The Mad Dog of the Dukes House - Chapter 22
Only Krnovel
Episode 22 6. Back to Cheonghae Castle (3)
5.
Sabina left Cheonghae Castle as soon as the sun rose.
There was no grand farewell ceremony.
She simply held the reins of her horse, said a few brief greetings to her family, and set off for the North Sea.
-I won’t wait for you in the North Sea. Come slowly. That place is like my home, so I will find some good alcohol and wait for you.
It was a Sabina Down farewell.
Sabina, who had been a strong supporter of Caron for three years, disappeared, but there was no need to worry too much.
because.
“Two boys of a great duke’s family, subjugating bandits who have been polluting the neighboring territory… … . It’s a bit weak for a headline produced by the empire’s best morning newspaper. Don’t you think so, big brother?”
“… … Well, that’s one side of it. I like it.”
This is because during those three years, Caron had already firmly established his position in Cheonghae Province.
Caron chuckled as he walked down the hallway with his newspaper spread out.
The morning papers were full of headlines about what had happened in the Barondom of Belus yesterday.
Starting with the fact that they subdued the bandits that appeared in the Baronial Territory of Belus, and even the fact that the Emperor summoned them to congratulate them for their achievement.
As expected from the Imperial Daily, which is said to have the strongest influence among the newspapers, the content that the Emperor had called them was especially emphasized.
“If this happens, won’t our story spread widely in the capital’s social circles?”
Leo muttered with a slightly reminded expression. Then, Caron looked at Leo as if he found it pitiful and said.
“Brother, do you remember the promise we made when we first met?”
“What promise all of a sudden?”
“You decided to grow up to be a good and upright young master.”
“… … Of course I remember.”
Leo felt goosebumps as he recalled the memories of that day filled with merciless violence.
“But why that promise… … .”
“I’m afraid that my brother will get into trouble if he goes to the capital. For example, something unpleasant with other noble ladies, or something like that? In any case, it will only lower the family’s reputation. It’s my job to lower the family’s reputation. Do you remember?”
“Okay, you crazy bastard.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
He’s a brother I can’t take my eyes off of for even a moment.
It means that if you don’t properly maintain discipline, he is a guy with a yellow face who could end up on the path of a scoundrel at any time.
In this journey, if you stand alone, Caron will be enough to earn you the nickname of ‘Mangnani’.
The question is how to get that nickname… … .
‘……it will work out somehow.’
If something happens, it’s okay to have an accident in the palace.
The capital has many eyes and ears watching, so it will be possible to increase the folds of the Halo at any time.
Sabina must have disappeared too, this was the perfect time to make a big deal out of it.
Around that time, the two cousins were having different dreams about this pilgrimage.
“It is detrimental to your dignity as a noble to look at something while walking. You should be careful in the future, Caron.”
A heavy voice rang out, and soon a middle-aged man appeared in front of them.
My first uncle was Tails.
His well-fitting casual clothes and neat grooming seemed to reflect his personality.
At Tails’ appearance, Caron and Leo simultaneously bowed to greet him.
“Hello, uncle.”
Tails nodded slightly at the children’s greetings.
“Good morning. Are you ready to go to the capital?”
Tails, Halo’s first son.
Compared to Raphael, Leo’s father and second son, he has a cautious personality.
He was also evaluated as the person closest to becoming the next head of the Duke of Reston.
‘It’s been so quiet lately.’
During the three years Sabina promised, her uncles took no action.
Because Sabina’s protection was virtually absolute.
Sabina is the official second in command of the Reston Dukes and another legendary figure. Her reputation must have been burdensome even to them.
But now Sabina is gone.
Her influence has not completely disappeared, but it is now time for the uncles to make their move.
Caron looked at Tails with a smile.
“What do we need to prepare? Other people are taking good care of them. Well, if they are the children of the Duke of Reston, they only need to bring one sword each.”
“Haha, that’s a good answer. It’s a privilege granted only to our family to be able to carry that sword anywhere in the empire. Even in the palace. Except when meeting His Majesty the Emperor, of course.”
It was also a privilege that symbolized the authority of the Duke of Reston.
Tails spoke leisurely and looked at his nephew in front of him.
‘You’ve grown up again in the meantime.’
I’ve been keeping an eye on this guy ever since Caron got the sword of the first lord three years ago.
A variable that appeared at a time when I was getting annoyed with my greedy second younger brother.
When we first met, it was nothing more than an annoying obstacle, but now it has grown into something that is quite bothersome.
It’s not just talent with swords.
This guy in front of you is smart. Considering the negotiation skills he showed in the Baron Belus territory at the age of just thirteen, he shouldn’t be dismissed as just a kid.
Sabina had no intention of causing trouble as soon as she left Cheonghae Castle. She wasn’t a stupid second brother, and at least she wasn’t that stupid herself.
“Caron. Can I ask you one thing?”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“Please stay as quiet as possible in the capital and come back. I am saying this because I am well aware of the big and small accidents you have caused here.”
It subtly lets you know that I’ve been watching your every move so far.
and.
“There are many enemies in the capital who want to tear apart our family. If you give them something to chew on… … . I will personally punish you severely on behalf of the family.”
The first prince who is most likely to become the successor to the ducal family, while the youngest grandson is still just a child.
Impress that difference on the guy.
At first glance, it may seem like an adult scolding a child, but a smart Caron will fully understand the meaning behind those words.
Besides, there was no need to take direct action.
I heard from people below that my second brother’s wife was plotting something in the capital.
So, all you have to do is just watch.
“Thank you for your kind words, Grandfather.”
“Yeah, I feel good that you’re listening to me.”
“I will definitely live up to your expectations.”
Caron looked at Tails with a big smile.
‘It’s finally starting to get fun.’
It was nice to be able to grow up comfortably thanks to Sabina, but honestly, it was also boring.
I thought it would be quite amusing to imagine that unlucky face being distorted.
It was a moment when one more enjoyable pastime was added to Caron’s life.
6.
After meeting Tails, Caron and Leo headed to the reception room after receiving a call from Pale.
A familiar face was sitting in the reception room.
It was Rohan, the successor to the Barondom of Belus.
Rohan brought gifts for the young heroes who saved the territory.
the problem is.
“We, Baron Belus, will transfer 5% of the Magic Stone mine share to the two young wolves.”
The size of the gift was so great that even Caron was speechless.
The equity ratio of the joint venture decided upon after negotiations is 80 to 20.
Naturally, Baron Bellus had 80, and Duke Reston had 20.
We will have to explore the details to find out how much the reserves are, but even a 20 percent ratio would be enough to secure a huge amount of finances.
That’s why, just as Pale, the negotiator for the Duke of Reston, was about to conclude the negotiations satisfactorily, he ended up adding a clause that Rohan had not anticipated.
Pale tried hard to hide his confusion as he asked Rohan.
“… … Baron Belus. Does Baron Belus approve of this?”
“Of course. It was a decision made after much discussion with my father.”
“her.”
Pale let out a hollow laugh and looked at Charon, who was sitting in front of him.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen my son’s surprised expression.
Even the smart son didn’t seem to expect this situation.
5%.
Even if they say it’s 5 percent, I don’t know for sure, but the revenue will be enough to easily exceed the annual budget of the local fiefdom.
Even if we estimate the minimum reserves of the magic stone mine, that’s about it.
What if there are a lot of magic stones in reserve?
The profits would have been enormous for individual use.
“We also plan to pay the taxes on the proceeds that will be given to you two.”
“haha.”
Pale burst into laughter again.
The man in front of you is not so ignorant as to not know the value of the magic stone mine.
I’ve had several interactions with Baron Belus. Rohan is a talented person who graduated from the Imperial Academy with excellent grades.
Could it be that he doesn’t know the value of what he has?
‘No way.’
This was a favor that didn’t have to be done. The commission fee for the mission was more than enough for a 20 percent share.
Pale paused for a moment and looked at Rohan in front of him. Then he spoke in a low voice.
“Baron Belus.”
Pale’s voice echoed through the office, and Rohan bowed his head politely in response.
“Yes, Pale.”
“I’m telling you, I don’t accept favors without reason. I usually get upset if I receive something like that. Even in my opinion, a 20% share seems like more than I deserved, so why are you going out of your way to single out the children and give them a share?”
It was a weighty question.
But Rohan answered with a soft smile.
“Giving the Duke of Reston a 20% stake is merely a payment for the request. It would be a stretch to view it as a gift.”
“gift?”
“Shouldn’t we show our gratitude to the two heroes who saved the territory?”
As he said that, Rohan glanced at Caron.
A young boy of only thirteen years old.
However, Rohan heard the story of what happened there from the people who returned alive from the mountain.
The process by which the young boy single-handedly broke through the elite soldiers and took the captain hostage.
After hearing the whole story, Baron Belus and Rohan decided to give a gift without much difficulty.
And it wasn’t just a show of goodwill.
“It’s too much for a gift. There must be another meaning to it. Isn’t there?”
“I won’t deny it.”
“Gifts are given to gain the favor of others. Are you and your father trying to gain the favor of my son and nephew?”
Rohan also answered Pale’s direct question directly.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Still, this is too expensive a gift.”
“If you look at it only as a gift, that may be true… … . It seems that even Hap-ha had already anticipated it.”
Pale, who had been quietly listening to Rohan, asked Rohan with his expression relaxed.
“Is this your plan?”
“My father added his experience to the plan I made.”
“Baron Belus has a wonderful son.”
“You can’t compare to Pale, can you?”
At those words, Pale laughed out loud.
“Haha! That’s good to hear. Yeah, I get what you mean by investing in advance.”
He turned his gaze for a moment and looked at Charon.
The reason they’re trying to win my favor by giving me a share of the Magic Stone mine is probably because of that strange son.
Baron Belus in front of him was revealing his true intentions behind his gift, but Pale didn’t pay much attention to it.
No, on the contrary, I felt good.
Doesn’t that mean that their son’s talent was so outstanding that they were willing to invest 5 percent of their shares?
There was no father who did not feel happy when praising his son’s talent.
“If the mine owner wants to exercise his rights, we can’t stop him. Then we should listen to the opinions of the parties involved. Leo, Charon. What do you think?”
The floor finally went to Leo and Caron.
Charon noticed that Pale had passed the choice. He would have no say in the decision made here.
“I… …Caron.”
Leo, who had not said a word since entering the office, spoke to Caron in a small voice.
“why.”
“I know that the magic stone mine is extremely valuable… … but honestly, I don’t know its value. How much is 5 percent?”
Leo was someone who had built a wall between himself and reading or studying. It would be difficult for him to calculate value with his head.
Caron sighed, then answered in a way Leo could understand.
“Isn’t there a social party that your brother is really interested in these days?”
“huh.”
“Maybe you could open it every month?”
“omg.”
It’s simple.
Caron shook his head and then looked at Rohan.
It’s not really a meaningless gift.
‘If it was pure kindness, it would have been given in precious metals or gold coins.’
Giving shares means asking for a long-term companion. While precious metals or gold coins can be given once and that’s it, as long as you have shares, your relationship with the Baron of Belus will continue.
In other words, it is a roundabout way of saying that we will ride in the same boat.
Of course, the Barondom of Belus is now a backward rural town, but things have changed completely since the mines were developed.
‘I don’t think this guy would miss this opportunity.’
From the decision to invest in yourself to the execution ability that leads straight to Cheonghaesung.
It seemed like Rohan could easily transform his territory with that amount of money.
Caron made a quick decision and bowed politely.
“I will gratefully accept that gift.”
He is the first outsider to offer to be a sponsor.
That’s why Charon gladly accepted his offer.
Rohan smiled brightly at Caron’s cheerful answer and said.
“I hope we can continue our good relationship in the future.”
“Please take good care of me.”
With those words, the final clause was finally added and the negotiations were concluded.
“This will be a mutually beneficial opportunity, Baron Belus. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
“We are delighted to continue our good relationship with such a great family.”
As the adults were conversing in an atmosphere where things were slowly winding down, Leo quietly asked Caron.
“The shares… are divided into five to five?”
“Seven to three.”
“… … Six great men.”
“Eight to two.”
“… … Okay, eight to two… … .”
Caron had no intention of sharing much of this honey pot with Leo.
In my previous life as a slave, I never thought about private property, but not in this life.
Caron glared at Leo, smiling brightly.
“Okay. Old days. Honestly, I gave them a lot of work to do.”
The answer was already decided.
“No, that makes sense… … .”
“If you have any complaints, come to the training ground.”
“… … sounds similar. Okay.”
Leo closed his mouth, looking into Charon’s sparkling eyes.
No matter how much money you have, it is not more valuable than your life.
After finishing the discussion between the cousins, Caron smiled brightly and said to Pale.
“Father, our story is over.”
“Well done. Even among family members, it’s important to be clear about financial matters. So, what’s the share ratio? It should be split fairly, five to five… .”
“I’ll do it. Brother Leo. It’ll be fine if you do it like this!”
Pale responded to his son’s words with a bewildered voice.
“… … Gu Dae Il. Is that right?”
“Yes! Right, Brother Leo?”
“Yes… … Uncle. That’s right… … Gu Dae Il.”
Pale was speechless for a moment at the two boys’ answers. Then, Caron spoke to Pale in an innocent voice.
“It’s a good thing my grandfather and uncles aren’t here. Isn’t that right, Father?”
It was the moment when the youngest grandson of the duke who dreamed of becoming a bum gained a strong back pocket.
There’s a mad dog living in the duke’s house