One month has passed since the attack . Once the bodies were delivered to the policemen, there was no evidence found from the corpses . Haruto reported to the Governor the involvement of Samaras Shokai once, but since there is no physical evidence, he was told that he can’t charge a person for a crime if I don’t have a testimony from a third party . The attack incident was settled as a burglar case on the surface .

Haruto took measures in response to that incident . One is screening the mercenaries . If the mercenary guarding them has been bribed, they’re not even worth considering . At the same time, Pudding, Rusk, Rang, Tart, and the others are monitoring the other mercenaries for them, so he increased their salary by 100,000 .

What he did next is to strengthen security . But even if he increased the number of mercenaries, he can’t expect much effect . He had enough mercenaries . Even if he increase them, the salary expense is the only thing that’ll rise . Also, if he increases their number, he won’t be able to grasp the mercenaries’ behavior . After all, he also wants to avoid a traitor in his home .

When Haruto was troubled about what he should do, he heard a knock .

「Haruto-san . Is it okay? 」

「It’s good」

When Haruto says so, Roa opens the door slowly and enters .

「There’s a visitor . It’s Adonis-san」

「Adonis? I’ll receive him now」

Although the other party has recently declined, he is still the Chairman of a big Shokai . Although his influence has been reduced, he is still the head of one of the three major factions . He can’t mishandle this . Haruto headed to the reception room in a hurry .

「Hello . Asuma-san」

「Aahh, hello . What’s your business today? 」

They sat on the sofa and started talking .

「It must have been hard, right? To think there’s a robbery and to think you’d be attacked . Even so, to believe that this kind of evil deed happened in Claris . Such a rude robber」

Adonis says while drinking tea .

「It was really hard . The only salvation is that no one died . We are currently reviewing our security」

When Haruto says so, Adonis laughed as if he’d been waiting for it .

「About that security matter……in fact, we have a new product」

That said, Adonis began explaining about the new alarm system . It’s a story telling that the performance has dramatically increased .

Haruto thought while listening . Haruto purchased all his magic tools, including the latest alarm from Wolfstan Shokai . Lately, there are things with good performance made by the Empire, but he was still buying Wolfstan Shokai’s products . This is called socializing . He intends to buy the new alarm system even without such a description, and Adonis should be aware of it .

「And the most significant feature of this alarm is that information is instantaneously conveyed to the police . Do you know about the communication machine that’s recently in practical use in the Empire? It’s an application of resonance magic . We are using that technology . If you had this, you wouldn’t be afraid of thieves, right? We’re trying to sell this system with the alarm . Can you please purchase it for testing? We will attach it to your home, free of charge」

Haruto thought about it . The important thing is not the alarm, it’s the security system combined with the alarm . If there are no rivals, it would be profitable . First, bring the product to Haruto since Haruto was just attacked . The burglar incident also made a bit of news . So Haruto buying it will become good publicity .

「I can’t decide until I know the price . How much is it? 」

Hearing Haruto says so, Adonis’s face distorts a little .

「The transmission between the resonators is a little stretched . It depends on the distance, but it will roughly be 50 million . If it’s in the suburbs, 60 million . If it’s outside the wall, 70 million . When it’s as far as Asuma Shokai’s second factory, 100 million will be necessary . If the prospect of mass production is settled, the cost can be reduced by about 40%……Kirishian’s technology is a little lower compared to the mainland of the Empire」

Adonis said as if making an excuse .

This system is not bad, and the security will rise dramatically . It also doesn’t hurt that this means selling a favor to Adonis . Still, the price is the price . Haruto answered after thinking for a while .

「I understand . I’ll buy it . Aside from Asuma Shokai’s branches, please also install it in the factory」

He can’t do it since he can’t build relationships with police officers other than Claris . That’s what he means .

「It’s what I expect . It will also be an advertisement to the outside . I’ll do my best . By the way, about the price……」

The result of price negotiation, the total construction cost reached 450 million .

________

「Did you have to pay so much money? 」

Roa is furrowing her brows when she heard the figure of 450 million .

「Asuma Shokai’s policy is to cherish their life . It’s cheap if you can buy lives with 450 million . ……It will be a lie if I say that I don’t regret it at all」

Since he already signed the contract, it’s too late to pull back now .

「Security is perfect now . By the way, did you gather information about that Sword Saint Serius? 」

「I feel like since he’s so strong, he shouldn’t be anonymous . Why don’t I ask the Governor? Since I made that donation, it’s better to ask the source」

「I understand . I’ll get you an appointment then」

Roa said that and headed to the Governor’s office .

______

「I’m sorry . You’ve been waiting for three days」

「No, I’m not in a rush」

Recently, the Governor’s Office seems busy so it took him three days before he could meet Governor Gray .

「So, what can I do for you? 」

「There’s someone I’d like you to look into . A man that is known as the Sword Saint Serius . Do you know him? 」

「I know of him . He’s rather a celebrity in Romano . Didn’t you know? 」

Governor Gray replied . He seemed to be surprised at the fact that I don’t know .

「Sword Saint Serius is a mercenary from the Snowy Fields . He served the traitor Pentax, and he was called a Sword Saint based on his skills with the sword」

「A person from the Snowy Fields? Roa, do you know? 」

Haruto asked Roa who was sitting next to him .

「E~tto, they lived in snowy fields! 」

In short, she doesn’t seem to know . Haruto moved his gaze to Governor Gray .

「There’s no need to ask since I also don’t know . They have never been in the history of the West . Anyway, they live in a permanently frozen barren land further North of the Northern lands we know of . You won’t know unless you’re an anthropologist」

Governor Gray laughed .

「What is a permanently frozen barren land? Is it perhaps a land where the ground is icy all the time」

Roa leaned forward . Governor Gray nods .

「That’s right . I have never seen it, but it seems that the ground is covered in ice all throughout the year」

Roa rounded her eyes . Kirishia is relatively mild, and snow rarely falls . For Roa who has never been outside of Kirishia, she cannot imagine earth enclosed with ice all year round .

「According to anthropologists, it is said that they were originally a minor ethnic group who lived in the Western part of Romano and Gallia . However, due to the pressure from the Romanos and Gallians, they escaped to the North and the East . Those who escaped to the North became the Snowpeople, and it seems that those who escaped to the East became the Desert people . So they have excellent physical abilities like the desert people」

In other words, the snow people have the『Blessing of Battle』like the desert people . It’s no wonder that he has that enormous strength .

「Did he also participates in the civil war when he served Prince Pentax? Is he wanted? 」

Those who were involved in the previous civil war were wanted and killed on sight . If Serius is wanted, the story will be quick . He can just report it to the Governor here and let them eliminate him .

「No, he did not participate in the last revolt . He refused and said that he has no reason to do so . Even if he’s strong, he’s a mercenary after all . Even if he served Pentax, it’s only a relationship of money so he would not do something that would make him guilty . That’s why he’s not Wanted」

Unfortunately, he doesn’t appear to be wanted .

「If there’s no cause……that’s awesome! 」

Roa has shining eyes .

「It’s only a rumor . There’s also a rumor that he’s just a miser」

Governor Gray shrugged .

「By the way, why would you ask? 」

Hearing Governor Gray . Haruto and Roa explain their circumstances .

「I see . That must have been hard . Serius seems to love money . I’ve heard that he would always attach himself to the dominant one . Depending on the negotiation, it might be okay」

「Is that so? Thank you」

Haruto bowed to Governor Gray .

_____

After two months, Leon asked for help .

_____

「It’s a big deficit . How did you get these numbers? 」

Roa asked Leon . Leon answers with a sigh .

「The damage to our reputation from the rumors is terrible……Asuma Shokai uses slaves to make soap, and make employees work with meager wages . What’s worse is that the soap is made from the rotten corpse of a pig and that we used decaying olives」

「That’s pure accusation . The treatment of my slaves is much better than usual . And the wages to workers are higher than usual . I also haven’t used any rotten things as materials」

Haruto furrowed his brows . It’s very uncomfortable to bear these false charges .

「How did such rumors come about……isn’t it strange? 」

「Samaras Shokai’s employees are saying that . It seems that there are quite a few stakeholders involved . And the issue isn’t whether the rumors are true . It’s enough as long as someone believes it」

Many people like this kind of rumor . People who would treat rumors as just rumors are rare . There is also the saying that there’s no smoke without fire . People will become vigilant even if they don’t believe .

「It hurts that Samaras Shokai is also manufacturing soap」

「Ours are sold at only 500 . Our quality is also higher」

Roa is dissatisfied and complained .

「It can’t be helped . Let me go directly . I can advertise with Grandpa . There’s also the billboard from being an Imperial purveyor . Let’s go at it steadily」

Haruto said with a sigh . It is, after all, a rumor that is entirely false . Once they know that it is false, they’ll manage somehow .

「I will go too! 」

「No, you can’t . It’s too dangerous」

「No problem . It’s impossible for him to break into the Albertini’s mansion . Since I’ll stay at the villa all the time」

Haruto is troubled . If it’s inside the Albertini’s estate, they’re safe . However, not entirely reliable . For Serius can also invade the mansion and kill Roa .

「I will also go . To protect Roa and Haruto . It’s okay like this, right? 」

Aisha said .

「But Serius is strong」

Roa and Aisha stared at Haruto . Haruto said after hesitating for a while .

「Alright . Then come along」

In this way, Haruto, Roa, and Aisha headed to Shufelt .

______

「Okay, Aisha . Please don’t talk about our relationship while in the Albertini household . Absolutely don’t embrace me or tease me」

「I know . Even I can read the atmosphere」

Aisha said smilingly . He was worried even if she said she understood .

After being shaken in the carriage for a while, they arrived at Shufelt . The three people are waiting since there was a long traffic jam when Aisha pulled the sleeve of Haruto’s clothes .

「Ne~, is that the carriage of Samaras Shokai over there? 」

Aisha pointed out the carriage entering the city after a brief inspection .

「That’s right, so? What’s wrong with that? 」

「From there, I can smell demon grass」

Aisha frowned .

「What, what is the name of the plant」

Roa answers Haruto’s question .

「It’s a drug . Something that can be used for medical care is not banned from cultivation like opium, but demon grass has been entirely prohibited . The effect is too strong . It’s called demonic grass since it has too much toxicity . Demon grass for short」

Roa proudly told him .

「What will you do? Do you want to reveal it? 」

Aisha said with a look like a child trying to make mischief . If the contents were really demon grass, it would be a big scandal .

「No, let’s not . We can do it at any time . And if the gatekeeper’s been bought, it’s going to be hushed . There should be a better timing so let’s aim for it」

Haruto stops Aisha . This is a trump card . They can’t use their trump card here . And he doesn’t know if the contents are really that demon grass . There’s also the possibility that only the smell is attached . In other words, it just carried demon grass before, and there’s a possibility that the contents right now are only bubble-berries . Also, perhaps they’ve purposefully added the smell to attract us since there’s a desert person here . No, isn’t he overthinking it?

「But this is powerful information . Thanks」

Haruto told Aisha . Aisha broadly smiles .

「Then pat my head」

Haruto reflexively pats her head . Roa inflated her cheeks .

「That’s unfair! Please pat me too . I also showed off my extensive knowledge」

「You’re the only one saying you have an extensive knowledge」

「Ah! 」

Roa and Aisha began fighting across from Haruto .

「Oi! Hurry up」

A man behind them unpleasantly said . The gatekeeper at the front is also irritated . It’s already their turn before they notice it .

「Ahahaha, I’m sorry」

Haruto took Roa and Aisha towards the castle gate .

They introduced Aisha to Bertrand as Roa’s friend and a mercenary . When Bertrand heard she’s a desert person, he welcomed her with open arms . Haruto may be killed if he found out that Aisha is Haruto’s mistress .

They introduced Aisha to Bertrand as Roa’s friend and a mercenary . When Bertrand heard she’s a desert person, he welcomed her with open arms . Haruto may be killed if he found out that Aisha is Haruto’s mistress .

Three days after arriving at Shufelt, they immediately began to work . Nonetheless, he did not directly say that he’s the Chairman of Asuma Shokai . He claims to be a Claris merchant and has connections to the Governor . Because he was introduced by the Congressman, Bertrand, they readily believed him .

To be safe, they started talking about the Governor . Specifically, Governor Gray’s personality and favorite things . Currently, the merchants and the Governor’s Office are wrestling for power in Shufelt . The Governor’s Office is struggling to promote their policies .

For the Congressmen, it’s about their work and career advancement, so they eagerly listened to Haruto’s answers . He gave honey soap as a souvenir when they got close to each other to some extent . After saying that it’s a luxury good that the Emperor is also using, the other party will be happy to receive it . And if they like it, they can call on the Albertini household where he’s been staying .

They can visit Haruto to ask where they can buy it after one week . So for the first time, he introduced himself as the Chairman of Asuma Shokai, telling them that the honey soap is a product of Asuma Shokai . And say that all the rumors are lies . It’s after they’ve realized the effect that they can believe it .

Throughout a month, Haruto wiped out the rumors . After a month, there is a widespread recognition among the wealthy people that the rumors about Asuma Shokai are false . At the same time, the orders for soap from the wealthy people to Asuma Shokai has increased . Honey soap is too expensive to sell, so luxury soaps and milk soaps are slowly sold out .

Conversely, ordinary soap is not as popular as expected . Samaras Shokai selling similar products is also the cause . Even after lowering the price, it’s still considered dangerous and was not sold as expected . Some people believed the rumors easily since they have no knowledge like rich people . They have no choice but to do this since they can only appeal that it’s not dangerous .

At the same time, they also did not forget to launch a negative campaign against Samaras Shokai . This is in answer to the negative rumors . There are various scandals about the Samaras Shokai, and most are about Roa . Haruto is looking for those who are acquainted with Roa’s father and mother and introduced Roa to them . The evidence that she is really Roa is based from the face, hair and eye color . However, since she really looks like her mother, most people believed . Some were suspicious that Roa’s hair may be dyed and accepted without question once they realized that it’s not dyed .

Everyone has suspicions about Reinard in their hearts, so many people believed in Roa’s story . Roa’s crying is also real, and a miserable story that included a little exaggeration has a considerable effect .

Thus, Reinard’s criminal theory began to emerge again .

Next, Haruto sheds rumors that Samaras Shokai is engaging in slavery abuse . After all, Reinard is a person suspected of murder, so this rumor was very convincing .

In Shufelt, the two factions of Samaras Shokai and Asuma Shokai are gradually formed .

Currently March

Sales 1,000,000,000

Expense 140,000,000 (Personnel cost) + 50,000,000 (material cost) + 300,000,000 (taxes) + 450,000,000 (alarm machine) + 60,000,000 (equipment) = 10,000,000,000

Income – Expense = 0

Debt 0

Balance 3,800,000,000

Real Balance 3,800,000,000

Slaves 400

This content is taken from readwn[.]com

Employees

Accounting Officer and Slave Director Roa Samaras

Accounting Assistant Dennis →salary 450,000

Supervisors Ash Brothers(sisters)→salary 200,000

Regular employees 20 people→salary 150,000

Mercenaries Rusk, Pudding, Rang, Tart, Aisha, 5 desert people, 15 other mercenaries

Workers 700 people (400 people in second factory・600 people in third factory)

Freed slaves 9 people

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