Chapter 87

Episode 87

Immediately after establishing the trading company, I diligently worked on managing the stakeholders.

My first visit was to young master Eloan.

“Hmm, so that’s how it turned out. Congratulations, I suppose. Let’s drink and celebrate at the banquet tomorrow night.”

“Thank you for your understanding, young master.”

“Any news from the princess?”

His eyes were filled with greed. If his previous desire for Lucia was primal, this was a lust for power.

“Nothing in particular, young master. Do you have any messages for her?”

“No, I was just curious.”

“I’ll make the necessary arrangements, so don’t worry.”

The banquet celebrating Princess Beatrice’s visit was scheduled for tomorrow night. Vassals and lords from neighboring territories were arriving one after another.

Officially, it was a welcoming event for the princess, but for the neighboring lords, it was a golden opportunity to make a good impression on Duke Kalisto.

My next visit was to Grand Duke Hylix.

He was alone, drinking wine and passing the time.

“Thank you for your support in obtaining the Lucius Trading Company’s permit. I’m indebted to you, young master.”

“I still can’t believe it. How could a vassal of House Kalisto even think of establishing a trading company in another territory?”

Despite his words, he didn’t seem angry. He knew it was inevitable.

“I was also in a difficult position, having to follow the Lady’s orders. I’m glad things worked out.”

“I hope you won’t be discussing the Dukedom’s interests with other families in the future.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, young master.”

“So, what kind of business are you planning? I heard you’re selling anti-monster weapons and armor.”

“We’ve received support from the church. We’re selling equipment enchanted with holy water.”

“…The church?”

It seemed like an unexpected variable for him. I calmly continued my explanation.

“We’ve developed a catalyst that amplifies the power of holy water. We’ll be selling equipment that’s highly effective against monsters and demonic beasts.”

“Holy water… Did the church approve of this?”

“We haven’t finalized the details, but we’ve reached an agreement in principle.”

Hylix glared at me with displeasure. He probably hadn’t anticipated the church’s involvement.

But he couldn’t criticize the church.

After all, the Lamirach Church was the state religion of the Empire.

“Make sure the Dukedom’s wealth doesn’t flow outwards. Understand?”

“I’ll keep that in mind, young master.”

“When is the trading company’s opening ceremony?”

“We’re planning to hold it later this afternoon. It’ll be a small, private event with just our staff and the Inspection Unit members, since we have the banquet tomorrow.”

“I’m glad you understand your place.”

After the meeting, I was about to leave the castle when a messenger sent by Jericho rushed towards me.

“Inspector! Sir Godfrey of the church is here!”

“Where is he?”

“He’s at the trading company headquarters. Sir Jericho said to bring him here immediately.”

Godfrey must have brought good news. The only question was whether the church would take a 20% or 30% royalty.

I immediately rode to the Lucius Trading Company headquarters.

The Lucius Trading Company’s building had two basement floors and three aboveground floors. It was a newly constructed building with a clean exterior. Overall, it was an ordinary building made of wood and stone.

Two mercenaries from the “Lucius Mercenary Company” were guarding the entrance. There were also mercenaries stationed on the sides and back of the building, seemingly guarding the entire premises.

The two mercenaries at the entrance recognized me and saluted.

“Welcome, Inspector!”

“How’s the work?”

“My hands are itching for action! I can’t wait to start a mission!”

They were eager.

I patted their shoulders.

“You’ll be on a mission soon. Be prepared. And I’ll say it again: Lady Selendis’s orders are my orders. Never disobey them.”

“Yes, sir!”

Trading companies and mercenary companies had a close relationship.

Most trading companies, especially large ones, had their own mercenary companies to protect their goods during transport.

Establishing a mercenary company didn’t require any special permits, so I had created one immediately.

With Lady Lucia’s help, I had recruited elite mercenaries. We currently had twenty members.

Jericho was talking to a desk clerk when I entered.

“Clear out one section of the first floor and turn it into a showroom. The current layout is too cluttered. And make sure we have plenty of monsters on hand. Why? Because we need to demonstrate the effectiveness of our weapons. Our motto is ‘honesty’ and ‘trust.’ Remember that if you plan to dedicate your life to the Lucius Trading Company.”

Jericho was currently the manager of the trading company, but since his main job was as an Inspector, we needed someone else to handle the day-to-day operations.

In simpler terms, Lady Lucia was the CEO, I was the director, Jericho was the department head, and we needed a team leader.

I was looking for a suitable candidate, but I hadn’t found anyone yet.

“You’re working hard on your first day.”

“Oh! Inspector! You’re here early. Sir Godfrey is waiting for you in the meeting room.”

“How’s the atmosphere?”

“The same as always. He’s glaring at everyone with his usual unpleasant expression, so I assume he’s doing well.”

I chuckled at his joke and entered the meeting room. Godfrey was sitting in a luxurious chair, meditating.

“I apologize for making you wait. I had to visit the main castle.”

“Let’s get straight to the point. The church has approved the holy water supply.”

“That’s good news.”

“But we want to change the royalty rate. We demand 30% of the total revenue. If you agree to this condition, we’ll provide you with the quantity you requested.”

The supply of holy water was limited.

It wasn’t difficult to produce, so they could meet the demand. However, they controlled the supply to maintain the premium price of holy water.

But I wasn’t too concerned. The purchase of holy water was a short-term expense.

Once the Magic Revolution began, people’s perception of magic would become more open.

We wouldn’t need to use holy water to conceal Jericho’s power, so the church would have no reason to buy it from us.

After accumulating funds and recruiting skilled engineers, I would develop the modern technologies I knew, and the trading company would quickly become a major player.

“Alright. 30% of the total revenue is acceptable. Shall we prepare the contract?”

“Yes, please.”

“Please wait a moment.”

I instructed Jericho to prepare the contract. It was ready in less than a minute.

“Please sign here. And please stamp the church’s seal here.”

The contract was quickly finalized. I kept one copy, and Godfrey took the other.

The Lucius Trading Company had signed its first supply contract with the church.

It was an excellent first client.

I offered my hand for a handshake, and Godfrey silently accepted.

“As promised, we’ll deliver the payment for the holy water directly to you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need anything else.”

“Very well.”

There were concerns that Godfrey might embezzle the funds, but I decided to use it to my advantage.

His name would be on the books for the holy water purchase and other expenses.

If he tried to cheat us or threaten us in the future, I would simply expose the records.

‘In a way, the moment he signed the contract, he shackled himself.’

He might have noticed it if he were in his usual state.

But he must have been blinded by the large sum of money. I had yet to meet anyone who was immune to the allure of wealth.

“How much do you need for the initial shipment?”

“A thousand bottles should be enough. Please deliver them to the main castle in the Walker Barony.”

“You’re not producing them here?”

“As you can see, the headquarters building is too small. We need a larger space to manufacture the equipment. Since I’ve received a territory, we’ll be producing them there.”

“Understood.”

Godfrey left with the contract. The holy water shipment from the church branch would arrive at the Walker Barony in about two weeks.

“Everything is finally ready. You’ve worked hard, Inspector.”

“This is just the beginning. Stay sharp.”

“Yes, sir.”

That afternoon, we held a small banquet to celebrate the launch of the Lucius Trading Company. It was a private event with only the Inspection Unit members, investigators, trading company staff, and mercenaries.

It was a lively event with lots of drinking and chatter. This was a trading company. I didn’t want to spoil the relaxed atmosphere.

But then, the room suddenly fell silent.

We had an unexpected guest.

It was Lady Lucia. And she was accompanied by Grand Duke Hylix and Sir Romero.

“My Lady, what brings you here?”

“You should have told me about this event. Say hello. My brothers came to congratulate you.”

“Thank you.”

Grand Duke Hylix and Sir Romero had completely different reactions. Hylix’s gaze was sharp, as if searching for something to criticize. Romero, on the other hand, approached me and shook my hands enthusiastically.

“This is impressive, Sir O’Brien! You’re a man of many talents! A trading company, how wonderful!”

His words made me realize how dangerous he was.

It was difficult to deal with someone who was both skilled and humble.

Sir Romero was hiding his true strength. He always lost to Hylix in swordsmanship practice and often appeared insecure.

But I saw it as a facade.

“You flatter me, young master. Please, speak casually.”

“How could I be so disrespectful to a loyal vassal of my father? And you’re the one who saved my sister’s life. I must show you proper respect!”

“You embarrass me. I was just doing my duty.”

“Sir Darius asked me to convey his greetings. He said he’s grateful for your help.”

I could sense his sincerity in his firm handshake.

The Azure Dragon Knights were indebted to me. I had requested their pardon after they failed to protect the Lady, saving them from punishment.

“Sir O’Brien.”

It was Hylix’s voice. I approached him and bowed.

“Don’t forget that the Lucius Trading Company also exists to serve our family. I’ll say it again: do your best for the family’s interests.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

This incident made one thing clear.

There was an invisible wall between Lucia and Hylix.

“How does it feel to have a trading company named after you?”

“I’m not sure. It feels a bit surreal…”

“It won’t be easy. But I’ll help you if you need anything.”

“Thank you, brother.”

They weren’t as affectionate as they used to be. They maintained a distance, pretending not to care about each other. The invisible succession struggle had begun.

Just then, we heard a commotion downstairs.

I asked Jericho if we had more guests.

“No? I didn’t invite anyone else today. That’s strange. I’ll go check.”

As Jericho was about to go downstairs, knights from the main castle arrived. They didn’t draw their weapons but lined up in an orderly fashion, creating a path.

A man in luxurious attire appeared, walking down the path.

It was Duke Kalisto.