Chapter 41: ????????????????????'???? ???????????????????????????? (????)
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Chapter 41: Johan's choices (2)
The base of the guilds was in the city-states of the Catalian Peninsula, not in Marcel. For the guilds rooted in Marcel and the magistrate, the guilds were an entity hard to trust completely.
“But the case with the knight is different. Now, please tell me.”
“Cardirian is not a good Emperor, is he?”
Upon hearing Johan’s words, the magistrate grinned triumphantly.
“Is that so?”
“Did you call me to ask which side I’m on?”
“Ah. Of course not. The main point starts now. You have captured Baron Einbeck, and the right is yours. The knights sent by Count Bartok also said so.”
It was Johan who had captured Baron Einbeck, so the ransom for this hostage was also rightfully Johan’s.
“Do you plan to hand over Baron Einbeck to another noble?”
“!”
Instead of releasing Baron Einbeck for a ransom from the Einbeck family, handing him over to a third noble for money.
Certainly, this would have been a difficult task for nobles related to the Emperor or the Emperor himself. It was like throwing dirt on the face of the Einbeck family.
Of course, Johan was not at all concerned.
“If the price is right.”
“. . .Of course, we will offer you a generous price. Are you really okay with this?”
“Yes. But I’m curious. Who wants to take Baron Einbeck?”
“I cannot tell you yet. I will inform you once it’s decided.”
“Is it a noble of the Empire?”
“You are quick-witted. Instead, I will tell you something else. When the sun rises tomorrow, all Empire people in Marcel city—especially those related to the Emperor—will be expelled.”
Johan was surprised by the magistrate’s words. Although what the Emperor did was indeed unethical, he didn’t expect such a strong reaction.
“Is that allowed?”
“Cardirian refused to explain or compensate and insulted our diplomats. It’s a challenge to us, so there’s no reason to tolerate anymore.”
“Aren’t there pro-Emperor factions in the disaster relief council?”
“They will be gone from tomorrow.”
“. . . . . .”
Johan felt a chill for a moment.
“Sir, I was honestly surprised by your power. When the guilds mobilized you, I wondered what their intentions were.”
“I understand, being a foreign knight who drifted here.”
“But as things become more chaotic around us, a knight like you will become more valuable. As a magistrate, I look forward to your achievements. And don’t think that only the guilds can be your backing.”
The magistrate smiled meaningfully.
????????????????????????
‘Ugh. The banquet was a headache, but not in the way I expected.’
The conversation with the magistrate was beneficial but also burdensome.
It was clear what the magistrate wanted. When the interests of the trading company and the magistrate diverged, then come under the Magistrate’s seal instead of the company’s flag.
Considering the magistrate’s status, it was an undeniably good offer. . .
From Johan’s perspective, who neither knew the magistrate’s thoughts nor plans, it was inevitably suspicious.
In contrast, the trading company was straightforward. Give and take. Suetlg wasn’t wrong when he said the company was easy to understand.
‘And it seems too soon to betray someone you’ve just shaken hands with.’
Not just fame or power, but trust was also one of Johan’s valued principles. It was because many ignored this.
While pondering, Johan handled his tasks in order. He took care of the silver and gold from subjugation and merits (some of which he distributed to mercenaries and donated to the monastery), and decided to sell the troll’s skin and blood to Marcel.
“?”
“Looking at Marcel’s atmosphere, there’s a strong scent of war. Accepting the offer now means you’ll have to fight bloodily, in someone else’s war.”
“Who would they be fighting against?”
“I don’t know that. But if we do fight, it’ll probably be against the Empire, maybe a fiefdom related to the Emperor. The city wouldn’t stay idle after such an incident.”
Johan suddenly remembered what the magistrate had said.
Could the one wanting to buy Baron Einbeck be a feudal lord within the Holy Empire?
Selling the Baron and borrowing an army would definitely be a worthwhile venture, especially to start a war.
‘With such circumstances, it’s becoming awkward to accept the offer.’
Participating in the war was one thing, but joining as a subordinate of the magistrate was another. The difference in rewards received would be too great.
“In my opinion, what you should be worrying about right now is not that. You can honestly put aside the merchant guild or the magistrate for now. Choosing one side won’t make the other hold a grudge against you. But an invitation from the Count is a different story.”
“Do you have any advice to offer?”
“Don’t go to Count Bartok.”
“. . .Why not?”
Johan asked, seemingly bewildered by Suetlg’s abrupt statement.
“Because Count Bartok is a miser.”
“His spending is miserly?”
Johan recalled seeing the elf knights indulging lavishly in food and luxury. It seemed odd that a Count who allowed such extravagance could be a miser.
“I’m not talking about his spending. He spends lavishly because he has a reputation to maintain. But he won’t easily grant fiefs. Haven’t you seen those knights? None of them received a fiefdom.”
Count Bartok, though generous in spending for his own luxury and pride, was stingy in holding investiture ceremonies and granting fiefdoms to his subordinates.
“It’s quite obvious. He will invite you, make you compete in a few contests, praise you, and then hold an investiture ceremony. But after that, he won’t grant you a fiefdom.”
“Then what about Count Jarpen?”
“Count Jarpen is...”
Suetlg trailed off.
“The Count is?”
“. . .I don’t know much about him.”
“. . . . . .”
Seeing Johan’s expression, Suetlg quickly made an excuse.
“I haven’t met all the nobles. Especially someone like Count Jarpen, who doesn’t seek wizards, there’s even less chance of meeting.”
“When I was passing through, it seemed like there was a war going on.”
“Oh, that’s fortunate. Were they losing?”
“I’m not sure, but I think I heard they were at a disadvantage...”
“Even better. Such desperation might mean you’ll be treated well.”
Johan chuckled at Suetlg’s words. It sounded like a joke, but it made sense.
“So, inviting me would mean. . . they’re looking for a useful mercenary.”
“Does that bother you?”
“Not really. I thought it could be possible.”
“You’re quite an unusual person. Sometimes I think you have a broad perspective, and other times, it seems quite narrow.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Thanks to the conversation with Suetlg, Johan felt his thoughts becoming clearer. Indeed, it seemed right for Johan to go to a noble who needed him, rather than one who didn’t.
If Count Jarpen is desperate, he will likely make a substantial offer.
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Chapter 41: Johan's choices (2)
The base of the guilds was in the city-states of the Catalian Peninsula, not in Marcel. For the guilds rooted in Marcel and the magistrate, the guilds were an entity hard to trust completely.
“But the case with the knight is different. Now, please tell me.”
“Cardirian is not a good Emperor, is he?”
Upon hearing Johan’s words, the magistrate grinned triumphantly.
“Is that so?”
“Did you call me to ask which side I’m on?”
“Ah. Of course not. The main point starts now. You have captured Baron Einbeck, and the right is yours. The knights sent by Count Bartok also said so.”
It was Johan who had captured Baron Einbeck, so the ransom for this hostage was also rightfully Johan’s.
“Do you plan to hand over Baron Einbeck to another noble?”
“!”
Instead of releasing Baron Einbeck for a ransom from the Einbeck family, handing him over to a third noble for money.
Certainly, this would have been a difficult task for nobles related to the Emperor or the Emperor himself. It was like throwing dirt on the face of the Einbeck family.
Of course, Johan was not at all concerned.
“If the price is right.”
“. . .Of course, we will offer you a generous price. Are you really okay with this?”
“Yes. But I’m curious. Who wants to take Baron Einbeck?”
“I cannot tell you yet. I will inform you once it’s decided.”
“Is it a noble of the Empire?”
“You are quick-witted. Instead, I will tell you something else. When the sun rises tomorrow, all Empire people in Marcel city—especially those related to the Emperor—will be expelled.”
Johan was surprised by the magistrate’s words. Although what the Emperor did was indeed unethical, he didn’t expect such a strong reaction.
“Is that allowed?”
“Cardirian refused to explain or compensate and insulted our diplomats. It’s a challenge to us, so there’s no reason to tolerate anymore.”
“Aren’t there pro-Emperor factions in the disaster relief council?”
“They will be gone from tomorrow.”
“. . . . . .”
Johan felt a chill for a moment.
“Sir, I was honestly surprised by your power. When the guilds mobilized you, I wondered what their intentions were.”
“I understand, being a foreign knight who drifted here.”
“But as things become more chaotic around us, a knight like you will become more valuable. As a magistrate, I look forward to your achievements. And don’t think that only the guilds can be your backing.”
The magistrate smiled meaningfully.
????????????????????????
‘Ugh. The banquet was a headache, but not in the way I expected.’
The conversation with the magistrate was beneficial but also burdensome.
It was clear what the magistrate wanted. When the interests of the trading company and the magistrate diverged, then come under the Magistrate’s seal instead of the company’s flag.
Considering the magistrate’s status, it was an undeniably good offer. . .
From Johan’s perspective, who neither knew the magistrate’s thoughts nor plans, it was inevitably suspicious.
In contrast, the trading company was straightforward. Give and take. Suetlg wasn’t wrong when he said the company was easy to understand.
‘And it seems too soon to betray someone you’ve just shaken hands with.’
Not just fame or power, but trust was also one of Johan’s valued principles. It was because many ignored this.
While pondering, Johan handled his tasks in order. He took care of the silver and gold from subjugation and merits (some of which he distributed to mercenaries and donated to the monastery), and decided to sell the troll’s skin and blood to Marcel.
“?”
“Looking at Marcel’s atmosphere, there’s a strong scent of war. Accepting the offer now means you’ll have to fight bloodily, in someone else’s war.”
“Who would they be fighting against?”
“I don’t know that. But if we do fight, it’ll probably be against the Empire, maybe a fiefdom related to the Emperor. The city wouldn’t stay idle after such an incident.”
Johan suddenly remembered what the magistrate had said.
Could the one wanting to buy Baron Einbeck be a feudal lord within the Holy Empire?
Selling the Baron and borrowing an army would definitely be a worthwhile venture, especially to start a war.
‘With such circumstances, it’s becoming awkward to accept the offer.’
Participating in the war was one thing, but joining as a subordinate of the magistrate was another. The difference in rewards received would be too great.
“In my opinion, what you should be worrying about right now is not that. You can honestly put aside the merchant guild or the magistrate for now. Choosing one side won’t make the other hold a grudge against you. But an invitation from the Count is a different story.”
“Do you have any advice to offer?”
“Don’t go to Count Bartok.”
“. . .Why not?”
Johan asked, seemingly bewildered by Suetlg’s abrupt statement.
“Because Count Bartok is a miser.”
“His spending is miserly?”
Johan recalled seeing the elf knights indulging lavishly in food and luxury. It seemed odd that a Count who allowed such extravagance could be a miser.
“I’m not talking about his spending. He spends lavishly because he has a reputation to maintain. But he won’t easily grant fiefs. Haven’t you seen those knights? None of them received a fiefdom.”
Count Bartok, though generous in spending for his own luxury and pride, was stingy in holding investiture ceremonies and granting fiefdoms to his subordinates.
“It’s quite obvious. He will invite you, make you compete in a few contests, praise you, and then hold an investiture ceremony. But after that, he won’t grant you a fiefdom.”
“Then what about Count Jarpen?”
“Count Jarpen is...”
Suetlg trailed off.
“The Count is?”
“. . .I don’t know much about him.”
“. . . . . .”
Seeing Johan’s expression, Suetlg quickly made an excuse.
“I haven’t met all the nobles. Especially someone like Count Jarpen, who doesn’t seek wizards, there’s even less chance of meeting.”
“When I was passing through, it seemed like there was a war going on.”
“Oh, that’s fortunate. Were they losing?”
“I’m not sure, but I think I heard they were at a disadvantage...”
“Even better. Such desperation might mean you’ll be treated well.”
Johan chuckled at Suetlg’s words. It sounded like a joke, but it made sense.
“So, inviting me would mean. . . they’re looking for a useful mercenary.”
“Does that bother you?”
“Not really. I thought it could be possible.”
“You’re quite an unusual person. Sometimes I think you have a broad perspective, and other times, it seems quite narrow.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Thanks to the conversation with Suetlg, Johan felt his thoughts becoming clearer. Indeed, it seemed right for Johan to go to a noble who needed him, rather than one who didn’t.
If Count Jarpen is desperate, he will likely make a substantial offer.
Chapter 41: Johan's choices 2The base of the guilds was in the city-states of the Catalian Peninsula, not in Marcel. For the guilds rooted in Marcel and the magistrate, the guilds were an entity hard to trust completely.But the case with the knight is different. Now, please tell me.Cardirian is not a good Emperor, is he?Upon hearing Johan's words, the magistrate grinned triumphantly.Is that so?Did you call me to ask which side I'm on?Ah. Of course not. The main point starts now. You have captured Baron Einbeck, and the right is yours. The knights sent by Count Bartok also said so.It was Johan who had captured Baron Einbeck, so the ransom for this hostage was also rightfully Johan's.Do you plan to hand over Baron Einbeck to another noble?!Instead of releasing Baron Einbeck for a ransom from the Einbeck family, handing him over to a third noble for money.Certainly, this would have been a difficult task for nobles related to the Emperor or the Emperor himself. It was like throwing dirt on the face of the Einbeck family.Of course, Johan was not at all concerned.If the price is right.. . .Of course, we will offer you a generous price. Are you really okay with this?Yes. But I'm curious. Who wants to take Baron Einbeck?I cannot tell you yet. I will inform you once it's decided.Is it a noble of the Empire?You are quick-witted. Instead, I will tell you something else. When the sun rises tomorrow, all Empire people in Marcel cityespecially those related to the Emperorwill be expelled.Johan was surprised by the magistrate's words. Although what the Emperor did was indeed unethical, he didn't expect such a strong reaction.Is that allowed?Cardirian refused to explain or compensate and insulted our diplomats. It's a challenge to us, so there's no reason to tolerate anymore.Aren't there pro-Emperor factions in the disaster relief council?They will be gone from tomorrow.. . . . . .Johan felt a chill for a moment.Sir, I was honestly surprised by your power. When the guilds mobilized you, I wondered what their intentions were.I understand, being a foreign knight who drifted here.But as things become more chaotic around us, a knight like you will become more valuable. As a magistrate, I look forward to your achievements. And don't think that only the guilds can be your backing.The magistrate smiled meaningfully.????????????????????????Ugh. The banquet was a headache, but not in the way I expected.'The conversation with the magistrate was beneficial but also burdensome.It was clear what the magistrate wanted. When the interests of the trading company and the magistrate diverged, then come under the Magistrate's seal instead of the company's flag.Considering the magistrate's status, it was an undeniably good offer. . .From Johan's perspective, who neither knew the magistrate's thoughts nor plans, it was inevitably suspicious.In contrast, the trading company was straightforward. Give and take. Suetlg wasn't wrong when he said the company was easy to understand.And it seems too soon to betray someone you've just shaken hands with.'Not just fame or power, but trust was also one of Johan's valued principles. It was because many ignored this.While pondering, Johan handled his tasks in order. He took care of the silver and gold from subjugation and merits some of which he distributed to mercenaries and donated to the monastery, and decided to sell the troll's skin and blood to Marcel.?Looking at Marcel's atmosphere, there's a strong scent of war. Accepting the offer now means you'll have to fight bloodily, in someone else's war.Who would they be fighting against?I don't know that. But if we do fight, it'll probably be against the Empire, maybe a fiefdom related to the Emperor. The city wouldn't stay idle after such an incident.Johan suddenly remembered what the magistrate had said.Could the one wanting to buy Baron Einbeck be a feudal lord within the Holy Empire?Selling the Baron and borrowing an army would definitely be a worthwhile venture, especially to start a war.With such circumstances, it's becoming awkward to accept the offer.'Participating in the war was one thing, but joining as a subordinate of the magistrate was another. The difference in rewards received would be too great.In my opinion, what you should be worrying about right now is not that. You can honestly put aside the merchant guild or the magistrate for now. Choosing one side won't make the other hold a grudge against you. But an invitation from the Count is a different story.Do you have any advice to offer?Don't go to Count Bartok.. . .Why not?Johan asked, seemingly bewildered by Suetlg's abrupt statement.Because Count Bartok is a miser.His spending is miserly?Johan recalled seeing the elf knights indulging lavishly in food and luxury. It seemed odd that a Count who allowed such extravagance could be a miser.I'm not talking about his spending. He spends lavishly because he has a reputation to maintain. But he won't easily grant fiefs. Haven't you seen those knights? None of them received a fiefdom.Count Bartok, though generous in spending for his own luxury and pride, was stingy in holding investiture ceremonies and granting fiefdoms to his subordinates.It's quite obvious. He will invite you, make you compete in a few contests, praise you, and then hold an investiture ceremony. But after that, he won't grant you a fiefdom.Then what about Count Jarpen?Count Jarpen is...Suetlg trailed off.The Count is?. . .I don't know much about him.. . . . . .Seeing Johan's expression, Suetlg quickly made an excuse.I haven't met all the nobles. Especially someone like Count Jarpen, who doesn't seek wizards, there's even less chance of meeting.When I was passing through, it seemed like there was a war going on.Oh, that's fortunate. Were they losing?I'm not sure, but I think I heard they were at a disadvantage...Even better. Such desperation might mean you'll be treated well.Johan chuckled at Suetlg's words. It sounded like a joke, but it made sense.So, inviting me would mean. . . they're looking for a useful mercenary.Does that bother you?Not really. I thought it could be possible.You're quite an unusual person. Sometimes I think you have a broad perspective, and other times, it seems quite narrow.I'll take that as a compliment.Thanks to the conversation with Suetlg, Johan felt his thoughts becoming clearer. Indeed, it seemed right for Johan to go to a noble who needed him, rather than one who didn't.If Count Jarpen is desperate, he will likely make a substantial offer.
