Wolves of Hader

Chapter 132

The officers looked at me with puzzled expressions.

Now that they had developed some degree of trust in me, they no longer openly ignored me.

"How do you buy magic power with money?"

"It's the magic power from mana stones."

"You mean you extract the magic power?"

"Yes. It's a technology unique to us."

"Amazing."

If it were possible to buy magic power with money, they all looked as if they'd go into debt to buy it.

But it was a bit pricey.

The wellspring of magic not only yielded little, but also represented the very essence of pure strength.

"So, how much would it cost?"

Everyone tensed up.

Hoping, 'please'.

"It's 300 gold coins."

"Gasp!"

Their expectant gazes turned to despair.

Honestly, it wasn't even that big a sum.

If you could buy magic power for 300 gold coins, there'd probably be a line of a hundred thousand people.

"Does your house not have that much money?"

"All of us barely managed to scrounge up 50 gold coins each. To come up with 300, we'd have to take on significant debt."

Except for the Imperial Knight Order and Oren, everyone looked troubled.

It would take years of training to obtain even a handful of magic power.

These were people who couldn't afford to waste even a handful of it.

"Take out a loan from the East Bank. With your social standing, that should be possible."

"We'd need to save every single coin we earned for twenty years. How would we ever pay it back?"

"If you become legion commanders, you'll pay it back within five years."

The officers were speechless.

They really had no choice but to become legion commanders.

I continued.

"If you master your respective skills at the highest level, you should be able to repay it before returning to active service. In two months, I plan to take you all somewhere."

"Where is that?"

"I'll tell you then."

The officers nodded.

"We'll have to do our best too."

"Then, what is the quality of this magic power?"

"If you absorb all of it—"

I smiled and continued.

"—you'll immediately reach the highest level."

"What?!"

They jumped to their feet.

"In ten days, we're going hunting. I'll pass on the magic power to you before and after the hunt. It's best to absorb it beforehand, so you can make it entirely your own strength."

I headed over to where my team members were.

When they tried to stand up, I waved them down.

"We're going to hunt a monster from the East Mountains. Did you pass down the skills to the new special forces?"

"Not long ago. Are you bringing them too?"

"Yes. I plan to entrust the village to the special forces."

"That should be fine."

"Just issue standard equipment to the soldiers. For the new recruits, let's observe them for about two years before giving them an opportunity."

"Understood."

The knights, who were originally soldiers, had bet on our house's uncertain future.

The newly recruited soldiers had come because they'd heard about our 'success'.

Naturally, the treatment should differ.

"The carriages are coming."

Three carriages came toward the banquet hall.

Everyone's attention, which had been noisy and lively, shifted to the carriages.

Even Marqui Urke and Goose looked quite surprised.

The three carriages stopped.

The ones at the front and back were standard, but the one in the middle was unusually large.

It was a 10-seater, something none of them had ever seen before.

"Elder sister, it's a present."

"Really?"

"Thank you, young lord."

"The large carriage also has a small kitchen and bedroom inside. Have a comfortable trip."

"Russell, please take good care of my elder sister."

"Of course, head of house."

"Ross, Roger, thank you."

"Sure. Have a good trip."

Rozie was moved to tears.

It seemed she was finally realizing she was getting married.

Even though we'd all continue living together.

With Ross, I went around shaking hands and hugging both of them.

Then, they greeted Urada and her daughter, as well as Marqui Urke and Goose, exchanging thanks and congratulations.

"Safe travels!"

Russell and Rozie greeted everyone and got into the central carriage.

Eight knights boarded the smaller carriages—they would serve as escorts for the honeymoon.

The carriage with Russell and Rozie soon set off.

They were headed to Ogota Island, the only resort in the East.

The eastern Merchant Guild was developing it as a getaway spot.

Even after the newlyweds left, the festivities continued.

I also returned to my original seat.

Marqui Urke commented as he watched the carriage.

"Where did you find a carriage like that?"

"I know, right? It doesn't rattle at all; it's quite a remarkable carriage. I'm amazed that four horses can pull it so easily too."

I sat back down.

Both of them couldn't take their eyes off the carriage.

Goose spoke again.

"I don't know whose idea that was, but it's truly ingenious. If we make and sell carriages like that, we could make a fortune. I wonder how those wheels were made."

I responded with a laugh.

"Tempted, are you?"

"Tempted? Everyone will want to buy these carriages. I must get one myself."

I had plenty to discuss with them anyway.

Though I'd let Johnny know already.

"How much does a single share cost these days?"

"Twenty-nine silver coins. The price dipped a bit recently, but after the dividend announcement, it's on the rise again."

That price was nearly equivalent to a single gold coin.

Dividend rate per share: 22%.

Dividends were paid once a year.

A very high rate.

In my previous life, even companies with the highest dividends never exceeded 10%.

We earned a lot, but the stock price went up even more than our earnings.

Original issue price: four copper coins per share.

Now: twenty-nine silver coins.

A whopping seventy-fourfold increase.

"Next spring, let's split the merchant guild into six sectors: livestock, fisheries, trade, mining, construction—and on top of those five, a holding company will be created as well."

Their faces brightened.

It meant more investments would come in.

Marqui Urke asked,

"So we split shares in the five subsidiaries according to current ownership in the East Merchant Guild, and list the holding company separately?"

"Exactly. Ordinary shareholders will get shares in all five companies, according to their current ratios. The holding company stays as the major stakeholder. All five subsidiaries, same ratio as currently."

"And after listing, as we agreed, any of us can increase or decrease our shares?"

"Yes."

The East Merchant Guild was to be split into five, with current ratios preserved.

After listing, there was an agreement as to buying or selling ownership as promised.

We—meaning myself—would hold 50% each in trade and mining.

Marqui Urke would hold 70% each of livestock and fisheries.

Goose would have 70% of construction, and nothing else.

The holding company would secure shares in each sector, controlling the entire guild.

Together, we'd own 75%. At least 25% of each subsidiary would be publicly traded.

Both of them also held 10% each for trade and mining.

That 10% alone amounted to more profit than the other three sectors combined.

Even with smaller shares, they couldn't ignore management.

Marqui Urke was making profits through a bank, while Goose relied solely on his wages and the 10% dividend.

He couldn't hope to touch trade or mining.

So, Goose must have harbored some dissatisfaction.

Even though he handled day-to-day operations for the guild, the profits didn't reflect his contributions.

That's why I had prepared something.

"Goose, would you like to try making those carriages?"

"What? Wait... So you'd prepared for the carriage business already?"

"Yes. We'll start producing new models—luxury carriages, and large carriages that seat ten. I want you to oversee the factory."

"Oh!"

Goose's face brightened immediately.

"It'll be carriages with rubber tires. I'll give you the design and the necessary information, and you'll manage the transportation business as well."

"Are you truly entrusting this to me?"

"But you'll have to share the shares with us."

"That goes without saying."

Marqui Urke was interested too.

"What are rubber tires?"

"Wheels that aren't hard. You'll know once you ride in one. We're also thinking about building new roads. One will run from Tris all the way to this fortress. Another will reach the eastern coastline."

"Are you keeping good notes?"

"Yes, merchant leader."

Nearby, the eastern Merchant Guild's staff were busily jotting down our conversation.

They were our guild's executive management team.

"The East Bank will be listed, as will the Dot Bank which Count Mals started. Barako Merchant Guild will also be divided into subsidiaries and listed early next year. And not here at the East Exchange—but at a new exchange to be built in Tris."

"Is it all right to build more exchanges?"

"Yes. Much more capital will flow there than at the East Exchange. Goose, you'll take charge of that too, but you'll need to co-manage it with the Hader Merchant Guild in Tris."

"So, Kudo is involved?"

Goose seemed a bit uncomfortable with Kudo.

But then he smiled.

"So how will the shares be divided?"

"Fifty-fifty."

"That's excellent."

Goose was now guaranteed significant profits.

Enough to make even Marqui Urke envious.

"Is there none for me in those ventures?"

"Please let us have the carriage factory and exchange shares this time."

"Well, can't be helped, then."

"But in exchange—"

I smiled.

Marqui Urke noticed immediately.

"Soon, we'll be able to establish banks all over the continent. They'll be able to operate safely even in the capital. The nobles will entrust their money to the banks."

"I expected as much after hearing about the trade deal. It's finally starting! Ha ha ha ha!"

Marqui Urke was pleased as well.

Establishing even ten banks would bring enormous profits. Significant influence in the capital would follow.

/ / /

After the festival, things returned to peaceful daily life.

At the barracks, soldiers were busy training despite the cold weather. The knights were teaching hard too.

Currently, our house had 81 knights in total.

Subtracting the four guardian knights, that left 77.

Ten were at the Urada territory, five at the new territory, and eight each at the Kiri and Kali territories.

There were 46 knights stationed at the fortress.

Right now, each territory was unstable, so the knights had been dispatched.

Once local forces were organized, the knights would return. There were no plans to recruit more.

"This only works for me!"

"Then, can't you lend the elemental?"

"How would you lend an elemental!"

I stepped out from the headquarters.

That Allen guy was pestering Lok. That rascal, after tormenting the officers, was now after Lok.

"What are you doing? Why are you bothering him?"

"Young master Roger. Long time no see."

Allen bowed politely.

"Why aren't you still having fun in Mouk? Why are you back?"

"I have a favor to ask. Will you consider it?"

"What, did you eat manners candy or something?"

I looked at Lok.

"What's with this guy?"

"He keeps trying to take my boots away. Elder brother Allen saw me practicing..."

Lok's boots were an elemental's armament.

Was it called Bouncy Boots?

Allen spoke up hurriedly.

"Young master Roger. Please let me have an elemental too. If you give me a magic pair of boots or a magic weapon like Lok has, I'll devote my whole life to you."

"Hey, Allen."

"Yes, sir?"

"You're not one of us. So I can't give you anything. The third trade fleet departs next month. Take a ship home when it sails."

Disappointment flickered in Allen's eyes.

He really must have wanted those things.

"The officers helped me with this and that, but why are you like this to me? I only came because I heard about the upcoming hunt—I thought I could be helpful."

"It's not monster-hunting this time..."

Wait?

I'd completely forgotten.

I'd been too absorbed in sword technique research.

The Guardian of the East Mountains was a rock monster.

Hard to defeat with a greatsword.

But maybe with Allen's strength and a hammer, we could break boulders.

They mentioned there was another pair of Bouncy Boots.

And there's a giant war hammer too.

I hadn't planned to hunt the Guardian, but maybe this was the perfect chance.

Its lair was said to be full of treasure.

And unlike other places, there were shards of magic crystal there.

Those shards contained extremely potent magic power, said to be absorbed and used by the Guardian.

"Allen, there are two conditions."

"What are they, young master Roger?"

"If you meet these two conditions, I'll give you an elemental, the Bouncy Boots, and even the giant war hammer."

"Really?"

His eyes went wide as saucers.

"The Bouncy Boots are with Urald and Wundbark. If you want that gear, you'll need to apologize for your past rudeness to both of them and treat them polite from now on."

"That's not hard. What's the other condition?"

"For the other—"

I grinned as I looked at him.

"Treat me as your elder brother."

"Excuse me?!"

Allen almost burst into curses but stopped himself.

Then, after taking a deep breath—

"All right. Elder brother Roger."

"Understood, elder brother Roger."

"Haa... Yes, Roger. Elder brother."

Allen even bowed to me.

Though he ground his teeth a bit.

Did he always like gear this much?

"And remember: if you get into trouble or don't listen to your elder brother here, I'll take the elemental back. Any treasure we get from hunting the monster will all be ours, too."

"If that's how it'll be, elder brother."

"You sure your attitude is right?"

"Yes, elder brother."

"You're not just planning to betray us once you get the gear, are you?"

"Never, elder brother."

Allen was smiling, but his eyes trembled. His nostrils flared.

He was clearly struggling to endure it.

"I'm warning you. At my word, the elemental will leave you, and then you can't use the equipment."

"I promise, elder brother."

"Also, obey Donnie."

Allen looked at me fixedly.

"Do I have to go that far, elder brother?"

"Not if you don't want to."

"Yes, I'll do it. It's nothing, I can do that."

"All right then, let's head to the new territory."

I led the way.

Lok followed, snickering.

Gnash, gnash.

What was that sound?

Someone was grinding their teeth.