Hurrying back to the territory, we utilized our retainers and the Golden Sheep Trading Company to investigate the source of the placer gold.
The result was…
“Who would have thought the nearby mountains were a gold mine… Has no one noticed until now?”
The placer gold had flowed down from the nearby mountains along the river. However, it was strange that such a considerable amount of gold existed in a visible form, yet no one knew about it.
“It seems that during the recent conflict between the former Duke of Baltia and Count Vaivaar, an explosion caused by magic exposed the ore vein.”
Given the recent events, it seemed that not many people had noticed, as the only merchant frequently seen in the territory was the Golden Sheep Trading Company.
“But it’s good news for you, Ainzich-sama. This solves the issue of gold,” said Werner.
“No… I don’t think it does,” I replied seriously.
Werner looked at me with a puzzled expression, as if to say, “Why not?” It wasn’t simply a matter of luck because gold had been found.
“First of all, I have to report this to my father. In that case, the gold mine could end up being under the count’s custody. And with the state of our military, it’s highly likely that the mine would be targeted by other houses…”
There was a real possibility of a worst-case scenario: high risk with no return.
Would it be possible not to report to my father? To completely seal off the information and not let either him or the enemy find out… No, that’s impossible. While I could keep the retainers silent, it would be impossible to keep everyone working in the mine quiet.
And if my father found out, he would undoubtedly suspect me of treason.
“Send a messenger to my father.”
“As you wish.”
Eirich respectfully exited the room.
At this point, I felt there was nothing else to do but let things unfold.
A few days later, a reply letter arrived from my father. It contained only one phrase: “Do as you wish.”
Uh… I wanted to consult him since I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is this a test…?
“What will you do?”
“Hmm. For now, call for Jacob.”
Before long, Jacob from the Golden Sheep Trading Company arrived and was shown into the reception room.
“I know you’re busy, but thank you for coming.”
“Not at all. If it’s the duke’s summons, I will come at any time.”
After a brief exchange of greetings, I got straight to the point.
“Regarding the gold mine, Count Vaivaar said we could handle it as we like.”
“… I see. So that’s how it is. You’re having trouble with the management of the gold mine.”
“Honestly, that’s true. However, I thought you would want the gold mine to be used to pay off debts.”
Upon hearing this, Jacob showed a somewhat unsettling smile.
“I thought it would be more profitable for you to leave it as an IOU with the duke.”
It seemed Jacob’s commercial acumen was not misguided. In reality, the tax exemption granted to the Golden Sheep Trading Company was in place of debt repayment. Once the debts were cleared, the benefits of tax exemption would also vanish. Given the current situation in the territory, the advantages were minimal, but if the duchy were to be restored in the future, the tax exemption would become a significant benefit. In a way, it was akin to an investment.
“I see. In that case, I have a request for the Golden Sheep Trading Company.”
“Please, ask anything.”
Jacob placed his hand on his chest and bowed slightly.
“For now, I need to secure engineers to operate the gold mine. The ownership will remain with the duke’s house, but I will entrust the management rights to you. As for the profit share… how about you take 40% and we take 60%?”
If I could do it all myself, it would be a full 100%, but given the current shortage of manpower, I had no choice but to use the trading company.
However, taking 40% seemed reasonable considering the need to secure technicians and equipment to run the mine, but Jacob’s expression showed he had reservations.
“Hmm, 40%…?”
Jacob appeared reluctant.
“Let’s say 60% instead. I plan to use the income to improve the roads within the territory and gather troops. For that, I intend to request the equipment and materials from the Golden Sheep Trading Company. The profit distribution will initially be as discussed, but how about we renegotiate every five years?”
“I understand. That sounds fair. I will gladly accept.”
In the end, there was no other trading company we could rely on besides the Golden Sheep Trading Company.
I suppose this is what they call collusion… I never thought I would be on the side of it, but perhaps that’s just how nobles operate.
“Well then, I will take my leave.”
“Oh, wait. There’s one more thing I need.”
I stopped Jacob, who was about to leave, and smiled mischievously.
“Once the gold mine becomes operational, I want you to spread a rumor. Say that Count Vaivaar is prioritizing the gold mine and has begun improving the roads and gathering troops.”
“I understand… I will take care of that. Now then, I will take my leave.”
“Yes, please take care of it.”
While I genuinely planned to improve the roads and gather troops, spreading the rumor that this was due to Count Vaivaar’s intentions might deter unscrupulous individuals who might take an interest in the mine.
Since you can’t stop people’s mouths, it might be effective to expose the information deliberately to keep them in check.
I thought this would settle things for now, so I asked one of the maids to prepare some tea and took a moment to relax.
As I looked out the window, I let out a sigh.
I had wanted to enjoy a leisurely harem life with the knowledge from my previous life…
