Report
Chapter 3: The Golden Sheep Trading Company
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I am Jakob, chairman of the Golden Sheep Trading Company. Pleased to meet your acquaintance."
While listening to the greeting from this stereotypical-looking merchant, I considered my response. This man had lent an enormous sum to the ducal house.
"I am Einzig von Sil Baltia. As you can see, the territory is in quite a state. My apologies for being direct, but what brings you here?"
"Well then, let's get straight to the point. 16,000 of the kingdom’s gold coins were lent to House Baltia—might we discuss repayment?"
16,000 coins. I'd seen the figure in the reports, but hearing it aloud reinforced just how massive the sum was.
While my home, House Veiwar, could technically afford it, it would be a significant expense. It would be easy to simply refuse, claiming we don't have the money—but with the territory in this state, it’d be tough if the merchants turned their backs on us now, too. Well, it’s not like we don’t have any other options, but... it’s going to be a bit of a gamble.
"I see. Actually, I wanted to discuss that matter as well."
"Oh! Then..."
"And I'd like to borrow some food supplies worth 500 gold coins."
The moment I said this, the man beside the chairman stood up.
"What are you saying?! First, you must repay the 16,000 coins!"
"Silence, Nikolai!"
Scolded by the chairman, Nikolai sat down, his face red.
That was dangerous. Even if they had lent us money, yelling at a nobleman like that would get him executed. I smiled, partly to acknowledge the chairman's intervention.
"Your Grace, I deeply apologize for my associate's rudeness. However, 16,000 coins is a considerable sum... Do you at least have a plan for repayment?"
"A repayment plan? To be honest... no."
In the territory's current state, even heavy taxation couldn't raise 16,000 coins.
"Hmm... I see."
Jakob, with his years of experience as a merchant, looked at me as if he was estimating how much I was worth.
"However, I propose to exempt the Golden Sheep Trading Company from taxes within my territory."
Jakob's eyes narrowed with interest.
"Oh... that's interesting... but given the territory's condition, it seems insufficient compensation for 16,000 coins."
Sensing his interest, I knew this was the crucial moment.
"True, as things stand now. But I think it's a good bet. The Baltia territory was originally the finest granary in the Silria region. Once restored, 16,000 coins could be recovered quickly. If you're still worried, I'll even put this castle up as collateral."
"Lord Einzig, that's...!" my retainers protested, but I silenced them with a gesture.
"I see... So the 500 gold coins worth of food supplies would be your first step toward restoration?"
"Exactly. While I'll need to lower taxes to appease the people after the ravages of war, we can still collect around 500 gold coins worth. In fact, I'll appoint you as tax collector, so you can collect it directly."
Jakob's eyes widened in surprise.
Well, that's understandable. A noble's status is built on their rights of taxation and military command.
That's why nobles never relinquish these rights. Of course, that's also why civil wars never end.
Honestly, since any collected taxes would go to the trading company anyway, it's less troublesome to just let them handle collection from the start.
"You have interesting ideas. But aren't you concerned we might embezzle?"
Jakob glanced at the knights as he spoke.
The knights in this world weren't paragons of chivalric virtue—many engaged in plunder. There were exceptions, of course.
While they received wages, tax collection was a source of extra income for knights without land holdings. It was tacitly understood that they would pocket some of the tax revenue.
Well, my retainers received generous support from the main house, so they weren't too concerned about money.
But I digress.
"I'm not worried about that at all. As merchants, don't you need to maintain your reputation in this region?"
"Hahaha! Indeed you're right! Very well, we accept these terms. We'll gather the food supplies worth 500 gold coins within a week."
While merchants deal with nobles, most of their business is with commoners.
If they collect more than the mandated taxes, they'll lose the commoners' trust. If they collect less, they'll lose the nobility's trust. They must maintain the proper balance. This appropriate conduct builds trust.
"Then I look forward to working with you, Duke Einzig."
I returned Jakob's handshake with a smile.
"Likewise, Master Jakob."
After leaving the lord's mansion, Jakob discussed matters with Nikolai in their carriage.
"An interesting character, this new head of House Baltia."
"But father, isn't this all just nonsensical talk unless he achieves restoration?"
"We had no choice either way, my son. We were being threatened with either losing everything or achieving mutual prosperity. I chose to go along because I sensed potential in Lord Einzig. Still, he's quite an unusual noble. He might have made a better merchant."
Nikolai nodded in agreement, showing a wry smile.
Jakob gazed at the castle under repair through the carriage window.
"I have high expectations for you, Duke Einzig.”
