NOVEL NEXT Chapter 72 - Episode 72: The Demon Duke Recruits the Busty Merchant Girl
Episode 72: The Demon Duke Recruits the Busty Merchant Girl
The busty merchant girl, Namba, furrowed her brow.
“Hey, Zaus-san, listen up. Do you know why Kasegi Country maintains its status as a perpetually neutral nation?”
Hmm. When it comes to perpetual neutrality, Switzerland was famous in the previous world. They absolutely don’t engage in wars but also don’t take sides with any country. Hence, they’ve been recognized as a perpetually neutral nation worldwide.
“Kasegi Country is a nation of merchants. We live off of business. The reason other nations don’t occupy it is not just because they don’t participate in wars, but also because their existence holds value for others.”
“Right. I understand that merchants in Kasegi Country build bonds through business. So, perhaps they’re scouting you because they see your potential. If you leave the country and become my subject, it won’t be considered betrayal. The fact that Kasegi Country is a perpetually neutral nation won’t change.”
“It’s not like that… Um, well, building relationships through business is a golden rule. However, maintaining a power balance is crucial. It needs to be equal.”
Equal?
“In other words, it’s about the significance of our existence and the power balance with the Demon Duke. It’s like a balanced scale. We need to maintain equilibrium, respect each other, that’s the best approach.”
“Right. So, to ensure you don’t feel burdened…”
“That’s not good.”
“Huh?”
“According to what Zaus-san said, everything is being provided on a silver platter. With this, the balance is leaning too much towards Zaus-san. If we rely too much on you, we’ll start feeling indebted. In that case, Zaus-san’s words become absolute, and we won’t be able to argue back. If this continues, it’ll definitely lead to friction.”
Hmm.
“So, to maintain a harmonious relationship, it’s important to maintain a power balance between us, right?”
That’s how it is.
“So, what specifically do you propose? Should we pretend this conversation never happened?”
“Don’t be foolish. It would be uncivilized to waste such a lucrative negotiation opportunity! Let me also present our conditions.”
“Hmm. Tell me your wishes. I’ll accommodate them as much as possible.”
“We’ll buy this building.”
“Oh… Do you have the money?”
“Hahaha. I can’t prepare such a large sum. So, why not consider the 500,000 cozons you gave me earlier as a loan from you?”
“So, you’ll become my subordinate and repay it?”
“That’s right.”
I see.
If they can operate a Commercial Guild in this location, they’ll make money. And they want to use that money to repay the debt. Rather than borrowing as a subordinate, they want to operate this guild as their own property. Hehehe. It’s a good idea. They can operate it without any reservations.
“And Zaus-san… About the interest on the loan.”
With that, he took out an abacus from his interdimensional storage box.
While clacking it…
“We don’t know the monthly profit yet. It’ll stabilize once the business gets on track, but…”
He glanced at me intermittently.
Hehehe.
The interest on 500,000 cozons would be quite substantial. The annual interest rate in this world is generally around 10 percent. The same applies in Zaus Town. With 500 million yen at 10 percent, they’d pay 50 million yen in interest annually. If they don’t make a profit, they’ll undoubtedly fall into debt hell.
“We have other jobs, you see… We’re here against our better judgment. In other words, we’re accommodating Zaus-san’s convenience.”
Well, well.
Trying to negotiate, are they?
“I give up. But then again, it’s Zaus-san’s request, isn’t it? Can’t just ignore it. Hmm… a 10 percent annual interest rate.”
He glanced around.
Hehehe.
Well, can’t be helped. I’ll go along with it.
“Come to think of it, maybe I was too pushy in my offer.”
“That’s right! Zaus-san is pushy!”
“Yes. I’m reflecting on it a bit.”
“Hahaha! That’s right! Even demons need to reflect! Well then, about the annual interest…”
“Alright. I’ll send it to Kasegi Country.”
“Huh?”
“This conversation never happened.”
“W-w-w-what!?”
“Sorry about that. I’ve taken up enough of your time. Okay, I’ll send it right away.”
“W-wait a minute!!”
“What’s wrong?? Is there a problem??”
“U-um… Zaus-san. I didn’t say I wouldn’t do anything! We’ve been doing weapon trades with you for two years! We’re grateful people! We won’t betray our regulars!”
“I see.”
“S-so, about the interest…”
“But it’s not good to rely too much on gratitude. Yeah, my bad. I’m the worst. I’ll send it to Kasegi Country.”
“N-no-no-no! So, um, um, calm down! P-please calm down!”
Hehehe…
Guess it’s not nice to tease too much. Let’s keep it moderate.
“Well… c-c-c-calm down, Zaus-san. You shouldn’t rush things like this! P-please calm down. Don’t get impatient just because it involves a lot of money! Let’s come to a conclusion calmly…”
“You don’t need to pay interest.”
“W-what?”
“Since I’ve been pushy in inviting you. As compensation for the inconvenience, I’ll waive the interest.”
“I-is that trueee!! Zaus-san, you’re truly a great man!”
“But in return, I expect you to work hard.”
“Leave it to me!! With us here, the revenue of the Demon Duke’s territory will skyrocket for sure!! And we’ll definitely repay the loan! It’s shameful for merchants to default on debts! So, rest assured!”
Well, well.
I guess being skilled in negotiations like this is reliable. They’ll be a good partner for Stasa.
That day, when I returned to the Demon Duke’s castle, Meel showed a surprised expression.
“Zaus-sama… An incredible amount of donation has arrived.”
In Zaus Town, there are many curious people who want to make offerings to me. To avoid it turning into bribery, it’s done anonymously. But then they won’t receive any benefits from the money. It’s like throwing money away. It’s not like it’s a religion; it’s ridiculous to make offerings. I don’t know if they have too much money, but every year, a considerable amount is collected as donations. Well, we’ve designated it for the expansion costs of the castle. Truly, the world is wide. There are troublesome curious people out there.
“I-it’s the largest donation we’ve ever received.”
“Oh… There are indeed curious people.”
“A large amount of gold coins was deposited in the donation box.”
“Oh boy. Seems like they have a lot of money to spare. So, how much was it?”
“500,000 cozons.”
Oh dear.
Isn’t that the mayor?
It’s the same amount I paid for the building.
Honestly.
Can’t just return it.
If I do, the monthly repayment from Namba would just become my profit. But according to her, maintaining a power balance is important. If I cancel her interest with this money, the previously balanced scale will tip. Well, well, guess I’ll just keep quiet about it.