I Became A Black Merchant In Another World

Unlike my brother, my father welcomed me with a smile as soon as he saw me.

He walked over with such enthusiasm that he almost seemed ready to embrace me.

“I regret that we didn’t have a chance to see each other during the wedding. It’s good to see you now.”@@novelbin@@

Years before Albert took over the Medici barony, Father had kept a bit of a distance from us due to political considerations.

It wasn’t that he didn’t care for all his children equally, but it was easy for others to misunderstand if he did. If people started speculating that he was favoring some of us, it could lead to factions forming, which could tear the family apart.

Not only that, but the Emperor, who delights in stripping nobles of their titles, might have gotten involved, as has happened with other noble families.

Now that there was no longer such a burden, Father could openly show his affection.

“You’ve grown so much since I last saw you.”

“It’s nothing, Father.”

“I have no regrets now. Albert has successfully allied with the Farnese family, so our Medici house will prosper even more. And you’ve made a name for yourself as a merchant, so you’re destined for greatness.”

These words, half sincere and half wishful, were spoken from a place of joy, expressing that he couldn’t wish for anything more.

But people often say, “If you’re old, you should accept it,” even as they diligently take herbal remedies to stay alive.

He then grasped my hand firmly.

“I’ve done little for you, yet you lent seven thousand gold for your brother’s wedding even after gaining your independence from the family. Thanks to you, I was able to save face.”

In the 21st century, once public officials retire, from the lowest rank to the president, they usually step away from their previous lives.

However, in the Toscana Empire, even after retirement, a noble retains their influence until death.

If a son’s mistakes were severe, his father could still strip him of his title, and they could interfere in politics too.

Not that Father would meddle unless absolutely necessary.

“Your standing within Duke Visconti’s faction has risen considerably. At this rate, I could see Albert becoming a Viscount before I die.”

If a baron is like a mayor, a viscount would be akin to a deputy governor.

The difference in rank may seem small, but the impact is substantial, almost like comparing a colonel to a general or a department head to a director.

“Perhaps you should think about marriage... No, on second thought, it might be best for you to wait. Who knows how high you’ll rise? Marrying just anyone now could be a disadvantage.”

In the 21st century, parents often urge their children to marry as soon as they land a job.

But...

“Now that I’ve passed down the title, it’s a bit lonely, and I’m going on about things that don’t matter.”

“It’s no problem, Father. I actually have a favor to ask.”

He looked at me and smiled warmly.

“As long as it’s within my power, I’ll help however I can.”

“I’d like to take on the role of financial administrator for the Medici family, even if just for a short while.”

Asking to manage the family’s finances might seem sudden, but it’s not unheard of.

In noble families, it’s common for a third of the key positions to be filled by relatives, especially roles like financial administration, where trust is crucial.

“Finance, you say? I wouldn’t think you’d need a position like that.”

Even if I were to pocket some extra money as the Medici family’s financial administrator, it wouldn’t make a significant difference.

No matter how hard I worked at it, it would hardly be enough to match my monthly income.

And if I were caught embezzling by Albert?

While Father’s influence might prevent him from killing me outright, my life would certainly become more complicated.

“I’m not seeking the position to make money. I want to stabilize the family’s finances.”

In 21st-century Korea, “stabilization” has become synonymous with ruining everything.

It’s a term popularized by a certain someone who wanted to reshape a certain game.

I have no intention of following that path.

My goal is purely to help the Medici barony recover financially.

If I were to say this to Duke Visconti or others, the response would likely be:

“Our family’s finances are solid! Our credit rating is top-notch!”

Regardless of the reason, financial trouble is something nobles never want to expose.

“Our Medici family is indeed better off than most other baronies, thanks to the Medici Trading Company. However, my brother is at the point where he must hand over land instead of cash. We’re strapped for funds.”

The expenses for his marriage alliance with the Farnese family were indeed an investment for the Medici family.

I might have complained if they’d gone so far as to tear down the family’s foundation, but that’s not the case.

Nevertheless, we’re undeniably low on funds.

“If you grant me the role of financial administrator, I’ll do my best to rebuild our finances. If that proves too challenging, I’ll cover some of the remaining debt from my own pocket.”

Many noble families have amassed considerable debts with merchants operating in their territories, often equivalent to a year or four years’ worth of taxes.

But thanks to the Medici Trading Company, our family is relatively debt-free.

It’s impressive that a noble family can have no debt at all.

Though, because of the wedding, we do owe about half a year’s worth of taxes.

“Is there something specific you need?”

“I need the connections of the Medici barony.”

No matter how close I am to Duke Visconti or how much control I have over Guillaume, I can’t surpass the Medici family’s longstanding network.

To continue growing as a merchant, I need to acquire all of this.

There’s a reason why even Chairman Lee Kun-hee emphasized the importance of networking.

“If you want to be rich, stand next to the rich.”

I may already be wealthy, but I want to go even higher.

“Very well. If it’s you, I trust you’ll handle it responsibly.”

“Thank you.”

I had finally secured the last thing I needed.

And with that, I set off for the Medici barony.

The city of Lukasi, the heart of the Medici barony.

True to a family that hasn’t forgotten its merchant roots, the city is home to a bustling port.

“There are a lot of people here, Young Master.”

Chloe gazed around in awe.

Though she’d already seen the port in Guillaume, she looked at Lukasi as if she were seeing a harbor city for the first time. Her wide-eyed wonder was adorable.

“It seems even more lively than Guillaume.”

In terms of population, Guillaume is larger than Lukasi.

However, Lukasi is one of the top ten trading hubs in the Toscana Empire and is close to Florence, the capital.

It’s ideally positioned to flourish as a commercial city, with all the right conditions.

“While fewer people live here compared to Guillaume, more merchants pass through.”

Since I started selling seaweed, the number of incoming merchants has surged, though it’s hard to say for sure now.

“There’s a special store here I want to show you. Let’s go.”

Strictly speaking, it’s not that special.

But it sells the product that propelled the Medici family to its current status.

And the reason I’m willing to become the family’s financial administrator for Albert’s sake.

“What kind of special item is it?”

Without elaborating, I led Chloe to a marketplace where these particular items were sold.

“You can hold my hand so you don’t get lost.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Chloe glanced around, then took my hand.

At first, she barely held on, but then she tightened her grip as if she’d never let go.

We walked to the marketplace in silence.

Thanks to various Korean media, I was no stranger to women, so I wasn’t trembling with nerves.

But Chloe, with a blush on her face, said nothing.

Still, I could see the corners of her lips gradually lifting.

“You’ve been studying hard lately, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I’ve been studying a lot because I want to be helpful to you, Young Master.”

The tasks of a personal maid aren’t particularly difficult.

It’s more like a long-hour community service job or an office internship.

“’Pepper and Cloves: Exotic Spices for Sale,’ it says.”

Pepper and cloves—spices that once dragged medieval people across the seas by their collars.

But I’m not yet powerful enough to compete in the spice trade dominated by those giants.

The biggest prize for the greatest merchants is a monopoly on spices.

If I were to openly desire it now, every great merchant in Toscana would team up to crush me, and not even a duke or the emperor could protect me.

“That’s right. So, how much do you think it costs to buy 1.5 kilograms of pepper?”

“Well, it says here that it’s one gold coin for 100 grams, so... 15 gold coins.”

One gold coin is enough to buy a cow.

Even for a monopoly, these prices are outrageous.

Then again, I shouldn’t talk, considering I sell seaweed with a production cost of two copper coins for several gold coins.

“I’d like to explore a bit more, but I’m hungry. Let’s eat first.”

The next day, I attended my first Medici family council meeting.