Chapter 129
I Became the Finance Director of a Kingdom on the Verge of Civil War – Part 5
『 Translator – Divinity 』
“…So you’re saying that merchant, Marx, is also skilled in handling military stimulants?”
“He’s not an expert, but he’s definitely not an amateur either. It was as if he had been using military stimulants for a long time.”
“That’s absurd. Karl Marx is a Rank 1, and those potent things can only be consumed by those at least Rank 4 or higher.”
One of the core industries of the Delphia Kingdom: stimulant cultivation, commonly known as ‘tobacco.’
The Delphia Kingdom, located at the edge of the continent and surrounded by the sea on three sides, had the perfect environment for growing the raw materials for stimulants due to the abundant sea breeze.
Naturally, being surrounded by the sea on three sides, they also suffered from invasions by sea monsters, but it was manageable thanks to the Duke of Wei and the well-trained regular army.
And it was an industry worth the risk, as stimulant cultivation was incredibly lucrative.
‘There are many who chew and consume the stimulants released for civilian use, but those classified for military use are on a different level.’
The reason was simple. It was because those below Rank 4 could literally die if they consumed it.
Its effects were much stronger than those for civilian use, allowing one to stay awake for several nights, but once the effects wore off, they would immediately cough up blood and die.
Even Rank 3s couldn’t withstand it, and those at Rank 4 or higher would suffer from severe aftereffects. It was something that could only be safely consumed by those at Rank 6 or 7.
For a mere Rank 1 to have used such military stimulants multiple times…
It was impossible unless there was a Rank 7, or even a Rank 8, who could adjust and remove the toxicity of the stimulant in real-time.
“…This confirms it.”
“Excuse me?”
“Never touch Karl Marx. He was already accompanying the princess, but make sure not to offend him at all.”
“As you command. But…”
“He’s likely a messenger sent by Crown Prince Zeke. He might be a salt merchant, but that’s just a disguise, and his role is probably to monitor and bring back Princess Beatrice.”
“They’re using a mere Rank 1 as a messenger?”
“Yes, a Rank 1. But…”
Cartea frowned and recalled Karl Marx, whom he had just met.
He was clearly Rank 1, but he was also hiding various powerful artifacts throughout his body.
They were precious artifacts whose effects even Cartea, a Rank 6, couldn’t fully grasp. There was even one that seemed to be made by dwarves.
It was clear that he was someone they shouldn’t mess with.
“Anyway, don’t question it and treat him well.”
“Yes! Understood!”
‘He might be from the Duke of Wei’s side, not Crown Prince Zeke’s.’
It was possible that the royal family could provide such valuable artifacts to a messenger, but on the other hand, it wasn’t impossible for the Duke of Wei’s side to do the same.
But what reason would they have to give such artifacts to a Rank 1 and use him as a messenger? It would be much more efficient to give the same artifacts to a Rank 2 or 3.
‘It could be a trick to make us lower our guard because he’s Rank 1, or maybe he’s not just a messenger…’
…Anything more was just speculation. At least it was certain that he was someone they shouldn’t mess with, considering he was accompanying Beatrice.
In Cartea’s experience, Rank 1s were just insignificant commoners who couldn’t even use mana. Even Cartea himself could easily kill hundreds of them.
But precisely because of that, the Rank 1s who held high positions or those who were suspicious in many ways, like Marx, were truly tenacious, stubborn, and not to be trifled with.
Cartea, having completely erased his desire for the salt and the artifact, glared at the back of his adjutant leaving the tent.
‘Anyway…’
With the supplies secured, after joining Crown Prince Zeke and betraying them, he wouldn’t have to worry about Karl Marx or Beatrice.
He would have to be wary of those two when betraying them, but since he would be joining Crown Prince Zeke’s side, they wouldn’t care about Cartea, who would be in the rear.
Cartea carefully took something out from a corner of his desk.
He was wary of Beatrice, who was of a higher rank, but he couldn’t help it since it was time for their promised communication.
Static
—General Cartea.
“I’m listening. How is the Duke of Wei?”
—He’s preparing for a week from now. You’ve been asking about him too much lately.
“…You’ve heard my entire plan. It’s easy to say ‘attack the rear and betray them,’ but if the Duke of Wei doesn’t cooperate, it will only be my death. Everyone is sensitive when their lives are at stake.”
—I’ve already told you. He has accepted your plan and promised to make good use of you if you attack the rear and come over.
Then I need to hear it directly from the Duke of Wei!
Cartea, about to shout at the person who kept repeating the same answer, swallowed his words. They might say he accepted and would make good use of him, but if the Duke of Wei truly valued Cartea, he would have answered the call himself.
The fact that an adjutant like this was answering meant that at least the latter part was a lie. Cartea was Rank 6 and a general, but there were many Rank 7 generals on the Duke of Wei’s side since most of the regular army had joined them. There was no way they would value him even if he betrayed and joined them.
He knew that much, but the problem was the first part. In other words, securing his life.
If the Duke of Wei thought Cartea’s betrayal was just a way to cause some chaos in the enemy camp, Cartea would die. He needed confirmation that the Duke would cooperate.
However, it wasn’t Cartea who was in a hurry, but the other side.
He gritted his teeth and suppressed his anger.
“And one more thing. Princess Beatrice came to our camp.”
—…The fourth princess? Is that true?
“Yes. I thought she would be hiding in Grandis Academy, but the problem is…”
—Bring her back, by any means necessary. The Duke of Wei has had his eye on her for a long time.
“I can’t.”
—Are you defying me? The Duke of Wei is busy with other matters, so he can’t answer the call himself. If you’re trying to pick a pointless fight over pride…
“It’s not that, it’s physically impossible. Beatrice has overcome her chronic illness.”
—What?
“Her estimated rank is 6, but she’s clearly stronger than me. I was just subdued by her magic right in front of her. We’ll need at least a Rank 7 to capture her.”
—What the…!
It was a dumbfounded reaction, but he could understand. Even Cartea hadn’t expected that the famous fourth princess would overcome her chronic illness and become stronger than him in just a year.
The person on the other side, after a moment of silence, spoke in a serious tone, realizing that Cartea wasn’t joking.
—So you’re saying a mage who’s at least Rank 7 has been added… Damn it.
“With this level of information, it seems like I deserve to be treated well.”
—…Of course. I’ll inform the Duke of Wei immediately. Contact us again at the scheduled time.
Click.
As the communication magic tool’s signal cut off, Cartea sighed.
The addition of a mage who was at the peak of Rank 6, practically Rank 7, was top-secret information in itself. It was even more so because that mage was ‘that’ fourth princess.
With this, even the Duke of Wei’s side would value Cartea more. The chances of him being killed after his betrayal decreased, but…
‘…Let’s not mention it for now.’
There was one thing Cartea didn’t say.
It was true that Princess Beatrice had overcome her chronic illness and was stronger than Cartea, but… if she was truly in perfect condition, she wouldn’t be in a state of mana exhaustion.
She must have overcome her chronic illness, but there must be severe side effects, or she was relying on some other method.
It was even more crucial information than Beatrice’s return or her combat strength, but…
‘I should have a hidden card as well.’
It was information that the Duke of Wei’s side wouldn’t know unless they saw Beatrice in person like Cartea. He would definitely be able to use it later.
Cartea, convinced of that, clutched his aching head and lay down on the makeshift bed.
‘I invested all my assets, so I have to make sure this succeeds.’
His entire life’s savings as a general. He had used it all in this civil war, and the last remaining amount was invested in buying salt.
With that much salt and the information about Beatrice, there had to be a chance to secure his life.
Cartea didn’t want to die. He dreamed of a future where he reached Rank 7, a future where he climbed higher, so he wanted to join the Duke of Wei’s side instead of Zeke’s, who was likely to lose the civil war.
Lost in those thoughts, with everything to be decided just a week from now…
…he couldn’t fall asleep easily.
***
“…You saved my life.”
“Huh?”
“It’s nothing.”
Beatrice, giving the Finance Director a bright smile, glanced at General Cartea’s tent.
He must have prepared some magic, but it was impossible to prevent Beatrice’s eavesdropping, as she was already reaching Rank 7. More importantly, she knew that General Cartea would be thinking of betrayal.
‘He did sell my information, but he didn’t mention that I was incomplete.’
His thoughts were obvious. He was probably hiding it to use as a trump card. Cartea wouldn’t know that he saved her life thanks to that.
If he had tried to mention that her condition was incomplete, she would have killed him immediately.
Beatrice, discreetly retrieving the [Chain Binding] she had placed under Cartea, faced the Finance Director.
“So, Finance Director.”
“Yes?”
“Were you still smoking those?”
“I’m not smoking them now. I need the Headmistress to remove the toxins.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Beatrice’s gaze fell on the ‘cigarettes’ that the Finance Director was reassembling with the soldiers earlier.
The ones she saw in his dormitory and introduced him to the merchant who secretly sold them.
She wasn’t really in a position to criticize him for smoking military stimulants since she had even introduced him to the merchant, but…
“…Please refrain from using them as much as possible. They’re called military-grade, but they practically turn you into a meat shield.”
“The soldiers seem to like them.”
“That’s because they cut them up and use them like drugs. And the handling of military stimulants is strictly controlled even by the royal family…”
“In this current situation?”
“………”
She wanted to prevent him from using such dangerous things, but he had been using them without any problems for half a year. Perhaps thanks to the Headmistress’s help, he didn’t even seem addicted.
Beatrice, momentarily speechless, fell silent.
And amidst the slightly awkward atmosphere, the Finance Director smiled.
“And don’t worry, I’m not planning on taking them. As I said, the Headmistress isn’t here right now.”
“…Then?”
“I’m going to handle this as well. Since I’ve come all this way, I have to make a decent profit.”
“What?”
“Well, the soldiers would rather find someone who has already proven their skills than risk their lives doing it themselves.”
Flip.
“Your Highness Beatrice, the soldiers in front of the tent have been asking to meet Mr…. Karl Marx.”
“Suzanne?”
“Lady Suzanne, did you explain the cost?”
“…Not many soldiers had gold coins. Most of them were peasants or conscripts.”
“Then what about goods?”
“There are plenty who are willing to pay half of their stimulant rations to meet Mr. Marx.”
“Well, they wouldn’t want to take drugs that could actually kill them. Normally, they would try to find a safe way to consume them, even if it meant paying half their rations. Then, Your Highness? I’ll be back shortly.”
“…Yes.”
What was this?
She had vowed to protect the Finance Director in exchange for him allowing her to return to her home country and accompanying her, but…
‘Somehow…’
Was it just her imagination that the Finance Director seemed more competent than Beatrice, who was born and raised in the Delphia Kingdom?
He called himself a salt merchant, so she thought it was just a disguise, but he brought an incredible amount of salt from who knows where, and now he was acting like a drug dealer.
“Mr. Marx! Check my medicine first!”
“My stimulant is first! I’ll give you more than half!”
“If I give you gold coins, you don’t have to give me half, right!?”
“Now, now. One at a time. I’ll take care of you all.”
“………”
It was a bit strange to say this, but…
It seemed like the Finance Director would have been fine even if he came alone without an escort…