Merchant Noble is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Audience
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The territory of Duke Edel, located at the border with the Laplace Kingdom, was the largest noble domain in the Kali Kingdom. Fortunately, the central city wasn’t too far from the sea.
After docking their ship at the port, Arc and Hangue entrusted it to the merchants and headed to the noble’s palace, so lavishly built it could be mistaken for a royal palace.
“Greetings. I have come to pay my respects to Duke Edel. I am Arc Warden, and this is Hangue Warden, president of the Warden Trading Company.” (Arc)
“We’ve been expecting you. Please, come in.” (Guard)
Since they had sent notice in advance, the guard quickly allowed the two inside. They walked down a long corridor adorned with paintings, eventually arriving at a large door.
“It’s like a royal palace… How extravagant.” (Hangue)
Hangue murmured, more exasperated than impressed.
They entered the room. It was an enormous chamber, spacious enough to host a banquet for all the nobles. At the far end, sitting heavily on a throne-like chair, was the duke. His demeanor was almost that of a king, clearly illustrating the weakness of the Kali Kingdom’s monarch.
“We humbly seek an audience with Duke Edel.” (Arc/Hangue)
When Arc and Hangue approached the duke, they knelt and offered their greetings.
“Raise your heads.” (Edel)
“Thank you.” (Arc)
Arc raised his face to meet the duke’s gaze.
The duke appeared old enough to be Arc’s father, if not older. His splendid beard was streaked with white, and most of his hair had turned gray.
“So, you are Arc Warden? A rather handsome man, I see.” (Edel)
“You flatter me.” (Arc)
Though the duke was quite elderly, his voice was still strong and resonant. His pronunciation was clear, making him easy to understand.
“I’ve heard much about you. It is said that Queen Casablanca’s ascension in Laplace wouldn’t have been possible without your efforts.” (Edel)
“You overpraise me.” (Arc)
“So, what business brings such a prominent figure from Laplace to my domain?” (Edel)
“Your Grace, I have retired from public service. I come before you now as a mere merchant.” (Arc)
“A merchant, you say?” (Edel)
“Hangue.” (Arc)
Arc signaled to Hangue, who knelt beside him. Hangue, then, introduced himself to the duke.
“Your Grace, I am Hangue Warden, president of the Warden Trading Company.” (Hangue)
“I see.” (Edel)
The duke interrupted Hangue’s greeting with a loud voice.
“The Warden Trading Company, one of the largest merchant groups in Laplace. And given your close relationship with Queen Casablanca, you’ve prospered to the point where you’ve run out of markets to sell to and now seek new opportunities here. Is that not so?” (Edel)
“As expected of Your Grace. You are most perceptive.” (Arc)
The first part about running out of markets in Laplace wasn’t true. However, the latter part about seeking new markets was spot on. Arc feigned exaggerated surprise and praised the duke’s insight.
“Our Warden Trading Company uses abundant resources to produce high-quality goods. We believe these products will greatly benefit the development of your lands, Your Grace.” (Hangue)
Hangue spoke confidently, like an ambitious young merchant brimming with enthusiasm. Elderly nobles like the duke were often susceptible to such youthful passion.
“Our Kali Kingdom is currently in turmoil. With worsening public safety, merchants are reluctant to trade. Certainly, securing goods through trade would be most welcome.” (Edel)
It seemed that merchant activity had indeed stalled, leading to an economic decline.
“Do you have any samples?” (Edel)
“Yes, right away.” (Hangue)
At Hangue’s call, a servant brought in a wooden box. When the box was opened, it revealed a large, long sword. The sword’s hilt was adorned with beautiful gemstones, making it more of a treasure than a weapon.
“This is a longsword. It is crafted from high-purity iron ore mined in Mikanda’s Fourth Town.” (Hangue)
“It certainly shines beautifully. But words are easy to say. Carlos!” (Duke Edel)
The duke called to a young man standing nearby.
“Yes, Father.” (Carlos)
“Hangue-dono, this is my son, Carlos. He serves as the commander of the Royal Knights in the capital, the youngest in history.” (Duke Edel)
“That’s splendid! My congratulations.” (Arc)
The duke proudly introduced his son. Arc responded with an exaggerated reaction, heaping praise on Carlos. For a merchant, such displays were second nature. The duke seemed pleased as he basked in the compliments for his son.
“Indeed. Carlos is well-versed in weapons as a soldier. Would you allow him to test the blade?” (Edel)
“Of course. Use it however you see fit.” (Hangue)
“Such confidence. Carlos, examine the longsword.” (Edel)
“Yes, Father.” (Carlos)
Hangue handed the sword to Carlos, who approached him. As soon as Carlos took the blade, his expression changed. His previously gentle demeanor transformed into the fierce countenance of a warrior.
“Hm! Father, compared to swords of the same length in our kingdom, this one is significantly heavier. It must be densely forged.” (Carlos)
It seemed the youngest captain in history had real skills.
He immediately noticed the difference between this sword and his usual ones.
“Someone, bring a wooden board!” (Carlos)
Carlos ordered a large wooden board to be brought and set it upright on the floor.
“Haah!” (Carlos)
With a sharp cry, Carlos swung the blade down on the board. The board was cleanly cut in two, so smoothly that it took a moment to realize it had been split.
“Father, look at this!” (Carlos)
“Impressive. The wood didn’t even notice it had been cut.” (Edel)
“Carlos-sama’s swordsmanship is equally remarkable.” (Arc/Hangue)
Arc and Hangue applauded.
“Father, this is an excellent sword.” (Carlos)
“Indeed. Even I, a layman, can tell. It’s an exceptional product.” (Edel)
Carlos, after admiring the cleanly cut board, reluctantly sheathed the sword and prepared to return it to Hangue. But Hangue quickly spoke up.
“That sword is a gift for you, Carlos-sama.” (Hangue)
“Eh!?” (Carlos)
“A token of friendship from the Warden Trading Company.” (Hangue)
“Truly? I’m grateful!” (Carlos)
Carlos’s joy was palpable as he received the sword. After thanking Hangue, he unsheathed it again and gazed lovingly at its blade. Seeing his son’s delight, the duke also seemed satisfied.
“Hangue-dono, what other goods do you have?” (Edel)
“In addition to longswords, we offer short swords, shields, bows, arrows, horse gear, and spears. All are guaranteed to be of equally high quality.” (Hangue)
“You have so much…?” (Duke Edel)
After a brief pause, the duke made his decision.
“Very well. I grant you permission to trade in the territory of Duke Edel.” (Edel)
“Thank you—” (Arc/Hangue)
“But there is one condition.” (Edel)
The duke interrupted as Arc and Hangue were about to express their gratitude.
“What might that be?” (Arc)
“You may not sell to other territories.” (Duke Edel)
The two fell silent.
It seemed the duke didn’t want high-quality weapons falling into the hands of other nobles. Nobles, after all, were selfish creatures. While distributing weapons throughout the kingdom would bolster its military strength, the duke was solely focused on his own domain. As a former noble, Arc understood this mindset. Though as a merchant, he wished for more flexibility in choosing buyers.
“Understood. Exclusive sales within the duke’s territory, then.” (Hangue)
“Exactly.” (Edel)
“…” (Arc)
What do we do? (Hangue’s glance at Arc)
We have no choice. (Arc’s silent response)
“Understood. We won’t sell weapons elsewhere.” (Hangue)
“Good. That will do.” (Duke Edel)
The duke nodded in satisfaction at Hangue’s words.
“Well then, let’s waste no time. Let’s draw up the contract immediately.” (Hangue)
“Indeed.” (Edel)
“Please wait.” (Minister)
The minister, who had been observing silently, spoke up.
“Your Excellency, matters of economy are crucial. Acting too hastily could be risky.” (Minister)
Concerned about the sudden pace of events, the minister attempted to caution the duke. However, the duke gave him an irritated glare.
“What is there to consider? If we hesitate, they might approach other nobles.” (Duke Edel)
With the duke’s sharp rebuke, the minister retreated in silence.
“Well then, Hangue-dono, Arc-dono. Let us finalize the contract.” (Edel)
With that, the duke rose from his grand chair.
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