Chapter 133

The Nightmare of the Ponpoko Company
The Ponpoko Company expanded its business by selling fabrics. Apart from sugar, it supplied fabrics to the royal capital. It distributed fabrics made in various villages to clothing shops and the like. Additionally, it offered low-interest loans and dealt in magic tools, thanks to its elevated status as a gold-ranked trading company, which allowed it to handle multiple products. While there were no restrictions for peddlers, trading companies were limited in the number of goods they could handle based on their rank.

Although sugar sales were now its top revenue source, Ponpoko still put considerable effort into its fabric sales. However, after returning to the capital, the company began facing an increasing number of refusals from suppliers, stating they could no longer conduct business. Within a month, it found itself nearly unable to procure supplies.

The culprit quickly became apparent: the Locas Company.

This company had a notorious reputation. It sold goods without regard for profitability, stealing customers from trading companies operating in the area and driving them out of business, only to jack up prices afterward to generate profits. It even resorted to illegal means to obstruct any other trading companies from entering its market. Recently, the company had moved its main office to the royal capital.

Using thugs, it pressured Ponpoko’s business partners. It appeared that nobles were backing it, which explained why the authorities were slow to act. Clearly, influential figures were involved.

Turning to the Kingdom for help was an option. However, there was currently no evidence of wrongdoing by the Locas Company. The suppliers were unlikely to speak out, as they too seemed to have been compromised.

But the Ponpoko Company, the pride of the Kingdom, would not be shaken. It wasn’t the kind of establishment to collapse under such pressure.

Sugar sales remained strong, with its primary customers being nobles and cafes. The nobles couldn’t be easily targeted, and many of the cafes were frequented by Alicetia. An incident had already occurred where an attempt to target them led to the perpetrators being mobbed by angry citizens of the capital.

"Anyone could have foreseen the outcome of meddling with a store favored by the princess, but they were foolish enough to try."

It seemed they were newcomers unaware of the situation. While Alicetia’s popularity as a princess was significant, her personal charm played a large role as well. She was much like the King. In the free-spirited Arland, where the King himself was known to drink in taverns, Alicetia’s approachable nature endeared her to the citizens. Her character was well understood, and she was widely loved.

Additionally, the Kingdom’s people were naturally curious about what the royal family ate. In Alicetia’s case, it was sweets—delicacies affordable even for commoners at a slightly higher price. This made the cafes in the capital gathering spots for Alicetia’s sympathizers.

Alicetia, as a royal, had a refined palate. She would declare something delicious if it truly was. Many people, curious, would try the same, find it genuinely good, and become regular customers. Occasionally, the princess herself would visit, which only added to their popularity.

Thus, anyone causing trouble at a cafe risked being beaten by the citizens.

For Ponpoko, increased confectionery sales meant higher sugar sales, which was a great benefit. On the other hand, the improved performance and availability of domestically produced magical tools led to a slump in magical tool sales. However, since most trading companies only stocked a few as a side business, the impact was minimal. Moreover, the affordable pricing made them accessible, leaving no room for complaints.

Even the Ponpoko Company had its challenges, such as the issue of succession. Ponpoko had three sons and chose the youngest as his successor.

Unlike nobles, merchants didn’t practice primogeniture. Doing so could ruin the business. The youngest son best understood Ponpoko’s principles and had the greatest business acumen. The eldest and second sons, while not lacking in business skills, were overly greedy. When the family finances suffered due to the investment in sugar, they constantly complained. Entrusting the business to those who merely wanted to sell sugar at high prices was out of the question.

Perhaps because of this, Ponpoko fell into a trap. Other businesses were sabotaged by the Locas Company, and just as the company’s assets dwindled from paying for sugar, a deliberate business failure resulted in enormous debts. The perpetrators then vanished.

And the creditor? None other than the Locas Company.

"If you can’t pay, this trading company becomes ours. Get the money by the deadline," the president of the Locas Company declared with a laugh as he left.

Their aim wasn’t just sugar but also several royal family-endorsed products. Additionally, some nobles resented the low-priced sugar, disliking that commoners could consume what was once reserved for the elite.

Ponpoko tried everything. He visited several trading companies, seeking loans, but was mostly turned down due to pressure from the Locas Company. Even the Guildmaster of the Merchants’ Guild had been replaced by someone under Locas’s influence, who also began obstructing Ponpoko.

Salvation came from sugar.

"We understand your predicament and are sending funds. We promise to continue our relationship as before."

A reassuring letter and money arrived from the new lord. However, it wasn’t enough. Some other trading companies defied the pressure and lent funds, but they too were under attack from Locas. Then, it became clear.

"Could it be they’re trying to crush the princess’s allied trading companies? Such actions would incite riots."

The attacked companies all had ties to Alicetia. She had been very active recently, drawing hostility or pressure from certain factions. Losing control of sugar would deeply upset Alicetia, who would surely cry over it—a reckless move.

"Father," said the youngest son.

"I know. Riots in the capital over such nonsense would be disastrous."

Recently, even dubious factions had formed, filled with her sympathizers. Alicetia was unaware of their existence, but the responsibility would fall on her. Perhaps they also sought to co-opt sugar for their cause. While Ponpoko could endure harm to himself, he couldn’t forgive interference in the efforts of a young princess working for the Kingdom’s benefit.

"We’re going to lose. Close the company. If you sever ties with me here, you’ll avoid any further damage. Start over with sugar.”

"That would mean putting all the burden on you, Father!"

"I don’t mind. If the company shuts down, all debts will fall on me. As long as they don’t seize the sugar, it’s fine. You mustn’t fail."

"And rely on the princess. Otherwise, your life will be in danger. Seek her temporary protection."

Ponpoko called his employees together and announced the company’s closure. A sign indicating the closure was immediately placed in front of the store.

With no way out, Ponpoko prepared to leave for the royal castle. Meeting Alicetia directly would be difficult; she rarely left her research or was constantly on the move. However, as Ponpoko, he could request an audience with the King. If that failed, he’d resort to the crown prince—though entrusting the matter to him was risky, as he might assassinate the Locas president.

Before he could leave, the sound of destruction reached his ears, followed by the screams of his employees.

Rushing out, he saw masked men wreaking havoc.

"Stop this! Why are you doing this?”

"To make sure you don’t entertain any ideas."

"If you harm me, you won’t gain control of the company."

"Doesn’t matter. You have other blood relatives, don’t you? Besides, we’re just here to cause chaos."

He lamented the foolishness of his fleeing sons. Did they understand what they were doing? Success was impossible. Their opponent was royalty. Anger them, and even the supporting nobles would be crushed.

The men continued their rampage, and the youngest son, Roy, was slashed and fell. Bleeding profusely, he was alive but wouldn’t last long. Ponpoko, trying to help his employees escape, lost his composure and attacked one of the men but was struck from behind.

(Was I wrong?)

Ponpoko, who had prioritized trust above all in expanding his business, had always valued sincerity in dealings with customers and suppliers.

As his vision blurred, he noticed the man raising his sword suddenly panicked.

"The princess is here. We can’t stay any longer. The shadows must be with her."

"Just let me finish him."

A sharp pain struck his back as the sword pierced him. Strangely, there was no pain. Only a sense of relief. He was convinced his son might be saved.

Alicetia was a great magician capable of resurrecting even the dead. His son, still alive, might be helped.

But he worried about how his death would affect things. An enraged Alicetia was like a natural disaster, as her battle history proved.

If he survived, he wanted to stop her. He didn’t want the princess burdened with unnecessary concerns. He wished for her to remain the joyous figure working for the Kingdom.

And if he did survive... he’d destroy that trading company himself. Ponpoko was a great merchant. Losing to underhanded tactics was unacceptable. With that thought, he succumbed to unconsciousness, burning with rage.