Chapter 54 – Margott’s Chamber of Commerce
Having reignited the relation with Kevin back-up yesterday, today Ares went out to see the aristocrats he could trust . Earl of Roxietta was among these people .
Earl Lloyd Roxietta is also Sharon’s father as everyone knew already . He serves in the imperial capital as the commander of the Imperial Knights .
[Duke Randolph is the one who understands the ins and outs better than I do . ]
That’s what Lloyd said . Since Ares’ clan aren’t exactly on good terms with Duke Randolph, making the undertaking harder than it already is .
[I’m just a small fry, if compared to Duke Randolph . ]
[I would like to help solidify the knights to be on our side . But well, I don’t have any idea how . It’s like a lump right in front of my eyes . ]
Having said so Earl Lloyd laughed earnestly .
Ares was quite inspired by this . It is said that only a truly courageous and skillful warrior can go on with a smile regardless of how hard his mission is .
[By the way Ares-sama . In a few days, my wild daughter will come to the capital . I’ll be relying on you once more . ]
[……I have a lot of things to do though . ]
[I know that, but she won’t listen to me . Even if I stop her, she would just force her way out and go by herself . ]
It’s good that Lloyd didn’t give up despite walking on a rough outline . But when Ares imagined the arrival of his childhood friend, he couldn’t help but show a slightly ugly face .
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Ares next visited Baron Belmond who was quite famous among the imperial military forces .
The Belmond clan has been holding the Baron title from a long time ago, much like other existing Barons at the moment . Their only special characteristic… . . is that they are good swordsmen .
The current duke is already 60 years old . But his movement is still as sharp, and his trained body which is fairly visible from under his clothing still hasn’t shrivelled due to aging . Widely known as the 『Sword Demon』, his sword technique was considered to be the best in the empire .
[Oh, it’s been a long time . Ares-sama . What brings you here this time around?]
[Nothing urgent . I just want to see you . After that…how’s the information gathering in the capital going?]
[Hahahah, happy to hear that . How about some relaxing tea as we slowly talk about what you came for, shall we?]
However, Ares was taken to the training ground instead . A lot of people were practising swordsmanship at this hour .
[Errmm…Duke gramps, why are you bringing me here?]
[About that…nothing beats a cup of tea after moving your body around . ]
That said, the duke took out a nearby training sword .
[It’s hard to find a satisfying fight around here lately . It’s been a while since my heart pounded fiercely from confronting a strong enemy . ]
(Ah, here comes his bad habit . )
Ares sighed as he took a glance at the duke’s face . Looking sideways, the previously practicing men now stood there looking with gleaming eyes .
[Ares-sama, please spar with me next]
[Next with me!]
(Oh well, I guess it’s only natural for the battle-enthusiast like the Belmonds?)
Seeing how these people acted, Ares could only laugh inwardly .
After that, Ares showed up at many other aristocrats’ residence . They are mostly lower class aristocrats, but he needs everything that he can get . Moreover, they are all the vassal clans of the Archduke Schwarzer .
He might need to borrow their power one day . But before that, he needs to be aware of each other’s intentions, as well as uniting and coordinating their thoughts .
Ares thought so inwardly as he talked with several aristocrats .
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Ares final visit was to the Margott House of Commerce .
The Margott House of Commerce is a very well-known merchant union in the empire . After the former head director Giovani Margott was replaced by the current director Lorenzo Margott, their scope of activity had further expanded . Their business relation is not only limited to Arcadia empire, but also Thracia, Sarunagora, Wolfgard and even with the eastern countries .
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Their market serves a wide range of customers, ranging from aristocrat to commoner .
The former director Giovanni can be considered a genius in commerce .
They created a fashion trend in the capital, selling products tailored to complement the trend . They first introduce their new product to an influential aristocrat, which will most likely spread it to other aristocrats .
And once their product became a hot topic among the aristocrats, their item will naturally sell really well . They sold a variety of different fashion items, ranging from dresses to luxury and artistic items .
They also keep an eye and took note of what the commoners want or need . Then sell their product that meets the people’s requirement in large quantity .
Not only that, they also sought to create their own new product and spread their invention to the world . A lot of inventors and engineers work for them . Thanks to them, the House of Commerce could release many innovative tools to the world .
Giovanni retired a few years ago, and handed over the family business to his eldest son Lorenzo . Although there are rumours stating that he still has some amount of control over the business .
Then does Lorenzo have equally good business talent? Not really .
At the moment, he’s working abroad, directing the expansion of the sales channel .
He also spread his personal connection as he travels around the continent .
It is believed that his effort was the reason behind the greatly increased sales of Margott House of Commerce .
Last year he was [The First on the List] to receive the Imperial award and the House of Commerce influence had become like a bird flying in the sky .
Moreover, their total assets are immeasurable .
The power of money can sometimes defeat the mightiest sword .
Be it high ranked aristocrats or even the royal clan, Margott’s House of Commerce has some influence over them all .
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Ares planned to spend some time on Margott’s House of Commerce until it’s time for him to go later that night .
His purpose this time was to meet Giovanni . And he also brought some souvenirs as well .
While waiting at the reception room…
[Ares! What brought you here this time?]
The door behind him suddenly opened .
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Hearing that voice, Ares turned around and replied .
[Hi Nina . It’s been a while . ]
[You finally showed up here . I’ve heard that you came to the capital . Why did you only show up now?]
[Lots of inconveniences here and there . Lots of work to do . ]
[Thought so . You must’ve gone somewhere else first . ]
Despite her sounding depressed, Nina’s eyes were brimming with happiness . Ares also enjoyed this conversation .
Nina is Lorenzo’s only daughter, as well as Ares former classmate during his time at the academy . Strange thing was, despite coming from different family backgrounds, the two got along really well . With long wavy flaxen hair and large maroon eyes, everyone would agree to say that she’s beautiful . Her outstanding style is not only attractive in the eyes of not only boys but also girls .
But her best features are…the beast ears peeking out from her flaxen hair, and her fluffy tail . Yes, she’s part beastkin .
A half-beastkin to be exact . Lorenzo’s wife was a beastkin . Apparently they met during one of his travel, when he saved her from slavery . And Nina was born from their union . Not wanting their daughter be discriminated, Lorenzo immediately decided to leave her under his father’s care so that she’ll be protected . Giovanni also loves her and provided various education for Nina . And par for the course, he also taught her business .
Nina also inherited the Margott family’s aptitude in commerce . She showed her business acumen to her father and grandfather by graduating from the academy as the top ranker of Commerce department, then getting involved in various jobs .
[Still, you are in luck . Today not only Grandpa, but Papa is also here as well . ]
[Lorenzo-dono is here too? That’s lucky indeed . ]
[Just don’t say anything weird while Grandpa is around since he’s a bit touchy lately . Oh well, I think you’re gonna be fine since you are practically his favorite . ]
During such a conversation, an elderly man and a middle aged man entered the reception room .
[Welcome, Schwarzer Young Lord . ]
They are the former director of Margott’s House of Commerce Giovanni Margott and the current director Lorenzo Margott .
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[Long time no see . Giovanni-dono, Lorenzo-dono . ]
Ares got up from his chair and lowered his head a little
[No no, no need to be so formal . All the same, pardon us for not properly welcoming you . ]
Lorenzo replied .
When the formality ended…Lorenzo suddenly spoke up .
[Nina . Can you please leave us for now?]
[Eーーー!But why? I have a right to be here as well . ]
[No can do . ]
[But I… . !]
Nina noticed the change in Giovanni’s face .
(Uh, that’s the matchmaker’s face . It’s always embarrassing when Grandpa has that kind of face…)
[Alright . I’ll be waiting outside . ]
[Forgive us . ]
[We’ll tell you about it when it’s over . Sorry . ]
Ares seemed a little worried himself .
(No, you shouldn’t be worried about me……Please be safe…Ares . )
While Nina was thinking that, a smile bloomed on Ares’ face as he watched her leaving the room .
Once Nina left, Giovanni who had remained silent all this time spoke up .
[Well then Ares-dono . Can you tell us what brings you here to our abode this time?]
Giovanni said that in a freezing tone, as he gazed sharply toward Ares .