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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
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The slums were more brutal than I imagined, yet, in a way, rational.
In fantasy novels, protagonists visiting slums on missions always get caught up in trouble.
But no one dared to bother me, as I clearly looked like a noble.
Though there were sword fights in broad daylight.
“Wait here.”
“Can my knight escorts come in too?”
The low-level thug who guided me here paused.
“Even knights aren’t allowed inside.”
“Not even knights who have served my family for generations?”
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but that’s unrealistic.
Our instincts judge others based on appearances.
So, my escorts, wearing plate armor that even real knights can rarely afford, look the part.
“It would be problematic if our secrets were leaked.”
I gestured for my escorts to wait outside.
As long as I don’t threaten these thugs or fail to pay them, I should be safe.
Even thugs wouldn’t mess with a paying customer, as it would ruin their reputation and future business.
Those who can’t even grasp that wouldn’t survive here.
“But I can guarantee the quality of information. And if you need women, or someone to handle dirty work, discreet and skilled individuals… we can provide anything you desire.”
Openly offering murder and human trafficking.
Unimaginable in 21st-century Korea.
As I was talking to the thug, he suddenly bowed his head.
“Greetings, Boss.”
The man called Boss kicked the thug.
The thug crashed into the wall.
“You idiot, does Young Master Fabio of the Medici Baron family look like he’d buy women? You’ve lost your mind already?!”
The Boss berated the thug loudly.
His hand instinctively rose and then fell as he scolded the thug.
Just like the gangsters I know.
“Consider yourself lucky today, kid.”
The thug scurried away like a rat.
From the Boss’s scolding to the thug’s reaction, everything seemed too natural.
‘It’s staged.’
Did he try to intimidate me, thinking I’m young and naive?
Unlike the unrefined thug, the Boss greeted me with a dignified posture and voice.
“Greetings, Master Medici. I am Corvo, in charge of the Spider’s Tears in these slums.”
“You know who I am without me even telling you.”
“I wouldn’t mistake someone of your stature, a young master destined for greatness.”
Such words are usually empty flattery, but…
Looking at the Boss, who uses the alias Corvo, he seems sincere.
“My subordinate has shown great disrespect. I apologize.”
“You don’t need to apologize for your subordinate’s actions.”
“Thank you for your generosity.”
Corvo smirked, one corner of his lips twitching upwards.
“But if you ever feel lonely at night, young master, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll prepare the finest goods. Unlike other thugs, we don’t cheat our customers.”
Such business is commonplace for them.
Buying pretty girls from rural villages or urban slums and selling them to lonely young masters to secure future clients.
It’s human trafficking, something I want no part in.
“I need you to investigate someone.”
“Who would you like us to investigate?”
“Baron Raviole, Director of the 4th Bureau of Commerce.”
A Baron, and the Director of the influential Bureau of Commerce.
Corvo’s brow furrowed at my request.
“Investigating a Baron who lives off a pension is easy. But the Director of the Bureau of Commerce is a different story.”
Even in our empire, where titles and social status are paramount, positions and circumstances matter.
A Baron with a wealthy territory is called a “Grand Baron” and wields political influence comparable to a Count.
And those holding key positions like Director in the Judicial, Commercial, or Financial Bureaus wield immense power.
‘Immense power translates to social standing and influence.’
“He’s likely connected to various trading companies. We need to consider…”
Is he asking for a price?
Of course.
“20 gold coins upfront. Up to 30 more upon successful completion, depending on the results.”
I took out a pouch containing 20 gold coins.
Corvo opened the pouch and smirked.
“You’re quite generous.”
I don’t know the exact market price for such services.
But 50 gold coins to investigate the Director of the Bureau of Commerce is excessive.
“Since I’m essentially targeting merchants’ livelihoods, I assumed powerful merchants are involved. Consider it a risk premium. Is it not enough?”
“It’s more than enough.”
“I like your honesty.”
Corvo immediately took out paper and a pen.
“Any specific requests?”
“Which merchants is he colluding with, and what was he promised in return? I need answers to these two questions.”
The most important thing in any conflict is this:
Who are your internal and external enemies?
You need to know this to formulate a strategy.
Without proper identification, you might end up fighting your own allies.
“Understood.”
“And the Baron’s weaknesses. Any corruption or personal flaws.”
When fighting an armored opponent, you must target the gaps in their armor.
Otherwise, you can’t win.
The same applies to political battles.
“Even rumors?”
“Anything, no matter how trivial.”
Even in the advanced courtrooms of 21st-century Korea, with its evidence-based legal system, politicians are often brought down by rumors.
News reports of investigations or parliamentary hearings…
These alone can significantly damage someone’s reputation.
So, in the Toscana Empire, where it’s even harder to trace the source of rumors…?
It would be foolish not to use such tactics.
“Anything else you need us to investigate?”
“Any trouble caused by his family, any corruption involving his mistresses, etc. Inform me if you find anything significant.”
“Yes, sir.”
Corvo put down his pen when I stopped talking.
“But what exactly did the Baron do to you? Knowing this would help us assist you better.”
It’s not like I did anything shameful.
There’s no harm in letting this be known. In fact, it might even be beneficial.
“He rejected my trading company application, citing a law that’s over 500 years old. Even after accepting a bribe.”
“It’s dishonorable to accept a gift and then refuse the request.”
Even Corvo chuckled.
“Send someone disguised as a hunter to my mansion in a week. I’ll decide on further requests based on the information you provide.”
“We won’t disappoint you.”
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When I returned to the mansion, Chloe immediately greeted me.
I told her she could go to bed, as I wouldn’t be back until late, but…
“Welcome back, young master.”
I was upset because of that damned Baron.
But seeing Chloe lifted my spirits.
I heard fathers gain strength for the next day just by being greeted by their children when they come home.
I now understand why.
“I’m back.”
“The butler prepared a delicious meal to celebrate your new trading company…”
Establishing a trading company is just a matter of submitting a form. Why go to such lengths?
“Indeed. It’s a shame.”
The servants would have enjoyed the meal if I didn’t eat it.
So it’s not about the wasted food.
I’m upset that their kind gesture was for naught.
“It’s alright. We can celebrate later.”
I patted Chloe’s head.
“Life isn’t always smooth sailing.”
That’s how life is.
Unpleasant or difficult things make up 90%, and moments of happiness less than 10%.
But life is about appreciating those 10% of happiness.
“Let’s go on a picnic outside the city when this is over. With lots of cake you like.”
Perhaps due to her impoverished upbringing…
Chloe has a sweet tooth, more so than other women around me.
And she enjoys it immensely.
I’ve eaten alongside her, almost to the point of getting sick of sweets, just to see her happy expression.
‘Sometimes even three times in two days…’
“But don’t eat too much.”
Feeling playful, I gently stroked her belly.
Chloe, understanding my intentions, turned her head away.
“You’re too much.”
She remained sulky until the next day.
And a week later, the informant visited my mansion with the information.
It was a bigger catch than I expected.
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[Your Text Here]
What did he catch? Fish or Croc