Revenge is Sweet
Time flew by, and the day Rudell had set for the representatives of each merchant guild finally arrived…
At the Weinstein castle.
Countless carriages sent by the various guilds were lined up, entering the castle grounds.
"This should take a load off my mind."
Rudell, observing the scene, spoke in a pleased tone.
"It seems the County won't be lacking in supplies for a while."
"Wouldn't it have been better if you had done this sooner?"
Kyle grumbled, and Rudell shifted his gaze to the ledger.
In addition to the supplies that were originally supposed to arrive, there were also the goods Rudell had negotiated to receive as payment for the magical beast byproducts.
The combined quantity was more than enough to resolve the supply shortages throughout the County in one fell swoop.
"Let's see… The Callod Merchant Union, the Keleborn Transport Company, and Kirk & Katz Market have all delivered as promised."
"Now all that's left is the Gold Rush Company… Will they really come?"
"If they're not fools, they will."
The Gold Rush Company was a particularly aggressive guild, even among the large merchant guilds.
They used their overwhelming size to crush competitors, and if they felt that something was even slightly against their interests, they wouldn't hesitate to ruin the other party's business through any dirty means necessary.
Bering's Berinot Company was one of their victims.
Such a guild wouldn't simply ignore the tempting deal involving magical beast byproducts.
As Rudell nodded in response to Kyle's question,
"Young Master, we've received word that people from the Gold Rush Company have arrived."
"See? I told you."
Janice approached and spoke, and Rudell winked at Kyle.
At the same time, a large number of carriages began to enter from afar.
The number of carriages was far greater than those from the Callod Merchant Union, the Keleborn Transport Company, and Kirk & Katz Market combined.
They were all carriages carrying the goods of the Gold Rush Company.
After about ten minutes, the procession of carriages ended, and as the last carriage stopped in front of the two, a man stepped out.
His face was haggard, as if something had happened to him.
His once arrogant eyes were now dull, like those of a half-dead man, and dark circles were prominent under his eyes.
It was as if he had become a different person in just over a week…
"Welcome, Gord. I was wondering if you might not come."
Rudell knew the reason but pretended not to, greeting him.
"Uh, umm… It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Weinstein."
He tried to appear composed, but it was evident that he was quite anxious.
Suppressing a laugh, Rudell said to him,
"First, let's have a meal since you've come a long way. The representatives of the other guilds are all waiting."
"Let's do that…"
Gord hesitated for a moment before nodding and replying to Rudell's suggestion…
And so, the two of them moved inside the castle.
* * *
During the break after a simple meal with the representatives of each merchant guild.
"So, you're asking for a slight extension on the delivery date?"
"Th-that's right…"
Gord bowed his head to Rudell, his voice laced with desperation.
"Hmm…"
At the same time, a faint smile appeared on Rudell's lips.
Didn't someone say that if you feel uneasy after taking revenge, it means you haven't taken satisfactory revenge yet?
Returning favors and grudges twofold.
That was Rudell's creed.
"That would be difficult. The Gold Rush Company already has a history, don't they? Even though we gave you another chance, if you come out like this…"
"We'll pay the penalty! So please, just give us one more chance…!!"
The penalty the Gold Rush Company would have to pay due to this incident was a massive amount.
Roughly estimated, it was equivalent to the annual budget of the territory during its time as a Viscounty.
And three months' worth of the current territory's budget now that it had become a County.
The fact that they were willing to pay the penalty and continue the deal meant that this deal was valuable enough for them to secure, even at such a cost.
"If you insist, I suppose there's no helping it. I'll give you one more week as you wish."
"Th-thank you!! Thank you so much!!"
Even so, the probability of him completing the delivery by the deadline was low, but Rudell had nothing to lose anyway.
As Gord, with his head bowed, left the room with weak steps, and the door closed, Rudell chuckled.
"You can come out now."
As he spoke, the door of a separate room on one side of the room opened, and Bering emerged.
"Is this enough revenge?"
"Of course! It feels like ten years of pent-up frustration have been swept away!"
From the perspective of Bering, who was one of the victims of the Gold Rush Company, there could be no more satisfying revenge than this.
The damage the Gold Rush Company would suffer just from paying this penalty was not insignificant.
But what could they do?
It was all their own doing.
"Mr. Bering's contribution was significant. You spread the rumor that caused the small and medium-sized guilds to buy up all the grain."
"It's not like there are only one or two guilds that have suffered from their schemes. And since most of them are guilds I have some connection with, it wasn't that difficult."
Just as he believed that credit was paramount, the Berinot Company had a good reputation.
They didn't make huge profits, and they never delayed deliveries.
Thanks to this, the rumor he spread quickly circulated among the merchants, leading to the small and medium-sized guilds buying up all the grain currently in circulation.
Furthermore, considering the Gold Rush Company's already terrible reputation due to their past misdeeds, even if they were given more time, they would have to bleed quite a bit to acquire the grain.
It was truly the best outcome for both Rudell and Bering.
"How about a celebratory drink on a day like this? I happen to have brought some rather good alcohol."
"Ah… I'm not much of a drinker…"
"Hahaha! You're full of surprises, Young Master!"
Bering burst into hearty laughter, surprised by Rudell's hesitant response.
* * *
In the evening, after the meeting with the representatives of each merchant guild had concluded.
"I'm overwhelmed by the hospitality you've shown me, Count."
Bering, invited to dinner, spoke politely.
"Don't mention it. We've become inseparable from your company now. This is only natural."
Although a formal contract had not yet been signed, both Bering and the Weinstein family considered the deal practically finalized.
From the Weinstein family's perspective, they had secured a cooperative exclusive merchant guild with high growth potential.
Conversely, from Bering's Berinot Company's perspective, they had secured a supplier for the highly profitable magical beast byproduct trade.
It was a relationship where neither side had anything to lose.
"It's all thanks to the remarkable Young Master Rudellheit."
"My son is indeed outstanding. Sometimes I feel like I'm benefiting greatly from him."
They say there's no parent who dislikes praising their child.
Carlos couldn't hide his smile as Bering praised Rudell.
Father, you're being so obvious…
With that thought, Rudell took a sip of the juice Bering had brought.
It was said to be made from some fruit produced in a distant foreign land, and its refreshing, cool taste was perfect for Rudell's palate.
I should ask him to bring more of this juice next time.
As the amicable atmosphere continued…
"Do you have any specific items you need for the next trade?"
"Hmm… Besides the items I mentioned earlier, there are a few more things I need…"
Carlos trailed off, glancing at Maria, who was sitting next to him, in response to Bering's question.
"I'm warning you, if you buy any more useless magic items, I won't let you off the hook."
"Ugh…"
"Hahaha! A familiar sight indeed."
Bering burst into hearty laughter at Carlos's low groan.
Just as the atmosphere was reaching its peak…
-Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
"…?"
Everyone's gaze turned towards the window as a sudden bell began to ring.
That bell was undoubtedly from the bell tower built when the County was still a Viscounty.
It was rung to warn the territory when dangerous monsters appeared.
And then, the next moment.
[Grooooaaaaaar!!]
Along with a low, resonating roar, a gigantic figure began to move in the darkness.
Access 5 advance chapters with the 'Leje's Friend' Tier ($10).
Choose your tier by clicking the 'Support me' button!
Rate and review this novel on NU to help people find this novel.
Join our discord server for the latest release updates and novel discussions.