Chapter 2077 – 2077. The Fallen Empire
Intermediaries jumped into the conversation.
Judging by the situation, the intermediaries from both the Empire and the Republic seemed to be siding with Park Suho.
‘Did Park Suho bribe them or something?’
The possibility was quite high. Park Suho was the type to do what he thought was necessary. Just like when he killed Count Morck’s eldest son and freed his slaves. He might have been clueless a few years ago, but now, as the mayor of Veroprin, Park Suho had been significantly influenced by this world.
Count Morck glared at the Empire’s intermediary. He tried his best to suppress his anger, but his demeanor was still fierce.
“…Baron Borgia. Whose side are you on?”
“I’m not on anyone’s side. As an intermediary, I don’t take sides. I’m simply being rational.”
“Are you really convinced that I poisoned the well in Veroprin?”
“The circumstances suggest so. Do you think Veroprin would poison its own city?”
“Isn’t that highly likely? As far as I know, there are quite a few people from the Empire in Veroprin, aren’t there? They might have poisoned it for the sake of the Empire!”
“Don’t talk nonsense!!”
Park Suho shouted, interrupting. He reacted quite sensitively. It was a delicate issue that could shake the foundations of the city.
‘There’s a rumor going around in Veroprin that people from the Empire poisoned the well. I didn’t exactly start the rumor, though.’
It meant that even in peaceful Veroprin, there were invisible discrimination and conflicts. If not handled well, Veroprin would be screwed. Its future could be lost. And that was also Park Suho’s responsibility.
‘Judging by his sensitive reaction, it seems Park Suho is aware of it. Giving the citizens half-baked freedom causes these kinds of problems.’
Look at the Empire.
Even though there was discrimination between commoners and slaves, they didn’t fight each other. Commoners acted like commoners. Slaves acted like slaves. It was common sense and a rule in the Empire.
While I was lost in thought, Count Morck and Park Suho continued their conversation. Most of it was them blaming each other. Since the conversation wasn’t progressing, the intermediaries intervened again.
“Let’s postpone the territory war by three weeks. Of course, since the cause lies with Veroprin, there will be appropriate compensation for Count Morck’s territory.”
The Republic’s intermediary mentioned compensation. Count Morck, who had been raging, calmed down with a cough.
“Compensation, you say. Let’s hear it. I’ve spent a lot of money for this war… You’ll need to give me at least 30 million gold and enough food for 10,000 people for a week.”
“30 million gold? 10 million gold should be enough!”
“Park Suho, don’t speak carelessly without knowing the situation in my territory. I borrowed money from six nobles and eight merchants for this territory war. I need 30 million gold to survive! If you don’t compensate 30 million gold, there will be no negotiation! The territory war will proceed as originally scheduled!”
Territory wars were different from other wars. They took place at a set location and time. There was no looting of the opponent during the process. The risk was much lower than in a typical war. But Count Morck had bet everything on this war.
‘And yet, he held a banquet recently. I should say his spending is quite extravagant.’
Park Suho’s face contorted. He talked with the intermediaries and then sighed.
“…Alright. I will provide 30 million gold and a week’s worth of food.”
“Wait. I misspoke. I need three weeks’ worth of food, not one.”
“Don’t play tricks, Count Morck!!”
Count Morck’s nonsense didn’t work. Anyway, the negotiation was successfully concluded, and Park Suho stormed off. Judging by Park Suho’s attitude, it was clear that he didn’t know the full extent of Count Morck’s forces. In the current situation, even if they fought a territory war, Park Suho would surely win.
“Hahaha. The mayor of Veroprin seems to be sweating bullets!”
Count Morck was delighted, and the knights rushed to congratulate him.
“That’s right. It’s no different from him coming to beg. He was like a dog barking.”
“Your Excellency. We can’t just let this good day pass. Let’s hold a banquet.”
“Hmm. Your Excellency. The war is not far away, isn’t holding a banquet a bit much?”
Some of the knights who had their wits about them expressed concern.
Count Morck smiled confidently.
“Haha. We can’t not hold a banquet on this good day. Don’t worry about the money. I originally needed 20 million gold, but I asked for 30 million. We have enough to hold two or three banquets.”
“Kya!! As expected of Your Excellency! The foolish mayor of Veroprin has fallen victim to Your Excellency’s endless strategies!”
“The mayor of Veroprin is truly foolish! With the enemy’s leader in such a state, victory in this war is as good as guaranteed! Hahahaha!”
Count Morck and the knights were intoxicated with arrogance. Although my thoughts differed, there was no need to pour cold water on the atmosphere by voicing my opinion. Saying unnecessary things would only damage my reputation.
‘The poison I put in the well will eventually be purified. It’s a poison made by Yuria, but it has the disadvantage of weakening over time.’
Should I sneak in and poison it again? I immediately shook my head. If I did that, Park Suho might get pissed and cross the line. For example, he might bring a bunch of modern items. He could modify a truck for combat, or go overseas to get firearms.
‘If that happened, there would be no solution. Even if I interfere with Park Suho, I have to do it in a different way. Like luring monsters towards the city.’
Later that evening, the banquet was held. At the last banquet, I was the center of attention because of the duel, but this time, the focus was on praising Count Morck’s excellent negotiation skills, and I was pushed to the background. Since I was free to move around at the banquet, it was actually a good thing.
I scanned the surroundings with a sharp gaze. Surprisingly, there were quite a few female knights. The Empire strictly enforced social discrimination, but there were exceptions for the strong. Slaves, commoners, and women could all become knights and be treated well if they had the strength.
‘Most of the female knights are burly, not my type.’
I made eye contact again with the blonde countess, who had exchanged heated glances with me at the last banquet. She was with her maids, and I swallowed my wine, looking at her with a subtle gaze.
We made eye contact, but there were too many eyes watching, so I couldn’t approach her carelessly. A young knight and a young countess meeting alone? Anyone would suspect their relationship.
As time passed, people became increasingly drunk. Some collapsed on the floor and fell asleep, while others caused trouble and were dragged away by the soldiers. The knights flirted with the women invited to the banquet, mostly prostitutes, and then disappeared somewhere.
The blonde countess, Carla, glanced around and then slipped out of the banquet hall alone. I, who had been watching her, smiled inwardly and followed her.
The countess headed not to her bedroom, but to a secluded corner where no one could see.
It was as if the heavens were giving me an opportunity. Telling me to follow her and bang that woman.
‘It would be stupid not to.’
I quietly followed her, keeping my presence hidden. She headed up to the castle tower. Since it was a tower for the castle’s defense, there was no one there at the moment.
The blonde countess, Carla, was looking out the window. It was around 2 AM, so the city was dark without a single light. Her eyes were not looking down, but up. Unlike the dark ground, countless stars twinkled like jewels in the night sky.
Carla didn’t turn around even though she sensed my presence.
“Sir Daycart. I envy you for enjoying freedom. What was the world you saw like? Was it as beautiful as that night sky?”
What the hell is she talking about?
I forced myself to swallow the harsh words that were about to come out.
The noble countess seemed to have a head full of flowers. Even if I couldn’t understand, I couldn’t back down here. I had to bang her.
“…The world wasn’t always beautiful. Just as there is light, there is darkness. There were many dark parts of the world. In my personal opinion, the world is never beautiful.”
Actually, I didn’t know much about this world. This wasn’t a game world, so I didn’t have detailed information. I hadn’t traveled around this world either.
“But the world is enjoyable. Even if it’s not beautiful, there’s a reward in traveling around.”
I spoke vaguely and raised my hand to grab Carla’s shoulder. Carla didn’t push my hand away. The fact that she came to the deserted castle tower meant that she had already half-given herself.
“I want to travel the world like Sir Daycart. Can you show me the world?”
In short, was she asking me to run away with her?
I checked Carla’s beauty at close range. If she was truly outstandingly beautiful, I would consider taking responsibility.
But while Carla was beautiful, she wasn’t that pretty. Besides, she wasn’t a virgin.
“I’m sorry, Madam. The world is cruel. This city and castle may be boring, but they are definitely safe. I want you to be safe.”
“……I see. You weren’t my destined partner then.”
Carla, who had turned her gaze from the night sky, looked at me with wistful eyes. I responded with a deep gaze.
“Are you sad?”
“Perhaps this is my last chance. Sir Daycart. Please comfort me with your stories.”
“Leave it to me. I have many stories that will please you. What kind of story would you like to hear?”
“I want to hear a love story. Have you ever experienced free love?”
“I don’t know if it was free, but I have experienced love.”
I gently touched her shoulder and began to tell a story.
Most of it was a lie.
