I Became A Black Merchant In Another World

The task I’ve just completed is an unofficial mission that won’t be documented.
This means there won’t be any tangible reward like land or a title.
I’m not sure what kind of reward the Emperor will offer since it won’t be something that nobles typically covet.

The Emperor chuckled and said,
“What you accomplished this time isn’t an official mission. Neither the imperial family nor the empire has any ties to the charges against the Pereira Trading Company. Therefore, it’s impossible to grant you land or a title.”

Only an idiot would demand land or a title in this situation without understanding that.
I may not be a genius, but I’m not that stupid.

“Instead, it seems appropriate to grant you a portion of the Pereira’s assets currently under Judge Mancini’s investigation… Now, let’s see, what would be suitable?”
The Emperor quietly tapped his fingers on the desk in front of him.
After a few taps, he finally spoke.

“I hear you’re building a port to transform your territory into a harbor city?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“While this was an unofficial matter, you did contribute, so I’ll provide something beneficial to you. I’ll need a moment to think it over.”

It was months ago that I brought shipbuilders from Guillaume City, gathered refugees and unemployed folks, and started constructing the port.
By now, we’ve probably got a small harbor ready to launch a few ships.
Soon, those promising young men Albert recommended will arrive, too.
Once this matter wraps up, I should start managing my territory.

No, unlike other lords, my territory operates more like a production factory, so perhaps “factory design” would be more fitting.

“Yes, the Pereira Trading Company possesses a good number of large carracks. I’ll grant you two of them, along with plenty of cannons and gunpowder.”

The merchant ship I bought last time had a displacement of just over 100 tons, a small-scale ship.
I bought it for a few hundred gold coins, but a large carrack has a displacement of over 400 tons and can be used as a warship if needed.
Each one costs at least 1,000 gold coins, and with cannons, the price doubles.

‘Receiving something worth 4,000 gold coins is quite the haul.’
While my ironworks bring in a handsome profit, this alone is a significant gain.

“And since you’ll need sailors and other expenses to operate the ships, I’ll also grant you an additional 500 gold coins.”

The Emperor and Duke Visconti both tend to give me more than necessary; they’re almost too generous.
When you’re given a lot, it’s because they expect a lot in return.
I must do my best to meet those expectations.

“Additionally, I’ll present you with a sword engraved with the imperial crest.”

In dramas, we often see scenes where only grand commanders or knights who’ve achieved great merit are given a ceremonial sword.
Some people mistakenly think that receiving a sword signifies immense trust from one’s lord.

There are various types of swords granted as gifts.
A sword close to standard issue is given as a simple commendation for fighting well, while a sword engraved with the family crest signifies that the bearer is a personal retainer.
Then there’s the ceremonial sword with the family crest, which signifies absolute trust or acting as a representative of the family.
The sword I received falls into the second category.

‘This is the Emperor’s way of saying, “This man is under my protection, so don’t mess with him.”’

“Wear this visibly when you take a stroll near the Pereira estate.”
“I shall do as you command, Your Majesty.”

When I take a walk with this sword, any thought Pereira might have of crossing me will vanish.
The man has good sense.
To go to such lengths to protect his subordinate from potential harm.

When the Emperor rang the bell on his desk, a servant brought forth a sword adorned with some silver embellishments.
Seeing it, I immediately knelt on one knee, just like at the knighting ceremony.

“Receiving this means that you are now one of my direct retainers. You surely understand the value of that.”

Even among barons, your rank depends on who your lord is.
A baron who serves the Emperor directly ranks higher than one who serves a duke.
In Korea, too, even if government officials are at the same level, those in central government positions generally outrank local officials.

“There should be a reason for bestowing even a single sword. But for something as simple as a sword, why would I need a complex reason? Let’s just say it’s in recognition of the benefits of coffee and seaweed for the empire’s health. Outwardly, at least.”
“I will strive to meet Your Majesty’s expectations.”
“Good, keep it up. But don’t slack off.”

It seems like the Emperor made a joke in a good mood, but it’s not even remotely funny.
I think I'd find it more amusing if almonds could turn into diamonds when they die.

“Do you have any last requests?”

In the military, they say you can write down any wish in a heartfelt letter, but taking that at face value often makes life harder.
Sometimes, even if you have a wish, you should just keep your mouth shut.
But now, I’ve earned enough merit that they’re willing to grant any request, as long as it’s reasonable.
They might even be happy to grant it, considering it a way to relieve a debt.

‘I do have one more thing to handle, though.’

“There is a lady who helped me uncover Pereira’s corruption.”
The Emperor tilted his head.

“A lady? Not a man? If she’s from a noble family, or even just a household able to put food on the table, then she’d typically only be taught things to please a husband. This is quite unusual.”

In the 21st century, women can be CEOs, high-ranking officials, or even astronauts without any restrictions based on gender.
That’s in Korea, though; here on the continent of Albania, male dominance is the norm.
Among the nobility, a woman’s role is usually limited to being a good wife.
Only a handful of open-minded families allow their daughters to study.
While there are rare exceptions, like female knights or female lords, they’re about as common as a high school dropout passing the bar exam.

It feels a bit strange, but that’s the reality here.

“In the Modina family, which has held key positions in the Pereira Trading Company for generations, women are permitted to learn trade. So, Cristina was able to read and understand the account books, leaving behind the evidence.”
“Well, Pereira likely never imagined that a woman could keep account books. Typically, they aren’t taught such things.”
“Thanks to her, I received substantial assistance.”

Without Cristina, I’d probably still be struggling to find any clue against Pereira.
I owe her a debt of gratitude.

“Alphado from the Pereira Trading Company falsely accused Cristina’s father, leading to his death, and now their family’s honor is in shambles. Restoring their honor won’t bring the dead back, but it will bring some comfort to the lady who aided me. I request permission to restore their honor and property.”

The Emperor looked directly into my eyes and asked,
“The merit you earned isn’t something I can fully repay with a few ships and a sword. If you wish for more, I can grant you land under a different pretense in the future.”

It’s a tempting offer.
But I can’t let my greed for land overshadow the interests of my ally.

“Even though she’s from a fallen noble family, I can’t ignore the wish of my partner in this endeavor. I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s generosity.”

A deeply satisfied smile spread across the Emperor’s face, almost with a hint of warmth.

“I shall grant your request. As soon as Judge Mancini delivers his ruling, the Modina family’s honor and assets will be restored.”

The Emperor looked as if he felt something was still missing and added,
“No, I shall personally write a letter of condolence to Lady Cristina and include a commendation for her father.”

The Emperor truly is a master politician.
By asking for the Modina family’s reinstatement, I meant to emphasize that he was executing justice against the vile Pereira while cultivating an image of protecting and cherishing the vulnerable.
But now, with a personal letter from the Emperor, rumors will spread through high society about how our Emperor cares even for the daughters of mere merchant families. His prestige will soar.

“Now, you may leave. Soon, I will give you a chance to prove yourself militarily, so rest well in the meantime.”

Military service... I doubt he’ll make me a commander. What kind of task does he have in mind?

Not long after completing the Emperor’s secret mission, I took Cristina—not Chloe—to the square in Florence.
It wasn’t for a date but rather to avoid showing her the sight of a beheading.

“I hereby carry out the execution of Alphado Alphador!”

After this execution, Cristina and I will likely be able to have a serious discussion about our next steps.
Cristina should be able to gather her thoughts after witnessing this.@@novelbin@@