Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 3: Volume 3 Bonus Chapter 2

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

Barnabas of the Mineil Company arrived at the Wolf Fang base with his subordinates, finally securing the meeting he had been requesting for days. The rumors circulating throughout Seichun had demanded his attention, and he needed to confirm their validity in person.

The rumors claimed that Wolf Fang would be absorbed into Crown.

Barnabas knew Crown well. The organization had appeared on the Central Continent just over a dozen years ago, seemingly from nowhere. In that brief span, Crown had seized control of the entire continent and was now extending its influence across other lands. Without question, it had grown into the world’s most powerful organization, its momentum seemingly unstoppable as it continued its relentless expansion.

Naturally, such rapid growth bred opposition. Existing power structures viewed Crown as a threat to their established interests. Barnabas had witnessed this firsthand when Crown attempted to open a branch in Seichun years ago, only to be turned away. Crown had approached through legitimate channels, but legitimate methods held little sway in Seichun’s shadowy landscape.

That had been the end of Crown’s interest in the city, until now.

When Barnabas first heard the recent rumors about Crown, surprise mingled with a sense of inevitability. Wolf Fang possessed abundant resources and personnel from its inception. Their Tower conquest speed had been particularly remarkable. While the people of Seichun focused on Cory’s individual performance, Barnabas had maintained a merchant’s perspective, paying closer attention to the organization’s overall movements.

A party capable of conquering high Floors could procure invaluable materials. Beyond Cory’s achievements, each party operating under Wolf Fang’s banner demonstrated impressive capabilities. Barnabas had devoted considerable attention to these groups, recognizing that Wolf Fang possessed the organizational strength to attract such exceptional talent.

Despite employing various strategies to draw Wolf Fang into the Mineil Company’s sphere of influence, Barnabas had achieved no success. He maintained equally careful surveillance of rival merchant guilds, finding his only consolation in the fact that they faced similar failures. If any of them had succeeded, these rumors would never have emerged.

For Barnabas, discovering the truth had become paramount.

* * *

Upon arriving at Wolf Fang’s base, Barnabas was escorted to a meeting room by the receptionist. He noted that Ekuu no longer staffed the reception desk, her position was filled by someone new. The entire building buzzed with activity, a stark contrast to his previous visits.

This atmosphere only reinforced his suspicions about the rumors’ validity. The invitation itself suggested imminent change, why else summon him here if nothing significant was planned?

His premonition proved accurate the moment he entered the designated room.

“What…!?”

The exclamation escaped before Barnabas could suppress it. Emotional control represented an essential business skill, yet the sight before him shattered his composure entirely.

The other occupants refrained from mocking his outburst, instead offering sympathetic expressions. Representatives from both the Anessa and Barto companies sat before him, who were his fiercest competitors in Seichun’s marketplace.

Barnabas clicked his tongue at his vocal slip but quickly donned a diplomatic smile.

“My apologies. I never expected to find myself sharing a room with you all.”

His attempt at recovery met with an unexpectedly candid response.

“Don’t bother saving face now. We’re all feeling the same way. Isn’t that right, Bart?”

“Rather than maintain pointless stubbornness, we should share information about Wolf Fang. I suspect they’ve already outmaneuvered us.”

Though initially cautious, Barnabas recognized the wisdom in their pessimistic assessment and agreed to collaborate.

The three merchants had been discussing the situation when Ekuu entered with an unfamiliar man.

“Sorry for the delay.”

Ekuu’s apology was unnecessary. They had arrived early, well before the scheduled meeting time. None of the merchants commented on her punctuality, their attention fixed instead on her companion.

The stranger seemed aware of their scrutiny and offered a pleasant greeting.

“Since I’m the only unfamiliar face here, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Schmidt, head of Crown’s merchant department.”

Barnabas barely suppressed a groan. His companions likely shared the sentiment. Schmidt’s simple introduction had rendered their entire discussion meaningless. They had come seeking to verify rumors, but confirmation now stood before them.

Ekuu delivered the finishing blow.

“Since Schmidt has introduced himself, I should clarify my own position. I’m Ekuu, deputy director of Crown.”

The revelation left Barnabas stunned. Several seconds passed before he managed to regain his composure, though observing similar expressions on his companions’ faces provided cold comfort. Learning that Ekuu had been Crown’s deputy director all along offered little consolation given their current predicament.

The Anessa Company representative finally found his voice.

“If you’re revealing your positions to us, does this confirm the rumors circulating throughout the city?”

Schmidt nodded with casual confidence.

“Of course. More importantly, we’ve gathered today to discuss business opportunities with all of you.”

The assembled merchants frowned at Schmidt’s dismissive attitude toward the rumors, but their expressions sharpened at the mention of business. Each person present, including Barnabas, possessed considerable commercial acumen and experience.

All eyes focused on Schmidt, anticipating his proposition for this gathering of seasoned professionals.

Ignoring their intense scrutiny, Schmidt maintained his businessman’s smile.

“Today, I’m here to offer you a deal that guarantees no losses on your part.”

Years later, Barnabas would recall that Schmidt’s smile at that moment had been nothing short of diabolical.