Célian Monchamps stroked his mustache, showing clear signs of displeasure.
And it was no wonder—after recently missing out on a chance to merge with the Blended Trading Company, it looked like he was about to miss yet another opportunity.
“Calling it the cradle of the free economy and whatnot… It was all nonsense in the end.”
Célian had left the petty East behind and come to the West, but the situation wasn’t much different, which only added to his frustration.
In this merchant council meeting, he intended to make Monchamps’ position crystal clear.
‘I’m different from my father. I’m going to make Monchamps a massive trading company that spans not just the Empire but the entire continent!’
Today was supposed to lay the foundation for realizing that grand ambition.
He was about to negotiate with Duke Petrov, who had been limiting Monchamps’ growth under the pretext of curbing the tyranny of large trading companies.
“The young Duke will see you now.”
At the servant’s announcement, Célian rose from his seat with a disgruntled expression.
A man entered, with black hair unusual in the West and green eyes that bordered on lime.
He gave off a slightly rigid impression, though his well-trained physique was evident beneath his clothes.
Mikhail Petrov. The young Duke who held power in place of the absent Nikolai Petrov.
Following him, a beautiful man entered with a light, breezy gait.
The heavy atmosphere seemed to lighten only around him. His bright appearance made it seem as if the room itself had been illuminated.
This was Noel, the dedicated lawyer of the Petrov Ducal House.
‘A troublesome guy.’
That’s how Célian thought of Noel. Every time Célian tried to do something, Noel would pull out legal precedents and hinder him at every turn.
“Take a seat.”
Mikhail, standing at his place, greeted the merchants lightly.
“I’ve seen that many issues have come up since our last regular meeting. I assume many are here to discuss those… Is there anyone who wishes to speak first?”
While everyone hesitated and looked around, Célian boldly raised his hand.
“Yes, Lord Monchamps. You may speak first.”
“Young Duke, I know you’re always busy overseeing the affairs of the West. Thanks to your efforts on our behalf, we’re able to stand here and even voice our opinions. We are always grateful for your grace.”
He spoke with a smooth, flattering tone.
“Thank you. So?”
“Ahem. Well, our Monchamps Trading Company was planning to merge with the mid-sized Volodja Trading Company, but I’ve heard that our application was rejected.”
Mikhail had to struggle not to frown.
“…I understand that Volodja recently opened a new trade route and began trading with the Eastern Continent.”
“That Volodja owes us a whopping 100,000 gold coins, Young Duke! We can’t wait any longer. Either they pay back the loan immediately, or they hand over Volodja Trading Company, which we hold as collateral. It must be one or the other!”
Mikhail lightly rubbed his forehead.
Couldn’t he see through this greedy ploy? It was obvious that Célian was using the new trade route as an excuse to force the issue.
Sure enough, the head of Volodja’s trading company retorted without backing down.
“Young Duke! I beg your pardon, but I must say this. Our trade expedition to the Eastern Continent is due to arrive in about a month! If you could just grant us a little more time…!”
“That’s impossible! The original repayment deadline was the end of this month when we lent the money.”
“You clearly said before that the deadline could be extended!”
“I have no memory of such a promise.”
The head of Volodja’s trading company was nearly in tears. His life’s work was about to fall entirely into Monchamps’ hands.
“Hoo…”
Watching their argument, Mikhail let out a deep sigh.
“…First of all, Mr. Volodja, is it true that you’ll be able to repay the loan if you’re given just one more month?”
“Yes! The new route we’ve pioneered is very quiet and safe, provided we pass through the rugged canyon area unscathed. I’ve been told that we’ve already safely passed through the critical area, so it’s certain. I’m willing to stake my life on it!”
“If that’s the case, Mr. Monchamps, would you consider extending the deadline?”
But Célian wasn’t making all this fuss just to collect a measly 100,000 gold coins.
He couldn’t back down now.
“We urgently need funds ourselves, which is why we’re pressing this matter. Please understand our situation as well.”
Mikhail gave him one last chance.
“Do you really have to go through with this? While the West may be known as a city of merchants, that doesn’t mean money rules over everything. The West we know today was built by merchants coming together, helping each other to survive. Can you not respect that spirit?”
“…I’m merely exercising my rightful claim, Young Duke.”
There was no other choice now.
As the ruler of the West, Petrov had an obligation to expel those who disrupted the region’s ecosystem.
“Noel.”
Noel, who had been standing quietly, stepped forward.
It was his time to act.
Noel presented several documents before Célian. As he read through them, a chill ran down his spine.
‘…Monchamps’ corrupt dealings.’
The documents detailed the illegal restructuring and unjust dismissals Monchamps had conducted when acquiring other trading companies.
They also included information about exploiting child labor for cost-cutting and failing to pay them fair wages.
“This is…”
“I haven’t officially reported this yet, but all the related documents are ready. They could be submitted to the court at any moment, should the Young Duke give the order.”
The crimes were serious. If all these accusations were true, Célian would undoubtedly be prosecuted and likely sentenced to imprisonment. Additionally, the Monchamps Trading Company would face hefty fines.
“Are you threatening me?”
Mikhail responded calmly to Célian’s outburst.
“Threatening? Let’s call it persuasion.”
Célian tore the documents Noel handed him into shreds.
“This… really could have been a disaster.”
Noel’s expression hardened slightly.
Despite his ambitions, Célian was a timid man who would usually back down quickly when threatened to this extent.
But for him to act so boldly now meant he must have some powerful backing.
“Haha. If not for the confidential letter delivered to me, I would have almost missed out on a golden opportunity.”
“…What…?”
“This information is completely meaningless!”
Célian almost dismissed it as nonsense but ended up praising herself for having covered her tracks just in case.
“Go ahead, try to sue me. All the evidence you’ve gathered so far must be worthless now. If you thought you could manipulate me with such threats, you’re gravely mistaken!”
Célian declared confidently.
Noel barely managed to keep his expression in check.
‘A secretly delivered letter?’
There was no way such a well-timed informant could have appeared out of nowhere.
It was obvious who might have helped Céline cover her tracks.
“Natasha…!”
“Did you call for me?”
At that moment, a new figure confidently opened the door and entered.
The woman who entered with such boldness smiled victoriously.
“That lawyer…!”
“Oh my, she’s really back.”
“I thought it was just a rumor…”
The merchants from the West who witnessed her all groaned in anxiety.
‘A lawyer?’
Célian subtly sized up Natasha. She looked more like Mikhail’s pretty lover than a competent lawyer.
‘Noel’s face isn’t bad either. Oh, is that it? Using the pretense of being a lawyer to bring your lover into your home? Quite bold of you.’
Having come to this conclusion, Célian judged the current situation as nothing more than ‘the marquess’s ignorant lover intruding into the meeting.’
Still, the reactions of the surrounding merchants were somewhat strange.
“You…”
Noel had a lot to say but firmly shut his mouth. He couldn’t even begin to figure out where to start.
“What are you doing?”
Noel finally whispered.
“Why? There was no rule saying I couldn’t interfere, right?”
“How exactly do you plan to bring him down without corruption? Don’t you know the best way to deal with a giant trading company like Monchang is to force them into cutting off a limb?”
Natasha smiled sweetly.
“And that’s why you always come in second place, Noel.”
“…What?”
A slight crack appeared in his smiling face.
“You’re boring. So predictable. That’s why I can read you like a book, and why you’re in this mess now.”
Noel, at a loss for words, clenched his fists tightly.
“Step aside. It’s my turn now.”
With a bright smile, Natasha stepped right behind Mikhail. As she approached, the merchants’ faces turned pale.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, members of the Merchants’ Guild? You all seem to have had quite the fun in my absence.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a dreadful silence fell over the room. No one dared to speak.
“Well, don’t worry. That’s not why I’m here today.”
Phew…
Someone unconsciously let out a deep sigh of relief.
“Now then… Lord Monchamps, you’re planning to merge with Bolosya?”
“…Marquess, just how far do you intend to allow this disrespect?”
Célian found Natasha’s disruption extremely irritating.
“I understand your affection for her, but you are on official duty right now, aren’t you?”
As soon as he finished speaking, a merchant sitting across from him openly gaped.
His expression was one of utter shock.
“…Affection?”
Mikhail echoed, his voice sounding dazed.
“Who, with whom? …Surely not…”
Mikhail couldn’t bring himself to say the words and instead pointed back and forth between Natasha and himself.
His body language practically screamed, ‘Did he just imply that Natasha and I are… together?’
“Pfft.”
Noel burst out laughing but quickly masked it with a subtle smile when he caught Mikhail’s murderous glare.
“Ahem. I apologize if this seems impertinent, but ‘real’ lawyers should occupy the lawyer’s seat. It’s the only way to maintain the dignity of the great Petrov.”
This was becoming increasingly absurd. He seemed to genuinely believe he was offering wise counsel.
Though it was presumptuous, most of the guild leaders were of noble lineage, even if they hadn’t inherited titles, so this sort of arrogance was often tolerated.
Especially in the Western commercial district, where merchants’ rights were highly regarded.
Even so, Célian’s words were beyond presumptuous—utterly insolent, even.
Worse yet, they were foolish. He still didn’t realize who was holding his leash.
Mikhail felt a wave of anxiety before any irritation could settle in.
His eyes rolled over to Natasha.
As always, Natasha was smiling sweetly.
• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Esraa• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •
If you want to support the translation and the translator, you can buy a coffee~
