Chapter 8

---

"--- Huh, exact copies of the real thing are flooding my territory in large numbers! What is this? I don't understand at all!!"

Thump! The large middle-aged man slammed his fist on the table and shouted at the captain of the guards.

He was none other than the lord of the Bonclay territory, 'Jaikof Bonclay.' His face had turned bright red after hearing the unbelievable news that had been suddenly brought to him.

"Exact copies of the real thing can't exist! Isn't someone stealing from the inventory and selling them!?"

"N-no, there are no signs of such activity! As a result, many famous shops are on the verge of bankruptcy, and some have no choice but to close down...!"

"Damn it! Why didn't you notice this sooner!!!"

Jaikof's fist slammed into the face of the captain of the guards, who was trembling in fear.

The captain of the guards was sent flying to the wall, blood gushing from his nose. In reality, he was not at fault. Given that the copies flooding the market were of the same quality as the originals and there were no signs of theft, it was understandable that the situation had become critical before it was noticed.

Moreover, those who had purchased the copies saw no benefit in reporting the matter, especially since they could get top-quality items at a much lower price. The situation worsened when some of these buyers started reselling the copies, leading to a hellish scenario where the original products stopped selling altogether. It was only then that the problem came to light.

"Get up quickly! Identify the person making these copies immediately!"

"W-well, the number of resellers is so large that it will take a considerable amount of time to trace the source...!"

"Are you trying to destroy my Bonclay territory! Just do it quickly!!!"

Jaikof kicked the captain of the guards, who was bleeding profusely from the nose, out into the hallway in a fit of rage.

"Grrrr... Not only do we have that trash-like 'Beibaron' territory nearby, but we are also struggling to attract tourists who bring in foreign currency...!"

Grinding his teeth, Jaikof slammed his fist on the table again.

---

He still hadn't realized that the one causing this abnormal situation was the lord of that trash-like territory, 'Rize Beibaron.' And during this time, Rize was planning to "spread high-quality copies at low prices to make everyone happy" with zero malice.

Thus, a few days later, the old-established shops that had been paying large amounts of taxes to Bonclay finally had to take down their signs.

---

◆ ◇ ◆

---

"--- Master! Is there anything we can help with!? We'll do anything for you!"

"Please let us repay your kindness!"

Hahaha! Rize-kun is so popular, it's a bit of a problem!

Since I launched the strategy of "spreading high-quality copies at low prices to make everyone happy," the former slaves I bought from Bonclay territory have become even more attached to me. Well, I can't help it; I've shown them how kind and capable I am!

Sigh... In contrast, the economy of Bonclay territory seems to be in bad shape lately. While our place is thriving with people coming to work and selling secretly, what's going on over there? The lord of Bonclay should work harder! You should try to make your people smile like I do!

Just as I was quietly burning with righteous indignation as a fellow lord, one of the maids bowed deeply.

"Um, this time, you did it for us, right!? Thank you so much! I feel so good because of you!"

Hmm? Ah, well, earning money is indeed to pay these guys a good salary. I don't want to be poisoned by my subordinates because I'm stingy with payments. Lord Rize, the capable lord, tries not to make enemies.

"Haha, don't worry about it. I'm different from the incompetent lord of Bonclay."

"Hehe, that's right! As Alicia-sama said, you are the one who truly deserves to be called 'King'..."

Hey, hey, hey, that silver-haired nun who's so disappointing was praising me that much! I'm blushing! But if the other nobles hear the people saying such things, they might suspect me of rebellion. I should put a stop to it.

"I appreciate your high praise... but please tell Alicia to be careful. Make sure such statements are not heard by nobles or royalty. It's an important time... I don't want to be suspected of rebellion right now."

"Ah, right now...! I see... So, you are...!"

Yeah, yeah? Of course, it's an important time to build up the territory. I want to make Beibaron a great place and receive praise from the kings. I don't want any bad rumors to spread. Please take care of that, maids!

"Please be careful with your words and actions. Make me look like a loyal subject."

"Ha! We will do so with our lives!"

No, no, no need to risk your lives!?

...

Truly, my ultra-kind and heartfelt lordship has made them grow up to be so serious! Hahaha! Peace, peace!

---

*After that, I pushed the economic invasion to the limit.