Chapter 137

Episode 137

After we left for Walker Barony, the punishments for this incident were carried out at the Duke’s castle.

Roman had already passed away, but the Gerard family members were demoted to commoners and faded into history.

One of the villains, Rosalyn, also met her end. I heard she resisted fiercely until the moment of her execution.

Her family members were all captured and enslaved. Some were given to the Imperial Family, while the rest were exiled to remote mountainous areas.

Lastly, Hylix went into seclusion. Using meditation as an excuse, he had to stay in a villa on the outskirts of the main castle for a year.

What was a bit surprising was that Duke Kalisto didn’t reveal Hylix’s crimes. So, publicly, the treason conspiracy was mainly attributed to Roman and Rosalyn.

Of course, I wasn’t going to stay silent.

‘If it ends like this, all the hard work would be meaningless.’

I informed Jericho’s information network, Lilith, who worked as a maid at the main castle, and Charlton, the head butler in the capital, about the full story.

Now they would act as speakers and spread the word about this incident.

As a result, the social circles of the Empire were abuzz for a while.

It was proven that even the most prestigious family in the Empire wasn’t free from succession disputes.

And as the concern grew, it shifted to the Imperial Family.

The Emperor was still suffering from illness.

“I’ve called you all here today to ensure that there hasn’t been any neglect in managing the territory. Before we begin the meeting, I want to apologize for being absent for so long.”

“Apologize? Please take back those words, my lord. I heard you resolved the recent mission perfectly.”

“Who would dare criticize you when you’re dedicating yourself to the family?”

Thankfully, Balzac and Hassale each said a word to uphold my dignity.

Even though I believed everyone understood, there were times when, as leaders of the two territories, we needed to soothe their hearts.

It’s thanks to my past experiences.

Having encountered many upper-class individuals through numerous events, I learned that a simple apology didn’t cost anything, yet people were stubborn about it.

In the process, I unintentionally made a lot of enemies.

I often thought I shouldn’t become like that.

“I heard you gave Sir Mars a good thrashing. It was very satisfying!”

Vice-captain Sir Paris was delighted.

I knew about it.

When Sir Paris worked in the guard, they were often mistreated. Younger and less experienced knights frequently looked down on them.

In such a situation, defeating Mars, their practical leader, must have been exhilarating.

Additionally, Mars was demoted to a regular knight for defying the Duke’s orders and causing trouble for the Inspector.

Honestly, he wouldn’t have had any complaints even if he had been executed.

“On my way here, I discussed territory management with Lady Lucia. There will be changes, big and small, starting today.”

It was a good decision to ride with her. The Lady not only entered the succession race but also facilitated my convenience in various areas.

“First, regarding the Lucius Trading Company. Before establishing the Walker Trading Company, we created the Lucius Trading Company under the Lady’s orders. But as things progressed rapidly, it coexisted with the Walker Trading Company.”

Currently, Hassale is practically running both companies. Jericho helps, but only to the extent of signing documents.

To give Jericho more freedom from trading company affairs, a structural reorganization was necessary.

After all, he’s the only magician in our family besides me, so he should be given more challenging tasks.

“So, we’re restructuring the company’s governance. From today, the Walker Trading Company will be incorporated as a subsidiary of the Lucius Trading Company. The head and deputy head will remain the same, but the steward of the Lucius Trading Company will oversee both the Lucius and Walker Trading Companies. Now, let’s announce the new steward.”

I had already discussed this matter with Selendis and Jericho.

If the Walker Trading Company were an ordinary company, there would be no need to discuss it.

But the Walker Trading Company unofficially held the highest amount of pure gold in the Empire. In addition to the five gold nuggets already discovered, more were being found.

Being subordinated to the Lucius Trading Company meant that all assets of the Walker Trading Company would be transferred to the Lucius Trading Company.

That’s why I asked the deputies for their opinions.

Naturally, they all agreed. After all, it was the Lady who pointed out the gold nugget locations, so I didn’t mind.

My gaze swept the room and stopped at the young man from the distant east.

“Hassale, I appoint you as the new steward of the Lucius Trading Company. The steward of the Lucius Trading Company will also serve as the head of the Walker Trading Company. Dedicate yourself to the family and the company.”

“…Me? Are you talking about me?”

He seemed quite surprised.

Seeing such expressions had become a source of amusement.

“My lord, I lack the experience to take on such a significant role. I’ve only recently become a manager. I’m concerned I might devalue the company. Please reconsider.”

A manager is just below a steward. It’s akin to being promoted from team leader to department head, so it’s not an extraordinary appointment.

“I’ve thought it through. Most importantly, Lady Lucia, the head of the company, has approved it. Follow the order.”

“…Understood. I’ll follow the order.”

“Sir Jericho, now that you have some leeway, I’d like you to focus more on your role as the secretary of House Walker.”

“Yes, my lord.”

We then organized the key issues of each company. The most concerning was the anti-monster equipment business using the holy water of the church.

Hassale reported the current status.

“Two days ago, we received a letter from Inquisitor Godfrey. He seemed worried about the decreasing purchase quantity.”

“He should know we fought a territorial war, yet he still said that?”

“Yes. When we reply this time, we should confirm the purchase quantity. We’ve prepared about two thousand sets of weapons and armor.”

It seems we need to remind them who’s in charge. They’re being too greedy.

“Confirm the purchase quantity at two thousand and send the reply. Sir Jericho will handle the subsequent orders.”

“Understood.”

“It might be a good idea to consider sales channels in advance. With monster subjugation operations ongoing across the Empire, demand might decrease. The situation is different from when we first planned.”

“That’s a good point. If the number of monsters decreases, so will the demand for equipment. I’d like to hear the new steward’s opinion.”

It was a sudden question. But Hassale answered without hesitation.

“I’m considering pressuring the adventurer guilds operating in the Dukedom to absorb the supply. Since the goods are supplied by the Lucius Trading Company, they won’t be able to refuse.”

“It’s a good idea, but it might cause resentment. It’s fine if my reputation takes a hit, but we should be careful since it’s named after the Lady.”

“I’m sorry. I was short-sighted.”

“No, personally, I like that opinion. As I always say, I’m not interested in charity. It’s best to use everything available. Being overly cautious from the start stifles creativity.”

Jericho raised his hand, saying he had another opinion.

“What about a low-margin, high-volume strategy? Steward Hassale is good at negotiating, so if we buy cheap and sell cheap, demand will be certain.”

“Isn’t that undervaluing your efforts?”

I signaled with my eyes, mentioning the ‘Tulu family’s secret techniques.’ Jericho understood and nodded.

No better ideas emerged.

In the end, I presented my plan.

“I’m considering sending the two thousand sets of equipment we have to adventurer guilds and small to medium-sized territories for free.”

“For free? You mean giving them away, not even lending them?”

“Yes. Let them try it out. If the performance is solid, they’ll make an effort to purchase it. It’s like a trial version.”

The reason for targeting small to medium-sized families instead of large ones is precisely that.

Large families have a lot of troops at their disposal. Even if the quality of weapons and armor is slightly lower, it doesn’t hinder monster hunting.

But it’s different for small to medium-sized families.

They need to achieve a hundredfold efficiency, so they seek affordable yet high-performance equipment.

If we provide samples and let them use them, there will surely be a response.

“It seems like a good plan, but I’m a bit worried. It feels like we’re just doing a good deed for others.”

“If we don’t take that risk, we won’t hit the jackpot. We can cover operating costs with gold trading, so the Lucius Trading Company should focus on the business’s potential.”

“Yes, my lord.”

We then discussed the current status of gold sales. The gold trade was progressing smoothly.

Jericho brought good news.

“Sir Gladius from the Hogden region has expressed his intention to join our family. He’ll arrive here in a few days.”

Lady Ionia was surprised by this. It seemed she hadn’t communicated with her father.

“Sir Ionia, were you unaware?”

“I hadn’t heard anything… Is my father joining too?”

“Nothing’s been decided yet. I just suggested he spend time with his family.”

“…”

“Did I overstep?”

Ionia, who had been in a daze, suddenly bowed her head.

“No, I’m sorry.”

“Your apologies have increased.”

The knights smiled at my joke. Since Sage joined, Ionia had become more mature.

“Sir Gladius has been a mercenary for a long time. If he passes on his experience and skills to the Walker Mercenary Corps, more people can live safely.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

With that, the vassal meeting concluded. Everyone left, but Jericho stayed behind, as if he had something to say. Selendis stayed too.

“Just before the vassal meeting, our informant in the capital sent a report.”

“Which side of the capital?”

“The Magic Tower.”

I was intrigued. I had been worried about not finding any traces of Prince Arthur lately. There had been no news from the princess either.

I immediately took the report Jericho handed me and read it.

‘Court Magician Muon recently completed a secret experiment?’

At first glance, it seemed like trivial information.

For someone of Archmage status, conducting experiments wasn’t unusual.

But what if we added the information that Prince Arthur learned magic?

I’ve seen many media portray magical experiments. It’s entirely possible that this game incorporated such a setting.

“What do you think, Jericho?”

“It’s intriguing news. If Prince Arthur learned magic, it would be Muon’s doing. He’ll surely come to our territory to cause trouble.”

Selendis shared the same opinion. Since everyone thought the same, there was no reason to hesitate.

“Immediately issue an emergency order to the knight order and dispatch scouts to various locations. Report any unusual signs immediately.”

“Yes!”

The two left.

I wrote on a small piece of paper. I opened the window, summoned the messenger hawk ‘Thunder,’ and sent it to Princess Beatrice along with the note.