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MBSE Chapter 87
by BlossomTLMargrave’s Bastard Son was the EmperorIan, accompanied by Romandro, visited the central bank in Portloga, near the official residence where Molrin and his party had stayed and the park where he had met with Philia.
As soon as Ian alighted from the carriage, the waiting bank manager bowed deeply.
“Lord Ian, welcome.”
“Good to see you again. Have you been well?”
“I heard about the Gulla trade with Count Merellof, but is all of this gold coins?”
The bank manager adjusted his monocle, clearly bewildered. The large chests divided into smaller containers did look rather crude and bulky.
“Yes, it’s 1,000 gold coins.”
“Weren’t they given as a cheque?”
“Exactly. It’s surprising how someone who handles money lacks such manners. Tsk tsk.”
Romandro grumbled, clicking his tongue. If they had used gold certificates, they wouldn’t have needed to go through such hassle.
Ian entered the bank with his servants. The scratched sign of ‘Hayman Bank’ was evident. The marks were made by the refugees who used the bank as a shelter during the outbreak of the conflict between the central and Dergha regions.
“I’m managing well enough.”
“Thanks to you, Lord, we’ve had no problems.”
Click.
Behind the bank manager, guards in black armor approached. These were the symbol and security of Hayman Bank. The armor, crafted with magic stones, was practically a weapon in itself.
“Should we move it?”
“Yes, please. Thank you.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
Each of the four chests contained 250 gold coins, usually requiring two men to move. However, the guards in armor effortlessly lifted two at a time, one in each hand.
“……!?”
The most astonished reaction came from Beric. He froze on the spot, eyes rolling around in disbelief. He seemed to wonder what kind of strength this was; even the Cheonrye tribe probably couldn’t match it.
“What is that?”
“Ah, Beric, is this your first time seeing it?”
Romandro explained on behalf of Ian.
“It’s armor made from magic stones. In the central region, Hayman Bank’s headquarters and their response time is quick, but it’s not the same in these remote branches.”
Not just anyone could handle such a task. It was a sort of display of financial power, exclusive to those who monopolized Bariel’s financial sector. Just one set of that armor…
“So that’s why.”
“What is?”
“I knew Portloga had the best public safety in Bratz, but even the thieves wouldn’t dare near the bank.”
The power of the armor could crush a human skull. It was not only formidable against physical and low-level magical attacks but also resilient to fire and other impacts.
“Beric, if someone threatened the bank, before these guards moved, Dergha would have killed the perpetrator. And if, during the fight between the Central Army and Dergha, a third party threatened the bank, both sides would have ceased their battle to jointly protect this place.”
“What, is the bank manager like the emperor here or something?”
“It’s treated as a sanctuary, almost like a temple, within Bariel.”
It was Bariel’s third, neutral territory. If a mistake was made and transactions were refused, it meant managing and moving massive wealth personally, effectively being excluded from economic power circles.
Of course, this applied mainly to nobles and merchants.
“So if someone had really tried to rob the bank during all that chaos, there would’ve been less fighting.”
Beric spoke bluntly, causing the guards to pause momentarily, but they soon resumed moving the chests, realizing his comment wasn’t malicious.
“Who would risk their life for such a thing?”
“Besides, it was used as a shelter, so the place was swarming with people right up to the entrance. Anyone trying to rob it would have been caught and dealt with first.”
The bank manager jovially brushed off the comment and brought them tea. The sofa and table were old but well-maintained. Being on the frontier, Bratz’s bank paled in comparison to those in the central regions, resembling a rural tavern.
“You said a total of 1,000 gold coins, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“We’ll need a moment to count them. Please have a seat and wait.”
Romandro sipped his tea, surveying the bank.
“With a revenue of about 3,500 gold coins, we’ve covered part of the tribute. The taxes will be higher than usual, but the amount will still be insufficient. Overall, there’s no immediate problem, but next year is concerning.”
The issue was the numerous expenses that lay ahead.
Firstly, traveling to the capital for the New Year’s meeting would be costly from the moment of departure, and maintaining a dignified presence among the central nobility would require additional expenditure.
“Do you know that before becoming a wizard, a magic user is only guaranteed a minimum living expense?”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“If it’s alright with you, you could live with us.”
“Ha ha ha, but aren’t you newlyweds?”
“It’s not like we’ll be sharing a room. What do you think?”
“Thank you for the offer, even if it’s just words. But look, we’ve already managed to gather about 40% of the tribute before heading to the capital. Everything will be fine, so don’t worry.”
While Ian and Romandro conversed, Beric was busy devouring the snacks. His attitude clearly showed that he wasn’t concerned about money matters.
“Raising taxes seems to be the easiest and most convenient way.”
“It might be easy and convenient for me, but for the people of the territory, there’s nothing harder. We’ve already slightly raised the taxes for next year while distributing the Gulla.”
“Why not just collect a little more from everyone? If we extend the deadline, they can prepare accordingly. It’s not like we’re asking for it by tomorrow.”
Romandro, who had been advising non-stop, looked at Ian’s expression and laughed resignedly.
“You’re not even listening, are you?”
“What do you mean? I’ve been agreeing with you.”
“No, no, I mean, you don’t plan to raise taxes.”
Ian just smiled.
Indeed, raising taxes was the easiest and most certain solution. But they had just managed to recover from the aftermath of the battle and had barely completed their winter preparations with the Gulla.
Moreover, and most importantly, Ian’s plans were uncertain once he went to the imperial palace…
‘There’s no need to add to their burdens.’
“You know I’ll be away from the territory for a long time, don’t you, Sir Romandro?”
“Yes, but still…”
“With winter coming, everyone’s preoccupied with immediate survival. But come spring, they’ll start harboring negative thoughts.”
A commoner who rose to nobility and doesn’t even stay in the territory, just raises taxes.
Humans commit sins even under the watchful eye of the gods. How much more so for a lord far away… It was certain that the life of the mansion’s servants would get harder.
“I really appreciate your concern, Sir Romandro. I know what you say makes sense, but please don’t worry too much about my stubbornness.”
After Ian insisted, Romandro resignedly sipped his tea. As the gold coin counting continued, Ian suddenly thought of something and turned to Beric.
“Beric. Count Merellof has a brother who’s living in seclusion in some manor within the territory.”
“And?”
“I mean, find out more about him.”
“Ughhh.”
Another task. Beric grimaced and continued to munch on Gulla. No matter how one looked at it, it was strange. He seemed passionate but also incredibly lazy.
Click.
“Lord Ian, we’ve finished sorting, but we’re now checking for counterfeit coins. Would you like to write the certificate first?”
At that moment, the bank manager, who had been counting the gold coins inside, reappeared. He had been using a magic tool to check for counterfeits and was drying his wet hands with a towel.
“Alright. Any problems?”
“No, none at all. Counting 1,000 gold coins is something I haven’t done in a long time. Our vault will be full until the collection team arrives.”
“And the certificate?”
“Please sign here.”
Ian, sitting on the sofa, took the pen and quickly signed the document contained in a leather case, depositing the 1,000 gold coins in his name.
‘…Have I ever done bank transactions before?’
Both Romandro and the bank manager harbored this question, but they quickly resolved it with an exchange of glances, assuming the other would have informed him.
“Yes, it’s all done. Thank you.”
“I should be the one thanking you. You’ve been of great help. Count Merellof will transfer an additional 2,500 gold coins within three days. It would be good to prepare the cheque in advance.”
“Ah, right. Understood. Oh! Here’s a notice. Due to winter, many transport routes are blocked. Especially, the Karenna, Longin, and Zailkup branches are currently inaccessible. Karenna, in particular, has terrible security, with thieves robbing each other frequently.”
“I’m not sure if I’ll need to go there, but thanks anyway.”
“Thank you.”
The branch manager bowed deeply at Ian’s words, indicating that all transactions had been successfully completed. Ian returned to the mansion with a light heart. Indeed, packing 100 bags was no small task, and everyone was still busy at work.
“Lord Ian, have you returned?”
“How far along are we?”
The servant wiped off sweat and glanced towards the back where Count Merellof’s party was busy.
“Fortunately, we had thirty bags pre-packed, but then, believe it or not, they started checking every single one before taking them.”
The meticulous selection process by the count’s party was time-consuming. Ian navigated through his subordinates, observing Count Merellof’s interference in every detail and shook his head.
“They’re going to have a hard time.”
“Yes. But it looks like we’ll finish before dinner.”
“Alright. I’ll come back down after I sort some things out.”
Ian entered the mansion and proposed an idea to Romandro. It was about the roasted Gulla that Hana had mentioned.
“Even if Count Merellof starts planting Gulla today, it will take at least a month.”
“That’s likely.”
“What I’m thinking is, we should allow Gulla trade with Merellof. Initially, we could sell only the roasted Gulla, and when their harvest season arrives, start selling fresh Gulla as well.”
For now, since Merellof’s estate wouldn’t have its own Gulla, the people of the territory wanting to consume it would have to buy from Ian’s side. The count might plan to distribute Gulla seeds like Ian did and raise next year’s tax rate…
“Count, won’t this make your blood pressure rise?”
But, when Ian also starts selling fresh Gulla, the people won’t have a reason to accept higher tax rates in exchange for Gulla distribution.
“Don’t worry, Lady Lien will take care of things before that happens.”
At Ian’s response, Romandro gave an awkward laugh, unsure whether it was a situation to laugh about or not.
“As soon as Count Merellof leaves the territory, inform the people. Tell them that we will soon lift the trade restrictions on roasted Gulla.”
“Understood. I’ll do that.”
“And another thing.”
Ian suddenly paused as he was about to head up to his office.
“Have we received any instructions regarding what to do with Sir Molrin?”
It had been a while since he received the news of his title appointment. Surely, if Prince Mariv had any specific intentions, a message should have arrived by courier by now. Yet, strangely, there had been no word about their disposition.
“I checked again recently, and they just told us to wait. It seems they are quite busy.”
Could something have gone wrong? Ian frowned and tilted his head, pondering the situation.
Navigate to Other Chapters
Regular Chapters
Batch 1: MBSE Chapter 01 - MBSE Chapter 25
- MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor's End
- MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
- MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
- MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
- MBSE Chapter 05 - Plans
- MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
- MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
- MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
- MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
- MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
- MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
- MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
- MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
- MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
- MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
- MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
- MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
- MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
- MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
- MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
- MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
- MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
- MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
- MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
- MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
Batch 2: MBSE Chapter 26 - MBSE Chapter 50
- MBSE Chapter 26
- MBSE Chapter 27
- MBSE Chapter 28
- MBSE Chapter 29
- MBSE Chapter 30
- MBSE Chapter 31
- MBSE Chapter 32
- MBSE Chapter 33
- MBSE Chapter 34
- MBSE Chapter 35
- MBSE Chapter 36
- MBSE Chapter 37
- MBSE Chapter 38
- MBSE Chapter 39
- MBSE Chapter 40
- MBSE Chapter 41
- MBSE Chapter 42
- MBSE Chapter 43
- MBSE Chapter 44
- MBSE Chapter 45
- MBSE Chapter 46
- MBSE Chapter 47
- MBSE Chapter 48
- MBSE Chapter 49
- MBSE Chapter 50
Batch 3: MBSE Chapter 51 - MBSE Chapter 75
- MBSE Chapter 51
- MBSE Chapter 52
- MBSE Chapter 53
- MBSE Chapter 54
- MBSE Chapter 55
- MBSE Chapter 56
- MBSE Chapter 57
- MBSE Chapter 58
- MBSE Chapter 59
- MBSE Chapter 60
- MBSE Chapter 61
- MBSE Chapter 62
- MBSE Chapter 63
- MBSE Chapter 64
- MBSE Chapter 65
- MBSE Chapter 66
- MBSE Chapter 67
- MBSE Chapter 68
- MBSE Chapter 69
- MBSE Chapter 70
- MBSE Chapter 71
- MBSE Chapter 72
- MBSE Chapter 73
- MBSE Chapter 74
- MBSE Chapter 75
Batch 4: MBSE Chapter 76 - MBSE Chapter 98
- MBSE Chapter 76
- MBSE Chapter 77
- MBSE Chapter 78
- MBSE Chapter 79
- MBSE Chapter 80
- MBSE Chapter 81
- MBSE Chapter 82
- MBSE Chapter 82
- MBSE Chapter 83
- MBSE Chapter 83
- MBSE Chapter 84
- MBSE Chapter 85
- MBSE Chapter 86
- MBSE Chapter 87
- MBSE Chapter 88
- MBSE Chapter 89
- MBSE Chapter 90
- MBSE Chapter 91
- MBSE Chapter 92
- MBSE Chapter 93
- MBSE Chapter 94
- MBSE Chapter 95
- MBSE Chapter 96
- MBSE Chapter 97
- MBSE Chapter 98
Batch 5: MBSE Chapter 99 - MBSE Chapter 123
- MBSE Chapter 99
- MBSE Chapter 100
- MBSE Chapter 101
- MBSE Chapter 102
- MBSE Chapter 103
- MBSE Chapter 104
- MBSE Chapter 105
- MBSE Chapter 106
- MBSE Chapter 107
- MBSE Chapter 108
- MBSE Chapter 109
- MBSE Chapter 110
- MBSE Chapter 111
- MBSE Chapter 112
- MBSE Chapter 113
- MBSE Chapter 114
- MBSE Chapter 115
- MBSE Chapter 116
- MBSE Chapter 117
- MBSE Chapter 118
- MBSE Chapter 119
- MBSE Chapter 120
- MBSE Chapter 121
- MBSE Chapter 122
- MBSE Chapter 123
Batch 6: MBSE Chapter 124 - MBSE Chapter 148
- MBSE Chapter 124
- MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
- MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
- MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
- MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
- MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
- MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
- MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Palace Training Grounds
- MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
- MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
- MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor's Letter
- MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
- MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
- MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
- MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
- MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
- MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
- MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
- MBSE Chapter 142 - Black Smoke
- MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
- MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
- MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
- MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
- MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
- MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
Batch 7: MBSE Chapter 149 - MBSE Chapter 173
- MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
- MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
- MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens Slave Caravan
- MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal Slaves
- MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
- MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
- MBSE Chapter 155 - Balance Through Checks
- MBSE Chapter 156
- MBSE Chapter 157
- MBSE Chapter 158
- MBSE Chapter 159
- MBSE Chapter 160
- MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
- MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
- MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
- MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal Flare
- MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
- MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
- MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor's Seal
- MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
- MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
- MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
- MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
- MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
- MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
Batch 8: MBSE Chapter 174 - MBSE Chapter 198
- MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
- MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
- MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
- MBSE Chapter 177 - The Black Moon
- MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
- MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Palace, Now
- MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
- MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel's Eyes
- MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
- MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
- MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
- MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
- MBSE Chapter 186
- MBSE Chapter 187
- MBSE Chapter 188
- MBSE Chapter 189
- MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
- MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
- MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
- MBSE Chapter 193
- MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
- MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
- MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
- MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
- MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
Batch 9: MBSE Chapter 199 - MBSE Chapter 223
- MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
- MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
- MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
- MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
- MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
- MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
- MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
- MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
- MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black Armor
- MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
- MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
- MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
- MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
- MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
- MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
- MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
- MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
- MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
- MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
- MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
- MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
- MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
- MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
- MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
- MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
Batch 10: MBSE Chapter 224 - MBSE Chapter 245
- MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
- MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
- MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
- MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
- MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
- MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's Whisperer
- MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
- MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
- MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
- MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
- MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
- MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
- MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
- MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
- MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
- MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
- MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
- MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
- MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
- MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
- MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
- MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
Advanced Chapters
Batch 1: MBSE Chapter 246 - MBSE Chapter 270
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's Plea
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's Request
- 🔒65MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
- 🔒65MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's Signatures
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Palace
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 254 - Pillars
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's Bariel
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' Figures
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's Thoughts
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being
- 🔒60MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl