Chapter 90: Evening Banquet Invitation

Count Merelev poured out the valuable items the butler had retrieved onto the table. Lady Rien, who was sitting in front of him, began to put on the jewelry one by one, just as she had done yesterday. The problematic amber ring was no exception.

"Take a closer look. If he liked it so much, he might have taken it."

"Are you joking?"

The count subtly probed while watching the lady's reaction. Was the suspicious atmosphere he felt at that moment just an illusion? At that moment, the butler cleared his throat and spoke.

"Ahem. But, my lord. There's a problem."

"Problem? What problem?"

"It seems that many of the Bratz estate's residents were out when I returned from there. Upon inquiry, it appears that Sir Ian has opened a gula trade for the estate's residents."

"Gula trade? So, he's been managing the share of my estate's residents all this time?"

The count was missing the point. Who would have thought that the estate's residents would start trading the day after the gula trade was allowed? The butler bit his upper lip in a difficult manner. The count's face gradually turned pale.

"...No, surely not."

"The residents of the Bratz estate were selling gula to the residents of the Merelev estate. The news spread quickly, and it was quite a success."

"Damn scoundrel!"

Clang!

The count, without realizing it, threw the teacup on the table. The lady, the butler, and the servants who were attending to him all flinched and became alert.

"Calm down, my lord."

"Calm down? Did you just say calm down?"

"The gula they were selling was roasted. It can only be eaten, not cultivated, so it shouldn't be a significant issue for the estate's management."

Thirty-five gold coins per sack. To recoup the cost, the only option was to cultivate gula and distribute it to the estate's residents. Or use it as a pretext to drastically reduce next year's tax rate, or sell it for money.

"For now, the food shortage in the estate isn't too bad, so it's not entirely negative. The problem is that it happened so suddenly without any consultation..."

Yes. In a way, he should be grateful to Ian. He's keeping the estate's residents alive until the gula can be cultivated. However, the count couldn't help but feel a strong sense of displeasure and even a threat from the action taken without consultation.

"What if he releases fresh gula during the distribution period after cultivation?"

Isn't there a clear intention to provoke? The count continued to tap the desk, frowning. He should have been more cautious when Ian started talking about economic freedom.

"That brat..."

"Let's calm down as the butler suggested. There's still time, and most importantly, we can't be sure of Sir Ian's intentions."

Lady Rien, who had been listening quietly, signaled to a servant to clean up the broken teacup. Sharp objects nearby could lead to someone getting hurt.

"And, um. He made a personal proposal to me."

"What? Ian did?"

"Yes. He asked for help in training the butlers at his mansion during my personal time. I indirectly refused, saying I needed your permission, but he offered to pay a fee and return Clark if I wanted."

"Ridiculous. What's the point of a single slave?"

The count dismissed it with a laugh, but Lady Rien understood the implications. Does he want to send a butler to get Clark back? Or after everything is done?

'I can't tell. Really.'

Previously, the count had become very sensitive about sending letters after sending gifts and congratulations to Ian. He had many questions but couldn't act rashly.

"I'll send another letter."

"To Sir Ian?"

"To invite him to dinner at the mansion."

On the surface, it would be to express gratitude for the gula trade, but secretly, it would be to issue a proper warning. The behavior of someone backed by the central government was not to be taken lightly.

"Understood."

"Prepare yourself, Lady."

"Of course."

As the count stood up, the servant who was cleaning up the broken pieces hesitated. Fortunately, he left to check on the gula cultivation, and the tension in the room eased.

"Phew."

The lady and the servants breathed a sigh of relief. They avoided each other's gaze, feeling awkward.

* * *

"Unbelievable."

Beric rubbed his eyes and muttered. It had been only a day since the gula trade was allowed in Merelev. He had felt the village outside the mansion was noisy, but he hadn't expected this.

"Is this the money made in just one day?"

"Everyone seems to be more resourceful than I thought. Especially those who make a living through commerce."

Ian laughed as he looked at the coins filling the chest. Most were silver and copper coins, but there were also a few gold coins. They were probably taxes from those who paid large amounts of rent.

"That's why people say passive income is good, good."

"Everywhere, those who own land and houses end up with everything. Though, it's a bit ridiculous for me to say that."

The profits from the residents' trades came in as taxes. There might be some omissions or trial-and-error on the first day, but as a side income, it was quite substantial.

"And it's like this on the first day, but it will decrease gradually. Many residents will buy in bulk, and the surplus will run out eventually."

The residents of the Bratz estate were setting aside their share for the winter while making a profit. Not many had greenhouses, so Ian's subordinates were constantly patrolling the village to monitor the trade.

"How much is all this?"

"Exactly. Beric, how much do you think it is?"

"Who knows? Shouldn't we count it?"

"You're right. Count it quickly."

"...Hey, master?"

"Separate the gold, silver, and copper coins. Ask for help if you need it."

"From who?"

"Clark, I heard you've been using him as a servant recently."

"Ah, him? Forget it. It's no fun."

People who have used servants know how to use them well. Beric, who had never had anyone under him, found the novelty wore off after just one day. The biggest issue was that he couldn't use Clark as a sparring partner.

"By the way, Ian."

"Yes?"

"When we go to the capital, will you take me with you?"

Beric squatted down and started sorting the coins in the chest. His actions were both amusing and pitiful, so Ian sat opposite him and helped with the coins.

"That's up to you."

The deal between Ian and Beric was simple.

Ian would awaken Beric's potential as a sword mage.

Beric would protect Ian's safety.

In reality, with the Bratz estate destroyed and an alliance with the Tianli, there was almost no one who could threaten Ian's life. His status as a mana user would also serve as a shield in the capital.

'Whether it's a shield or not, I don't know what will happen when I go to the Magic Department's palace, so there's no need to bring a large entourage.'

"What else can I learn there?"

"Of course. Beric, it's the royal palace. All the people who fly and soar are gathered there."

"Compared to the Tianli, how strong are they?"

"Hmm..."

Ian thought for a moment. There were too many criteria to compare strength.

First, the combat mages from the Magic Department were almost unparalleled without a control stone, and physically, there was the Royal Guard.

"They can't be compared. I think it was... in the north..."

"In the north? Why did you stop talking?"

He almost made a mistake. He had mistaken an event that hadn't happened yet as if it had. Beric asked irritably, but Ian remained silent.

"Why! Why! Just talk!"

"The northern heroes couldn't match the Royal Guard captains."

"Wow, you're making it up."

"Did I slip up?"

"If I couldn't tell, I'd be an idiot."

"Sorry. I actually forgot."

The incident in the north of the Barial Empire. It was a significant shock to the empire, which had been almost free from monster attacks. Despite the rise of the Atan, descendants of the Blood Race, they were defeated and killed by the Royal Guard captains.

'So, that's going to happen soon, too.'

There were also many other major wars, battles, and rebellions.

Ian started counting the years instead of the coins. As he counted, Beric's eyes sparkled.

"Is there that many?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Are there that many captains?"

"Ah, the Royal Guard captains are usually three in number."

Except in chaotic situations like when the emperor is overthrown. The captains Ian remembered all left behind their backs. Some left him, and others died protecting him.

"The royal palace is incredible."

"It's not just the royal palace. The capital is full of people who can fly and soar. The border isn't called the border for nothing."

"You talk as if you've been to the capital."

"...I've picked up bits and pieces."

"Then I'll go too."

Beric made a firm decision. He felt that going to the capital would elevate him to the next level. Just like how a sword needs stronger stimuli to improve, his skills would grow with more powerful opponents.

"I want to go! Take me!"

"Alright. I understand."

It seemed he hadn't thought about what he would do there, but it was a good thing for Ian. It meant a safer journey to the capital. Ber