Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage

Chapter 798: Like Mafia, Like Nobility I

CH798 Like Mafia, Like Nobility I

***

“I will never allow my people to starve to death ever again.”

Alex’s ultimatum settled over the space between him and the Frontier Stronghold representative, Fabien Ingram.

Fabien took a moment to steady his mind amidst the chaos imposed by Alex’s regal aura. He closed his eyes, allowing Alex’s words and demeanour to sink in.

The next instant, his eyes snapped open, seemingly having freed themselves from the influence of Alex’s aura.

‘Ho…’ Alex was mildly surprised.

Although he had only directed a sliver of his Regal Aura towards Fabien, Alex was still surprised to see him break free from its influence so quickly.

He couldn’t help but feel a little impressed.

“I understand where you are coming from, Sir Count,” Fabien said sympathetically.

“I might have acted the same way if I were in your shoes, Sir Count. However, there is something you shouldn’t overlook, my lord.”

He paused to carefully observe his audience, ensuring they were receptive to what he was about to say.

Seeing no reaction from Alex, Fabien continued.

“As the procurement officer of the Frontier Stronghold, I am familiar with the economy of every domain in the north-east region. They do not have a large enough market for your ores. After this purchase, they will no longer be able to continue buying them, as they simply won’t be able to absorb such quantities.

“If the shipment you sold across the region is only slightly smaller than the usual quota exchanged with the Stronghold, then the domains of the north-east will be unable to consume those ores before your next shipment is ready.

“Even if they decide to continue buying your ores in order to resell them elsewhere, they have yet to establish the necessary trade network to do so.”

He paused for a moment, as though performing some mental calculations.

Then he continued, “In order to make a profit and keep the transaction worthwhile, the most the various domains can afford to pay for your ores is roughly half the market price.

“While the north-east domains may indeed purchase your ores in exchange for currency, only our Frontier Stronghold, as a major military installation, can consistently digest the volume of ore you produce. We also possess an established trade network capable of selling any excess supply.

“In other words, my lord, our Frontier Stronghold is this Frontier March’s most important trading partner… and it would be in both our best interests for that to remain the case.”

“Thirty percent…” Fabien said, raising three fingers. “The Frontier Stronghold will purchase all the ore your domain produces for currency at thirty percent of the market price. We will also offer you a discount should you choose to purchase food and other supplies from the Stronghold.”

Fabien looked at Alex confidently, believing the Count to be reasonable enough to understand his position.

Given the circumstances of the Frontier March, Fabien believed that he—or rather, the Frontier Stronghold—held the leverage over the frontier domain and, by extension, the Count himself.

Alex listened to the Stronghold’s representative calmly without once interrupting.

When the man finished his proposal, Alex simply nodded.

“Your assessment of the situation isn’t wrong,” Alex said. “It’s just that you’ve overlooked—or perhaps are unaware of—something.”

Fabien’s eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly upon hearing the Count’s reply and observing his calm demeanour.

The man wasn’t responding as he had expected.

“Trade and commerce isn’t simply an exchange of currency or goods. It is an exchange of trust,” Alex said.

He crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in his chair.

“No trade can take place if either side cannot trust the value offered by the other, whether through currency or barter. Likewise, trade cannot exist if either party cannot trust the other to honour their agreement.

“In short, no trade can exist where there is no trust—no matter how little—between the two parties.”

Fabien’s frown deepened as he struggled to understand where Alex was leading the conversation.

“Is the Count referring to the established exchange between the Stronghold and the domain? That arrangement was founded upon an agreement between the Stronghold and one of the domain’s previous lords. We have merely honoured that agreement,” Fabien argued.

Alex shook his head.

“While I have my reservations about both the agreement itself and the way it was implemented to the detriment of the domain, that isn’t what I’m referring to,” he said.

“I mentioned earlier that the ruling families of one of the towns in the domain were massacred. Would you care to guess who could have accomplished such a thing?” Alex asked.

“Bandits…?” Fabien replied cautiously.

“You seem like a very intelligent man, Fabien Ingram,” Alex said coldly. “You would do well not to insult mine.”

A chill ran down Fabien’s spine.

“The Stronghold…?” he asked hesitantly. “Do you have proof?”

“Of the massacre? No.” Alex shook his head.

“Then—” Fabien tried to argue the Stronghold’s innocence, but Alex cut him off.

“Leaving aside the fact that, other than the Stronghold, no nearby power possesses the strength to carry out such a massacre, the more telling evidence is the letters we recovered from the estates.

“They detailed the corrupt dealings between those families and the Stronghold’s commander, all to the detriment of this domain. Among them was a commission for my assassination before I even arrived in the domain.”

“What?!” Fabien almost leapt to his feet in shock.

Alex stated plainly, “If it hadn’t been for the sacrifice of one of my guards, I would be dead by now.”

Fabien was left speechless.

“Fortunately for me, of the five families, only one accepted the commission to assassinate me. The other four refused. Care to venture a guess as to which of the five was spared and which four were massacred?” Alex continued.

He stared at Fabien coldly.

Beads of sweat formed on the man’s brow.

“If you need more proof, I can also tell you that we tracked down the leaders of that surviving family. They are currently living comfortably within your Frontier Stronghold.

“So tell me, if you were in my position, would you be willing to place your trust in a party that either ordered your assassination or harbours those who attempted to kill you?”

Fabien fell silent.

It was obvious he had known nothing about the actions of the Stronghold’s leadership.

How could he have? Of the sequence of events Alex had described, the former wasn’t true, while the latter—even if it was—lay completely outside Fabien’s authority, leaving him with no way of knowing.

“But nonetheless, this is the game you nobles play. You cannot allow it to blind you to what truly matters. This deal isn’t about you alone, but about the people of this domain.

“If you reject this agreement now and fail to secure another one elsewhere, you might be able to leave the domain. But the people here have nowhere else to go. They will have no choice but to suffer because of your decision,” Fabien said bravely.

***

Good day, everyone!

Thank you for your continued support. Every read, comment, vote, review, and chapter unlock has helped Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage reach where it is today.

If you’re enjoying the novel and would like to support it further, I would greatly appreciate it if you could consider subscribing to Privilege. You don’t have to get the highest tiers, the beginner tier is already a huge help.

Thank you once again for your support, and I hope you continue to enjoy the journey ahead!