[Side story] Both arm scales (7)
Oldeck’s clock is turned 90 degrees.
It was an idiom that expressed in one line what a foreigner would feel when visiting the commercial city of Oldeck.
There are no people in this world more diligent than greedy merchants.
Oldeck, a port city built on the coast, is full of people running around for a living more diligently than the morning sun.
While it is time for out-of-towners to wake up from sleepiness, the merchants of Old Deck are all busy running around… The streets of Oldeck at dawn are more noisy than when the sun is high in the sky compared to other cities.
At around 6 a.m., most workplaces are already full of people, so it’s not strange to get the illusion that the clocks are really turned to one side.
On that topic, bedtime is much later than in other cities, so it’s actually only a half-correct idiom.
In this vibrant city, sloth is the greatest sin.
I don’t hate the atmosphere of this city, where everyone passing by has a lively expression on their face, but there are definitely people who would be disgusted if they had to live in such a combative environment 365 days a year.
It can be said to be the complete opposite of Pulan, Jenica’s hometown, which I recently visited.
“You arrived later than expected.”
Belle, who got out of the carriage while holding the hand of the half-asleep Lortel, spoke to me while supervising the vassals unloading the luggage.
The location is the central square of the Old Deck commercial district.
Even in this all-deck, which has over 11 large and small squares, it was the one closest to the center.
Behind the large fountain in the middle of the square stands the government building that manages all of Old Deck’s administration.
If the head of the Cloel Empire is the capital Cloeron. This Old Deck is the heart.
This is because all logistics of the bloody empire revolve around this place.
Therefore, the government office that manages this Old Deck has no choice but to boast of its magnificent size. A sophisticated marble wall centered on an archaic wooden pillar revealed its majesty.
“Wow, wow… ”
Lortel was gaping at the government building. Although he had actually been to this building many times, to the inexperienced Lortel, this majestic building seemed truly surprising.
“Lortel.”
I called Lortel quietly.
Lortel was startled when he heard that voice, and held Belle’s hand tightly and hugged her waist.
“Yes, eh… ”
Lortel answered me in a timid voice.
Perhaps still embarrassed by revealing the contents of the note, she twisted the ends of her auburn hair and looked up at me.
“How do you like this city?”
“yes?”
Lortel looked embarrassed at the sudden question.
I know Lortel’s past history.
For Lortel, this city called Oldeck is a place of love and hate.
From his childhood, when he had to walk around the slums and hit someone’s back to survive, until he opened his eyes to money and stood at the top as a merchant.
Lortel could neither love nor hate this city.
That’s why I wanted to ask Lortel, who doesn’t remember the many hardships of life, at least once.
“This city… ?”
“Last time, I left in such a hurry that I couldn’t even look around Old Deck properly. “This is the largest square in Alldeck, and the place where the most people come and go.”
I don’t understand why this question is being asked in this situation, but Lortel didn’t specifically ask why. They are not mature enough to understand such intentions and act in the first place.
Lortel looked around while holding Belle’s hand tightly.
I slowly close my eyes and open them, taking in the sight of Old Deck.
Surprisingly, the scenes of Old Deck captured in the girl’s innocent eyes do not make her that uncomfortable.
There is no way for this girl to know how complicated her feelings about this city are when she grows up.
Therefore, Lortel spoke while looking at the huge stone statue on top of the fountain in the central square.
It was a stone statue of a merchant wearing a robe, holding up a large two-armed scale.
“… just… great. The atmosphere… “It’s lively.”
Eventually, Lortel smiled with difficulty.
*
“I’ll give you three missions.”
The maid, Belle Maia, is a high-class person.
Her role in the Ross Taylor mansion is enormous. Her hands-on area of practice extends to all aspects of the mansion’s operations.
If she were to be away from the mansion for a long period of time, it would have a significant negative impact on the management of the estate.
Nevertheless, the reason why Bell personally accompanied him to Old Deck was because he needed someone who was that reliable.
A manpower that is sure to get the job done, has guaranteed combat capabilities, and will never betray me.
I sat on a bench on one side of Oldeck Square and spoke while rubbing my chin.
Belle is quietly concentrating on me with her arms folded in front of her in a calm posture, and her face is as expressionless as always.
“While I take care of the affairs of Alldeck Company, you only take care of three things.”
“I will do as you instructed.”
“First of all, protect Lortel. As soon as we enter the Old Deck, Slog’s personnel will try to secure Lortel somehow. “You must protect Lortel while I finish the job.”
Even this situation, which is already crowded with people, is a threat to Lortel.
Even before I gave instructions, Belle was clearly looking around and feeling tense.
“It’s a natural order.”
Bell is a high-level wizard who is not only skilled with a rapier, but also knows how to use mid-level magic.
It is not something that needs to be protected for several days, and short-term escorting can be done as much as necessary.
“Second, go into the government office and meet the commissioner in person.”
“Would you like to meet me?”
I took out an envelope containing documents from my pocket and held it out.
“This is my power of attorney. “If I told you that the head maid of Ross Taylor Mansion personally brought my power of attorney, she would naturally show her face.”
“It is an honor to personally represent Master Ed, even though I am a humble person.”
“Let’s put aside unnecessary greetings and just talk about what’s necessary.”
“yes. sorry. “Because it’s a way of speaking that is ingrained in me.”
Belle carefully took my power of attorney, checked the outside, and then put it in her arms.
“But why do you have to meet the commissioner in person?”
“They are taking their time by using the Ross Taylor family’s business conditions as an excuse. If you do that, your third mission will appear.”
“You mean the third mission?”
“okay.”
After confirming that the carriage was completely unloaded, I stood up, dusting off my pants.
“To solve all problems, your third mission is essential. “Removing the curse on Lortel and making sure the slog is over.”
With that said, I made sure to convey her mission to Belle.
Belle nodded with a serious expression.
*
Elte Trading Company Headquarters.
This commercial building, which occupies the largest site on the dockside of Oldeck, which is said to be the land of gold, is completely different in size from the branch at Sylvania Academy.
The huge trading floor that all merchants want to set foot in at least once is like a utopia for the greedy.
Everything works for money, and people will do anything to make money.
And currently, the head of the Elte Company is the old fox Slog Keldlux.
By agreement with Lortel, he was temporarily in charge of the position of head of the association until she graduated.
In Slog’s office, two executives of the Chamber of Commerce were sitting together.
In principle, the governance structure of Elte Trading Company is dual.
The chairman who coordinates the large-scale operation plans of the business association.
And the ‘Six Colossians’, which selected the most influential people among the merchants belonging to the Chamber of Commerce.
Of course, in the end, the person who can speak loudest is Hoeju. The Six Giants can only produce a voice similar to that of Hoeju when all six of them sit together in one place.
At least, they do not have direct decision-making authority and are only in a position to discuss with the shareholders.
In addition, the status of the six giants has become much weaker than before.
Slog Keldlux, who was sitting in the position of the six colossi, was removed as he became the leader, and Lortel Keheln was also scheduled to leave the position of the colossus soon.
Whether it’s a hoeju or some other way… Lortel’s position will soon completely change.
In the end, there were only four great merchants left who could maintain their authority.
And, of those four, two had already decided to join Slog.
Puelan, a mineral merchant, and Caldenheim, a bond merchant.
The two greedy men were sitting in Slog’s office, interrogating him.
“You were confident that you had completely trapped Lortel Kecheln, but in the end, you were unable to push her away and time was passing by in a sluggish manner.”
Puellan, who was plump and plump, sat on the hospitality sofa and glared at Slog with a displeased expression.
“I’ve already completely bet on you, but if you don’t handle things neatly like this, I’m just getting anxious. “Is it certain that you will be reappointed as president of the association?”
“I agree too. Lord Slog. “I, too, cannot stand by and watch the Golden Emperor Elte’s daughter eat the dinner table.”
“Everyone is really worried.”
Slog put the quill down on the desk and leaned back.
As the two giants looked at him with suspicious eyes, he chuckled and continued talking.
“okay. Lortel Kecheln… It’s not easy to push that foxy girl away. Since I have the family of Duke Rosstaylor behind me, it is no small hardship for me. but… “It’s not impossible.”
Slog is a veteran who has survived in this world of commerce for decades.
The two giants were not unaware of that fact. However, I am just uneasy because the other person is none other than Lortel.
“If those who have risen to the rank of great merchants in this cruel business world do not have so much patience, what kind of great business can they build?”
“Be careful what you say, Slog Keldlux. “No matter how great you are, there will be limits to your ability to spread your influence without the help of the great merchants.”
“Hehe, yeah. I apologize. However, it’s not like I don’t have any thoughts.”
From what I heard, Slog Keldrox personally went to Los Tailor’s territory to check on the situation.
Even from a slog perspective, it meant that I was running around with my feet on fire. It was to end Lortel more surely.
“Lortel Kecheln has already been cursed with regression and is completely incapacitated. At this point, no matter what we do, we have no power whatsoever to deal with it. The easiest thing to do would be to accuse him of embezzlement like we did when we kicked out Elte… “First of all, things must be handled carefully.”
“That damn prudence, prudence. “How long are you going to keep watching carefully?”
“Do you think that what we have to deal with is simply Lortel Kecheln’s personal power?”
Slog stood up, pushed his office chair into the desk, and came to sit in front of the customer table.
Two giants were sitting opposite, and hot tea was on a low coffee table.
Slog lifted a cup of tea and poured it onto the lap of the mineral dealer Fuellan.
“Fuck you! Are you crazy?! “Aaaah!”
“You seem really anxious, so I guess that means you should calm down. “Let’s stop being short-sighted and thinking that everything will be resolved by simply pushing Lortel out.”
“Hey, sipal! Is there anyone out there?! ice! “Bring me some ice!”
Slog sat down on the hospitality sofa and crossed his legs.
“We have to get rid of the Rosstaylor family that is sitting behind Lortel. Only then will the work be completed neatly. “If you try to finish the work hastily, you will end up with everything wrong.”
“If it’s Duke Rosstaylor, isn’t it the place that boasts the greatest authority on the continent? Although their power is still small, I heard that they are under the protection of all kinds of noble people.”
“yes. So you have to be even more careful.”
At Kaldenheim’s words, Slog smiled and placed the empty teacup on the table.
“It is now led by the sons of Crepin, the previous head of the family. “I looked at Ed Ross-Taylor and Tanya Ross-Taylor, who are the heads, and got a feel for them, and I was able to get a rough idea of what kind of person they are.”
Slog raised the corners of his mouth and spoke.
“They are definitely very talented considering their age, but their behavior is easy to read. They’re careful, cunning guys. So, you will try to be even more cautious when dealing with me. “I will find out who is behind me and try to root it out from the root.”
“If you just listen, it feels like you’re in a crisis.”
“No, it is much easier to read the movements of children from noble families like that.”
Slog spoke leisurely as he buried his body in the backrest.
“I looked through all the records of Ed Rosstaylor, the powerful person in that family. Currently serving as an emeritus professor at Sylvania Academy, he is engaged in various research positions and is somewhat involved in the administration of the school. Do you know what the characteristics of those from noble families who devote themselves to the teaching profession are?”
“… ”
“I firmly believe that everything can be solved with documents and politics. Sorry, but that’s our specialty… . “I don’t realize it at all.”
Even if the Ross Taylor operatives try to frame the situation and put political pressure on it, there is a limit to how they can attack Elte Chamber of Commerce with pressure without any justification.
Ultimately, what is needed is cause and justification.
Ed Rothtaylor will try to solve that problem somehow.
In order to do that, you would have to go directly to Alldeck and collect information.
Information warfare, political warfare, secret fighting behind the scenes.
Sadly, all of this is Slog’s specialty.
“What we are really afraid of is. It’s an enemy with unpredictable movements. “Not that noble boy.”
The figure of Slog, smiling and looking down at the two colossi, is the undisputed ruler of a dark back alley.
“Maybe they’re crazy people who can’t figure out what they’re thinking, but a noble family who shows such an obvious behavior pattern… Rather, it is much easier to coordinate and cajole. I’m more scared of the bandits and bums I meet while peddling. “They cut you right in front of your nose.”
In front of Slog, who was sitting with his feet crossed, it was difficult for even the two giants to raise their voices.
“So wait slowly… When the obvious manipulation comes in… ”
– Bang!!
– Quaaaaaaa!
It was that time.
A loud explosion was heard from the front door of Elte Company.
The ensuing aftermath was a huge gale. The glass window, which was shaking and pounding, seemed as if it would break at any moment.
“W-What?!”
Slog trembled.
The two colossi facing each other also opened their eyes wide and looked at each other.
Slog quickly got up from his seat and went to the window to check the identity of the explosion coming from the front door.
However, before I could properly look out the window, the outer wall of the office burst.
– BOOM!!!!
Second explosion.
What is pushing in, crushing the marble wall like a sheet of paper, is a huge arrow made of magical energy.
The arrow that casually shattered the outer wall of the store as if it were a siege weapon had a mid-level explosion magic imprinted on it.
– Quaaaaaaaaaa!
“Kaaaaak!”
Caught in the aftermath of the explosion, the two Colossus and Slog rolled awkwardly on the ground.
-Kwang, kwaang. Kugoogung!
– patter
Falling dust.
belch. Heat. scream. A rising sense of crisis.
It felt like I was suddenly thrown from the middle of a business field to the center of a battlefield.
Slog caught his breath and stood up. And he ran out toward the half-destroyed outer wall.
The sharp wind in the sky swept Slog’s gray hair. And, as soon as the sight of the front door where the explosion was heard came into view, Slog couldn’t help but curse.
“Not this… mi… Friend… .”
I heard a rumor that he was an asshole, but even so, there is a degree to it.
Oldeck, the central city of the Cloel Empire.
And Elte Trading Company, the best trading company in Alldeck.
No matter how famous the son of a operative is, there are limits to how far he can go.
In the distance, near the main entrance of the store, I caught a glimpse of Ed Ross Taylor holding a large bow. He was standing on the roof of a carriage with the duchy’s emblem engraved on it.
There is nothing more to see.
In broad daylight when the sun is high in the sky, there are so many eyes watching. Suddenly, a magic arrow with an explosion engraved on it hit the commercial building.
Near the main gate, several retainers accompanied by Ed Ross-Taylor stood holding military flags.
In the center, Ed is loading the next arrow. That expression is horrifyingly insensitive. It is a movement that seems to be carrying out a natural and routine task.
“That crazy guy… How are we going to fix this? Doing something like this on the wall of the building of a commercial company that is doing good business without any charges… !”
While he was saying that, Ed Rosstaylor had already finished loading the next arrow.
Next, we were aiming at the roof of the store.
The first step is towards the main entrance of the business office, the second step is near Slog’s office, and the last step is toward the roof of the building to avoid casualties.
It was a goal setting where the intention was clearly visible.
“Uh, get down… ! One more shot comes!”
– Bang! Hwaaaaaaaaaaa!
The vibration rang out again, and the sound of store employees running around in fear penetrated Slog’s eardrums.
“W-what! How are you really going to handle it? I… That crazy guy… ! Have you really turned around?!”
Passersby and merchants passing by in front of the commercial building opened their eyes wide as if they had no idea what was going on.
The Elte Chamber of Commerce building, the tallest building in All Deck, was already in an unbelievable state. The rising smoke and dust showed the seriousness of the situation.
– Tap, tap.
He held the large bow with one hand and brushed off the hem of his shirt with the other hand.
It’s a great bow that was made with a lot of effort, but there are still a lot of things that need to be adjusted. I threw the burning tobacco onto the nearby road and gave instructions to the retainers who were waiting nearby.
“Go in.”
As soon as the order was given, the retainers picked up their weapons and rushed into the merchant house building.
