In the central pavilion of Marienburg's renowned Voroti Gardens, a cool breeze blew through the warm summer night. The sky was clear, filled with the sounds of cicadas. Ryan and his companions sat in the pavilion, sipping tea in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.
"Right now, it's almost impossible to exchange for large amounts of dwarven gold coins," Casanova began, laying out his proposal. "If we were to attempt to gather 38,000 dwarven gold coins, the black market rate is currently between 1:3.5 and 1:3.8, which is unacceptable. So, King Ryan, we propose the following: Could we calculate the compensation at the original rate from when the Book of Grudges was written, which was 1:2.5? That would bring the compensation to 97,000 gold marks. Let's round it up to 100,000 gold marks, flat. What do you think?"
100,000? Ryan thought. It wasn't unreasonable. When Belegar had recorded the grievances in the Book of Grudges, the exchange rate had indeed been around 1:2.5 to 1:3. If Marienburg was willing to pay 100,000 gold marks, that was something he could negotiate with the dwarfs. This whole situation had been a form of extortion and revenge, after all.
Ryan didn't want to push Marienburg too far for three main reasons.
First, as Lord Li had pointed out, Marienburg was the commercial hub of the Old World. Bretonnia, and Ryan's own merchants—Hadrian and Oliver—conducted significant business here. If a conflict broke out, everyone would be affected.
Second, Ryan knew well that Emperor Karl Franz and the Reikland royal family had been attempting to reclaim Marienburg for generations. If the city were pushed to the brink, it might give the Emperor an opportunity to interfere in Marienburg's internal affairs, which would not align with Bretonnian interests.
Third, Teclis was only about a week away from reaching Marienburg's coast. The real priority was the mission to visit Ulthuan. The dwarfs were bold in Marienburg largely because of Fugen's elite troops and the massive ironclad ship moored at the dock. But dragging this out too long wouldn't be wise.
So, the fact that the merchant princes were seeking peace was a favorable outcome for Ryan.
"110,000, and I'll negotiate with the dwarfs," Ryan said calmly. "But I also need a clear timeline."
"108,000 gold marks is our final offer," Casanova said respectfully, bowing. "As for the timeline, could you give us an extra week? We'll have Huggmans and the others scramble to raise the funds, and we'll start a citywide fine and donation campaign to help Marienburg get through this crisis. I assure you, the citizens will contribute generously."
"An extra week, starting from today? That means ten more days?" Ryan thought for a moment, then nodded slowly, agreeing.
"Yes, that's correct," Casanova confirmed eagerly.
"Alright then, let's divide our tasks. I'll talk to the dwarfs, and you go convince the merchant princes of both the Upper and Lower Senates." Ryan extended his hand. "Let's make this work."
"Agreed," Casanova sighed in relief and shook Ryan's hand.
A verbal agreement had been tentatively reached, but now it was up to both sides to follow through.
With the meeting concluded, Ryan noticed that Lord Li seemed to have more to discuss with Casanova, so he bid them goodnight and left.
In the carriage on the way back, Sulia held Ryan's hand, leaning against him as she softly asked, "Ryan, you agreed to give them an extra week so easily?"
"They need some time to raise the money," Ryan said tenderly, pulling his wife closer. The knight-king shared his three points with her.
"I understand all of that," Sulia nodded, gently touching Ryan's forehead with a gloved finger. "But I'm saying you agreed too easily. Just like that, you extended the deadline by a whole week."
"Well, Teclis will be here in a week at most," Ryan sighed. "He'll need about three days to resupply and receive his orders. So, ten days should be enough time to settle things here in Marienburg. Once we have the money, we can set sail."
"You've thought it all through, haven't you?" Sulia giggled. "Are you really planning to take that much money on the voyage? And is Little Ironhammer coming with us?"
"Of course," Ryan chuckled. "Belegar clearly wants his son to gain more experience by sending him with me. It'll do him good to meet new people and face new challenges."
"Ryan, do you think Emperor Karl Franz has his eye on Marienburg?" Sulia asked.
"Everyone knows Karl has been trying to reclaim Marienburg since his grandfather's time," Ryan said, his hand playfully sliding over Sulia's silky, stocking-clad legs. "If he had the funds, he'd already be here."
"Even though the imperial treasury is tight, with such a major event happening, he's probably already on his way to Marienburg," Ryan chuckled, pulling Sulia closer. "Want to make a bet?"
"A bet? What kind of bet?" Sulia asked, feeling that her husband had changed a bit recently.
"If we're betting, I choose the terms, since I'm the lady knight of Bretonnia!" Sulia teased playfully.
Ryan grinned. "My dear lady knight, does that mean I'm your steed?"
"Ryan, you rogue!" Sulia blushed, her slender legs kicking him gently. "Why are you always so improper?"
"Being improper is the fun part, my love," Ryan laughed, hugging her tighter. "A little playfulness is how we should be as a couple, Sulia. I'm sorry for what happened before. It was wrong of me. We're partners, not enemies."
"I was wrong too," Sulia said, her nose tingling as she felt emotional. "I didn't understand your father well enough. When he asked, I just... blurted everything out."
Ryan nodded, and the couple exchanged warm smiles, finally putting the past behind them.
Ten minutes later, they arrived back at the townhouse on Amber Avenue. Ryan helped Sulia out of the carriage. Olica, the dark elf maid, wearing a black and white maid's uniform and white velvet stockings, greeted them with a sweet smile. Her eyes briefly flickered with understanding and envy. "Master, Mistress, you're back?"
"Yes, we're back," Ryan said, taking Olica's hand as well, leading her inside.
After settling down, Ryan noticed Fugen was absent. He asked the wood elf princess, Carona, "Where is my brother?"
Carona, now wearing a brand-new, extended maid's outfit in black and white like Olica's but with flesh-colored garter stockings and backseams, looked annoyed as she informed Ryan of Fugen's whereabouts.
Apparently, Fugen had gone to Marienburg's largest noble gathering place, the Golden Club, where his charm, refined knowledge, artistic flair, and elegant manners had made him the toast of the city.
Additionally, Fugen had spent time at the largest tabletop war game club in Marienburg, where he had won 25 consecutive games under the alias "Alpha Dog," setting a record for the most wins in club history.
"Well, my brother certainly knows how to enjoy himself."
——I'm a champion of 25 victories——
Meanwhile, the merchant princes of Marienburg had finally heard Casanova's report on the conditions set by Ryan.
108,000 gold marks, to be paid within ten days.
"This is impossible! Absolutely impossible!" While the other merchant princes were still brooding, debating their options, Jutone Trading Company's president, Van Huggmans, exploded with rage when he received the news at his home. He grabbed an expensive lacquer vase imported from Nippon and smashed it on the floor. "They think they can extort me for two or three thousand gold marks with just a few words? Those dwarfs and so-called champions of virtue?"
The Jutone royal descendant rampaged through his home, smashing everything in sight. After his outburst, his butler cautiously approached. "Sir, what should we do now? We have some reserves in the bank—should we… pay up?"
"Pay up my !" Huggmans almost slapped his butler in the face but restrained himself. Breathing heavily, he growled, "No! I will not surrender. I am the bloodline of King Juttenis! The Jutone royal family will never accept such humiliating terms!"
Unlike the other merchant princes, Huggmans held a high-ranking noble title—Count—and had several estates around Marienburg. He wasn't just a businessman but also retained some of the pride of a nobleman.
"Mobilize! Gather the troops!" Huggmans ordered, calling for his private army. Funded by the wealth of the Jutone Trading Company, this army numbered over 800 well-equipped soldiers, many armed with firearms. "Send one unit to seize control of the ironclad ships at the docks! Another group—surround the dwarven Craftsmen's Guild!"
"But… but sir, that would be tantamount to declaring war!" the butler protested.
"I'm not declaring war! I'm just showing them that the Jutone Trading Company isn't to be trifled with!" Huggmans roared. "If it comes to a fight
, I'm ready! I won't accept their terms. We'll renegotiate! This time, I'll be at the table!"
"Understood…" The butler hesitated.
With that, Huggmans began mobilizing his troops from the Jutone Trading Company building.
Like Huggmans, his subordinates were outraged upon hearing the terms of the negotiation. Their fury and frustration were palpable. Many were drenched in cold sweat despite the summer heat. The tears of the downtrodden merchants flowed uncontrollably. When would they stop being oppressed? When would they finally stand up for themselves?
Quickly, the sentiment of anger and injustice spread through the Jutone private army, and they gathered in force.
After some brief preparations, the Jutone army set out, led by Huggmans himself.
"We'll fight those stubborn dwarfs!"
The soldiers even began to sing as they marched.
"The waves churn in the Reik, and dark clouds cover the Grey Mountains…"
"In this chaotic world, we stand alone, righteous fury in our veins…"
"The dwarfs and knights think they're noble, but none truly care for our country…"
The night in Marienburg stirred with new unrest.
But this army had barely set out when they encountered a group of people at a street corner. This group had just arrived in Marienburg, and most of the city was unaware of their presence.
"If the Emperor himself hadn't asked me to come, I would never have set foot in Marienburg again. The last time I saw that rascal Ryan was years ago. Back then, I could've held him down with one hand. Now, I have to call him King," said Duke Ivan Ferdinand of the Griffon, followed by several Griffon Knights. "Still, I'm always happy to put these merchant princes in their place."
"Hahaha, yes, this situation has gotten out of hand. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here either," replied Emperor Karl Franz, flanked by a contingent of Reiksguard knights, his usual jovial smile on his face. "Helborg was dead set against me coming to Marienburg personally, but I wanted to use this opportunity to speak with Ryan. I heard he profited quite a bit from the Karak Eight Peaks expedition—maybe he could help me out with a loan? Hahaha!"
"Your Majesty, King Ryan is a reasonable man. He'll understand your situation," said Balthasar Gelt, the Empire's Chief Alchemist and the leader of the College of Altdorf. Dressed in his golden robes and leaning on the Staff of Volans, Gelt walked alongside the Emperor. "But it seems there's some singing nearby."
"Singing? This late at night? I know Marienburg doesn't have a curfew, but aren't they worried about disturbing the peace?" Karl Franz frowned, puzzled by the sound.
The next moment, however, the two groups rounded a corner and found themselves face to face.
The Emperor, Duke Ivan, the Chief Alchemist, and their forces—Reiksguard knights, Griffon knights, and Gelt's Eldred Guard—all stared in confusion at the fully armed soldiers approaching them.
Equally stunned, Huggmans and his Jutone soldiers stared back, their weapons at the ready.
In the dim light of the street, lit only by starlight and a few torches, neither side could clearly see the other's identity.
"Protect the Emperor! Protect the Emperor!" cried Ludwig Schwarzhammer, the Emperor's banner bearer, as he hurried to shield Karl Franz.
"Your Majesty, step back!" Balthasar Gelt moved forward, declaring, "This is an assassination attempt! Time for these heretics to feel the power of my transmutation flow!"
"Knights, prepare for battle!" Duke Ivan shouted, drawing his silver griffon sword.
And so, before either side fully realized what was happening, a fierce skirmish broke out on the streets of Marienburg.
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