NOVPUBUpon hearing Ghislain's ambitious road construction plans, his retainers all nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Ghislain asked in mild surprise, “So, why no objections this time?”
Claude responded nonchalantly, “Well, if the roads are wide and smooth, that’s a good thing for everyone, isn’t it? Roads are practically the lifeblood of the territory.”
Everyone understood the importance of roads. With better roads, trade between regions could thrive, leading to economic growth.
From a military perspective, roads were equally crucial. Well-maintained roads allowed for rapid troop movements and supply logistics.
In the northern territories, however, survival took precedence over road construction, so it hadn’t been a priority.
Looking over a map and making rough calculations, Claude continued, “The scale of this project is so vast that it’ll take some time. Connecting it all the way to the northern fortress won’t be easy.”
“I know. But we still have to make it happen. Only then will coordination with Feridium be seamless. There shouldn’t be any issues with starting work, right?”
“We’ve got plenty of idle hands, but this means we’ll be burning through food and money again. When are we ever going to save anything?”
“I’m more suited to spending money than saving it. Besides, I enjoy it far more.”
“...”
With Ghislain’s blatant honesty, Claude found himself speechless. After all, funds from the cosmetics and food trades were flowing in steadily, and soon there would be surplus meat to sell, replenishing whatever they spent.
However, they needed to spend a substantial sum upfront to procure the materials for road construction.
“I’ll gather the trading companies again. We can’t sell meat just yet, but we have plenty of grain. Grain prices haven’t dropped either, so I’ll use those funds to buy additional construction materials.”
“Good. Don’t hold back on spending; speed is the priority. Understood?”
“Of course, don’t worry. I know your style by now, my lord.”
Muttering under his breath, Claude left to carry out his duties.
To adjust to this sudden plan, Claude called in the merchants earlier than expected.
Currently, the most prosperous place in the north was the Fenris Territory. With a single gesture from Claude, northern trading companies flocked to him like clouds.
‘Ah, this is power. This is why I love managing things.’
It wasn’t just that they came at a call; they also brought gifts and bowed deeply.
Claude pushed them to procure resources in bulk again. With ample supplies of grain and iron ore, they could get whatever they needed.
For regions or merchants that couldn’t provide resources, he demanded people and skilled workers instead.
There were plenty of other development needs besides roads, and the rapid pace of expansion meant buying resources a bit early wouldn’t be an issue.
In the midst of these bustling transactions, the head of a rather large trading company came to meet him.
“Greetings. I am Brandel.”
After brief introductions, Claude glanced over the company’s information and tilted his head in curiosity.
“Hm? This is our first time doing business with you?”
“Yes, we usually operate in the eastern regions. Though, we’ve conducted a few significant transactions in the north.”
Indeed, Lowell’s report confirmed as much. After finishing his assessment, Claude inquired further.
“Well, we don’t turn away traders. You’re here for grain, right?”
“Yes, exactly. I heard there’s a surplus of grain here, so we decided to pursue a transaction.”
Claude looked at him with raised eyebrows. “It’s a bit pricey, but... How much are you looking to buy?”
Smiling slyly, Brandel handed over a piece of paper.
“This much, if possible?”
“...Wow.”
The quantity Brandel requested was the largest ever seen, far surpassing the combined orders of ten other companies.
Stunned, Claude asked again, “You really want to make a deal of this magnitude?”
“Yes. I understand you need to purchase a lot of materials. Just let us know what you need, and we’ll bring it. Or we can pay in gold if that’s preferable.”
Claude swallowed dryly. Acquiring such a massive quantity of resources in one go would certainly be convenient, as resources were being consumed rapidly due to the ongoing projects.
“This is... on credit?”
“Of course, our company has a strong reputation. You can verify the goods before handing over the grain. However, there is one condition.”
“A condition?”
“Given the scale of this first transaction, I’d like to meet with the lord directly.”
“Why?”
Claude asked, looking visibly annoyed. All deals had to go through him, so requesting a direct meeting with the lord felt like a slight.
Brandel, noticing his reaction, replied cautiously, “Well, considering the size of the transaction... there are, uh, rumors about you... But if we continue trading, we’ll deal directly with you in the future.”
At this, Claude fell silent. Over time, he had amassed more bribes than he cared to admit while filling the territory’s coffers.
If Ghislain had gained the nickname “Northern Grain King,” then Claude had earned the title “Bribery King of the North.”
‘Damn it... It’s unfair, honestly... I didn’t even pocket any of it...’
But no one else knew that. Shaking his head a few times, Claude put on a sullen expression.
“Wait here. I’ll inform the lord.”
With little to say about his reputation, Claude promptly reported to Ghislain.
Ghislain saw no harm in it. After all, securing resources swiftly and in large quantities was beneficial.
Seeing such a large offer, Ghislain figured it would be polite to show his face at least once.
“Something about that name sounds familiar... Bring me the records.”
After reviewing the information on Brandel’s company, Ghislain chuckled and nodded.
“Ah, I remember. It’s them, huh?”
“Do you know them?”
“Well, roughly.”
With a smile, Ghislain crumpled the document and tossed it aside.
“Tell them I’ll meet him. When they bring the goods, I’ll come out myself.”
Hearing Ghislain’s agreement, Brandel left, looking immensely pleased.
A few days later, Brandel returned with an impressive haul of resources necessary for the territory.
Claude’s jaw dropped in shock. He hadn’t expected Brandel to amass such a quantity in just a few days.
Watching Claude’s reaction, Brandel smirked inwardly.
‘Heh, take a good look before you die.’
In truth, Brandel was an agent sent by Count Desmond to assassinate Ghislain. The resources he brought were ones Count Desmond had stashed away in various places.
Count Desmond was willing to dispose of it all just to see Ghislain dead.
Brandel addressed Claude, who was still awestruck.
“Well then... shall we wait here? Will the lord personally inspect the goods?”
“Um... I suppose. I’ll inform him right away.”
Brandel set up the resources a short distance from the castle. The sheer volume was such that it would take a full day of nonstop moving to transport everything inside.
In such cases, transactions were typically handled outdoors, as both the manpower and time required to move the goods came with significant costs.
Anticipating this, Brandel had gathered as many available resources as possible.
Once Claude left for the castle, Brandel set up a negotiation table outside and gestured to the dozens of workers he’d brought along.
Most of them were assassins hired for this mission, with only a handful of actual laborers among them.
Four guards stood close to Brandel, while the others spread out to secure an escape route.
‘Let’s see how many guards he brings.’
No matter how many there were, it wouldn’t matter. The contract signing required Ghislain to stand close by.
‘I heard he’s pretty skilled. Let’s see how long he lasts.’
Brandel smiled confidently.
He was a high-ranking knight, and even if Ghislain was as strong as the rumors suggested, Brandel was sure a surprise attack with his team of assassins would tilt the odds in his favor.
After a while, Ghislain arrived with a few guards.
At that moment, Brandel felt certain of his plan’s success.
‘This guy really is crazy! He’s brave enough to bring only a handful of guards with him!’
Aside from Gillian and a few knights, Ghislain’s entourage was minimal. With his assassins and guards, Brandel believed he could end Ghislain right then and there.
But Brandel held back, forcing himself to remain calm. There was a more surefire way to kill him, so there was no need to rush.
His patience and composure were precisely why Harold had entrusted him with this mission.
“Welcome, my lord. I am Brandel.”
“Oh, you’ve brought quite a lot! Looks like we’ve gained a valuable trade partner.”
“Of course. Why don’t you take a look at the goods first?”
At Ghislain’s nod, a few officials began inspecting the goods. Given the volume, it was bound to take some time.
Brandel politely gestured to the table. “Please, have a seat while we wait. Perhaps you’d like to review the contract as well.”
“Alright.”
Ghislain took a seat and began reviewing the contract. It was neatly written, with no surprises.
“Hmm, everything seems in order. I look forward to working together.”
“It’s an honor. Securing food has been difficult these days.”
Brandel made small talk, which Ghislain found amusing, occasionally nodding in agreement.
“Ah, it’s a pleasure to meet you today. I’ve brought a fine drink to celebrate this
successful trade. Consider it a token of good fortune.”
“A drink? What kind?”
“It’s called the ‘Red Dragon,’ the finest on the continent. Care to try it?”
“Oh, really?”
The ‘Red Dragon’ was a rare, high-quality liquor, difficult even for noble households to procure. Refusing it would have been impolite, so Ghislain gladly accepted.
‘What a simple-minded fool. Anything expensive must be good, huh?’
Brandel prepared the poisoned drink, hiding his intentions behind a smile.
In reality, poisoning was a notoriously unreliable assassination method.
The biggest challenge was administering the poison. Potent toxins often left telltale signs, like strange colors or odors, and could even damage the food or drink.
Even if those issues were resolved, nobles rarely ate or drank anything without having their staff taste it first, making poison a rarely successful tactic.
But this poison was unique.
‘The usual taste testers won’t notice anything.’
It had little effect on ordinary people, reacting only to mana.
The more mana a person possessed, the stronger the toxin’s effect. Even a high-ranking knight would struggle to suppress its effects, making it difficult to wield their full strength.
While it did have a strong smell, Brandel had masked it by mixing it with a stronger liquor.
This poison was crafted with great care by the duke’s house, and fewer than five bottles had ever been successfully produced due to the rarity and cost of the ingredients.
Harold had given Brandel one without hesitation, entirely focused on killing Ghislain. 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝙗.𝒄𝒐𝒎
“To ease your mind, my lord, I’ll drink first.”
To dispel suspicion, Brandel poured himself a glass of the amber liquid and downed it in one go. Since he had taken an antidote beforehand, one glass wouldn’t harm him.
Then, he poured a glass for Ghislain and said, “It’s delicious. If you’re hesitant, feel free not to drink. I’ll leave it as a gift, and you can verify it later.”
Brandel didn’t mind if Ghislain didn’t drink. He could launch his attack soon enough and succeed with a close-range assault.
Watching the glass, Ghislain smirked.
“It does look tasty.”
Ghislain picked up the glass and slowly sipped from it.
The knights around him merely stood by, unfazed.
Watching this, Brandel clenched his fist.
‘Fools. Discipline really is in shambles here. They just watch as their lord drinks something from a stranger.’
Finishing his drink, Ghislain set the glass down with a smile.
“Wow, that’s the second strongest drink I’ve ever had. What’s in this?”
Brandel’s expression hardened. His workers around him began exchanging knowing glances.
Then, Ghislain poured himself another glass and took another sip.
“It’s tasty, though.”
Watching Ghislain drink more of the poison, Brandel celebrated internally.
‘You’re dead now! This is going smoother than expected. Fate is on our side!’
Even for someone as strong as Ghislain, two glasses would be nearly impossible to survive. Despite his own antidote, Brandel felt his insides burning.
As Brandel raised his hand, signaling his men to prepare for the attack, Ghislain poured him another glass and said, “You should have another one too.”
“What?”
“Go on. Have another.”
The unexpected offer caused Brandel’s face to go rigid.
