Livelihood Dungeon! (English Version)

Three sharp knocks echoed against the wooden door.

"Good afternoon, Sir Felipe," greeted a man in his thirties to forties politely as the massive door opened.

"Good afternoon," replied the sharp-featured man in a voice filled with authority.

The knight stepped out from the doorway. His gleaming silver armor immediately drew attention, fitted over a well-built physique. A closer look revealed that he was still in the prime of his strength.

"These are the goods Lord Boris and I discussed during my last visit," the man said, gesturing slightly behind him.

Felipe glanced over his shoulder and nodded.

"You may enter, Thomas."

Thomas nodded and walked past the knight, who stepped aside.

If Peter had been there, he would have been stunned. Thomas's formal demeanor was completely different from the eccentric and playful merchant he knew.

Felipe inspected both sides of the mansion's entrance and cast a meaningful glance at the two guards wearing mismatched leather armor.

The guards struck their spears against the ground in unison.

They were among those recruited by the lord and personally trained by Felipe.

The two soldiers approached Thomas's wagon and began tending to the horses. From their movements alone, it was obvious they were once farmers.

The knight followed the merchant at a measured distance.

Before long, Thomas and Felipe arrived before the lord of the land.

"Good afternoon, Lord Boris," Thomas said with a slight bow.

"Welcome back, Thomas!" the lord of the Village of the Beginnings laughed heartily.

His fat jiggled with the motion.

"I've brought everything we discussed. Nothing more, nothing less," Thomas said plainly.

"Excellent, Thomas! Excellent!" Boris praised with delight.

"Two dozen bows and four dozen bundles of arrows."

"One dozen swords and one dozen spears."

"You truly are a reliable merchant," Boris added.

"One gold," Thomas stated.

"And you truly love money," Boris laughed loudly.

Thomas only smiled faintly.

The lord raised his hand, and a woman stepped forward, carrying a cloth filled with coins.

She carefully handed it to Thomas, who accepted it respectfully.

He opened it and inspected the contents.

There were several silver coins and many Terragon copper coins inside.

"This signifies the completion of our transaction, Lord Boris. If you permit, I would like to take my leave," Thomas said with a slight bow.

"Wait, Thomas."

Boris clearly disagreed.

At the same time, Felipe stepped forward, blocking Thomas's path with his body.

"What is the meaning of this, Lord Boris?" Thomas asked, his voice edged with sharpness.

"Please don't misunderstand. I simply wish to invite you to dine with me, my friend," Boris said, his tone unusually gentle for the first time.

Thomas frowned as he turned toward the grand dining table.

"Why?" he asked cautiously.

"I only have a few questions I'd like answered while we share a meal," Boris replied with a smile.

Thomas glanced around the table.

"You may ask your questions now."

Boris's plump cheek twitched slightly—Thomas had clearly declined.

"According to information I gathered from Seaham, a rare type of chicken arrived recently. My informant said you acquired a pair. If you would be so kind, sell them to me," Boris said directly.

"That's impossible," Thomas replied calmly. "I've already sold them."

"Don't end this conversation just yet. Hear my offer first. One gold per Silkie—two gold for the pair," Boris urged, a hint of panic creeping into his voice.

A confident grin spread across his face. The offer was generous—surely it wouldn't be refused.

"I already said it's impossible," Thomas repeated calmly. "They're no longer available."

Boris's patience snapped.

"Don't push me. I know you brought the pair with you on this trip," he shouted, his voice laced with threat.

"Lord Boris, how many times do I need to repeat myself? I've already sold them."

Boris froze.

"To whom?" he asked coldly.

"I cannot reveal my client's identity. As a merchant, it is my duty to protect my clients. Please understand, Lord Boris."

"I know those chickens were meant for me," Boris said through gritted teeth.

"You have no evidence for that claim," Thomas replied calmly.

"Get out of my sight, you lowly merchant!" Boris shouted, all respect gone.

"Don't worry, Lord Boris. I was already leaving. You were the one who stopped me. Until our next transaction... my lord."

Boris frowned at the change in tone. The sarcasm in Thomas's voice did not escape him. He had heard that tone before—from higher-ranking nobles in the Terragon Kingdom. He never expected a mere merchant to treat him the same way.

Even the way Thomas casually surveyed his mansion didn't go unnoticed.

"Sir Felipe, why don't you come with me? It's a waste for a talented knight like you to remain in a place with no future," Thomas said boldly.

"FELIPE!" Boris roared.

The loyal knight drew his sword and pointed it at Thomas's neck.

"Are you sure about what you're planning, Boris? If you touch me, you know who you'll be dealing with," Thomas said calmly, unfitting for a man in his position.

His composure secretly impressed Felipe.

"Get out!" Boris shouted.

Thomas left the mansion with a faint smile.

"It seems I'll need to bring guards the next time I visit," he muttered to himself.

As soon as he left, Boris hurled his goblet violently.

"You'll have your day, Thomas! I won't let this insult go!" he roared, smashing everything on the table.

When he calmed down, he cursed repeatedly, cold sweat forming on his body.

His heart nearly leapt out of his chest when Thomas tried to recruit Felipe. He knew Thomas had the means to hire and maintain a knight.

If not for that, Thomas would have lost his head the moment he showed disrespect.

Thomas was no ordinary merchant—he was a Rank C merchant, someone already considered influential.

They possessed multiple businesses.

They had many subordinates.

Hiring several Rank C adventurers was entirely possible for them.

In any world, wealth reigned supreme. Those who possessed it stood at the top.

In the Skylark Realm—at least in the Terragon Kingdom—that rule still applied.

Some merchants even sought out hidden talents, raising and supporting them so they would feel indebted and serve them.

As for those talents, they used their abilities as leverage—to escape poverty or elevate themselves.

As long as their patrons provided resources, training, and equipment, reaching their full potential was almost guaranteed.

That was the kind of relationship Boris and Felipe shared.

When they were younger, Boris discovered Felipe—a child with great potential.

Felipe, in turn, pledged unwavering loyalty to him.

For knights, an oath was sacred. Breaking it meant dishonor.

"I can't lose Felipe... I need him for my ambitions," Boris muttered anxiously.

"I refuse to stay in this low position. I will rise higher."

Ambition burned in his eyes.

Every knight held significance in the Terragon Kingdom.

Those who completed their knighthood were at least equivalent to a Rank C adventurer.

That was why Boris valued Felipe so highly—because he was equal to one.

...