New Days in the Trading City of Ganos
The Zarfin gang, who had secretly ruled the commercial city of Ganos, were all apprehended.
Following Lucina's report, the Knights Order arrived first.
Zarfin and his cohorts were restrained using the magic ore-made restraints, an original product of our trading company, and were sequentially loaded onto prisoner transport carriages.
I tried to get Zarfin, the boss, to share what he knew about Connie’s origins, but permission for that wasn’t granted.
Considering my contributions, I wish they could have made an exception, but bureaucracy is as frustrating as ever.
In the end, the commander himself visited me to express his gratitude.
The Knight Commander, huh?
If I recall correctly, he didn’t have a stellar reputation.
While not corrupt, he’s known to be apathetic and unenthusiastic about his work.
There’s also a rumor—though unconfirmed—that he has assisted nobles and others involved in crimes to avoid consequences.
If that’s true, he’s essentially a criminal himself.
It’s worrisome that someone like him is at the helm of a national defense organization, but perhaps those in higher positions find him useful as someone easily manipulated.
These days, there haven’t been major wars with other nations, and peace-oriented countries are increasing, so appointments like his are feasible.
It’s a terrible situation for the citizens, but as a shady merchant, he’s easy to deal with.
Convince the ones at the top, and the rest follow suit.
However, we have Lucina on our side.
She harbors resentment against the knights.
Her promising career as a blacksmith was destroyed by knights colluding with third-rate shady merchants.
Someday, I’d like to establish stronger connections within the Knights Order, but there’s no need to rush.
Our trading company has already demonstrated its capabilities and achievements.
For now, that’s sufficient.
Supporting Lucina, who has become an indispensable asset, is the priority.
After resolving the incident and reporting to the knights, I carried a deeply asleep Connie back to the church.
Lucina offered to take over, but I declined.
"You're so kind, Master Lake.”
Lucina said with narrowed eyes.
The truth—that I wanted to savor the soft sensation against my back—was something I’d never admit.
As we reached the church, it was already late morning, but Arze and Sister Fino had stayed up all night waiting for us.
"We are back, both of you.”
I greeted them with a bright smile.
“Y-you actually defeated them?”
"Yes. Right now, the town center is bustling with the Knights Order and Magic Corps assessing the damage caused by the gang. For a while, it’ll be unusually lively. I apologize for the inconvenience."
“……”
“Is something wrong, Arze?”
“No, it’s just… hard to believe.”
“I’m a man who doesn’t lie. I always keep my promises.”
I flashed a reassuring smile.
It’s a lie to say I never lie, but as a villain, such tactics are essential.
The effect was remarkable—Arze was so moved that tears welled up.
Now’s the perfect moment to bring up my proposal.
"Arze, there’s something I’d like to ask of you."
“Eh? Me?”
“Yes. I know you declined before, but I still can’t give up. Will you work for my trading company?”
“W-what!?”
Arze was so startled by the sudden offer that she practically jumped.
"As I mentioned before, after graduating from the academy, I’ll be entrusted with the Ganos branch of the Gallard Company. I want you to handle intelligence gathering for the company."
“Even though I already turned you down… to think I’d work at the largest company… under Young Master Lake…”
The phrase “industry leader”—though it refers to my company—does have a great ring to it. It’s a compelling draw for any job seeker.
"There are about three years left until graduation. Until then, I want you to join one of our affiliated branches in this town to learn the ropes of the trade. This training period will coincide with my graduation. What do you think?"
“Of course, I’ll do it!”
Arze agreed without hesitation.
Heh, another pawn and harem member secured to work for me.
And with the troublesome rival Zarfin out of the picture, everything’s going swimmingly.
Incidentally, those who worked under Zarfin despite being part of a Gallard Company branch prostrated themselves with astonishing speed after the incident was resolved.
I forgave them all.
This left them burdened with guilt for betraying us once.
My father had informed me of their fundamentally earnest natures, so I’m confident they’ll work tirelessly for the company from now on.
I can also delegate Arze’s training under the guise of mentoring new recruits.
As Arze sobbed with gratitude, I encouraged her, saying, “I’m counting on you,” and asked her to show me where I could put Connie to bed.
Reluctantly, I handed Connie over to Lucina and turned to Sister Fino.
“Sister, I actually have a favor to ask of you as well.”
“O-of me?”
I explained that the knights were struggling to find places for the children rescued from the slave auction.
I suggested that the church take them in.
As with Connie, churches often serve as sanctuaries for children in need.
"I would love to, but…"
"I will cover all the costs."
“Eh?! All of them?!”
"I believe children losing hope for the future because of adult misdeeds is unacceptable. I’ll persuade my father, so I’d like you to care for the children."
Of course, that reason is fabricated.
The real motive is to establish goodwill, have the children educated by our allies, and groom future assets.
This church will serve as the foundation for that plan.
I have to admit, my own devilish ingenuity surprises even me.
Compared to this, my virtuous past life feels almost laughable.
“Young Master Lake… very well. We’ll take the children in.”
"Wonderful. Let’s work out the details."
“Understood. But aren’t you exhausted?”
“I can’t say I’m not, but I must leave this evening to make it back in time for tomorrow’s classes.”
It’ll be a tight schedule, but it’s all for the sake of a future of indulgence.
I entered the church’s meeting room with Sister Fino to finalize the arrangements for the children’s acceptance.
What do you think about this chapter?
