Merchant Noble is out (2/3 chapters for today)

 

Former Warden Territory (2)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Finally, the two arrived at Telda, the central city of the former Warden territory.

During the chaos of the House of Marquis Ivan’s surprise attack, the household had to evacuate quickly and didn’t have much opportunity to observe the state of the territory. However, because the Warden Household’s evacuation had prevented any major battles, the area hadn’t been significantly ravaged. There were no reports of looting or violence, and it seemed that the transition to the House of Marquis Ivan had been peaceful.

“This is Arc-sama’s territory…” (Yulia)

“Well, it used to be.” (Arc)

Yulia looked around the town in amazement. It was indeed a large city, hard to believe it was at the kingdom’s outskirts. The population and the bustling activity were on par with the capital, Horimas.

The reason was simple. This city connected the kingdom with neighboring countries and served as a commercial hub. Moreover, the previous lord, Arc’s father, had implemented merchant-friendly policies, attracting traders from all over the kingdom. The commercial guild here was housed in a building larger than the headquarters in the capital, and it was said that there was nothing people couldn’t find in its stores.

However, compared to when his father was the lord, it seemed like there were fewer merchants around. With this unease in mind, their first destination was the commercial guild.

“Let’s head to the Commercial Guild before people recognize us and cause a commotion.” (Arc)

They arrived early in the morning, before the guild had opened. However, Arc preferred it this way since there were no customers around and he walked straight inside.

“I’m sorry, sir. The guild isn’t open yet…” (??)

“It’s me. Arc.” (Arc)

Arc showed his face to a familiar merchant who had approached.

“Aah, aah… Arc-sama!?” (??)

The merchant couldn’t help but shout, causing all the merchants preparing inside the guild to turn around at once.

“Did you say Arc-sama!?” (??)

“It’s really him!” (??)

Recognizing Arc, the merchants rushed over in a chaotic crowd.

“We’re so glad you’re safe!” (??)

The merchants wept with joy, celebrating the reunion with the son of their former lord.

“Hey! Lock the front entrance!” (??)

A panicked voice echoed. It was Hausar, the guild master of the commercial guild. If no one had said anything, Arc would have asked himself, but true to a merchant’s nature, Hausar never forgot about crisis management no matter the situation was.

“Arc-sama, this way.” (Hausar)

Once the door was locked to prevent anyone from entering, Hausar escorted Arc to a reception room.

“Everyone, come here.” (Arc)

Arc called all the merchants inside the building. They were all familiar faces.

“We’re so glad you’re safe.” (??)

“Yes, and I’m relieved to see you’re all well too. Are you aware of the situation?” (Arc)

“We’ve received some information from the capital, but people are still confused since the House of Marquis Ivan suddenly arrived and declared a new lord.” (??)

While the merchants likely had some information, Arc explained everything from his perspective, just to be sure.

He told them about his father’s death in the surprise attack by the House of Marquis Ivan. Despite the other party being at fault, they had been forced to relocate to the Mikanda region. Meanwhile, the House of Marquis Ivan continued to rule here.

The merchants, now realizing that the Warden Household would no longer govern this land, looked dejected.

“So, now you’ve become the lord of the new territory in the Mikanda region?” (??)

“That’s right. And as merchants, you probably know that the region is sparsely populated. My siblings and I are doing our best to manage it, but we need more people to strengthen our efforts.” (Arc)

The main reason for Arc’s visit was to recruit talented people from the former territory. Thanks to his father’s policies, this area had become a breeding ground for exceptional talent. Arc wanted to bring these people to the understaffed Mikanda region.

“So, I need you to spread the word that the Warden Household has moved to Mikanda. We need the cooperation of the many talented people raised in this territory.” (Arc)

Spreading the information himself would risk his relationship with the House of Marquis. Openly recruiting would pose similar risks. Therefore, he only needed them to spread the news of the Warden Household’s new territory. The willing talent would come on their own.

“Understood. We’ll gladly help.” (??)

“Arc-sama, may we accompany you to Mikanda as well?” (??)

One merchant’s words surprised Arc.

“That’s very much appreciated, but to be honest, Mikanda isn’t as lucrative a place for merchants as this area.” (Arc)

“That’s not necessarily the case anymore.” (Hausar)

Guild master Hausar explained.

“Your father allowed us, the commercial guild, to self-govern, as long as we paid a fixed tax each year. We could trade freely. However, the new lord, Marquis Ivan, has been taxing us heavily based on our earnings, making it difficult to turn a profit.” (Hausar)

“I see.” (Arc)

That’s so ignorant. What sense is there in imposing such harsh taxes? Unless it’s for military or social welfare, it’s probably just to maintain the lavish lifestyle typical of nobles. Merchants operate solely on profit. It’s only natural that they would leave if taxes were too high.

“Of course, merchants are also welcome. Please come anytime.”

“Thank you. Once we are ready, we will move with the merchants who wish to relocate.” (??)

Arc hadn’t expected even the merchants to come, so this was a pleasant surprise. One of the main purposes of this visit was to inform the former subjects of their current whereabouts, and this had gone smoothly.

“I appreciate it. Well then.” (Arc)

“We’re relieved to see you looking well. Thank you for today.” (??)

With the merchants bowing their heads, Arc took Yulia, who had been waiting in the lobby, and left the guild.

“Arc-sama, where should we go next?” (Yulia)

“A few days to the east is a village called Sonmi Village. It is the stronghold of a pagan group called the Sheeb Order. That’s the second purpose of this visit.” (Arc)

The second objective was the revival of an information network, which was vital for both nobles and merchants. Arc set off while hoping that the order was still intact.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(Please consider supporting at https://www.patreon.com/bayabuscotranslation)

Previous Chapter | Table of Content | Next Chapter