to the garden outside the mansion.
Now alone, Wang-sik grabbed the light-emitting Blood Fragment.
A thrilling energy spread through his body, but the sensation was not unpleasant.
*Woong!*
As the scattered red light gathered back to its starting point, its form became clearly visible. It was a palm-sized circular stone slab, densely engraved with runic characters.
The runes held a red light, as if about to burst, but they didn't feel threatening.
Instead, the Mark of the Guardian etched on his skin reacted, emitting its own light.
*Thump!*
His heartbeat grew so loud it thundered in his ears.
Greed and anticipation.
There was no reason to hesitate. Wang-sik gripped the stone slab with both hands and closed his eyes.
As he focused his mind, the red light from the slab began to be absorbed into the Mark of the Guardian. A hot energy spread through his body, but it felt more warm than painful.
How much time had passed?
The slab, having lost its light, had its runes fade away as well.
The Blood Fragment seemed to have given all its power, with no energy left within it.
In contrast, the Mark of the Guardian on Wang-sik’s body shone brightly enough to illuminate its surroundings.
Wang-sik could clearly feel the strengthened power of the mark.
“Hoo.”
After waiting a little longer, the Mark of the Guardian returned to its original state. Simultaneously, Wang-sik’s tense expression relaxed.
‘It was a success.’
As he had that thought, the long-awaited message appeared.
—The Mark of the Guardian has evolved.
—Will of the Guardian has been changed to Courage of the Guardian.