Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

House Alminus. It wasn't one of the great houses that had existed since the founding of the Lafdonia Kingdom. However...

[Alminus Central Exchange]

[Alminus Bank]

...the Alminus Trading Company, which owned these institutions, wielded influence comparable to the oldest noble families. They were also patrons of the Sawtooth Clan, one of the four largest explorer clans, extending their reach into the labyrinth.

"I knew they wouldn't stay quiet, but I didn't expect them to make it a public issue with Mozelan."

Amelia chuckled, seemingly agreeing with my muttered comment.

"The Count is bolder than I thought. I didn't expect him to resort to this, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized raid."

"Emily, it's not your fault, so don't feel responsible."

"...Responsible? Why should I feel responsible?"

I just thought it was the right thing to say...

Well, whatever.

I quickly changed the subject, feeling a little awkward.

"Anyway, the letter was sent two days ago. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I knew you were busy, and I had a few things to check first. If you hadn't come home today, I was planning to go find you."

"Things to check?"

Amelia then told me what she had been doing for the past two days. It wasn't good news.

"First, it seems like they've already started spreading rumors in the taverns."

House Alminus had begun their smear campaign.

"I can guess what they're saying, but... what exactly are the rumors?"

"They're all slightly different, but the gist of it is that we somehow managed to steal the Floor Lord they were raiding. Some even speculate that we were the ones who summoned him in the first place."

"As expected..."

"But there are also those who dismiss the rumors. It seems like your reputation isn't completely worthless."

Right, it was thanks to the Fame I had accumulated.

I felt a little proud, but...

"We still need to hurry."

"Huh?"

"I saw them approaching the explorers you helped that day. They're trying to bribe them into giving favorable testimonies."

"...Bribe them? But they can't lie because of the Verification spell."

"Are you unaware? You can plead the Fifth in Mozelan trials. They'll probably instruct them to avoid answering any unfavorable questions and only reveal the parts that benefit them."

"...Hmm, but wouldn't our testimony be more credible?"

"Not necessarily. In cases where testimonies contradict each other, the court often gives less weight to the testimonies themselves. It's a common strategy."

Oh... I see...

"But... how do you know all this?"

"I studied the relevant documents for the past two days."

"..."

Maybe Amelia's sister wasn't the genius of the family, after all.

Impressed by her thoroughness, I asked for her advice.

"So what do you think I should do?"

"The trial is inevitable, so we need to find witnesses who will testify on our behalf. Among the explorers you helped that day."

"And?"

"Ask Melbeth for help. They've been around for a long time, they must have experienced similar disputes. They should have a competent lawyer."

"Okay, and then?"

I looked at her expectantly, and Amelia averted her gaze, seemingly burdened by my question.

"...I'm good at investigating, not finding solutions."

Right, she didn't have any other ideas.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Erwen, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up.

I appreciated her offer, but...

"I'll let you know if I need your help. Don't worry about it for now."

I had enough to do as Chieftain. It was time to focus on my role as Clan Master.

___________________

After four days of nonstop work, I finally had some time off.

I wanted to stay home and relax, but I immediately left for Mozelan Headquarters.

Strike while the iron is hot.

I needed to gather information before formulating a strategy.

I wasn't particularly worried about the trial itself.

The only thing that bothered me was...

'...Why did they have to summon me to Headquarters?'

The Mozelan branch where Dwarkey had been detained was located in the 7th District, but Headquarters was in Karnon, the Imperial City.

'...Should I just use the military transfer station?'

I was tempted, but I ultimately decided against it. As Clan Master of Anabada, I couldn't be so wasteful.

It was expensive.

And I could sleep on the way there.

"Welcome to Mozelan Headquarters, Baron Yandel. This way, please. We'll escort you."

As soon as I arrived, the knights greeted me politely.

It was a strange feeling.

The last time I had visited Mozelan, they wouldn't even let me inside. And that wasn't even Headquarters, but a branch office.

Anyway, that wasn't important right now.

"I'm Christina Bealon, the Chair of Mozelan."

The head of Mozelan was a middle-aged woman with a refined appearance. She was dressed in casual clothes, but she was clearly a knight.

"Bealon...? Are you from House Bealon?"

"Yes. Count Bealon is my older brother."

"I see... But isn't it unusual for the Chair to handle this kind of matter personally?"

"Normally, it wouldn't be. However, disputes between titled nobles are a sensitive issue. I decided to handle this personally to avoid any mistakes."

"I see. So... what did you want to talk about? The letter said you would explain everything in person."

"Yes, some things are difficult to discuss in writing. Hmm, where should I begin..."

She looked at me cautiously and then started explaining the situation. As expected of a noble, her introduction was lengthy. She basically just reiterated the contents of the letter in more detail.

"...In cases like this, we usually recommend a settlement. Count Alminus has also expressed his willingness to lower the requested amount if you agree."

She paused and looked at me.

"But... I assume that's not what you want?"

Obviously.

"Of course not."

"Then we have no choice but to transfer the case to the Royal Court."

She then explained the procedures involved in a Royal Court trial.

I would have to write a statement...

"We can summon a scribe if you wish."

...but I decided to postpone it.

I needed to consult with a lawyer and formulate a strategy before writing anything.

So I left Mozelan Headquarters and went straight to Baroness Lirivia's mansion.

"Baron Yandel...? I wasn't informed of your visit..."

The Baroness's daughter greeted me.

Unfortunately, the Baroness was currently at the royal palace for official business. She would be back later today, so I decided to wait.

And after a few hours...

"Baron Yandel, what brings you here? Minia tells me you've been waiting for half a day..."

"Baroness Lirivia, I need your help."

"Help...? Please explain."

The Baroness, who had returned as the sun began to set, listened to my story and sighed.

"I don't mean to offend you, but... you really are a storm in human form."

"..."

"I know a competent lawyer, so don't worry too much. It's too late today, but you should be able to meet him tomorrow."

"Thank you. Do you have a spare room, by any chance?"

"A spare room...?"

"It's a bit of a hassle to go back to Ravigion and come back tomorrow."

"...You're staying in Ravigion? I understand. I'll have someone prepare a room for you."

"Thank you."

Okay, so lodging was taken care of.

I had dinner with the Baroness's family, and then I borrowed a recording crystal to inform Erwen and Amelia that I wouldn't be coming home tonight.

And the next morning...

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Baron Yandel. I'm James Elk."

I met with the lawyer the Baroness had recommended.

He listened to my story and frowned.

"...This is a complicated situation. Let me summarize. The formal charge filed by House Alminus is 'Request for loot distribution based on contribution', correct?"

"That's right."

They were spreading rumors about me behind my back, but the official charge was different.

"They're claiming that the Sawtooth Clan contributed to the raid, and therefore they're entitled to a share of the loot."

The basis for their claim was the Labyrinth Disaster Law.

During a disaster, all explorers were obligated to cooperate and resolve the situation. And disputes over loot distribution were a common occurrence.

Therefore, laws had been established to handle such situations.

"...This will be difficult..."

"...Is it that bad?"

"Yes. A request for loot distribution based on contribution is a legitimate claim under labyrinth law. And the fact that they filed a formal complaint means they have evidence to support their claim."

The lawyer looked at me and said,

"I recommend accepting Count Alminus's offer. Even if the case goes to trial, the court will likely rule in their favor, and you might end up paying even more."

"...Even though there's evidence suggesting that they summoned the Floor Lord without permission?"

My voice was sharper than I intended.

But the lawyer remained calm and professional.

"That's irrelevant to this case. It's just circumstantial evidence. It would be difficult to prove, and even if you could, it would be a separate case."

In other words, even if House Alminus was fined or imprisoned for the unauthorized summoning, they would still be entitled to a share of the loot.

"I'm just stating the facts, so please don't misunderstand."

Right, it wasn't his fault.

"James, is there really no other way?"

"As I said, I recommend a settlement. You can use the 'circumstantial evidence' you mentioned to negotiate a lower amount. It would minimize the risk."

"What if I don't care about the risk? Is there really no other way?"

"Yes. This is the best option. You can't avoid paying them. Unless Count Alminus withdraws his complaint."

I see...

That was it.

I ended the consultation.

I hadn't gained much from it, but it had given me a direction.

'I need to make him withdraw his complaint.'

In other words, I needed leverage.

___________________

After the consultation,

I went to Mozelan Headquarters and wrote my statement with the lawyer's help.

It was written in a way that would be most beneficial to me in court.

Avoiding a trial was the best option, but I had to be prepared for every possibility.

'The trial won't start for a few months...'

I still had plenty of time.

So I postponed my meeting with Count Alminus.

There was no point in meeting him now.

Therefore...

I went somewhere else.

"Welcome to the Explorer's Guild, Baron Yandel!"

I visited the Explorer's Guild and filed a raid request. The branch manager personally handled my request.

[Dreadfear, the Lord of Terror.]

The target was the 1st-floor Floor Lord.

"...It's been a while since we've had a Floor Lord raid request."

It wasn't surprising.

There were other ways for a 5th-grade clan to be promoted to 4th-grade.

Usually, only newly formed clans that were confident in their abilities would attempt a Floor Lord raid.

"The raid will take place during the next labyrinth opening... We'll send out a notice to all branches immediately."

The request was approved without any problems.

"You know, this will cause quite a stir."

Of course, that was my intention.

"A five-man raid team...? If they succeed, it will be the tenth such feat in history, after the Last Sage!"

This was my first bullet.

Aimed at Count Alminus.