episode_0182

The more money the better.

Even though this world is a world with a strict class system, there is nothing that money cannot do.

Of course, the same story applies to nobles.

It is difficult for a nobleman without money to live a noble life.

“Don’t have money?”

Duke Starr, who had a miserable expression on his face at my question, lowered his head and said.

“…Usually, there aren’t many nobles who would be willing to pay such a high amount.”

“The Sahard work was easily paid for.”

“It’s possible because there is a tax break due to the drone.”

“I see.”

This was a part that allowed us to guess how high the taxes the empire imposed on the nobles were.

If you were a duke ruling over a region, the taxes alone would be enormous.

On the other hand, what about me? As a noble of the Holy Kingdom, I was in a position to receive a salary.

‘This is why I like being a salaried worker.’

I realized once again how good a safe asset money that comes in regularly is.

“If you don’t have enough money, there’s nothing you can do. Just go back.”

“Atlas Duke? Just thirty platinum coins is a lot of money. It’s an amount that even nobles can’t afford!”

“That’s that, and this is this.”

“Ugh!”

The unbreakable Duke of Esther raised both hands and feet, and she held back tears.

“I will pay you. Platinum and a hundred thousand won.”

“It was a good deal.”

Since it was difficult to pay the platinum and white gold in one go, I had to pay it in installments over 10 years.

Of course, this was a big blow to Duke Starr, and Duke Starr cried.

Judging from her appearance, she seems to be in her mid-20s, so when I see her crying, I feel like I’m a bad person.

“Then, our family ties are… ”

“Huh? I don’t like that.”

“???”

Duke Starr made a face of incomprehension at my words.

Why does this woman have such a knack for harassing people?

“What, what does that mean? Just a moment ago, it was clearly… ”

“Yes, I said I would not do any transactions until the compensation was paid. But I did not say I would accept the transaction. ”

“That’s sophistry!”

Now, the angry Duke Starr was ready to grab me by the collar at any moment.

“Calm down. Anyway, isn’t it something else that you want, not me?”

“That’s… ”

“It would be better not to try to get too much at once. If you do, you will get tired.”

“You have already taken a lot from me.”

“Then who threatened to start a war of aggression? If you had told the Holy Kingdom or me from the beginning, wouldn’t it have ended well?”

“Ugh… ”

Duke Estar sighed deeply and revealed his hidden intentions.

“What I want is the technology that the northern tribes have.”

“I heard you accepted the Frostclaw tribe, but it seems they didn’t have the technology you wanted.”

“Yes, they didn’t have the technology our clan needed.”

“What if you are a clan?”

“As you can see, I am a blood relative. I am a race that lives by blood and dies by blood.”

“Blood relatives?”

“Looking at your reaction, you didn’t know.”

Duke Starr explained about his clan.

It is said that blood relatives basically rule over blood and use blood as their main food.

‘It’s a vampire.’

However, the difference between the vampires in the novels I know and the blood relatives is that they can only control their own blood, and it is said that they lose control over the blood that comes out of the body at a certain point.

‘What is this? It’s not a mosquito.’

I couldn’t help but admire the abilities of my extremely fragile blood relatives.

But why would a race like that have northern technology?

“I heard that in the North, they use a curse that makes thrown weapons return to you.”

“Ah, that… ”

The curse that returns.

It seems that the curse that I don’t know where to use is absolutely necessary for my blood relatives.

I looked at Vivian’s father from afar and gave advice to the Duke of Starr.

“I think you’re mistaken. Witchcraft is more complicated than you think.”

“I know, but it’s worth a try.”

Perhaps because he is the clan’s secret wish, Duke Starr is stubborn. If I send him back like this, I feel like he will almost have to make a life-or-death decision.

“I have already entrusted the study of witchcraft to the Kingdom of the Immortals.”

“If it’s the Holy Kingdom, then to the Tower of Wisdom?”

“Yes, I asked for it because I have a personal relationship with the owner of the tower there.”

“I’m really jealous that you have such a great person as a friend.”

‘Excellent?’

At that moment, there was no room for error in the words of the Star Duke.

Allie was definitely great, but not great.

‘This is why I say you have to meet someone in person to know them.’

Anyway, thanks to Ellie’s friendship with Sagongjakdo, the conversation progressed smoothly.

“I will let you know personally when the magic research is finished.”

“How much will you set the amount at?”

“Does Duke Starr think I’m just a money-grubbing merchant?”

“Yes.”

In that short time, Duke Starr figured out my personality and began to be wary.

That’s why women who are quick-witted…

“Since you said it is the secret wish of the clan, I will not receive any money separately.”

“Really?”

“Instead, please make a road from the northern city to here.”

“Isn’t that more expensive?”

Duke Starr made a face of bewilderment at my suggestion.

Certainly, it was true that I followed her lead and made an outrageous suggestion.

But you have to understand that building a road is like building an educational route.

“An ancient city of civilization has been discovered in the snowy mountains. The Tower of Wisdom will send a large-scale excavation team. Naturally, a considerable number of people will be dispatched here, and the other towers will not be left behind, so they will send people here. Even if they collect tolls here, they will be able to earn a huge amount of money. ”

“Isn’t that the same for your territory in the West?”

“No, the road to Seolsan from the west is not easy. In contrast, the road to Seolsan from the north is easy if you have a sled with a weak sole.”

At my words, Duke Starr fell into deep anguish.

It was an important matter that could not be decided hastily without consulting anyone about the information that was still uncertain.

But on the other hand, this was also a moment when large profits could be made at small costs.

Duke Starr also knew this and did not delay any longer.

“Okay. Let’s trade.”

“You are in the same boat as me.”

In this way, the peace in the North was cut short.

It was a peace brought about by the golden bond, not the one that Duke Starr had envisioned.

…

The Frostclaw tribe was the most vulnerable to the peace treaty between Duke Atlas and Duke Starr.

Duke Ganstar no longer had any need for the Frostclaws, and among the northern tribesmen they were considered traitors and the main culprits of the northern war the previous year.

Naturally, the Frostclaw Tribe was politically isolated and could have easily been caught between the two powers, unable to do anything.

‘There is no answer except that person.’

Dave, the chieftain of the Frostclaw tribe and their greatest warrior, went to find Cian.

Because I judged that at least if I was under him, I would be able to protect the safety of the tribe.

But before I could even go to him, I was stopped by a man.

“Dave, where the hell are you sticking your ugly claws in?”

“Simon… ”

A man who was the chieftain of the Wisdom Tooth tribe and one of their best warriors stopped him.

“There is no place for you, a pervert, in front of me.”

“Simon, please. I need to meet the Duke of Atlas.”

“Reject on behalf of the northern tribes.”

“Please! I’ll beg you like this!”

Simon’s eyes fluttered in shock at the sight of Dave kneeling.

Because the best warrior in the North is sparing his honor to protect his tribe.

“I didn’t know you would change like this.”

“I’m also surprised by my change.”

“I’ll close my eyes just this once.”

“Thank you!”

“Thank you, but anyway, it’s your job to persuade your son-in-law.”

“Are you trying to persuade him somehow… He’s your son-in-law?”

“Didn’t you know? He took my daughter as his wife.”

At Simon’s words, Dave felt a headache as if he had been hit by a Warhammer.

“I’m due to give birth in four months, so I’m thinking of visiting my son-in-law’s estate then.”

“That… Congratulations.”

Dave was sick of Simon’s boasting, but there was nothing he could do since he had gotten in the wrong line.

All I want is to look good to Sian as quickly as possible.

Dave, who had made up his mind, went to see Cian.

Cian was talking to Oronak’s priestess, Inina.

At first, Shian didn’t like Dave for ruining her cozy time with Irina, but her gaze soon changed after hearing Dave’s words.

“Hmm… So does that mean the entire tribe is coming in as my slaves?”

“Yes?”

The Frostclaw Tribe, geographically close to the Duchy of Starr, could speak the Imperial language by default, and their chieftain, Dave, could speak it fluently.

But I still couldn’t understand what Shian had just said.

“You said Dave? Don’t worry. I don’t turn down a slave who comes. ”

“…Thank you.”

Dave, who couldn’t understand what was being said, thanked Cyan for accepting his shortcomings.

Of course, the feeling of uneasiness has not disappeared.