Chapter 18

When it comes to the largest moneylender in the Imperial Capital, it has to be the Darman Vault.

Originally a safety deposit and storage company, it expanded its business to include money lending.

They lend money broadly, from nobles to commoners, and earn interest. Their collection methods are quite harsh, but they don’t do anything that violates imperial law. The chairman of the Darman Vault understands these boundaries well.

As long as you repay properly, this is a good moneylender. That’s why I “lend” money here.

When I arrived at the entrance, I saw a familiar face. It seems he recognized me as well and stopped.

“Looks like you managed well.”

The one speaking was Belgion, an adventurer. He was flanked by two women. One had long hair and was tall, while the other had short hair and was petite.

And this man… If my former party was the strongest in the empire, his party is the largest. It’s no longer a party but a small army. This guy, leading such a force, is known as the “Stray General.” It might be an unimpressive nickname, but his organizational skills are genuine.

They mainly take on large requests and use sheer numbers to hunt monsters and earn money. To avoid conflicts with the guild, they only take on the surplus large requests and don’t monopolize hunting grounds. They mainly hunt monsters that are profitable but not popular.

They’re probably earning much more than we did when we were the strongest. Their expenses must be enormous too, though.

“What do you mean?”

When I asked, Belgion sighed and began speaking wearily.

“The dragon horde. That request was originally ours. We were coordinating it. But thanks to a word from the princess, it went to you guys.”

“Sorry about that. It was a lucrative request.”

“Dividing that sum among three people must be nice. I don’t intend to argue with the princess, so I won’t make a fuss. But let me say this.”

His opinion is valid. I’ve already gained what I needed, so I told him to go ahead.

While we were talking, the taller woman kept staring at my slaves.

“Such cute kids. Can I pet them?”

“I don’t mind, but Kiria, if you pet them with your brute strength, you’ll hurt them. Be gentle.”

As soon as she heard my words, she started petting the slaves’ heads. She seemed particularly fond of their hair, touching it gently to avoid damaging it.

Their hair is one of my favorites too. I’ll touch it later.

“I know. Their hair is so smooth. Where did you snatch them from?”

This woman says outrageous things.

“They’re slaves. I went solo, so it’s inconvenient not to have them around.”

“Hmm.”

Belgion teased me while stifling a laugh.

“Didn’t know you had such tastes.”

“If I have to, I’d rather they be cute.”

“Fair enough.”

The petite woman, Ragul, sighed and scolded the other two.

“We’re done here, so let’s go. We’re bothering Mr. Ahavain.”

With Ragul’s words, we wrapped things up, and Belgion started walking with the two women.

“Oh, by the way, just in case, do you want to join us?”

“I refuse. There’s nothing in it for me with you.”

“Figured. I prefer stable hunting and earning, so we don’t match.”

With that, he walked away.

He’s a tough one. In this Imperial Capital, no, in the empire, only they can stably hunt dragon hordes.

Though, if they had taken it on, it would have taken them years, so it fell to us.

“Master, who was that?”

“That was Belgion. An adventurer who loves crunching numbers. Though he’s not particularly strong himself.”

Yes, he’s only mid-tier at best. No matter how well he runs his party, he’s weak as the leader of the empire’s largest party. His sister is strong, though.

Supporting him are those twins. Dragonfolk. Considered the best race.

They possess physical abilities beyond beastmen, and their dragon hearts provide immense power.

They hold vast magic power and, though they struggle with detailed spells, they can cast grand attack magic alone.

They’re ridiculously strong. And they’re his bodyguards.

Eventually, they’ll be regarded as the strongest in the empire.

Thus, their party will be the largest and strongest in the empire, led by the Stray General. Still an unimpressive nickname.

No matter how strong the dragonfolk are, I can win one-on-one.

If both sisters team up, I can’t hold back. I’d have to go all out to kill, but I would win.

Strength isn’t determined by stats alone. My hand is that strong.

With the absolute firepower of Kasugal and the support, enhancement, and healing of Renatishia, it’s no wonder we were the strongest in the empire.

I’ve already held the title of the strongest once. I’m no longer interested.

I’ll crush anyone who underestimates me, though.

I’ve wasted enough time. I led my slaves into the Darman Vault.

The slaves might think I’m here to borrow money. They seem a bit apologetic.

Inside, it was neat and decorated, with incense burning. The atmosphere screamed prosperity… Good. Debt is useful if it doesn’t go too far.

I sat at an open counter and had the slaves stand by. By the way, all the receptionists are women and beauties, the chairman’s preference.

When I stated my business at the counter, the receptionist immediately brought the prepared money.

Fifty Kingdom gold coins. Three platinum coins.

I received interest equivalent to the price of these two slaves.

The slaves looked stunned.

Naturally. Five Kingdom gold coins can support a family for a year. A platinum coin can build a house.

Seeing me receive such amounts must be incomprehensible.

I’ve lent considerable amounts to the Darman Vault every time I earned big.

As the Darman Vault grew, they offered me stakes, and I ended up investing.

Only I receive the interest, as Kasugal and Rena preferred saving. If the Darman Vault goes under, the principal is lost, so I didn’t push them.

I don’t plan to invest more. My earnings will inevitably decrease from now on, and I must use the funds I gained from disbanding the party wisely.

For my interest’s sake, I hope the Darman Vault prospers.

Fortunately, or rather, the empire’s economy is doing well. It continues to develop economically with the princess at the forefront.

If the princess asks for an investment, I might consider it. There’s no risk of defaulting with the royal family. If they try to cheat me, I can resort to violence. I prefer not to go against the nation, though.

Anyway, I can finally go home.