Chapter 59: The Corvain rchants
“My liege, an urgent ssage has co from a southern fort.”
“Hm?”
Currently, I was swept up in a sudden wave of magic circle research. I spent the ti making around ten Mana Concentrators, thinking about a new mana circuit that could be applied to the dravits, and creating a long-distance mana communication device that could be given to each castle and fort. The monsters or Temir hadn’t shown aggressive signs of movent, so two weeks had passed like this.
But suddenly, Derval, who was busy taking care of this and that with every day, ca running into the office wearing a grave expression.
“What happened?”
The wall of the magic circle felt almost in reach, but strangely eluded . Because I had grasped a hint for the first ti in a while, most things didn’t co into my radar.
“The Corvain rchants are coming.”
“Corvain? Corvain, the top rchant group in the continent? Why?”
Even I was familiar with the Corvain rchants. The major rchant groups who had guaranteed and unimpeded passage through empires and kingdoms were called the Big Five on the continent. Among them, the rchant group with the greatest vitality and influence was Corvain.
“From what I found out, it seems they will pass through the territory and go deep into the Rual Mountains.”
“Pass through the territory? Who said they could do that?”
I was already displeased because of the magic towers, so that one sentence from Derval aroused my temper.
“They have apparently done so for many years. Every year, they cross through Nerman in order to trade with the Dwarves.”
“W-What! Dwarves?!”
It just so happened that I had been wanting to go et the dwarf hyung-nims once.
[TN: Hyung-nim is a term of respect for an older brother.]
Specialized construction laborers crucial for the future territory developnt—naturally, those were the Dwarves!
“I heard that of the few dwarf villages currently left on the continent, so are located in the Rual Mountains and Litore Mountains. It seems that Corvain has made a contract with one of those villages. Dwarves have a peculiar temperant and seldom make contracts with humans, but they are said to never betray your faith once you make a contract. And most people on the continent know that the decisive reason why Corvain was able to beco the major rchant group of today is because of their contract with the Dwarves,” Derval explained in detail.
‘Dwarven-made weapons and products are all considered masterpieces, right? Then a rchant group contracted with the Dwarves must be…’
“I am told that around 200 carriages, 300 rchants and coachn, around 500 rcenaries, and approximately 20 wyverns are coming into the territory.”
“Mm…”
Those numbers reflected how much importance the Corvain rchants placed on this trade.
“What are they trading?”
“We do not know for sure, but it is most likely top-quality wheat, magic-preserved beer, and other kinds of food items and fabrics.”
“Eh? That’s all? And what does the rchant group get? Don’t tell —!”
The various masterworks made by Dwarves flashed through my head. Among them were wyvern mithril alloy armor, sans magic defense circles.
“It should be all kinds of mithril products, including wyvern armor and airplates, as well as weapons like swords and decorations favored by nobles.”
“Geh! They get all of that in return?!”
“Yes… That’s why rchants on the continent have since ancient tis put their lives on the line to attempt trades with Dwarves. However, Dwarves are a race that have little interest in anything other than eating, drinking, and making items. If people carelessly intrude upon their villages, they are a race that will never, ever surrender, even if they are all killed. That is why there are not many dwarven people left on the continent.”
Dwarves lived and died by their pride. Their personalities sure were intense, as if daring you to see them as anything but descendants of master craftsn.
“Block them.”
“Huh?”
“Tell Knights Janice and Ryker to block them when they’re about to pass Denfors.”
“M-my liege…” Derval said with an astounded expression.
What would happen if we were to turn our backs on the rchants when things were already like this with the magic towers was clear to Derval, and clear to . But as long as I was Nerman’s master, I couldn’t just send them scot-free. Only by at least receiving a transit tax(?) could I preserve my face.
“Their rcenaries are probably strong too, right?”
“Most likely… I think that most of them are probably Blade Users of at least the 2nd Grade.”
If they wanted to pass through Nerman, the monster haven, they probably needed that level of force.
‘They probably have high level mages as well.’
It would easily take 1 million Gold to hire 20 wyverns and 500 Blade User-grade rcenaries. That level of force was enough to take down most countryside count territories in the empire in a single breath.
‘A contract with the Dwarves… Dwarves…’
I couldn’t stop thinking about them.
I was about to embark on a quest of the highest difficulty!
* * *
“H-How can this be…”
Their caravan had ten wyverns flying in defense formation, as well as hundreds of tense rcenaries of at least Grade 2 who were glaring as they protected the carriages.
Because of the sudden appearance of a troop of soldiers, the long trail of rchant carriages stopped. And the person in charge of the trade route, Theske, scowled as he looked at the mounted soldiers that fearlessly blocked the rchants.
“Deputy-nim, they seem to be the soldiers of Baronet Kyre, the person who recently subjugated Nerman.”
A rchant aiding the caravan cautiously spoke the identity of the troop of soldiers.
“I know. But… Why did they block our path? They dare to do so without any fear…”
It was rchanting 101 to thoroughly investigate the information about the path before departing on an important trade route like this one. Even a small variable could affect the fate of the rchant group, so they had to be careful and then so.
As such, they had comprehensively gathered information about Nerman. That’s why the mont they saw the flag with a golden-striped wyvern and moon drawn on it next to the flag of the Bajran Empire, they knew the soldiers belonged to Baronet Kyre.
“What will you do, sir?”
The cavalry blocking their path numbered five hundred at most. There were five wyverns flying above them, but Theske wasn’t scared of them at all. The ten wyverns in the back should have gotten the ssage about now and should be here soon.
At the assistant rchant’s words, Theske stared at the impudent fools with half-lidded eyes.
“Prepare an adequate sign of our sincerity.”
“Understood, Deputy-nim.”
He wanted to knock them all out of the way, but the soldiers had appeared with a flag of the Bajran Empire. Moreover, according to the information, it was rumored that the man who had subjugated Nerman, Kyre, was a magic swordsman. And strong enough to fight over ten wyverns on his own.
Though of course, that rumor was unbelievable…
* * *
‘What a sha.’
I would have liked them to take the bait and attack, but they behaved themselves with rchant-like caution.
‘If I could recover even half of those guys… Argh.’
Ten wyverns were drawing large circles as they glided in defensive formation. And behind them, I could see yet another ten. There were twenty wyverns in total. I harbored a hidden desire to catch them all if they looked down on us and attacked, but they weren’t foolish.
‘That guy must be the leader.’
Even among the robes worn by the rchants, one person had on a silver robe that clearly stood out—it was likely a magic item. The man walked slowly to the front of the convoy and headed towards the cavalry blocking the rchants’ way.
“Bebeto, let’s go down.”
Guoooo!
Letting out a loud roar as if he were the master of Nerman, Bebeto descended to the ground.
It was ti for my first legal extortion.
“I am Theske, Deputy of the Corvain rchants. It is an honor to et you, Baronet Kyre. Rumors of you have spread far and wide.”
‘Ara, just look at this mister.’
The man in his late-forties nad Theske looked more like a scholar than a rchant. He made a gesture acknowledging .
“Haha, so it is Deputy Theske. My na is Kyre.”
I greeted him with a placid expression that was at odds with my inward thoughts.
“I apologize for not coming to you first although we are crossing through the territory. Such mistakes happen when one goes on a convoy in a hurry. I hope you will forgive that point with a generous mind.”
‘Hooh, I guess this is how he beca a deputy of a major rchant group.’
In other territories, there was probably no one who would recklessly block Corvain’s path. Major rchant groups were, for the most part, protected by every imperial or royal family, and conducted their trade routes with the cooperation of high nobles. For soone with a baronet title to fearlessly block an important trade route of the continent’s number one rchant group was simply out of the bounds of common sense.
“That can indeed happen when one is busy. But is there anything that has caused you discomfort during your trip?”
“There weren’t as many monsters as before. And as long as they have a brain, they do not recklessly attack our rchant group… If they don’t want to die, that is.”
As he spoke, Theske looked straight into my eyes. The implication that I was doing sothing even a monster wouldn’t do was thinly veiled in his words.
“Haha, of course. What kind of idiot would dare to block the path of the great Corvain rchants?”
“Um, this is a small sign of our sincerity. It is rely a trifle, but please accept it.”
‘Shall we take a look~?’
Contrary to the rchant’s words, a heavy pouch was passed over to .
“There’s no need…” I took the pouch with a satisfied smile.
‘J-Just a few hundred Gold?’
Because the pouch was smaller than expected, I thought a golden token issued by the rchant group or jewelry might be inside, but just a few hundred Gold? That wasn’t even enough to buy gum for a kid.
“It seems you are in the middle of patrols, so please do not worry about us and go on your way.”
‘Jerks, you’re telling to eat this and scram when you’re going to a trade that will net you a profit of at least 10 million Gold?? You stingy scrooges!’
I had invested over 1 million of my precious, precious Gold in Nerman. As soon as it ca into my pockets, your money was my money, and my money was absolutely my money. But the Corvain rchants dared to fob off with a few snot-smudged pennies when they were doing a whale of a trade in my territory.
“Since you say it like that, we will continue our patrol. Please give us a call if you encounter any difficulties. We will co running right away.”
Like the words ‘strategic retreat,’ this much was fine for today.
“Ah! And for your reference, in the future, it has been decided that rchant groups that pass through our territory will pay 10% of their trade goods as a territory managent and developnt donation. I would be thankful if you keep that in mind.”
“W-what, 10%, you say… Our rchant group is contracted with the Bajran Imperial Family and can pass through all territories duty-free…” Theske said in shock.
“Of course, that must be the case for a major rchant group. That is why I didn’t say anything before. It is a voluntary territory managent and developnt donation.”
“Mm…”
Theske frowned a little at my emphasis on “donation.”
‘You jerks, would you guys not get a stomachache when your next-door neighbor is raking in a jackpot?’
And that was a profit they were getting from land I was spilling blood and tears to plough. Those intending to rake in the profits were thieves.
“I will keep that in mind. Then, goodbye.”
His face obviously icier than before, Deputy Theske gave a slight bow before turning his back.
“I was happy to have t you today. Let us et again in the near future~!”
I sent a cheerful, friendly farewell to Theske’s back. He stopped mid-walk, trembling visibly.
In the future, there would probably be very few chances to see him with a smiling face.
This would be the first and last ti they waltz in and out of my territory as they please.
* * *
‘The Rubis rchants have arrived.’
The Rubis rchants, who had crossed into the territory a few days ago, were filling up the expansive covert with the provisions I had asked them to acquire.
‘Hm? Sohow, that back is awfully familiar?’
Two rchants were waiting in front of Bebeto’s hangar. I could see the backs of Nerman’s Rubis branch manager, Lenkis, and another man. As soon as Bebeto landed, he turned his head.
‘Jamir!’
An unexpected, but welco face greeted with a smile and a slight bow. It was Executive Jamir Baines, one of the top leaders of the Rubis rchants.
“Why, if it isn’t Jamir-nim!”
As soon as Bebeto’s feet hit the ground, I jumped in front of Jamir.
“It has been a while, Baronet Kyre! I heard that you have achieved truly impressive feats in a short amount of ti, but now you have beco the master of an entire region. I give you my sincere congratulations.” Jamir offered his congratulations while bowing his head low and acting like an old acquaintance.
‘It’s all thanks to your help, hyung.’
“What congratulations~ Co, co, let us go inside. A special guest has co today, so we should have so beer.”
“Haha, I see your personality hasn’t changed.”
As I grabbed his hand and dragged him along, Jamir burst out in hearty laughter. I was now a noble, unlike when we t in the past, but I wasn’t soone who would forget other people’s favors. Jamir and the Rubis rchants had given a lot of help in becoming the person I was today. They had to beco a regular store for to visit in the future like now.
‘I should ask him to raise my credit cap. To about 3 million Gold.’
Of course, nothing was free!
* * *
“W-What! Priestess Aramis has disappeared?!”
Inside the Temple of Neran in Fiore Viscounty, which was always filled with silence or quiet prayer, Pontiff Hedor rose from his seat in shock. Before this alarming statent, he had been impatiently counting down the few days left before he would rise to the seat of bishop, which could be called the center of the church.
“Y-Yes. I thought she was doing a silent prayer from yesterday evening, but she has disappeared.”
Bam!
“What kind of nonsense is this!! How can you be a paladin and not block the departure of a single priestess!”
Just like how a person’s true nature would co to light when they were flustered, Pontiff Hedor shed his usual pretense, his face glowing crimson red.
They had to catch her.
The reason why he could beco a pontiff was also in fact due to the apprentice priestess nad Aramis, the woman who possessed sacred power that even the current clergy’s cardinal could not match. She was currently Neran’s most beloved priestess.
Only, wanting to prevent Aramis from getting snatched by other places, Hedor and the bishop of the Dapis Kingdom had shackled her down as an apprentice priestess.
‘We must find her! Without Aramis, who else can make the top-grade holy water?!’
If this matter was found out, it wasn’t just his bishop position that would fly away, but all of the glory he had accumulated would also disappear. Only Priestess Aramis could make top-grade holy water, and Pontiff Hedor had been garnering enormous wealth by taking that holy water as his own achievent in the church.
“Call all of the paladins at once to find Priestess Aramis! She has surely been kidnapped by soone! Deploy every ans possible to find the priestess!”
“Your wish is my command!”
The paladin bowed at Hedor’s obvious panic. If it was revealed that a priestess was kidnapped from the temple, the honor of the paladins would also fall. Like Hedor said, they had to find the priestess through whatever ans necessary.
‘Dammit… It wasn’t long now…’
Even as he called down the order, Hedor rained down curses instead of prayer, his face as black as the rotten liver of a pig.
* * *
“Please move the rchant group.”
After eating dinner, we were leisurely drinking beer with so jerky, and I suddenly asked them to move the rchant group. Jamir and Lenkis looked at , bewildered.
“For Rubis to do that is still—” Branch Manager Lenkis began carefully, knowing that besides orc and monster hides, Nerman did not yet have a product that rited such a move.
“Aren’t you hungry?” I asked with a grin.
“We are always hungry. We will probably only beco full once we swallow this entire continent.”
Unlike Lenkis, who was looking at us with a puzzled gaze and wide eyes, Jamir answered with a faint smile.
“What kinds of goods do Dwarves like?”
“Dwarves…? To begin with, besides hunting, they do not farm on their own, so they would like provisions like wheat and potatoes as well as beer. the only thing they want from humans… Ah! Besides that, there is one thing they like very much.”
It was tradition that craftsn lived simple lives by nature. Only with a clean mind could one produce a work imbued with one’s spirit.
Still curious about my words, Branch Manager Lenkis continued his response. “I also heard that they like things like rare ores and new production thods or construction blueprints. Of course, there are currently almost no ores or production thods left in the continent that could sway the Dwarves.”
‘Ores, production thods or construction techniques…’
This was a huge endeavour that could only be successful by putting a few heads together. I would have liked to profit all on my own, but it was a law of the heavens that greed would be one’s downfall.
“I also heard they like mages.”
“Mages?”
Jamir and I used honorifics towards each other now.
‘What would they do with a mage?’
“Dwarves are called natural-born warriors. They possess stamina, dexterity, and muscular strength that far outstrip that of orcs. Such a race throws itself into the creation of outstanding powerful armor and weapons that cannot be made by humans. However, from the mont they are born, Dwarves have very little intimacy with spirits and ability to use mana. From what I heard, after suffering a defeat in the war of races with humans over 1,000 years ago due to mana-using Aura Blade swordsn and mages, the Dwarves did their research on mana. I heard that in the ancient tis, there were even Dwarves that could use Aura Blade and rose to Master level. However, perhaps because of their physique, Dwarves cannot use magic.”
Even though he was a rchant and not a scholar, Jamir gave a history lecture.
“But in the case of things like dwarven-made mithril armor, doesn’t it block 5th Circle magic? Do they really need to be afraid of mages?” asked Lenkis with curiosity.
“It isn’t because of mages themselves. The reason lies in furnaces.”
‘Furnace? The heck is he talking about now?’
“The temperature of a furnace that can be made by natural ans is not as high as you think. However, if a magic crystal and magic circle are used to make a magic furnace, then even dragon bones can be lted. Because of that, the only humans the proud Dwarves acknowledge are mages. And only mages of at least the 6th Circle at that.”
‘Mm… Magic furnace, huh…’
As to be expected, the technology of this continent was quite different from Earth .
“And according to the information, most Dwarves possess magic furnaces and only barter with mages. There is most likely a mage with the Corvain rchants that are passing through Nerman. A mage of at least the 6th Circle, I an.”
Like a certain Mr. Spock, Jamir sure knew a lot of stuff.
‘I can get grains and beer; the 6th Circle magic is the problem.’
The blueprint for a magic furnace naturally ca to mind as soon as I thought about it. It was a blueprint of the highest performance, capable of lting not just dragon bones, but even a great ancestor dragon.
“Shall we make the preparations?”
His eyes gleaming bright, Jamir uttered a sentence pregnant with aning. His light purple eyes were filled with an inexplicable ardor.
“Of course. Even a dog is able to eat half its fill when the prize is in their backyard. Let us give it a try.”
“Thank you. I will just believe in you, Kyre-nim.”
This could lead to a round of war with the Corvain rchants, but Jamir was taking the chance.
“Believe in ! You have to risk it for the biscuit!”
Of course, I could never take responsibility for that.
In this world, it was hard enough for to take responsibility for myself.
If it didn’t work out, it didn’t work out!
* * *
“Wouldn’t it be fun if I could make a guy that could take on a Blessed Spear? If it had speed on top of that…”
Things were different in practice than in theory. As I dissected a dravit, I compared what I saw to the knowledge in my head.
“I think it would work if I protected the joints with slightly stronger mithril alloy… As for the mana circuit, if I use master’s circuit, it should show at least twice the efficiency…”
The dravits looked like the robot toys I played with as a kid. After finishing the conversation with Jamir, I went to the hangar with the dravits.
Like mathematical principles, magic formulas were connected to one another. In particular, mana circuits, the synthesis of magic theory, were more fun the more I tinkered with them. A small mana panel would usually be engraved with around ten magic circles working in mutual cooperation with each other.
“If a dravit could sohow block a Blessed Spear, then they would be very useful in ground battles.”
Their uses didn’t stop at war.
Dravits could be very useful in day to day life as well.
Like a robot-making engineer, I imrsed myself in dravit research.
And in my head, I drew out a new kind of dravit blueprint.
An ultimate Mazinger Z that would protect my land.
[TN: Mazinger Z, a super robot from a Japanese manga.]
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