“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I am Jakob, the president of the Golden Sheep Trading Company. I hope we can become well acquainted.”
While listening to the greetings of the man who looked every bit like a crooked merchant, I considered how to respond. He was a merchant who had lent a vast sum of money to the duke’s household.
“I am Einsig von Shill Baltia. As you can see, my domain is in this sorry state. I apologize for the suddenness, but could you get straight to the point?”
“Very well then, let’s get straight to business. Our company has lent 16,000 royal gold coins to the Baltia dukedom. Would it be possible for you to repay this amount?”
16,000 coins. I had reviewed the reports, but seeing the amount laid out like this made it feel even more immense. The main branch of the Weiwahr family could cover it, but it would be a significant expense. Refusing to pay outright would be easy, but given the state of this domain, losing the support of merchants would be quite problematic. Well, it’s not as if I have no cards to play… it’ll be a gamble, though.
“I see. Actually, I was hoping to discuss this very matter with you.”
“Oh! In that case…”
“But first, I’d like to ask for an additional loan of about 500 gold coins’ worth of food.”
The moment I said that, the man standing beside the president jumped to his feet.
“What are you talking about! You need to repay the 16,000 coins first!”
“Enough! Sit down, Nikolai!”
Scolded by Jakob, Nikolai sat down with a flushed face.
That was close. No matter how much money they’ve lent, behaving that way towards a noble could easily cost them their lives. He should be grateful to Jakob, and I made sure to send a smile that conveyed as much.
“Your Grace, I deeply apologize for the rudeness of my associate. However, 16,000 coins is a considerable sum… is there any plan for repayment?”
“A plan for repayment… I’ll be honest. There isn’t one.”
With the current state of the domain, imposing heavy taxes wouldn’t come close to collecting 16,000 coins.
“Hmm… I see.”
Jakob, a seasoned merchant, seemed to assess me carefully despite my admission of the difficulty.
“However, in exchange, I am considering exempting the Golden Sheep Trading Company from taxes within my domain.”
Jakob’s eyes narrowed with a sharper focus.
“Oh… well, that is generous, but considering the state of your domain, it seems like a small concession for the sum of 16,000 coins.”
Certain that I had piqued his interest, I felt this was the critical moment.
“That’s true, for now. But I believe it’s a worthy bet. The Baltia duchy used to be one of the most fertile grain-producing regions in Silria. Once it recovers, earning back the 16,000 coins should be a swift matter. If you still have doubts, I’m willing to offer this castle itself as collateral.”
“Lord Einsig, that is—!” My retainers began to protest, but I silenced them with a gesture.
“I see… the 500 coins’ worth of food is intended as a stepping stone for the recovery, then?”
“Exactly. The land is war-torn, and I plan to lower taxes to calm the people, but even so, I anticipate recovering around 500 coins’ worth of taxes. If you wish, Jakob, you can serve as the tax collector and gather it yourself.”
Jakob’s eyes widened in surprise.
I suppose that makes sense. Nobility is founded upon rights like taxation and military command. For that reason, nobles never relinquish the right to collect taxes or command their forces. And because of that, internal conflicts never cease.
In my case, however, since the collected amount would be handed over to the trading company anyway, it’s easier to let them handle the whole process from the start.
“That’s quite a bold proposition. But do you not fear that we might try to cheat you?”
Jakob glanced over at the knights.
Knights in this world aren’t exactly paragons of chivalry; they often engage in looting. Of course, there are exceptions. While they receive a salary, many of them supplement their income by collecting taxes. It’s an unspoken agreement that they pocket a portion of the taxes they collect.
That said, my retainers are relatively content since the main Weiwahr family provides them with extra support. Anyway, back to the point.
“About that, I’m not worried. After all, if you intend to do business in this land, trust is essential, isn’t it?”
“Hahaha! Indeed, you’re absolutely right! Well then, I’ll accept your terms. I’ll also gather 500 coins’ worth of food within a week.”
While Jakob and his fellow merchants deal with nobles, their primary business is with commoners. If they collect more taxes than agreed upon, they’ll lose the trust of the commoners, and if they collect less, they’ll lose the trust of the nobility. They need to strike a balance, and that balance breeds trust.
“Well then, I look forward to working with you, Duke Einsig.”
Jakob extended his hand, and I shook it with a smile.
“Likewise, Jakob.”
Jakob left the lord’s mansion and discussed matters with Nikolai inside their carriage.
“He’s quite an interesting man, this new Duke of Baltia.”
“But Father, all of this is meaningless unless he successfully revives the land, isn’t it?”
“We had no choice either way. We were at a crossroads—either recover our loan or perish, or work together towards mutual prosperity. I saw potential in Lord Einsig, so I chose the latter. Still, he’s a noble unlike any other. He might make a better merchant than a duke.”
Nikolai nodded in agreement, offering a wry smile.
Jakob glanced out the carriage window at the castle being repaired.
“I have high hopes for you, Duke Einsig.”
