Chapter 137: It’s Not a Difficult Request. (5)
The once pleasant atmosphere quickly sank.
The retainers of the House of Marquis did not hide their displeasure.
‘How arrogant! Just because you’ve made some money, you think you’re above it all.’
‘Why would you choose such a person as your guardian?’
However, Marquis Branford wore a surprisingly curious expression, unlike his retainers.
“I don’t understand. This wouldn’t be a bad proposal for you, right? You could gain my trust, and it would be good for your family as well.”
Ghislaine shook his head.
How he lamented during his mercenary days for not being able to protect his family and loved ones.
After regressing, his purpose was singular: to protect his family and territory, and the people he cared for.
Yet, selling out his family for immediate needs would be contradictory.
“I have no intention of selling out my family to get what I want.”
“Ha…”
But those who didn’t understand Ghislaine’s thoughts looked at his answer with disbelief.
Political marriages were a common affair in this era. It was the easiest and surest way to strengthen a family’s power.
The Marquis’s proposal was an opportunity too good for a poor family like Perdium to even dream about. When offered, one should accept.
But to think the heir of a family would have such juvenile thoughts. Is he still too young to understand the world?
Marquis Branford raised one corner of his mouth as if he found it amusing and asked again.
“Marriage is decided by the head of the household, not by the individual. What if I send a letter to Count Perdium right now? I doubt your father would refuse.”
“If my younger sibling says no, I will stop it.”
“What if your father allows it?”
“Yes.”
“Even if it means you won’t get what you want?”
“I will find another way.”
It was an incredibly bold and confident response.
‘Dare to reject the head of the household’s orders?’
The retainers of the Marquis all looked at Ghislaine as if he were mad.
Except for one person, Rosalyn.
‘So there are people who think this way.’
For any noble, it was difficult to shake off the temptation of such a proposal. To reject it so easily was remarkable.
‘…Such a fool yet so cool.’
Turning down such a great opportunity surely seemed foolish. Yet even though he thought so, he envied and admired Ghislaine’s confidence.
It’s certainly foolish to pass up a good opportunity. Even though I think like that, the confidence displayed was enviable and looked cool.
No matter how much money and ability one has, there are walls that can’t be crossed. A wall that even Rosalyn can’t surpass.
But Ghislaine, as if not caring about such things, was confident. That response created a big ripple in Rosalyn’s heart.
Marquis Branford looked at Ghislaine quietly before speaking.
“You’re really not very noble-like.”
“I hear that quite often.”
“Alright, I’ve heard your beliefs.”
Marquis Branford said in a low voice.
“If you really hate it, there’s nothing I can do. If you change your mind later, just let me know.”
“Yes, well… understood. So about what I asked…?”
‘What an audacious lad.’
The marquis shook his head.
While his manner was irritating, it was definitely different from the people of Duke Delphine’s faction.
This much I could trust.
If he shows even a little suspicious behavior, I can cut off support and crush him with my troops.
“Let’s all listen.”
The retainers were astonished at Marquis Branford’s words. They truly hadn’t expected him to grant such an absurd request.
But Ghislaine nodded with a smile as if she knew this would happen.
Marquis Branford continued with a cool expression.
“Don’t forget. The world you’re stepping into now is different from what you’ve known. One mistake could turn your territory into a disaster and cost you your life. Not just yours, but your family’s too.”
At that chilling warning, Ghislaine slightly lowered her head.
“I will remember.”
“Officially, it will be a support offered to Perdium. The lord is your father.”
“Understood.”
“It’s a plan to pour royal power into this. I’m trusting only you to make this change, so don’t disappoint me.”
If only Raybold and Perdium can hold on, the duke’s influence in the North can be contained.
While it’s a somewhat defensive strategy, it’s hard to get aggressive as the Crown Prince faction is gradually being pushed by the Duke’s faction.
Marquis Branford continued without hesitation.
“I’ll send the planned support for the Brivant territory toward Perdium. We’ll first handle military equipment and food supplies. Residents of the royal direct territory will gradually migrate over time.”
“Thank you.”
“By the looks of you, just sending the residents from the royal direct territory won’t be enough. Mention to the lords of the Crown Prince faction to support some residents as well. Make it known.”
Ghislaine smiled. The result was much better than expected.
But the happiest person wasn’t Ghislaine; it was actually Belinda.
“This is really great!”
For her, Perdium felt like a second home.
Having spent time there since following Ghislaine’s mother, she had grown attached.
‘How did our Young Master pull this off? Glad I didn’t try to stop him.’
The heart can be tricky. Previously, she wanted to smack Ghislaine to prevent him, but seeing things work out, she felt relieved she hadn’t interfered.
Marquis Branford continued.
“I expect the population transfer plan to take about five years. That’s fast considering the scale, but it won’t fill up as much as you want immediately.”
“Well, considering the scale, that’s relatively fast, but it won’t be filled to the extent you want right away.”
At least tens of thousands of people needed to be moved.
They would need time to select and organize the people to migrate.
Ghislaine had anticipated this much, so he immediately brought out the horses he had prepared.
“Then I want to buy slaves in bulk. Not just in the capital, but from other regions as well.”
“Hmm, slaves, huh…”
Marquis Branford nodded. If one could afford it, using slaves might indeed be a better way to fill the labor gap.
Surely, the reason he was asking for help was that finding slave traders individually would be a hassle.
“Alright, I will send letters to the slave traders in each region. Since the goal is to increase the territory residents, we can look for them in household units.”
“Thank you. But… since you’re helping me, could you please find some special slaves as well?”
“Special slaves?”
“Yes, I want to buy as many elf and dwarf slaves as possible.”
“…”
Even Marquis Branford, who had readily accepted any request so far, hesitated at this statement.
Elf and dwarf slaves weren’t something you could simply buy if you wanted. They were subject to special management, making them difficult to obtain unless you were a high noble or from the royal family.
Furthermore, even if one could find them, their numbers were exceedingly small, which meant their prices were astronomical.
One elf or dwarf slave could cost as much as over a hundred regular human slaves.
“You’ve got quite the wish list. You want to buy a lot of other race slaves, something even high nobles find hard to get?”
“Yes, it’s quite difficult to find anyone selling them.”
“It would be cheaper to just buy high-skilled slaves.”
“I’m considering that method as well. But wouldn’t it be nice to have plenty of other race slaves too?”
Elves and dwarfs had inherent advantages over humans due to their species traits.
Ghislaine had various plans to utilize them.
If he couldn’t immediately increase the quantity, he could enhance the quality, right?
Of course, that was only possible if one could afford the prices.
Marquis Branford pointed that out.
“Do you have that much money? I see you’ve been making some bucks lately, but with that amount, you won’t be able to buy as much as you want.”
Ghislaine, as if to reassure him, replied confidently.
“Honestly, it would be tough for me to prepare that much cash right away. But I do have one method.”
“And what is that?”
Ghislaine sparkled his eyes and boldly spoke to Marquis Branford.
“I need you to vouch for me…”
“I refuse.”
“…….”
Even before Ghislaine could finish his sentence, Marquis Branford flatly rejected him.
The others listening nearby were stunned as well.
Especially Rosalyn, who was once again taken aback.
The sheer scale of what he was attempting was impressive enough, but the fact that he was trying to do it using someone else’s credit was particularly extraordinary.
‘…He really is an idiot, but in a cool way.’
As the room fell into silence, Belinda tugged at Ghislaine’s sleeve again.
‘Oh man, this is crazy. You already have enough requests to handle! Why are you doing this?’
“Why are you rejecting me when I’m just asking for help?”
I take back my earlier thought about being relieved that I didn’t get involved.
I said I only needed to do one verse, but it seems like I’m stuck doing multiple verses!
Ghislaine shook off Belinda’s hand and spoke again.
“The amount is significant, so I understand your concern. But you don’t have to worry. I can pay it all back.”
“……”
Marquis Branford was left speechless.
Those who ask for a guarantee always say things like that. I’ve never seen one who wasn’t like that.
“Is it really impossible?”
Ghislaine asked again with sparkling eyes and an innocent face.
Marquis Branford couldn’t help but chuckle.
Even though he was acting as a guardian, it felt like she was asking him to follow her to the ends of hell.
Now she’s even asking for a guarantee? This girl is truly amusing.
“I refuse. Don’t ask me again.”
“Aw.”
At his firm voice, which felt like a sword’s edge, Ghislaine pouted and looked disappointed.
‘This really isn’t going to work.’
Since it was an expensive endeavor, she had thrown out the idea casually, but it was clear it wouldn’t land at all.
Turning away in disappointment, Ghislaine’s eyes landed on someone.
The person who had dramatically appeared and promised to be her sponsor.
Whoosh!
As soon as Rosalyn locked eyes with Ghislaine, she whipped out her fan and hid her face.
Ghislaine called out with a look of longing in her eyes.
“Young Lady.”
Rosalyn flinched and stumbled slightly at Ghislaine’s call. Regaining her balance, she turned to the maid beside her.
“I think I’m still not well. I need to go back to my room. Quick, hurry up!”
Rosalyn was escorted out of the grand hall while still concealing her face with the fan.
Ghislaine hastily called after her.
“Um, Young Lady? You said you’d be my sponsor.”
‘She said she’d be a sponsor, but didn’t say anything about a guarantee!’
Buying a bulk of other-race slaves would cost at least a whole year’s budget of the kingdom.
Even if cosmetics sold like hotcakes, there was no way she could repay that kind of money.
Offering a guarantee is practically like booking a one-way ticket to bankruptcy.
“Baron, I’m not feeling well right now… I’ll see you later.”
“Young Lady! Young Lady!”
Ignoring Ghislaine’s desperate calls, Rosalyn vanished without a trace.
“Ugh…”
Ghislaine couldn’t hide her disappointment and gazed around.
Yet, everyone she made eye contact with turned their heads away and avoided her gaze.
‘Seriously, I can pay it back, but no one believes me. There are so many places to spend money. Tsk.’
It couldn’t be helped. She had no choice but to scrape together every coin she earned. It looked like she’d have to live frugally for a while.
Resolving herself, Ghislaine accepted her reality.
“Understood. I’ll find a way to gather the money.”
As the discussion concluded, Marquis Branford spoke in his usual dry tone.
“It seems there’s nothing more to ask. You’ll need to wait a few days to get everything you mentioned sorted out.”
“Understood. I will visit you again once I receive your message.”
“Is there anything else you need to do in the capital?”
