The previously amicable atmosphere turned icy in an instant.
The vassals of the Marquis house made no effort to hide their displeasure, their expressions openly hostile.
'How arrogant! Just because he's making a bit of money, he thinks he's above everything.'
'Why on earth did the marquis agree to be this man's guardian?'
However, unlike his vassals, Marquis Branford didn't appear upset. Instead, he seemed curious as he asked, "I fail to understand. This is hardly a bad proposal for you. It could earn my trust and benefit your family. Why refuse?"
Ghislain shook his head.
During his time as the Mercenary King, he had deeply regretted his inability to protect his family and loved ones. Since his return, his goal had been singular: to safeguard his family, his land, and his people.
Selling out his sister for short-term gains would betray everything he stood for.
"I won't trade my family for what I want," Ghislain said firmly.
"Hah…"
The vassals, unaware of Ghislain's reasoning, looked utterly bewildered.
Arranged marriages were a matter of course in this era—a surefire way to strengthen a family's influence.
Marquis Branford's proposal was an extraordinary opportunity for a poor family like the Perdium household. It was an offer to accept without hesitation.
Yet, the heir of such a family was rejecting it with what seemed like childish naivety. Was he simply too young to understand the way the world worked?
Marquis Branford smirked, intrigued, and pressed further.
"Marriage is a decision made by the head of the family, not the individual. What would you do if I wrote directly to Count Perdium? I doubt your father would refuse."
"If my sister opposes it, I'll stop it."
"Even if your father approves?"
"Yes."
"And even if it means you won't get what you want?"
"I'll just find another way."
His response was resolute and unwavering, brimming with confidence.
'He dares defy his family head?'
The vassals stared at Ghislain as if he were mad.
All except Rozalin.
'There are people who think like this…'
For any noble, such a proposal would be nearly impossible to resist. Yet, he had rejected it so easily.
'He's an idiot… but he's impressive.'
Throwing away such a golden opportunity seemed foolish. And yet, there was something undeniably admirable about his unyielding resolve. It struck a chord with Rozalin.
No matter how wealthy or capable someone might be, there were certain boundaries they couldn't cross—boundaries even Rozalin herself couldn't overcome.
But Ghislain, with an air of absolute confidence, acted as though such boundaries were of no consequence to him. His reply stirred her deeply.
Marquis Branford, after studying Ghislain in silence for a moment, spoke again.
"You are unlike any noble I've ever met."
"I hear that often," Ghislain replied.
"Well, I've heard your convictions loud and clear."
Marquis Branford's voice dropped to a low murmur. "If you dislike the idea that much, I won't push further. If you change your mind later, let me know."
"…Very well. Thank you. Now, about my requests…"
'What a brazen man.'
Marquis Branford shook his head, half amused, half exasperated. Despite his impudence, Ghislain's demeanor was undeniably different from those in Duke Delphine's camp. He was trustworthy—at least for now.
If he showed any sign of betrayal, the marquis could simply cut off support and crush him with force.
"Very well, I'll grant all your requests."
The vassals gasped, shocked that the marquis would agree to such outrageous demands.
But Ghislain, as if he had expected this, smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
Marquis Branford's expression turned cold as he delivered a stern warning.
"Remember, the world you're about to step into is different from what you've known. One mistake could destroy your land and take your life—and your family's lives as well."
Ghislain dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"I will keep that in mind."
"Officially, the support will be framed as aid to Perdium. Your father is the head of the house, after all."
"Understood."
"This is a plan that involves leveraging the royal family's full strength. You're the reason it's being adjusted—don't disappoint me."
With Count Rayfold and Perdium holding the line, the royalist faction would be able to curb Duke Delphine's influence in the north.
It wasn't an aggressive strategy, but given their dwindling power compared to the duke's forces, defense was the best they could manage.
Marquis Branford continued decisively, "The aid initially meant for Bribant will be redirected to Perdium. For now, we'll focus on military supplies and food. As for the transfer of residents from the royal territory, that will happen gradually over the next five years."
"Thank you."
"The number of people coming from the royal territory alone won't be enough. I'll also ask other royalist lords to contribute some of their people. Is that acceptable?"
Ghislain smiled, delighted at the unexpectedly favorable outcome.
But no one was more overjoyed than Belinda.
"This is fantastic!"
To her, Perdium was like a second home. She had lived there ever since she followed Ghislain's mother and had grown deeply attached.
'How did our young master manage to pull this off? I'm glad I didn't try to stop him.'
It was funny how quickly emotions could change. Moments ago, she had been ready to beat some sense into Ghislain. But now that everything had turned out well, she was just glad she had held back.
Marquis Branford added, "The population transfer plan is set to take about five years. Even at that pace, it won't immediately meet your needs."
Relocating tens of thousands of people would require time to select and organize the migrants.
Anticipating this, Ghislain immediately offered an alternative.
"Then I'd like to purchase slaves in bulk. Not just from the capital but from other regions as well."
"Hmm, slaves…"
Marquis Branford nodded thoughtfully. Slaves could indeed be a practical solution to address the labor shortage, provided Ghislain had the means to acquire them.
"Very well. I'll issue letters to slave traders across the regions. Since the goal is to increase your population, we'll prioritize acquiring families."
"Thank you. Also… if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to request some special slaves as well."
"Special slaves?"
"Yes, I'd like to acquire as many elf and dwarf slaves as possible."
"…"
For the first time, Marquis Branford hesitated.
Elves and dwarves weren't ordinary slaves. They were under special management, often available only to great nobles or the royal family. Even if they could be procured, their numbers were limited, and their prices astronomical.
The cost of a single elf or dwarf slave could equal that of over a hundred human slaves.
"You've got some nerve. Even great nobles struggle to acquire such slaves, and you're asking for them in bulk?"
"Yes. They're hard to come by."
"You'd be better off investing in skilled human slaves. It would cost less."
"I plan to do that as well. But wouldn't it be advantageous to have more of these unique individuals?"
Elves and dwarves possessed abilities that often surpassed those of humans. Ghislain had numerous plans to utilize their unique strengths. If he couldn't increase quantity, he could focus on quality.
Of course, that was only feasible if he could afford it, which Marquis Branford pointed out.
"Do you have the funds for this? You've made some money lately, but not nearly enough for what you're asking."
Unfazed, Ghislain replied, "I don't have the cash right now, but I do have a solution."
"And what is that?"
Ghislain's eyes sparkled with confidence as he proposed, "I'd like you to vouch for me."
"No."
"…"
The marquis cut him off before he could finish his sentence, leaving everyone in the room dumbfounded.
Rozalin, in particular, was stunned.
Pulling off grand schemes without batting an eye was impressive enough, but to propose doing it on someone else's credit? It was outrageous.
'He's an idiot… but he's still impressive.'
As silence blanketed the room, Belinda tugged on Ghislain's sleeve.
'Why are you like this? You've already made so many demands, and they're all being granted! Why push your luck?'
Regretting her earlier decision to let him proceed, she sighed in frustration.
Unbothered, Ghislain shrugged off her hand and tried again.
"The amount is large, so I understand your hesitation. But I assure you, I can pay it back."
Marquis Branford was momentarily speechless.
Everyone who asks for a guarantee says the same thing.
"Can't you at least consider it?" Ghislain asked again, his face guileless.
The marquis couldn't suppress a chuckle. Even as a guardian, he hadn't expected to be dragged this far. Now the boy wanted him to guarantee?
"No. Don't ask again."
"Ah, fine."
The marquis's icy tone left Ghislain clicking his tongue in disappointment.
'I figured this wouldn't work.'
It was an ambitious request, so Ghislain had thrown it out there on a whim, but as expected, it didn't gain any traction.
Feeling disappointed, he turned his head—and his eyes landed on someone in particular. The very person who had grandly promised to be his sponsor.
Swish.
As soon as Rozalin's gaze met Ghislain's, she immediately pulled out her fan to cover her face.
Ghislain, with a wistful expression, called out to her.
"Miss Rozalin."
Startled by his call, Rozalin flinched and stumbled slightly. Regaining her balance, she quickly turned to a maid by her side.
"I don't think I'm fully recovered yet. I need to go back to my room. Quickly, let's go. Hurry, hurry."
With the assistance of her attendants, Rozalin hastily left the audience hall, all the while keeping her face hidden behind her fan.
Ghislain, growing desperate, called after her.
"Miss Rozalin? Didn't you say you'd be my sponsor?"
'I agreed to be his sponsor, not a guarantor for him!'
Acquiring a large number of exotic slaves would cost the equivalent of the kingdom's annual budget. Even with the profits from cosmetics sales, there was no way to repay such a massive sum.
Guarantee would be tantamount to signing up for bankruptcy.
"Baron, I'm not feeling well right now. Let's talk later," Rozalin called back.
"Miss Rozalin! Miss Rozalin!"
Ignoring his pleas, Rozalin disappeared without looking back.
"Hmm…"
Ghislain sighed, failing to conceal his disappointment as he glanced around the room. However, everyone he made eye contact with quickly averted their gaze.
'I really could pay it back, but no one believes me. So much money is needed… oh well.'
With no other options, he resolved to scrape together every bit of income. It seemed he would have to live frugally for a while.
Accepting reality, Ghislain nodded to himself.
"Understood. I'll handle the finances myself."
As the discussion came to a close, Marquis Branford spoke in his usual dry tone.
"It seems you have no further requests. It will take a few days to process what you've asked for."
"I understand. Please notify me when it's ready, and I'll return."
"Do you have any other business in the capital?"
[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]