—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
—————————————————————–
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Whether in 21st-century Korea or the Toscana Empire, securing overseas markets is crucial for business success.
Selling domestically produced goods domestically is fine, but expanding to overseas markets increases sales volume and profits.
Conversely, importing goods from overseas can also generate profits.
I came to the Kingdom of Lyon to recruit shipwrights, but…
“Hold it right there.”
Shortly after arriving in Lyon, I encountered thugs.
Or rather, if they were just thugs, I could have my guards beat them up and teach them a lesson, but…
“What brings a young noble like you to Guillaume? As an officer of this city, I need to inspect you.”
Though they act like thugs extorting money, they’re officially soldiers.
Drawing my sword could trigger a war.
Or rather, a war might break out, and I could be executed on the spot for offending them.
I’m a noble in the Toscana Empire, but not here in the Kingdom of Lyon.
‘The bolder ones even extort money from Barons on personal business trips.’
“A suspicious individual has arrived. Inspect his luggage.”
These aren’t customs officials.
So, if they discover the large quantity of kelp in my luggage, I might have to pay them off to avoid trouble.
Judging by his insignia, he’s a Captain? He must be quite influential in this city.
“Greetings, officer. I am Fabio de’ Medici, traveling from the Toscana Empire to broaden my horizons.”
“You don’t seem suspicious. But since you’ve brought goods into our port, you have to pay customs duties.”
It’s obvious you’re not customs officials.
What authority do you have to collect duties?
It’s like scammers demanding money to drop charges.
But I have to endure this to avoid trouble.
“Here’s something for your troubles.”
I discreetly handed him a pouch of gold coins.
Normally, a few silver coins would suffice, but I have a favor to ask, so I gave him more.
The Captain coughed and accepted the pouch.
“Ahem, ahem… A young and handsome gentleman like you wouldn’t engage in criminal activities. I’ll overlook the cargo inspection.”
The system works perfectly.
City garrison soldiers pretending to be customs officials and extorting money?
The Captain peeked inside the pouch and beamed.
“Ahem, I’ve made a grave mistake, mistaking you for someone else. Please forgive my rudeness.”
He’s a Captain, so he’s of relatively high standing, but there’s a reason for his behavior.
Someone who can afford to give a large sum of money is likely influential, and he probably thinks being polite will earn him more rewards.
‘Officers and officials are poorly paid, so bribes make up 99% of their income, right?’
That’s why money changes hands during administrative procedures.
They can’t survive without bribes.
Besides, he must have mistaken me for a powerful merchant or a high-ranking noble to give him 10 gold coins for such a trivial matter.
“I own a small trading company and wish to expand to Lyon. I’d like to meet the mayor. Who can help me arrange a meeting?”
The real reason I gave him more money is…
…to secure a permit to conduct business in this city, a legitimate (forged) identity, real estate, and the mayor’s letter of credit.
“I, Charles de Lancelot, can assist you. I’m the head of security for this port and can contact the mayor directly.”
Even the Deus Bible I read here says that gifts foster good relationships.
Indeed, life becomes much easier with appropriate bribes.
“I’ll be in your care.”
“And one moment…”
Captain Charles gestured for three soldiers.
“These men will escort you. We’ll take care of your luggage, so please contact us after you’ve settled in. I’ll inform you as soon as a meeting with the mayor is arranged.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Captain Charles quickly arranged a meeting with the mayor.
As the head of security for this port city, he must wield considerable political power.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mayor. I am Fabio de’ Medici.”
The mayor looked at me with curiosity.
“Oh, from the Medici Baron family. What brings you here?”
Within the Toscana Empire, I’m actually more famous than my brother Albert.
Because while there are nearly 100 Baron families in the empire…
…I’m the trendsetter behind the postpartum care center, kelp, and cakes that all nobles crave.
It’s like how celebrities are more famous than government officials in Korea.
But it seems the Medici family name still carries more weight abroad.
“Please accept this small gift.”
I offered the mayor a box of kelp.
The mayor opened the box and looked indifferent.
“Kelp, the Eastern medicine. I have no need for it.”
There are very few people in the Toscana Empire, or even this entire continent, who dislike kelp.
Because in a world without reliable contraception, where nobles need to have children with various women, they cherish kelp, the ultimate medicine for ensuring safe childbirth for their mistresses.
There’s a reason kelp sells at such a high price…
Could he be impotent?
But he looks to be in his mid to late 40s, quite young, and I can see muscles under his clothes…
‘For some reason, he seems to lack confidence in his… abilities.’
Before continuing, I had the mayor’s servant summon Chloe.
Chloe entered with a larger box of kelp, and the mayor looked surprised upon seeing her.
Even our Duke, a connoisseur of beautiful women, acknowledged her beauty.
“Thank you for your trouble, Chloe. You may go.”
After dismissing Chloe, I lowered my voice conspiratorially.
“I discovered this kelp, and… it has a hidden benefit.”
Judging by the mayor’s reaction, while my name isn’t widely known, the benefits of kelp for pregnant women are.
So, I revealed that I discovered it to assert my authority.
“It’s actually very good for men. Incredibly good. Beyond words.”
The mayor stared intently at me upon hearing that it’s good for men.
So, he’s suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Physically healthy, but… lacking in performance…
‘It must be frustrating. He’d do anything to resolve that frustration, wouldn’t he?’
Well, since the cause is probably psychological, the solution is simple.
“Tell me more.”
I played hard to get.
“Well, this is a bit embarrassing…”
“Tell me! Quickly!”
Seeing him disregard his dignity, I knew I couldn’t push it any further.
Time for a convincing lie.
“You see, the maid I just summoned… ahem… I, being a young man with… urges… ended up… well…”
I’m actually a virgin.
But I can tell a white lie to sell my product.
Besides, I do intend to… be with Chloe eventually.
“And I happened to… consume kelp before… well…”
The mayor gulped.
He was practically drooling, staring at my lips.
“Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“It was… incredible. It didn’t subside all night. And I tested its efficacy and safety in my territory, and… well, all the women of childbearing age became pregnant.”
“Is that true?”
“For pregnant women, simply boiling the kelp into a soup is enough, but for men, adding plenty of dried fish and garlic enhances the effect.”
Kelp isn’t actually an aphrodisiac.
But fish and garlic are known to be effective against erectile dysfunction, so consuming them in large quantities with kelp soup might actually help.
And the surge in pregnancies in the village is a fact.
So, he has no choice but to believe me.
The mayor, who had looked at the kelp with indifference, now treated it like a treasure.
Like a dwarf who discovered the One Ring.
“You’ve brought me such a valuable gift. I’ll do my best to help you. So, what do you want?”
“I’d like to recruit some shipwrights. Could you assist me?”
Now that I’ve earned his favor with kelp, it’s time for the real deal.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
[Your Text Here]
Bro selling weeds