Raising Villains the Right Way Novel - Chapter 130

Chapter 130
“So, you believe success is achievable?”

“That’s right. The location of the Palatio dukedom is favorable, and it sees a steady flow of merchants.”

“Even so, the merchant traffic hasn’t been as heavy as one might expect.”

“Most likely because, until now, there was no compelling incentive to stop in the dukedom. They probably chose to visit other, more distant estates instead.”

“Is the reason related to regional goods?”

“Precisely. The neighboring estates do possess their own unique specialties.”

Alexion’s reply was direct.

Alon felt a surge of respect, thinking, ‘This is precisely why commerce should be managed by those with a talent for it.’

He found himself nodding in agreement, noticing how much more clearly Alexion grasped the circumstances of the various estates than he did himself.

To be fair, Alon had never truly dedicated his attention to fostering his estate’s growth.

Yet, it was undeniable that Alexion possessed remarkable commercial insight.

‘Should I provide the funding?’

At first, upon discovering Alexion was the proprietor of the auction house, Alon had questioned the wisdom of investing.

He was aware of the darker aspects of Alexion’s true character, despite the man’s courteous demeanor when in Radan’s company.

But after further conversation, Alexion seemed perfectly rational.

No, more than rational—he appeared brilliantly sharp.

‘…Was Alexion always this stable, and did something occur just before the player reached Laksas?… No, the rumors said he was consistently this way.’

It was confusing.

‘Well, he seems acceptable for the present.’

Having reached his decision, Alon inquired.

“If we move forward with the plan I’ve outlined, what would the required investment be?”

“Hmm, it appears the cost will be considerable.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. The initial setup and foundational work alone will demand a significant sum.”

“Naturally, I am ready to invest a substantial amount, which includes your compensation.”

Alon was contemplating a major financial commitment to the venture.

His hope was to generate revenue without imposing hardship on the local populace.

“Therefore, I’d prefer we speak frankly and without pressure… What has caught your attention?”

However, Alexion seemed distracted.

Ever since their serious discussion began, his gaze kept drifting subtly to a point behind Alon, rather than at Alon himself.

Alon turned to follow his line of sight.

‘A tree?’

He saw nothing but an unremarkable tree.

“Ah, it’s nothing important. I have a tendency to gaze blankly when thinking, which can sometimes appear discourteous.”

“It’s fine.”

Everyone has their peculiarities.

As Alon acknowledged this, Alexion, wearing a strained smile, glanced past Alon at a woman holding a video screen.

There, Radan was,

‘If you get caught, it’s over.’

Mouthing ferocious words, articulating each syllable with unmistakable clarity, Radan suppressed a scream that threatened to escape.

He knew it.

He knew Radan was fully capable of such acts.

To ensure his own survival, he had to conduct himself flawlessly.

Maintaining a stoic expression, Alexion started offering concrete recommendations.

Under normal circumstances, he might have suggested keeping a ‘slightly larger’ share of the profits for himself, but with Radan observing, that idea was untenable.

He had no desire to die over a careless remark.

“For the scale of operation you are considering, an initial funding of this magnitude will be essential.”

“…That is a significant figure.”

“It’s unavoidable. The construction of the necessary facilities requires a large upfront cost, and attracting merchants will also demand capital. Furthermore—”

“What else?”

“The crucial point is to make the merchants perceive stopping here as essential due to the advantages we provide, even if other estates have unique goods. That, too, will require additional funds.”

“…If we operate on that principle, wouldn’t the merchants abandon this route if those advantages were later withdrawn?”

“No. By concentrating merchant activity and boosting both the auction house and local tourism, once the auction house becomes a cornerstone of value, merchants will be reluctant to remove this dukedom from their trade circuits.”

“But what if—”

After an extended discussion, Alexion abruptly—

“So, originally, the required amount would be approximately 250% of the initial proposal—”

—fell silent.

Because, from outside, Radan was watching him intently and shaking his head.

“However, if I commit fully, perhaps 200% could suffice—”

Feeling the weight of Radan’s threatening stare from a distance, Alexion smoothly revised his statement.

Shake—

Radan shook his head once more.

“It is possible, and I might even manage to lower it to 180%,”

Alexion reluctantly decreased the figure, a sense of injustice brewing within him.

Yet, as Radan slowly shook his head again, Alexion added, “Perhaps, it could even be viable to reduce it to 150%…”

He spoke these words while inwardly howling with frustration.

Truthfully, he had initially padded the rate out of avarice, but it wasn’t as if the profit margin was excessive.

Even so…

Shake—

Watching the devil through the window persistently shaking his head, the smile finally vanished from Alexion’s face, which grew taut.

‘Isn’t this excessively harsh?’

They say a cornered mouse will bite a cat, and Alexion, faced with such unreasonableness, involuntarily let a poisonous expression flicker across his features.

‘I’ve complied with everything! Everything!!!’

He had obediently traveled to the Pirate Peninsula when ordered, he had dismantled his illicit operations when commanded to cease his underworld activities.

He had come to the dukedom without protest when summoned, and had already slashed the investment proposal from around 200% down to 150%.

Was it still insufficient?

The accumulated memories of humiliation and oppression fueled his bitterness, and finally, with emotions boiling over, Alexion declared,

“……100%.”

“What did you say?”

“I will proceed with the investment amount you originally proposed,”

he conceded, bowing his head as he swallowed tears of blood.

Ultimately, he did not wish to die.

Nod—

Through the window, Radan gave a nod of approval.

Alexion’s face was a picture of utter dejection.

And Alon, standing across from him, was.

“???”

He couldn’t help but feel bewildered.

In truth, a proper negotiation had barely begun before it was abruptly settled unilaterally.

After a moment of confusion, Alon finally spoke.

“…… Let us agree on 150%.”

“What?”

“If your assessment is accurate, then that seems to be the necessary level of investment,” he stated.

His voice was calm. Yet, Alexion’s eyes widened in disbelief. While 150% was still technically insufficient, everything is relative. Having witnessed Radan’s ruthless bargaining, and then the Marquis voluntarily offering an additional 50%, Alexion felt tears pricking at his eyes.

‘The Marquis is truly a saint…!’

Objectively speaking, he was no saint, but after extensive dealings with Radan, Alexion felt profoundly moved.

“Thank you…! Truly, thank you!”

He bowed deeply, struggling to hold back the tears that now threatened to fall.

Alon wondered, ‘Is he having some sort of emotional breakdown?’ Observing Alexion’s emotions fluctuate so dramatically on their own, a rational suspicion surfaced in his mind.

***

King Carmaxes III of the Colony had found himself less occupied recently than the other monarchs of the allied kingdoms, as his desert realm had been untouched by the recent crisis involving the Outer gods. Aside from the initial council, he had been largely unaffected by the major recent events. Instead,

“Has there been another tremor?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Manna estate has sustained considerable damage.”

“I see.”

King Carmaxes III was preoccupied with the recent series of seismic events.

“How many does that number now?”

“The fifth.”

“How peculiar. What is the report from the wizards?”

“It seems the mages from the Tower are conducting an investigation, but they have yet to determine the cause.”

This was because these tremors, which typically occurred in the vicinity of the magical Towers, were now happening with increasing frequency everywhere.

“Hmm—”

After a brief contemplation, King Carmaxes decided to set the matter aside for now. The estates were suffering, but the damage was not yet catastrophic. Instead,

“…What is Karsem occupied with?”

“He is studying magic again today.”

He inquired about the second prince, who had recently captured his interest.

“Again today?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And, does he show aptitude?”

“Yes, quite a notable amount. He has already attained the first tier.”

“So soon?”

“Yes. It is said he is both highly gifted and exceptionally diligent.”

The advisor continued, “Lately, the opinion of the second prince within the court has improved markedly. Many remark that he has gained a great deal of respectability since that incident.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. There are even numerous voices saying he has recently become more respectable than the first prince.”

“To that degree?”

“It appears so, perhaps made more evident by the contrast with his former conduct.”

The advisor paused briefly.

“I, too, believe the second prince has changed significantly.”

He added his own personal observation.

“Hmm—”

“Just recently, he rescued a maid who nearly fell while cleaning a high railing.”

“Karsem did that?”

“Yes. It is said he remarked, ‘Had it been Marquis Palatio, he would have done the same…’”

“That is somewhat awkward to hear.”

“I concur, yet it seems his disposition has genuinely softened.”

Hearing this, King Carmaxes III instinctively stroked his chin. In truth, the second prince had not been the son who concerned him the most. Of course, he loved his family, but he had never considered the second prince a suitable heir. Although the first prince did not completely meet his expectations either, he was substantially better compared to the second, and thus had been designated as the successor.

However, recently, the first prince was steadily losing favor with King Carmaxes III. Despite being schooled from childhood in the behaviors befitting an heir, he continued to quietly stir up various troubles—not as overtly as the second prince once had, but troubles nonetheless. Naturally, the first prince believed he had concealed it all, but King Carmaxes was aware of everything. There was no corner of the palace beyond his reach.

Therefore, ‘Just who is this Marquis Palatio?’

King Carmaxes III found himself admiring the man who had single-handedly reformed the infamous Karsem as he pondered.

‘Karsem, Karsem…’

He muttered the second prince’s name, his gaze hardening. His expression was not that of a fond father, but solely that of a king appraising a subject. This look, perhaps, heralded a conflict that was best avoided.

***

A month later, when winter had completely receded and a warm spring day had arrived,

[Marquis, how have you been?]

“It has been some time.”

Alon received a periodic report from Duke Zenonia, which arrived every few months. And,

[Incidentally, I heard you recently established an auction house within your estate.]

“Yes, I am considering taking a more active role in managing the dukedom.”

[Shall I offer some assistance with that?]

“Please, do not hesitate.”

It was merely a brief exchange following the formal report.

…Or so it had seemed.

“Marquis, would you consider granting exclusive auction rights for the premium specialties produced in our estate?”

“Marquis, our guild is keen to establish a permanent partnership with—”

“Greetings, Marquis Palatio! I am the leader of the ‘Salman’ guild, based in the Kingdom of Ashtalon.”

How had it escalated to this point?

“Evan.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“…How many more individuals am I scheduled to meet?”

“Approximately 74 people are currently waiting.”

…How could this possibly be construed as ‘some assistance’…??

Alon cradled his head in his hands, feeling utterly overwhelmed.