I Became A Black Merchant In Another World

Inside the carriage, Sebastian asked.

“Young Lord, are you really going to sue the Pereira Guild at the High Court? No matter how much His Majesty ordered it, this is a very dangerous move.”

In any era or world, filing a lawsuit is pretty much like declaring war, saying “you die, I live.” Suing the Pereira Guild would be indirectly stating that we are going to go head-to-head.

If I fight directly against the Pereira Guild, a heavyweight in our empire’s economy, I would undoubtedly lose, hands down.

“It’s risky, I admit. But how can I take back what’s already been done?”

I’ve already crossed the river that cannot be turned back with the Pereira Guild. So surely, they would either gather information to kill me or try something sneaky.

To this, I could wager a million won, no, a thousand gold coins. Because I’m absolutely certain that I’ll win.

“And if I go against my secret orders, not only I but the Medici Baron Clan could have their titles revoked.”

Since it’s a secret order, the Emperor won’t plainly say that Fabian won’t listen to me and will ruin your clan by not taking down the Pereira Guild. However, if the higher-ups desire it, according to the principle that crime and evidence arise, there would be grounds to revoke titles.

“Then can’t you just go find the head of the Pereira Guild and use this as leverage to negotiate?”

That sounds like a good idea. Rather than fighting a colossal enemy, it’s so much nicer to negotiate with their weaknesses in hand.

But isn’t that a bit too naive?

“Sure, after talking, there may be peace for a while. But will the Pereira guys really let me, who has their fatal weakness, live? If it were me, I’d probably look for a chance to assassinate when the Emperor’s eyes wander.”

I once read something online.

‘If you kill everyone around you so that no one can testify, then it’s an assassination.’

It sounds absurd to active assassins or agents, but it’s not entirely off base. If you have the worry of being reported, eliminating those who could report you completely removes the chance of being dragged to court.

“No, right now, suing the Pereira Guild is the right choice. I need to show them that I can deal a significant blow to them; that’s how I can ensure my safety.”

Bullies typically pick on easy targets, the naive ones. However, what if that easy target can no longer take it and decides to beat the bully to a pulp or at least snitches hard enough to the student council?

Once the bullies realize that harassing the outcast could backfire on them, they’ll likely back off.

It’s not that bullies immediately redeem themselves, it’s just the instinct of humans who don’t want to get hurt or suffer disadvantages kicking in.

If I sue the Pereira Guild based on the evidence Christina provided in the High Court to strike them hard, they will certainly not see me as an easy opponent anymore. Once they know there’s the Emperor’s tacit approval and secret order behind me, they won’t dare lay a hand on me.

Sebastian nodded in agreement.

“Well, thieves and thugs on the street only bother those they think can’t retaliate against them. And if that weakling pulls a knife in retaliation, they usually back off.”

“That’s the kind of survival technique we need to show.”

“You truly are remarkable, Young Lord. You remain calm even when facing a formidable opponent. You show no signs of fear whatsoever.”

Honestly, fighting against a massive enemy like the Pereira Guild is scary. But I understand that if I get consumed by fear and make a poor judgment, I could lose everything.

So, I need to forcibly calm my mind and fight to survive. That’s why I shower Chloe with affection—to relieve the stress.

Just then, the voice of the coachman reached from outside.

“We’ve arrived at the Mancini Baron Mansion.”

Looks like it’s about time to take the plunge.

“Then, I’ll be off, Sebastian.”

“Yes, safe travels.”

With that, I stepped off the carriage, carrying the prepared lawsuit and organized evidence.

Of course, the Mancini Baron did not welcome me.

“What on earth is so urgent that you called for me at this hour? How rude!”

“I apologize, but it’s a matter of great urgency and importance.”

“You’re neither my retainer nor my subordinate, and we have no relationship; what could possibly be this important?”

As he said, we really had no relationship. We were further apart than distant relatives.

Still, instead of chasing me away, he glanced at my waist or bag.

If I came hurriedly, I should demonstrate some financial sincerity, right?

‘But right now, something more important than money is at stake.’

“I’m sorry, Judge Mancini. I’m here to report a crime that’s corrupting the empire.”

In 21st century Korea, it’s common for prosecutors to lead investigations and file charges, while judges deliver verdicts. However, in the Toscan Empire, the actual investigations are conducted by soldiers or those associated with the territory, while judges handle the charges and judgments.

To think that if you hold the power to charge and judge, you could make an innocent person a “criminal,” that’s some serious power.

“If you’re going to report a crime, come during normal court hours! What are you banging the drum for at this late hour?”

“This is no simple matter.”

I said, presenting the organized evidence and lawsuit to Mancini.

The Mancini Baron’s eyes widened as he read the first line of the complaint I handed him.

“You want to sue the Pereira Guild? Are you out of your mind?!”

“I’m completely sane.”

“Recently, your name has been circulating in social circles, and your guild and territory are thriving, so it seems you’re getting a bit too high on yourself. The Pereira Guild possesses power that makes many barons envious. Given the chance, you’d be able to obtain the baron title just like your clan’s founder.”

Receiving a knight’s title in Korea was as easy as getting a certificate for those who were relatively part of the upper class in the late Joseon era. But the baron title requires massive wealth, capabilities, and connections with power.

Even in the era when those fools claimed themselves the Greater Empire of Japan, conglomerates like Mitsubishi obtained baron titles, so with enough money, one could get it if luck was on their side.

’Of course, that means you need to have a wealth equivalent to the CEO of a major company in Korea at the very least.’

Mancini slammed his desk upon hearing my words.

“What good is fighting against that titan? Do you have a death wish?!”

“Do you think I’d rush in if I were actually crazy? There’s always a reason behind it.”

I pointed finger at the most critical part of the lawsuit.

“First, the Pereira Guild has committed unacceptable military supply fraud against our imperial army. Furthermore, I have secured testimonies and records written by the sole survivor of the Modina clan, who served as a director for the Pereira Guild.”

“Swapping spoiled herring for the soldiers? And even using donkeys for transportation? That’s not something a human would do. Merchants really are terrible people.”

The fact that Mancini started to agree with my words meant he recognized that what I was filing wasn’t just sheer nonsense.

Persuasion is tough, especially in the beginning, but once you’ve gotten over that first hurdle, it becomes smooth sailing.

“This corruption involves the current Florence Mayor and former Division Commander. No matter how good a lawyer they hire or how much help they receive from various nobles, it will be difficult for them to get away with it.”

Surprisingly, the Toscan Empire applies the crime of false accusation with remarkable severity.

More specifically, if a noble or similarly influential merchant is falsely accused, the judge’s head is on the line.

Of course, “head” here means the position, but sometimes it can also have a physical connotation.

“The evidence is undeniable, but why on earth do you want to pursue this issue? You and the Pereira Guild are not direct competitors, after all.”

Hearing that, I quietly pointed to the sky.

A method of non-verbal communication that goes unspoken but still resonates.

“…… Well, with a talent like yours, I suppose. Fine, I’ll take responsibility for prosecuting this case. You’re free to go now.”

Honestly, even getting to the stage of prosecution would cause significant damage to the Pereira clan.

But since we’re at it, let’s make sure it’s thorough.

It’s vital to teach them a thorough lesson so that they won’t even think about bothering us again.

“If this case is accepted, but without any major direct intervention from above, I consider it a very serious matter. Therefore, if you deliver a heavy penalty to the Pereira Guild through this lawsuit…”

I left my words tantalizingly incomplete.

“You, Judge Mancini, shall gain the reputation of a righteous judge who risks everything for the good of the empire, unyielding to power. Naturally, they would see you favorably as well.”

Mancini swallowed hard.

“A nobleman in a judicial robe should be rising to the position of head judge of the High Court soon, wouldn’t you say? I’m just a mere knight and shouldn’t state these things, but that’s how it seems from up there.”

Judicial nobles, unlike high-ranking noble lords with territories like myself, are high officials who solely gain titles and pensions.

Since their pension isn’t enough to maintain their dignity, it’s indispensable for them to accept bribes from barons or merchants…

‘I’ve heard that the higher you go, the amount of gifts multiplies tenfold.’

“This is a chance for both of us to prove our loyalty to His Majesty.”

Hearing that, Mancini grabbed my hand tightly.

“Let’s get along well from now on.”

A short while later, I could hear the news that the righteous Judge Mancini had exposed the evil deeds of the Pereira Guild.

The social circles were ignited with this outrageous news.

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