Chapter 87: Waiting for Disposition

Ian and Romandor visited the central bank in Fortologa. It was near the quarters where Molin and his party had stayed, in the same neighborhood where he had met Filia in the park.

As soon as Ian got out of the carriage, the bank manager, who was waiting at the door, bowed deeply.

"Lord Ian. How are you?"

"Hello. It's been a while. How have you been?"

"I heard that you had a transaction with Baron Merellof and Gula, but is all of this gold coins?"

The bank manager raised his monocle slightly and asked in a bewildered tone. It did look somewhat rough, as if they were moving a pile of logs, with the large chests divided and carried.

"Yes, that's right. 1,000 gold coins."

"Didn't you give a check?"

"Well, the man who handles money has such poor manners. Tsk tsk."

Romandor grumbled and clicked his tongue. With three gold coin certificates, there would be no need to go through such trouble.

Ian entered the bank with his servants. The 'Haiman Bank' sign had a clear scratch mark. It was a scar left by the refugees when the battle between the Central and Derga forces broke out.

"It's livable."

"Indeed. Thanks to you, there's no problem."

Click.

Behind the bank manager, black-armored guards approached. The black armor was the symbol of Haiman Bank and responsible for security. In reality, the armor, made from mana stones, could be considered a lethal weapon, more so than the guards' skills.

"Can we move them?"

"Yes, please."

"You're too kind."

There were four chests, each containing 250 gold coins, which two adult men could barely move together. However, the armored guards lifted two at once without any difficulty.

"……!?"

The most astonished was Beric. He froze instantly, his eyes rolling wildly. It was as if he was wondering what kind of strength that was. Even a Thousand Mile Clan member wouldn't be that strong.

"What, what is it?"

"Ah, is this your first time seeing it, Beric?"

Ian let Romandor explain.

"It's armor made from mana stones. While the main branch in the Central has support and a short response time... it's different in these border regions."

Not just anyone can do this. It's a kind of wealth display by those who monopolize the financial sector in Barial. One set alone...

"So that's why."

"What's why?"

"Brats had the best security in Fortologa, but even then, thieves wouldn't dare to urinate near the bank."

The strength to crush a human head. Not only that, it was fire-resistant, shock-resistant, and even resistant to low-level magic.

"Beric, if someone had tried to harm the bank, Derga would have killed them before these guards moved. And if, during the battle between the Central Army and Derga, the bank was threatened by a third party, they would have paused the fight and defended here together."

"Is this bank manager the grandfather of the emperor or something?"

"He's treated like a sanctuary in Barial."

It was the third domain within Barial. If a mistake led to a rejected transaction, one would have to move or manage large amounts of wealth personally, effectively being excluded from the economic activities of the central powers.

"Then, if someone really did rob the bank during the chaos, there would have been less fighting."

Beric spoke without hesitation, making the guards hesitate, but they soon realized his intentions were not malicious and resumed moving the chests.

"Who would risk their life for such a job?"

"Besides, it was used as an evacuation site, so people were packed in front of the door. The moment they decided to rob, they would have been robbed first."

The bank manager laughed it off and brought tea to them. The sofa and table were old but well-maintained. Compared to the central bank, it was more like a rural pub.

"You said a total of 1,000 gold coins, right?"

"Yes."

"I need some time to count. Please wait here."

Romandor sipped his tea and glanced around the bank.

"Since we made a profit of about 3,500 gold coins, part of the tribute is covered. Taxes will be higher than usual, but the amount will be insufficient. Hmm. There's no immediate problem, but next year is the issue."

The problem was that there were countless places where money would be needed.

First, when he went to the capital for the New Year's event, the moment he left, it would cost money. To mingle with the central nobles, he would need to maintain a certain level of dignity.

"Do you know that before becoming a mage, a mana user is only guaranteed a minimum living allowance?"

"Yes, I know."

"If you're okay, why don't you live with us?"

"Haha. You're newly married, aren't you?"

"It's not like we'll share a room. What do you think?"

"Thank you for the offer. But look, before we leave, we've already prepared about 40% of the tribute. Everything will be fine, so don't worry."

While Ian and Romandor were talking, Beric was just munching on the snacks. His attitude clearly showed that money worries were not his concern.

"Raising taxes is the easiest and most convenient method, after all."

"It might be easy and convenient for me, but it's the hardest thing for the people. I've already gradually increased the tax rate while distributing Gula."

"Why not raise more funds while you're at it? If you give them more time, they'll have a chance to prepare. It's not like you're demanding it by tomorrow."

Romandor, who had been giving detailed advice, looked at Ian's expression and laughed helplessly.

"You're not listening, are you?"

"What do you mean? I've been agreeing with you."

"No, no, I mean, you don't plan to raise taxes."

Ian just smiled.

Indeed, raising taxes was the easiest and most certain method. But they had just recovered from the battle's aftermath, and the winter preparations with Gula were just completed.

And most importantly, once he went to the palace, it was uncertain what would happen to Ian's plans...

'There's no need to add more burden.'

"Didn't you know I'll be away from the estate for a long time, Romandor?"

"Yes, but..."

"They're just preoccupied with immediate survival before winter. Once spring comes, they'll have various negative thoughts."

A commoner-born lord receiving a title and not even visiting, just raising taxes.

People who commit sins even when the gods are watching. How much more so for a distant lord... the servants would surely suffer.

"I really appreciate your concern, Romandor. I understand your points, but please don't worry too much about my stubbornness."

When Ian said this, Romandor sighed and sipped his tea. While the gold coin count was ongoing, Ian suddenly remembered something and looked at Beric.

"Beric, Baron Merellof has a younger brother who is in seclusion in one of the high mansions in the estate."

"So?"

"I want you to find out more about him."

"Ugh."

Another task. Beric frowned and chewed on the Gula. It was truly amazing. He seemed very passionate but was also lazy.

Click.

"Lord Ian, the counting is done, and we're checking for counterfeit coins. Do you want to write the certificate first?"

At that moment, the bank manager, who had been counting the gold coins inside, reappeared. He had been using mana to check for counterfeits and was drying his wet hands with a towel.

"Let's do it. Is there a problem?"

"No, there isn't. 1,000 gold coins, it's been a long time since I've handled this much. The vault will be full until the collection team arrives."

"Certificate?"

"Please sign here."

The document in the leather case. Ian sat on the sofa and signed the document, placing the gold coins in his name.

'...Has he ever done bank business before?'

Romandor and the bank manager had the same doubt but resolved it with a mutual glance. They probably told each other.

"Yes, it's done. Thank you."

"That's my line. Good job. In four days, Baron Merellof will transfer an additional 2,500 gold coins. It would be good to prepare the check in advance."

"Ah, I see. Understood. By the way, here's a notice. Due to winter, the transport routes often get blocked. Especially, the branches in Karenna, Longin, and Zailkup are currently unavailable. The security in Karenna is so bad that even bandits rob each other."

"I might not have any business there. Thanks anyway."

"Yes, thank you."

The branch manager bowed deeply, indicating that all business was successfully completed. Ian returned to the mansion with a light step. Clearly, moving 100 bales was no small task, and everyone was still busy.

"Lord Ian, welcome back."

"How's it going?"

The servant wiped his sweat and glanced at the back, where Merellof's party was.

"Fortunately, we had thirty bales pre-packed, but they're all checking the condition and taking them."

The meticulous selection process was time-consuming. Ian pushed through his subordinates and shook his head at the back of Baron Merellof, who was interfering with each bale.

"Let them work hard."

"Yes, but it should be done before dinner."

"Understood. I'll come back after I finish up."

Ian entered