Chapter 515

Promotion to Platinum-Rank Merchant
“Let’s set aside the matter of Lord Sharon for now. First, we need to decide what we should do.”

“Right. Priscilla, what do you think we should do?”

“We should seek the opinions of Roland, the Adventurers’ Guildmaster, and Lady Rumaja, the Grand Master. Even though Marquis Vardmoi holds considerable power, the current situation is far too uncertain.”

“Understood. Then, we’ll contact Lady Rumaja—”

“No, we’ll have Lady Rumaja come here.”

Huh?
Isn’t Lady Rumaja supposed to be a very high-ranking person?
Is it really that simple to summon her?
Or is there some clever plan in mind?

“We’ll be promoting Lily to Platinum-Rank Merchant. We’ll use the excuse of her promotion ceremony to have her come.”

“Hmm… Platinum-Rank…”

“Platinum-Rank? That’s the highest rank in the merchant hierarchy, right? Is it really that impressive?”

I vaguely remember hearing about merchant ranks when I joined the Trade Guild four years ago, and Platinum-Rank was at the top.
But I never really learned just how impressive it was.
I mean, even Silver-Rank merchants can trade directly with royalty, so it must be something even greater, but to what extent?

“Let’s start by explaining what Gold-Rank allows. Gold-Rank merchants can engage in trade between nations, meaning they can influence international commerce.”

“Influence…?”

“In other words, you can prioritize your own goods for transport, request the import of specific goods you want—things like that.”

I see.
… Wait a minute.

“But isn’t that…?”

“It’s essentially the same authority you obtained through your trade with the Isles of the Eight Gods. In other words, your promotion to Gold-Rank is already guaranteed. Without it, the guild’s ranking system would make no sense.”

Okay, I get that much.
If it’s inevitable, I’ll just accept it.
But how much power does Platinum-Rank grant?

“So, Platinum-Rank. Platinum-Rank merchants are granted ‘the same level of influence as a marquis’ in every country that partners with the Trade Guild.”

“… Huh?”

“Meaning, while Silver-Rank is treated on par with a count, Platinum-Rank is equivalent to a marquis in terms of influence. You’ll effectively join the ranks of the high nobility—not as a noble yourself, but close in standing.”

“So, I’ll have the same authority as Marquis Vardmoi?”

“That’s correct. Given your personal economic scale, you’ll be regarded on par with the highest nobility even within the McFarlane Dukedom.”

Ugh… that’s not really the kind of status I want.
What should I do about this?

“By the way, what are the benefits for me if I reach Platinum-Rank?”

“With the influence equivalent to a marquis, you can directly impact national policy. You’ll have direct negotiating power with the government.”

“… Isn’t that dangerous?”

“A normal merchant would need heavy protection, but you’re fine, aren’t you? With Lady Plum, her attendants, the Kiblinki Saltas, and Talat guarding you, assassination is practically impossible.”

… Yeah, with Talat , the Kiblinki Saltas, and Plum and her attendants forming a defensive perimeter, no one would be able to get close enough to harm me.
Even if an assassin somehow slipped through, the Kiblinki Saltas would notice, alert Talat, and Talat would freeze the surroundings, making it impossible for anyone to approach me.
My only vulnerability might be ultra-long-range attacks, but even then, I’m protected by armor blessed by the goddess and Talat’s enchanted clothes.
Not to mention, enchantments guard me against poison.
Yeah, my personal security is basically airtight.

“So, aside from influence, what practical benefits do I get from becoming Platinum-Rank?”

“You’ll be able to do things you couldn’t before, like infrastructure improvements. You wanted to upgrade the roads your Saltas Company uses, right? As Platinum-Rank, you can propose to fund those projects yourself, and it’ll be hard for anyone to oppose you. From the country’s perspective, it’s all beneficial. Refusing a national investment from a Platinum-Rank merchant would require a significant justification.”

So public investments become easier too.
Even though we use fairly sturdy wagons, mountain roads are bumpy and cause worrying jolts, so people have been asking for repairs.
I’ve had the funds to cover it, but since road maintenance is the nobles’ duty, I couldn’t make any official moves.
If I can handle it openly, maybe this promotion isn’t all bad.

Alright, I’ll accept the promotion to Platinum-Rank Merchant!
It feels like I’m getting talked into something again, but that’s just how I am!
If it lets me do what I want, then a few sacrifices are worth it!
… Even if it means my free time is going to disappear even more.

What do you think about this chapter?