Chapter 9
Episode 9
No matter how small the Kingdom of Grindia may be, traveling from the southwestern tip of the Maclaine territory to Logans first destination, the western edge of the Kail territory, would take three to four days on a swift horse without rest.
Therefore, it was essential to spend a few nights on the road.
Click.
At Logans gesture, the Force montarily released heat, kindling a fire on the campfire.
While he couldnt manipulate multiple elents like a wizard, he could still generate a montary heat.
Of course, this was a trick that had beco possible only after the creation of the Force Core.
Yes. The future has already changed. I can do this.
Crackle, crackle.
Using the sound of the burning fire as a lullaby and the starlight blanketing the night sky as his blanket, Logan lay down on a makeshift bed of gathered leaves.
Sleeping outside was a new experience in this life, but in his past life, it had been a familiar routine.
Moreover, the current conditions were quite comfortable compared to his previous existence.
When you think about it, this era of the kingdom does have its good points. At least in terms of public safety
Even in neighboring empires, bandit groups that included Force users were common, but such occurrences were almost unheard of in this country.
This was the result of the traditional culture, which held knights in high esteem, and the aristocrats desire for strong control over them.
Now far beyond the level of an ordinary low-ranking knight, Logan didnt have to worry about his safety, at least when traveling along the main roads.
Amateur bandits wouldnt dare approach upon seeing the noble crest engraved on Logans armor.
But even if his body was at ease, his mind couldnt afford to be.
This is no ti to be lost in sentintality. Lets focus. First, the issues with the territory
The Maclaine clans financial dependence on the Kairoth family, the in-laws of the head of the family, exceeded 70%.
Even if he invested all 3 million gold he obtained from breaking off the engagent to pay off debts, without the Kairoths support, it would be impossible to sustain the territory.
The problem was that, given the current state of the Maclaine territory, finding a fundantal solution was difficult.
So, the goal is to achieve financial independence and increase the military forces of the territory, huh? Damn it.
Two hundred years earlier, the Maclaine clan had been a noble count family, encompassing vast territories including the baronies of Tesron in the neighboring region, the Sylvan barony to the northwest of Tesron, the Pereta barony to its south, and even the vast Bifrost Plains.
As the ruler of the southwestern region of the Grindia Kingdom, they were revered as Lords.
However, starting with Logans great-great-grandfather to the current head of the family, Patrick Maclaine, three generations of ancestors had diminished the familys title and lands through foolish and tyrannical rule.
Their vassals had beco independent, achieving equal or higher status.
There had been talks of the familys titles being revoked, and if Patrick Maclaine hadnt beco a high-ranking knight, the title would have indeed been lost.
But even that was a redy that had co far too late.
The granary of the kingdom, once known as Maclaine Plains, had fallen into the hands of the most powerful vassal.
Other useful lands had been divided among other vassals, and the Maclaine clan had been relegated to a harsh and barren plot of land near the southern mountains.
Though initially an ancestral seat, after becoming a count, the lands primary function had been as a fortress to ward off monsters descending from the mountains.
With no notable specialty products and even lacking a common copper mine found in most territories near high mountains, maintaining a military force to fend off occasional monster incursions was financially challenging.
In short, without the support of the Kairoth household, the Maclaine clan could hardly maintain its current state.
Even if we win the territorial war, well have to reach out to Kairoth again.
To break this vicious cycle, Logan needed a considerable sum of money, far more than what he currently possessed.
With no special products to offer, he planned to entrust the money to soone capable.
Logan knew of a person whose abilities and creditworthiness would be proven in the future.
A consistent source of inco for the family must be established.
Logans primary objectives for visiting Kail, the kingdoms largest trade city, were to seek out a person and undertake a particular task.
Since he could always make the request, finding the person first seed best.
Moreover, looking for soone in this city ant visiting this particular tavern.
* * *
The greatest empire on the continent, the Ares Empire.
A powerful centralized governnt and a nation of ritocracy where anyone with ability, regardless of age or gender, could beco an official and enjoy power and wealth.
Even foreigners, not born in the empire, were eligible for these opportunities.
A pri example was Philip Claude, a Grindia Kingdom native, who ranked among the empires top ten rchants and was nicknad The Golden Bug.
He was one of the empires influential rchants and was called a traitor by his compatriots from Grindia for his actions.
Despite the criticisms, he supported his holands refugees and ultimately used his wealth and power to create the autonomous region of Grindia.
And he also provided secret financial support to our independence movent.
Logan knew that Philips hotown was Kail in the Grindia Kingdom and rembered clearly that his ability and credibility as a rchant were impeccable across the continent.
Could it really be that guy?
Logan approached the young man with a muddled head.
Damn it What to do now that
Philip raised his head to prevent tears that seed imminent at the thought of his own helplessness.
The outside sky was clear, but it only seed to heighten his sense of gloom.
Stories of rchant houses collapsing overnight due to scams were not uncommon, but he never imagined that he would be the protagonist of such a tale.
He felt as if he was alone in a different world.
Maybe I should just die
After mulling over the sa thought for the past month, Philip scoffed and lowered his head again.
If he actually had the courage to die, he would have done so already.
He was a coward, lacking even the courage to end his life.
Thinking about wandering aimlessly to escape the suffocating feeling, his despair paralyzed him so much that he couldnt muster the strength to stand.
Ahem, excuse . Are you Mr. Philip Claude by any chance?
An unfamiliar voice reached Philips ears.
Looking up, he saw a young man with remarkable red hair and red eyes.
The intense, desperate gaze in those red eyes was morable despite the dirtied half-plate armor and greaves.
Yes, thats
but who might you be?
As Philip nodded, the intensity of the gaze magnified.
Oh, indeed. You do have the impressive eyes Ive heard about.
Complinting Philips unusual gray eyes, the red-haired youth smiled warmly and moved even closer.
Instinctively, Philip took a step back.
The determination in the young mans face was sothing Philip, a rchant, had seen countless tis.
It was greed.
An unfamiliar face displaying such emotion stoked fearful imaginings in Philips mind.
It was clear that even by selling his last small comrcial building, he couldnt repay his debts, leading to his inevitable slavery.
He had anticipated becoming a slave, but
The gray eyes are unusual; theyll fetch a higher price. You know
The words of the loan sharks he had inadvertently heard echoed in his mind, sending shivers down his spine.
The timing of this figures appearance, and now that he thought of it, the state of his old equipnt, were all characteristic of a rcenary thug.
Could it be?
Philip inwardly prayed that it wasnt so.
The thought of his last shred of human dignity being degraded filled him with dread.
Subconsciously, he adjusted his torn clothes and shrank back.
The red eyes seed to rove over his body, raising goosebumps.
Wh-What do you want? The repaynt date has not yet arrived, has it? Co back after the sale proceeds from the shop co in three days.
Oh, Im not here to collect a debt, but
I wont do that kind of work, even if I beco a slave. Absolutely not.
Excuse ?
Im literate. I have knowledge of the comrcial world. Even as a slave, I can be useful elsewhere. I absolutely wont do that kind of work.
What are you talking about?
Anyhow, the sale proceeds have not yet co in! Please go away!
As Philip gestured frantically and yelled, the young man in front of him gave a wry smile and shook his head.
Im not here to collect money; Im here to invest.
Excuse ?
Philips confusion couldnt be more apparent.
Are you talking to ?
Yes.
To this failed business?
Yes. Thats why it should be easy to invest.
His confident stance and self-assured smile struck a very different chord this ti.
Finally, Philip understood the situation properly.
Hes just a madman
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