I Became A Black Merchant In Another World

Late at night, Sebastian’s voice could be heard.

“Young Lord, it seems the Second Prince has sent someone.”

If it were just a message from an ordinary noble, I would have said I’d check it in the morning, unless it was urgent. After all, some chairperson once said that a person must sleep well to work well.

No matter how busy one is, securing sleep time is essential.

“I’ll change my clothes and head down. For our guest, I’ll serve the best tea, I mean coffee, we have.”

The Second Prince, or rather, the Emperor who uses the Second Prince like a burner phone, wouldn’t send just any clumsy human.

So, the person down there is likely a close aide from the Emperor’s entourage.

In corporate terms, he must be a noble with the title of director in a giant company.

“Treat him as politely as possible and prepare about 150g of coffee beans as a gift.”

When meeting a high-ranking individual, it’s proper etiquette to present an appropriate gift (bribe).

Failing to do so could label one as rude, with the risk of being erased from this world at any moment.

I quickly changed my clothes and went downstairs.

I hoped that this unofficial envoy would bring some good news.

The envoy looked like a noble just by his clothes.

Sipping coffee with a poised demeanor while wearing expensive clothing.

Is that what a true noble looks like?

“I apologize for keeping you waiting. I am Fabio de Medici.”

The unofficial envoy set down his coffee and smiled gently.

“While enjoying the fragrant aroma of this coffee and cake, I lost track of time. And the sudden visit is my fault, not yours.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

“My introduction was delayed. I am Antonio de Allegro, the Second Prince’s attendant.”

From what I know, the Allegro family is one of the larger baron families.

However, being the prince’s attendant means he wields practical power exceeding that of an ordinary baron.

The fact that such a person came directly indicates the Emperor holds some recognition of my worth.

“I’ve come to convey the Second Prince’s orders today.”

Hearing that, I straightened my posture.

Antonio lowered his voice, speaking cautiously.

“The Pereira Guild is selling steel to the Duchy of Liguria.”

Currently, the Toscan Empire is not at war with other nations.

However, there are potential enemy states.

According to the principle of “protect the border while encroaching,” there are countries like the Duchy of Milania and the Duchy of Liguria right next to us.

For now, the balance between our Toscan Empire and those nations is just right, which is why there’s no fighting.

But who knows when a battle might break out…

Selling strategic materials like steel to such guys? Talk about boldness.

“The Pereira Guild is selling steel at prices 2-3 times that of the current market in our empire. What a vile trick only lowly scum would attempt.”

Even my father, the head of the Medici Clan, opposed my becoming a merchant, saying why engage in such menial work.

It’s only natural for that Allegro fellow to scoff at merchants as lower beings.

In 21st-century Korea, there are plenty of folks who think that custodians, technicians, and others who earn more than ordinary office workers are beneath them just because they’re not in office jobs.

But here I am, a merchant, so he was likely trying to be considerate by calling us “lowly scum.”

After all, both he and I are the second sons of baron families, young nobles with decent lineage.

“I don’t mind them pursuing profit, so long as they don’t disclose their vile schemes. They’re just folks who learned that rubbing their palms together is the limit of making money.”

The attendant of the Second Prince plays the role of the Emperor’s microphone.

In other words, Allegro using such intense language means the Emperor is truly angry about the actions of the Pereira scum.

‘Does he really expect me to eliminate them?’

“However, allowing actions that strengthen potential enemy states is unacceptable. Thus, I hope you may deliver an appropriate punishment to them.”

The most annoying part of receiving orders is that phrase.

“Handle it yourself, smartly, neatly, and with flair.”

Such an order doesn’t set any parameters on how I should respond and implies that should something go wrong, all the blame falls on me.

Even though it’s true that a subordinate’s achievements reflect on their superior, and their mistakes fall back on the subordinate, this is just too much.

Even if my evaluation is slightly lowered, I must secure a clear directive.

Otherwise, I’ll be the only one to take the fall.

“What does His Highness expect me to accomplish?”

“I clearly instructed you to do your best.”

Allegro shrugged his right shoulder and shot me a sideways glance with a slight smirk.

“I’m merely a tool for His Highness. If I misinterpret his commands and problems arise, it’s me who gets thrown away. I just fear getting mud splashed on His Highness.”

Though I said this, go ahead, throw me away.

I’ll take Sebastian, Chloe, and the folks from Bio Village and flee straight to the Lion Kingdom.

“To me, that’s a very commendable attitude. Quite different from those lowly Pereira scum. This is why lineage matters.”

A person of higher status isn’t better than someone of lower status because of their lineage.

It’s because they’re placed in a more comfortable environment and received better education.

‘Still, I’m not about to introduce democracy here.’

So, within my capacity, I can appoint talented individuals regardless of their status.

While everyone else is bound by social standing, I can gather a vast number of talented people by being the only one not to care about it.

“His Highness asked you to instill fear in those Pereira scum. Don’t let this issue surface unnecessarily.”

“Are you trying to protect the Pereira Guild?”

“The Pereira Guild has historically been aligned with the royalists.”

I didn’t need to hear more.

Those on the Emperor’s side and who haven’t sold steel to a ‘hostile nation at war’ will receive leniency this time.

“Just give them a proper warning. Something that’ll make them wake up sharp.”

So you want me to lay a solid punch without exposing the current smuggling?

Moreover, I should do it in a way that doesn’t reveal it was me behind this?

His Majesty is truly nothing short of ruthless.

Why does he have to burden a kid like me with such a difficult task?

“If things go wrong, the royal family will at least provide minimal protection.”

If you force me to do something reckless and it results in failure, you won’t merely suck me dry and toss me aside, right?

Instead, you kindly offer a disheartening promise of slight disappointment if I fail.

“If you succeed, His Majesty will grant you a significant opportunity. A person like you shouldn’t be merely a lowly knight beneath a noble.”

If I can prove my abilities, perhaps I’ll even get a baron title and a chance to shine even brighter…

This is an incredibly enticing prospect for someone like me who needs to elevate my status.

No, I can’t refuse this to survive.

‘If it’s not mine, I’ll die!’

Though the emperor wouldn’t literally shout that, he’d certainly pursue my death with a similar logic.

“I will obey.”

“How ambitious. You remind me of myself when I was young.”

Sorry, but I’m a hundred times better looking than you…

I thought that, but judging by your looks, you won’t even get a lifetime of love in Korea.

Allegro gave my shoulder a light pat as he stood up.

“The Second Prince has high expectations for you. Please do your best not to disappoint him.”

While I said I’d show the Pereira scum some rough treatment…

The Pereira Guild is one of the most prominent guilds in the Toscan Empire.

They were just unlucky in not being able to buy a baron title.

“In terms of influence, they rival any ordinary baron. They’re merely merchants after all.”

Even if they don’t show their full prowess, just the visible aspects hint at their strength.

They run dozens of guilds composed of dozens of bodyguards, merchants, and laborers.

If they make a mistake that might cost them their heads, they can bribe high-ranking nobles with cash to escape.

Even if my guild is rapidly developing…

‘I’ve barely scratched the surface of a mid-sized enterprise, while they are a conglomerate.’

Counting the steel factory, I’d rank among the upper tier of mid-sized companies, but with production facilities and other assets tied down to the duke, I’m stuck at that level.

“Therefore, I must be extra cautious.”

Just being careful doesn’t solve everything.

“In the end, I need to find information that can deal a fatal blow without getting caught, don’t I? The only way to do that is by getting voluntary cooperation from the staff below.”

While the underlings of the Pereira Guild might be willing to cooperate, the important executives holding crucial information are unlikely to cooperate voluntarily.

After all, they’re retainers and officials of the Pereira family.

So it seems like I might have to resort to threats with a blade in hand.

“Should I just catch those smuggling scum myself?”

That’s the crux of the matter.

The most important thing is not getting caught.

Even in 21st-century Korea, regardless of the crime, as long as it remains hidden, judges can’t punish me.

In the Toscan Empire, as long as I have a solid backing, as long as I don’t get caught, I shouldn’t be punished for my crimes.

And an excellent strategy, honed by a rapidly developing nation, filled my thoughts.

‘What would the East India Company have done?’

They inherit all the wisdom of England and fought at the forefront of the tumultuous seas.

Those folks would undoubtedly have groundbreaking strategies applicable to this situation.

After contemplating, I finally hit upon a clever plan.

“First, let’s deal with the scoundrels committing illegal activities within this guild. One by one, beat them down, and the answers will emerge.”

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