A Dragonslayer’s Peerless Regression

Chapter 76

The Graham Dukedom was the ruler of Panstas, one of the three major cities in Central Continent.

In the past, during the era of the Holy Empire, the Graham family had been powerful enough to govern the entire eastern region where Central Continent was now located.

Even after the decline of the Holy Empire, the Graham family maintained their strong influence by leading the financial and real estate industries of the central continent.

Sieg traveled to Panstas with Pharel and Felix to visit this Graham family.

Felix, riding in a carriage, was excited about the opportunity to visit the Graham family in person.

"The Graham family! Master, this isn't a dream, right?"

Sieg clicked his tongue, looking at Felix.

"We aren't going there for fun, Felix."

"But still, it's the Graham family! The family known for having the most handsome men and beautiful women on the continent!"

The Graham family was famous not just for their wealth and power, but also for their exceptional looks.

Rumor had it that the Graham family had elven blood mixed in, which explained their appearance.

Sieg looked at Felix with a disdainful glance.

Then Pharel, smiling kindly, spoke up.

"Haha. The Graham family's remarkable appearance is famous indeed. Not just Felix here, but everyone visiting the Graham family has such expectations. Don't be too harsh, Sir Sieg."

Felix nodded beside Pharel and said to Sieg,

"See? It's you who is unusual, master, for being so detached about visiting the Graham family."

"Ugh. Less idle talk, and spend that time working harder on your training."

Felix was four years older than Sieg, but their conversation resembled that of a frivolous squire and a stern knight.

In fact, Sieg had a particular reason for not having high expectations for the Graham family.

'I saw them quite a bit in my past life, the Graham family folks.'

The Graham family, who had been in the finance business for generations, fled to the northern continent after the Continental War started to avoid the Rom Empire's invasion.

They took charge of supplying war materials from the rear, supporting the northern continent.

During that process, Sieg frequently encountered members of the Graham family.

'Their appearance is charming, but if you knew how miserly those scrooges were, you'd never speak well of them.'

The Graham family never invested in anything that would bring them losses.

Thus, in his past life, after initially fleeing to the northern continent, they switched allegiance to Nirvana as the Empire's forces advanced, seeking safety.

Having been backstabbed by the Graham family in the end, Sieg had no fond feelings for them.

'While I don't feel any affection for the family, they are calculative. I'd better make good use of them.'

* * *

"Wow!"

Felix was amazed at the scenery of Panstas from the carriage window.

While Atlas boasted the sophistication of a new city and Miken was imbued with the grandeur of an ancient city, panstas had a completely different charm.

"Wow, master. I've never seen a city with so many different races."

Panstas served as a key transportation hub, linking the Northern Confederation in the north and the central kingdom to the east.

Anyone traveling from the north to the central or vice versa would inevitably pass through Panstas at least once.

As a result, panstas developed into a city with a unique allure as various races and cultures mingled.

Ching-ching-ching-ching!

In the city square, little people danced their traditional dances, attracting the attention of travelers, and dwarves were selling items they had crafted at makeshift stalls.

Even the Naga, a rare beastman species, and the mysterious Avian race could be seen here and there.

Felix was utterly charmed by the fascinating sight, unlike anything in Atlas.

The carriage passed through the city center and headed for the Graham family's castle.

With reputable figures like Sieg and Pharel along, gaining entry to the Graham castle was not difficult.

The challenge, however, began with meeting the Duchess Katherine Graham.

As a prominent figure in social circles, her schedule was packed, making it impossible to meet her immediately.

After talking with the Chief Steward, Pharel returned to the reception room.

The look on his face was less than cheerful.

"It seems the duchess is extraordinarily busy, especially now that the debutante season is in full swing. I apologize, Sir Sieg."

Hearing Pharel's words, Sieg nodded.

"Thank you for your efforts, Sir Pharel. From here on, I will talk to them myself."

Sieg rang a bell to call for a servant.

A servant from the Graham family promptly entered the reception room.

"Is there something you need?"

Sieg spoke to the servant.

"I wish to see the Duke."

"May I know the nature of your business with His Grace?"

Sieg replied,

"Please inform His Grace that I have an interest in investing in a mithril mine."

The unexpected nature of the request caught the servant off guard, prompting him to ask for clarification.

"Yo-you mean investing in a mine?"

"Yes."

The servant, trying hard to conceal his surprise, exited the reception room.

And precisely 30 minutes later, instead of the duke, a young man appeared in the reception room.

"I am Albert Graham."

It seemed he was the banker responsible for handling investment matters in the Graham family.

True to the Graham family line, he was astoundingly handsome.

Sieg addressed Albert.

"I asked to see the Duke."

Albert, maintaining a stiff expression, responded.

"His Grace is currently away on an external meeting, so I came in his stead. You may discuss your investment matters with me. I heard you are interested in investing in the mithril mine."

Albert was eager to speak only about his business.

Sieg, in a calm voice, said,

"I heard exploration of the ore veins in the northern mountains is currently underway."

"That is correct. We are close to identifying the ore veins, so investing now would guarantee stable returns."

Sieg then smirked and said,

"What I heard differs slightly. I understand that after three years of ore vein exploration, there have been no results, and the initial investment funds are nearly depleted."

Sieg's astute remark caused a subtle flicker in Albert's eyes.

Observing Albert's reaction, Sieg laughed inwardly.

'They'll discover the mithril ore vein next year. I remember them nearly going bankrupt, then miraculously recovering with the discovery. I didn't expect I'd use this knowledge like this.'

Albert Graham gathered his composure and asked Sieg arrogantly,

"Do you know how much you plan to invest? Mining developments require enormous funds, so we are not accepting small investments currently."

In response, Sieg pulled a check issued by the northern bank out of his pocket.

As Albert stole a glance at the figure on the check, his jaw dropped open.

"Fi-fifty thousand gold?"

Albert was astonished by the number far exceeding his expectations.

The astronomical sum of fifty thousand gold surprised even Pharel and Felix, who stood nearby, rendering them speechless.

Sieg asked Albert,

"Is this enough for the investment?"

Albert, who had been wearing a pompous expression, produced a handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.

"Of-of course. Are you planning to invest the entire amount?"

"Yes, I am."

After receiving the check, albert's demeanor changed completely.

"Sir Sieg, may I first confirm with the northern bank regarding the check?"

"Of course."

After noting the check's details, albert left the reception room briefly.

Ten minutes later, albert returned with the Duke of Graham.

The Duke extended his hand to Sieg.

"Sir Sieg! I apologize. My external meetings just concluded, and I regret having kept you waiting. I am Brian Graham."

True to his reputation, Duke Graham was incredibly handsome.

Though known to be in his 50s, he barely looked to be in his 30s, at most, from appearance alone.

After exchanging a handshake with the Duke of Graham, Sieg inquired of Albert, who stood at the back,

"Did you verify the check?"

"Yes, it has been confirmed. There is no issue with the investment."

Given their current lack of funds, Sieg, bearing the substantial sum of fifty thousand gold, was a godsend.

Without delaying, the Duke of Graham quickly drafted an investment contract.

By investing fifty thousand gold, Sieg secured a 38% stake in the mining business.

It was the highest share for an individual stakeholder.

Became the major shareholder in the mithril mine, the Duke's attitude towards Sieg was exceedingly courteous.

"Sir Sieg, there are other promising investment opportunities as well. Would you be interested in hearing about them?"

To this proposal, Sieg shook his head.

"I will soon participate in the Draker Martial Tournament, so I don't have time to consider additional investment opportunities."

The perceptive Duke of Graham immediately understood what Sieg meant.

He smiled at Sieg and said,

"The Draker Martial Tournament! It is a dream stage for young and talented knights. Ah, come to think of it, I know how I might assist you, Sir Sieg."

"What kind of assistance are you suggesting?"

"I will arrange a meeting with my wife, Katherine. She has close connections with the nobility in the Central Continent, so she might have information regarding the Draker Martial Tournament."

Sieg smiled in response to the Duke's proposal.

"If you do, it will be greatly beneficial."

"Let's have dinner together this evening. My wife will be delighted to form a friendship with a distinguished knight like yourself, Sir Sieg."

After agreeing to the dinner, the Duke and Albert Graham exited the reception room.

Following this, Sieg and his companions were given the best rooms in the castle, attended by the most beautiful maids.

Stunned by the sudden improvement in treatment, Pharel seemed bewildered.

"I-I never imagined such a method, Sir Sieg."

"Sometimes money is the fastest solution, Sir Pharel."

Through his past experiences, Sieg profoundly understood that, while not everything worked with money, far more often than not, it did.

That evening, Sieg's party met Katherine Graham at dinner.

Katherine Graham smiled at Sieg and greeted him,

"I have heard a lot about you from the Duke. He said you are the knight currently drawing the most attention across the continent."

Katherine Graham exuded the classic appearance of a central aristocrat with her splendid blonde hair.

Beyond her striking look, every nuance of her speech and gestures reflected the cultured demeanor of central aristocrats.

"Your praises flatter me. I still have much to learn."

The dinner proceeded formally.

Polite greetings and discussions on various continental issues exchanged in a refined manner.

When the dinner ended, Katherine stood up and commented,

"A tea time would feel lacking if omitted after dinner."

The Duke discreetly made his exit, leaving Katherine, Sieg, and Pharel to move to the balcony to sit at the tea table.

Felix remained standing behind them.

Daintily sipping her tea, Katherine addressed Sieg.

"I heard you plan to compete in the Draker Martial Tournament."

Sieg nodded.

"Yes, I do."

"The Draker Martial Tournament is known for its thrilling events that surprise people each time. Do you know what events are set for this year's tournament?"

Sieg shook his head.

"I haven't heard due to my short supply of information."

Katherine softly chuckled, covering her mouth as she spoke.

"I see. Allow me to share a hint of what I've heard from others. It's my way of wishing you success in the tournament, Sir Sieg..."

"Lady Katherine."

Sieg interrupted mid-sentence, which made Katherine widen her eyes to look at him.

Sieg spoke to her directly.

"I haven't come here simply to gather little details."

Katherine's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"I'm unsure what you mean, Sir Sieg."

"I would like your assistance, lady Katherine."

Instead of beating around the bush, Sieg conveyed his message straight away.

Katherine then closed her fan and slowly rose from her seat.

"It's very late. Sir Sieg, Sir Pharel, it has been an enjoyable time. I hope we have more pleasant conversations on another occasion."

As Katherine showed clear intent to decline, Sieg addressed her.

"I'd like to propose a deal."

Katherine turned her head to gaze at him.

Sieg slowly began to speak.

"If your daughter, lady Angelina's illness could be cured, would you be open to negotiation?"