The next day, the merchants that had a contract with baron Klein who is now dead, came simultaneously to my office to discuss about the matters regarding the toll that will be use from now on, so that they can decided on the price of their products.
But, I can't believe that these guys are also underestimating me due to my age.
"You all are idiots"
The merchants laugh.
"Hah! You really think we are foolish when the price for the toll is just ten silver coins. My lady, don't you think seventy five silver coins is basically you abusing your authority? Even if you are from the Emond duchy, nobles who uses their status against commoners like us will be punished severely you know"
I waved the baron Klein's ledger in front of the merchants which made the sweat.
"You payed the previous lord a gold coin and fifty silvers a month, correct? And you all are complaining to me because I demanded to impose half the price for toll? How ironic. What do you think will happen to your companies if I were to destroy them using personal connections?"
Realizing their mistake, the other merchants used the one who mocked me most as their scapegoat and started to agree with my terms. But it was all too late.
"Samuel, strangle them to death. I plan to feed them to my fishes later"
"Understood, my lady"
"W-what sins have we committed, hah?!"
Some merchants started to scream at me as they demand for answers while some were trying to open the door that was locked from the outside.
"Your sins? Sure, I will say what sins you have committed: Illegal human trafficking and illegal import of illegal drugs... oh, let me also add the fact that you disregarded my title as the baroness of Emond"
"B, baroness...? How would we know about..."
"Ignorance is not an excuse to what you did you know"
Besides, even if they did treated me as the baroness, that won't change the fact that they broke the law.
The next day, the crown prince took action after receiving the letter I sent beforehand and put a bounty on the heads of the executives and the presidents of those companies that committed illegal deeds.
After another week, another batch of merchants came to my office. They were the ones who didn't have the money to bribe baron Klein, so now, they are targeting the chance to form a contract with me.
Using the roads that are being maintained by nobles are safer than taking a detour on some forest road after all.
"So, you all are okay with the fifty silver coin toll a month where you all are allowed to pass one a week?"
"Yes, baroness"
"Okay"
Pearl sent what she found out after doing a background check on the other batch of merchants that came to me. It was commendable that these guys are working earnestly to earn money.
I sign the contract and told them that I was going to impose a new toll management system where they are required to show a card that has been stamped by my personal seal.
While there are five merchant companies that entered a contract with me, there are also five different seal. But the card must also possess an insignia, the mark of the Emond duchy.
"My lady, the nobles are about to arrive"
Samuel whispered to informed me.
I ended the meeting with them, promising to welcome them personally by next month when they use the roads for the first time.
"The nobles this time are?"
"Both viscount Kruger and baron Umfrey are the ones who came here this time, my lady"
Ah, so its those two. The accomplices of baron Klein. And here I was wondering why those two were being so quiet all this time.
"Baroness Emond has arrived!"
As I enter the two lords stood up and bow to show their respect for me on the outside. Behind them were their own escort knight.
If this conversation ends with a fight, we will be at a disadvantage if either the viscount or the baron knows how to fight.
Samuel was recently injured so I doubt he can take two opponents at a time, but I can beat the other one, it just would be troublesome if it end with a three versus two situation.
"I am viscount Kruger, my lady"
"And I am baron Umfrey"
The two sat down and glanced at each other.
"I don't have much time so I will cut to the chase. What is it that you guys want?"
"...."
"We would like to get the ledgers of the previous lord my lady"
"What benefit will it give me if I were to do that? Just so you know, I can think up to ten ways how to use that ledger"
Viscount Kruger frowned while baron Umfrey stayed calm.
It was weird.
Baron Umfrey was depicted as a very impatient man in the novel, though he is a side character.
So, what is making him so confident for him to be calm in a situation like this?
"That is true, however, are you saying that you will commit a crime, my lady? Though it is impertinent of me to say this, but, is the baroness really someone who can do that?"
Samuel got angry but held it in as he also understood the meaning behind baron Umfrey's words.
For him to be like this means someone is backing him or a [Transmigrator] like me and Andrin is possessing baron Umfrey's body, or he is being controlled by the [Transmigrator].
I can't act recklessly with so little information.
"I can understand your insecurity as baron Klein's ledger has more than enough evidence to make sure that you two get arrested for violating the nobles' law that was placed by the royal family..."
"Then-"
"However, that doesn't mean I will forget what you two have done"
The viscount flinch back as he was cut in the middle of his words.
For nobles, it is taboo to cut in someone who is talking, especially in business and when the nobles have equal rank.
Though I am from a ducal family, my position is now a 'baroness' which I acquire to be legible to rule over a territory.
The viscount stood up abruptly. He wasn't able to stand the disrespect that I showed him.
"Arne!"
The viscount yelled the name of his personal escort knight, ordering him to unsheathe his sword.
The knight Arne was then interrupted by the other knight, baron Umfrey's escort knight. Baron Umfrey's escort knight placed her sword beside Arne's neck who stop unsheathing his sword midway.
"Baron! What is the meaning of this?"
"Hahaha!!! How funny!"