Kill the Emperor

Translator: AkazaTL

Pr/Ed: Sol IX

***

Chapter 74 : Too Many Thieves (1)

Magic stones.

They refer to a kind of magic amplification tool created by applying magical treatment to gemstones collected from nature or manufactured artificially.

Magic stones were essential items for producing artifacts and magic tools, primarily playing the role of amplifying mana and keeping gathered mana from scattering.

In other words, the more deficient a mage was in accumulated mana or the harder it was for them to concentrate mana with their own power—that is to say, the meager a mage's skills were—the higher their need for magic stones.

And Zodiac was a magically underdeveloped country lacking the most competent mages among the numerous nations on the entire continent.

In fact, Zodiac’s reliance on magic stones was so great that communication between magic towers was impossible without them.

The problem was that the places capable of producing and supplying these magic stones numbered less than five across the entire continent.

Of course, there were cases where skilled mages personally produced magic stones.

But that was merely at a level to cover personal usage.

Therefore, the production sites capable of handling the amount required by a nation could be said to be about three places:

The ‘Magic Fortress Pantheon’ of the Akrishima Empire.

The ‘Elanus Workshop’ of the Magic Kingdom Maganus.

The Kingdom of Other Races, Veradora.

However, considering that Veradora was a closed country that barely engaged in exchanges with other nations, the options Zodiac could realistically rely on were effectively two: the Empire and the Magic Kingdom.

However, both the Empire and the Magic Kingdom strictly controlled the external supply of magic stones.

Furthermore, they did not sell magic stones directly to other countries but set quotas for a few merchant guilds and families, selling magic stones through them.

In other words, for Zodiac to receive magic stones, they had to read the room not only of the Empire and Magic Kingdom but also of the distribution and sales agents.

The reason the magic stone sales merchant guild visiting Abysin could stay in the guest room lay here as well.

Currently, Zodiac was periodically receiving magic stones through two affiliated merchant guilds belonging to the ‘Wind Tail’ merchant guild, one of the continent's five great merchant guilds.

The names of the merchant guilds receiving supplies from Wind Tail and supplying them to Zodiac were ‘Tombstone’ and ‘Mikal’, respectively.

And figures corresponding to the general managers of both merchant guilds were visiting Zodiac to conclude this year’s deal.

***

“Well, I heard there was a big commotion recently, but it seems the confusion was settled quite well somehow.”

“It seems so. Rumors about Grand Duke Reichart were widespread in this vicinity, so I thought they were false rumors. But he seems quite capable.”

Huddle, the general manager of the Tombstone Merchant Guild, and Darren, the general manager of the Mikal Merchant Guild, were sharing stories while facing each other over teacups.

There were three production sites for magic stones capable of handling the amount required by a nation.

However, considering that the Kingdom of Other Races, Veradora, was a closed country that barely engaged in exchanges with other nations,

Realistically, Zodiac’s options were only two: the ‘Magic Fortress Pantheon’ of the Akrishima Empire and the ‘Elanus Workshop’ of the Magic Kingdom Maganus.

The problem was that both the Empire and the Magic Kingdom strictly controlled the external supply of magic stones.

Furthermore, since they sold magic stones by setting quotas for a few merchant guilds and families, Zodiac had to read the room of the distribution and sales agents as well.

“Haha, shouldn’t we do well this year too? A deal good for both Zodiac and us.”

“That is correct. We should bestow grace upon Zodiac this year as well. Since we have built-up affection, after all. Hehe!”

The relationship between Huddle and Darren sharing a chat seemed quite affectionate.

It was understandable, as the time the two had spent sitting face to face in the royal palace guest room gnawing at Zodiac’s finances was already 10 years.

Their attitude of carelessly calling the name of another country in the royal palace guest room went beyond frivolous to looking arrogant, but they had confidence.

Although they were merely subcontractor merchant guilds of the Wind Tail Merchant Guild, one of the continent’s five great merchant guilds, they had the confidence that as long as they held the supply of magic stones, they could shake a country like Zodiac as much as they wanted.

“My my, looking young and incredibly firm. How old are you?”

Huddle reached out and forcefully grabbed the buttocks of a palace maid serving tea, then vomited out vulgar laughter.

“W-Why are you doing this?”

“The General Manager is quite mischievous indeed. Hehe!”

“As I age these days, my energy is quite lacking. Shouldn’t I receive vitality even through these young things whenever I can?”

Their arrogant behavior also stemmed from that misguided confidence.

They firmly believed in two facts.

That Zodiac would find it difficult to operate the nation without them.

Also, since the nobles of Zodiac did not treat commoner-born palace maids as humans anyway, they didn't think touching them a bit would threaten the nation's authority.

If the nobles of Zodiac had been present, they might have laughed heartily and said this:

“How is it? Our children have developed very well these days, so they are ripe as can be. Don't you just want to take a bite?”

Clang— Clang—

Then, the sound of the clock announcing noon was heard.

“Let’s get going slowly. Doesn't the reputed Grand Duke Reichart say he is waiting for us?”

“Hehe, shall we then. Look here. Is anyone outside!”

They strutted with all their might, leaving the West Palace and heading to the main palace where Hein’s office was located.

“Your Excellency, we have brought the people from the Tombstone Merchant Guild and Mikal Merchant Guild.”

“Let them in.”

A cold voice greeted the two from beyond the door. And what entered the eyes of the two who opened the door was…….

“Huddle of the Tombstone Merchant Guild greets the Grand Duke.”

“Darren of the Mikal Merchant Guild greets Your Excellency the Grand Duke.”

“You’ve worked hard and come a long way. Sit there.”

It was a black-haired young man sitting in the seat of honor with his legs crossed, drinking tea.

‘Is this guy Grand Duke Reichart?’

They knew well that the Grand Duke was very young, but Hein’s appearance witnessed in person was beyond their imagination.

‘At this rate, isn’t he not just young but practically a greenhorn?’

Surprised by Hein’s appearance surpassing expectations, Huddle and Darren hesitated and couldn't easily take their seats.

“I told you to sit here, what are you doing?”

‘Sit here?’

‘What are you doing?’

After the awkward silence given by the first meeting passed, displeasure bloomed on Huddle and Darren’s faces.

‘A young guy gains power and his behavior is arrogant beyond measure.’

‘Knowing who we are, such blatant disrespect…….’

Of course, they didn't expect Hein, the current highest power holder of Zodiac, to use honorifics.

But at least they thought he would treat them with a certain degree of formality.

In fact, the nobles of Zodiac they had dealt with so far had acted that way.

“Since we both have much to do, let’s get straight to the point. What is the quantity and grade of the goods you brought?”

“……Thirty sacks of Epicle standard large sacks. The grade of magic stones is fifteen sacks each of upper-middle and lower-middle.”

“……We have also prepared twenty-five sacks of Epicle standard large sacks. The grade is upper-middle for all twenty-five sacks.”

However, Hein seemed to have absolutely no intention of using honorifics toward them.

Huddle and Darren answered the question with stiffly hardened expressions.

“The prepared quantity and grade are largely the same as last time. So, what is the price you are thinking of?”

“……Thirty-nine thousand Tarin gold coins of Maganus standard.”

“We also think fifty-two thousand Tarin gold coins of Maganus standard would be appropriate. Your Excellency.”

Special currency used for special purposes in the Maganus Kingdom, not standard gold coins.

Considering that the place they received magic stones from was the Maganus Kingdom, the request to pay in special currency itself could be considered reasonable.

However.

“Did you say thirty-nine thousand and fifty-two thousand Tarin gold coins?”

“That is correct. Your Excellency Grand Duke.”

“The amount you demanded in the last deal was thirty thousand and forty thousand coins respectively. The quantity and grade of goods haven't changed, but the price has risen exactly 30%.”

The problem was the price of goods that had risen significantly in just one year.

An increased margin that far exceeded reasonable standards no matter how one looked at it.

“…….”

“The price rose by 30% in just one year…… Furthermore, as planned, both sides increased the price by the same ratio. Don’t you think it’s a truly interesting coincidence?”

“……Your Excellency Grand Duke. What are you trying to say?”

“I’m asking for an explanation. The reason why the price of the same goods must rise to a ridiculous level in one year. As a buyer who has traded for decades, I can demand at least this much, can't I?”

“Your Excellency, you may not know, but the Red Crystal School, which holds great influence in the Maganus Kingdom, recently…….”

At Hein’s demand, Huddle began to unravel the excuses he had prepared in advance.

Of course, not forgetting to mix in professional terminology that half-baked nobles with little interest in commerce and magic studies couldn't easily understand.

Based on past experience, if they told such stories, the stupid nobles of Zodiac would shake their heads within less than 5 minutes.

“You guys should know too, right? The Entano Edict proclaimed by the Magic King last winter is still valid, and due to that edict, the Elanus Workshop increased the production of magic stones.”

“T-That is…….”

“But you want me to believe that the magic stone production of the entire Maganus decreased just because the Red Crystal School threw a tantrum? The influence of the Red Crystal School would be insignificant compared to that of the Elanus Workshop, wouldn't it?”

“Your Excellency, I will explain.”

However, Hein was not a pushover like the nobles they had dealt with until now.

When Huddle floundered at Hein’s sharp question, Darren hurriedly took over the speech.

But…….

“The Ranora Road, which was blocked due to the agreement between the Hasar Kingdom and the Belbomier tribe settlement, has opened. Yet transport costs doubled compared to last year? For what reason?”

“Security costs? The transport route you use is this way. However, due to the expedition of General Belphist of the Empire in the first half of this year, the Lizardman tribes inhabiting the swamps in this vicinity were completely wiped out. Then isn’t it normal for the cost of hiring mercenaries to decrease as well?”

The situation was no different for Darren.

‘You seem to have studied quite a bit, haven't you?’

All Darren could do was bite his lip.

Cold sweat formed on the backs of Huddle and Darren, who met a proper negotiation partner for the first time after dealing with fools who knew nothing until now.

Nod.

Soon meeting each other’s eyes, the two nodded.

Their prepared final card.

“……We will not deny that Your Excellency’s words seem reasonable at first glance. However, ultimately, pricing of goods is determined by each merchant guild’s internal guidelines, not just surrounding circumstances.”

“We understand that we have no obligation to report those internal guidelines to Your Excellency and receive understanding, Your Excellency!”

Eventually, they cast the last resort of ‘No matter how much you wag your tongue, ultimately setting the price of goods is our will.’

“That’s a truly interesting excuse.”

Hein uncrossed his legs and switched them to the other side, then took a sip of tea.

“Right, ultimately the price is determined by you. I have no desire to deny your rights either.”

The moment remarks accepting their claims came out of Hein’s mouth, Darren cheered inwardly and muttered in his heart.

‘Right, what sharp method could you have? If you lose us, there is no way to obtain magic stones, and without magic stones right now, the country won’t run.’

However…….

“But deciding whether to buy goods at that price or not is the buyer’s right.”

Hearing the next words from Hein’s mouth, a deep furrow formed on Darren’s brow.

“The negotiation is broken. I have no intention of playing along with your ridiculous tricks.”

Hein declared that the deal had met a breakdown with an exceedingly calm expression.

“……Will you not regret it?”

“No.”

“If you send us back like this, you may not know when we can meet again. Even if you meet us again after a long time has passed, the price will be different from now again.”

“…….”

Huddle piled up threats to Hein, but Hein still showed no movement.

“……Then understanding that you have no intention of retracting the remark you just made, we will take our leave now!”

Huddle and Darren’s threats were not entirely groundless.

Because the one who would actually be in trouble if the deal with Tombstone and Mikal Merchant Guilds was cut off was Zodiac.

From the start, magic stones were not items one could buy immediately just by giving extra money.

Since the amount of external export allowed by the Empire and Magic Kingdom was not large, and control was strictly enforced, one couldn't obtain goods without securing a supply line.

‘Let’s see who will shed tears of blood!’

Huddle and Darren, who shouted inwardly, rose from their seats.

And just as they turned their backs.

“Wait.”

“…….”

“The negotiation is finished, but there is still some business left.”

Hein called Huddle and Darren to stop.

Huddle, who turned his back, smiled a smile of conversion.

‘Right. You acted all high and mighty, but as expected, you are anxious too.’

Huddle spoke while holding back his laughter.

“Wasn't it clearly Your Excellency who said the negotiation was broken just a moment ago?”

Clap!

But instead of answering, Hein clapped his hands.

“Did you call? Your Excellency!”

Then the door opened, and a knight wearing a breastplate engraved with a sword and wolf on each side of the chest revealed himself.

Toward them, Hein spoke in a cold voice.

“The item I instructed, bring it here immediately now.”