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The Lyon Guild (3)
This was not mentioned in the novel.
So, Rockefeller thought about the reason for a moment.
'Is it because I give interest?'
The concept of giving interest to those who deposited gold coins did not exist in this place yet.
Therefore, it was entirely possible that the issue arose because of that.
'I need to ask.'
"Excuse me... Is the problem caused by me giving interest?"
As he asked his question, Bishop Verkis nodded immediately.
"I think it's a good thing, but the people of the same family find it strange. A banker giving interest instead of taking gold storage fees. They think it's some kind of scam and come to me, unnecessarily worrying. To be honest, I was a little uneasy, but it's been going smoothly so far, so what kind of scam could it be?"
Bishop Verkis asked.
"Answer me, is it a scam?"
Rockefeller shook his head in denial.
"A scam? Absolutely not. Our bank holding the church's assets is a service to God in its own way. It's all done to show the church and Bishop Verkis, but if you slander it like that, I will be deeply disappointed."
"That's right. It's good to think that way. But it seems the people here don't think so, even though they are from the same family."
As the conversation went on, Rockefeller couldn't help but feel a bit confused.
It was different from the picture he had wanted.
'It shouldn't be like this.'
Rockefeller came here to build a connection with the Lyon guild leader through Bishop Verkis, who is a member of the Lyon family.
However, he felt that the Lyon guild leader might have a slightly uncomfortable impression of him because of what he had done.
'I need to meet with the Lyon guild leader first.'
"Then, I will talk to the Lyon guild leader and try my best to explain."
Bishop Verkis nodded.
"Yes, you go and talk to him. Our relationship has been strained lately because of the gold issue. You might be able to solve it."
After meeting with Bishop Verkis, Rockefeller was guided to the place where the Lyon guild leader was located.
In Lyon, the busiest street where many banks were gathered.
Rockefeller saw banks densely packed together along a narrow alleyway in Ghetto Nuovo.
In the Montefeltro territory, which was located on the edge of the empire, there was only one bank, but in Lyon, which had developed commercially, there were dozens of banks gathered in one place, and they were doing business in small shops that were less than 4 square meters.
'Is this Ghetto Nuovo?'
There was a brief introduction to Ghetto Nuovo in the novel.
In fact, this place was where those who were abandoned by God lived in isolation from ordinary people.
However, as commerce developed, people who needed quick cash started coming here more often, and as this continued, this place naturally became a street full of bankers.
'I can't believe I'm here. I can already smell the money.'
In Lyon, where the wealthiest people gathered.
Following the guide introduced by Bishop Verkis, Rockefeller went to the headquarters of the Lyon guild located in the Ghetto Nuovo area.
'Is this it?'
He thought the Lyon guild headquarters would be an impressive building.
However, contrary to his expectations, it was a small, shabby two-story building.
And the sign on the building read 'Lyon Bank.'
'It seems the Lyon Bank is also used as the guild headquarters.'
As they entered the store, the interior looked luxurious and elegant, unlike the shabby exterior.
'Certainly, the inside is different. It all looks very high-end.'
As Rockefeller entered the store with the guide, an elegantly dressed elderly gentleman approached them with a gracious smile.
"What brings you here? How is His Grace, the Bishop?"
As the guide whispered something to the elderly gentleman, he looked at Rockefeller up and down with a changed gaze.
It was not a pleasant look, and there was a wary glance.
"So you are the person from Montefeltro territory? You don't look like the person I know, so you must be the assistant I've heard so much about."
He spoke in a rather blunt manner.
"Yes, I am Rockefeller Rothsmedici, working under Mr. Carter. It's an honor to meet you."
As Rockefeller answered, the elderly man narrowed his eyes and gestured with his chin.
"Follow me. There's someone who wants to see you."
Under the elderly man's guidance, Rockefeller went up to the second floor of the building.
The second floor seemed to be a bank office, where a middle-aged nobleman was sitting at a desk, attending to his work.
Hearing the footsteps, the nobleman looked up at the visitors and opened his mouth.
"Who is it?"
At his question, the elderly man politely answered.
"Master Benjamin, this is the banker from Montefeltro territory. Judging by the fact that he is not the person we know, he seems to be the rumored assistant."
Benjamin slapped the desk with his palm.
He then pointed his index finger at Rockefeller.
"Oh! You are that rumored assistant. So, you were the problem."
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