CH 102

Chapter 102: Boom and Bust (2)

Cruz, a merchant, has recently hit a jackpot. Originally, he was just one of the top merchants in the capital. One day, suddenly, a very bizarre business idea came to his head when he saw the monsters wandering outside the capital walls. The wealthy nobles in the capital have always needed some fun entertainment. And for them, who had no fear of being attacked by monsters for the rest of their lives, the arena where monsters fought each other could be a new entertainment.

‘After all, living by the law is something only idiots do.’

It was none of Cruz’s concern whether this gambling den was illegal and has many risks. What is a little risk? People loved it anyway, and their interest was his treasure. This was a mutual partnership. 

‘Unfortunately, a few days ago, a monster ran away.’

Of course, it was all settled with a small bribe to the guards and a few threats. The corpse of the monster was also neatly disposed of. In addition, recently, there even have been signs that the business would do well. More nobles have begun to come in and out.

‘As expected, there is no benefit in obeying the law.’

It was a hundred times better to be seen well by those higher than him. For people like him, this was what winning in life was. 

Cruz grinned widely while looking at the number of people in the arena. Then his subordinate whispered.

“That person has come.”

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me sooner!”

Cruz, who was angry at his subordinate for no reason, quickly ran out. 

“Oh, Your Highness has finally come?” Cruz bowed his back deeply. “It is truly an honor for us to have you walk again in this shabby place.”

“Ha, you speak well.”

The Crown Prince Enoch, who came in under the guidance of Cruz’s men, smiled. He really liked the polite attitude of the merchant. 

‘Right. Who am I? It’s only natural for people to behave this way in front of me.’

Enoch felt he hadn’t had any luck lately, but things seemed to be going well again. Especially seeing that Livya was also very docile and had found him such an activity to pass the time. 

Cruz led Enoch further inward. A place where monsters were kept. The monsters imprisoned in the huge iron cages made a strange noise. The thin pupils like lizard eyes stared at the human beings who trapped them. 

Enoch chuckled and kicked the iron cages. It felt good looking down at the existence that he had to fear. 

“Is this the only kind? What have you said last time?”

Cruz’s face clouded. “I apologize, but it’s still—”

“So slow.”

What Enoch said was a higher-level monster. He told Cruz to prepare an advanced monster. Wouldn’t it be more fun to watch stronger monsters kill each other than to see the weaker intermediate monsters?

When the crown prince looked unhappy, Cruz quickly lowered his head. He poked his inner mouth with his tongue.

‘You ididot, do you think it’s easy to catch that kind.?’

Advanced monsters were difficult to catch even with a few veteran mercenaries. Naturally, it would take time to capture it. 

‘But it’s still fortunate that the crown prince likes my arena.’

When Cruz first found out that the crown prince had visited, he trembled as he thought the crown prince had come to arrest him. However, it turned out the crown prince wanted to support him. That was the day Cruz made the widest grin in his life. The only downside of his business was it was illegal. However, the moment the crown prince liked it, the business not just received a jackpot, but also a guarantee.

‘Trying to please me huh?’

Enoch definitely had his own thoughts. This illegal gambling den was not only fun but also generates significant profits. Instead of closing this business, he turned a blind eye, even also gave some help. 

‘Who cares about illegality when I, the crown prince, like it anyway.’

Besides, it was not even that fatal of a crime. It was just catching some stupid animals and making them a spectacle. Wasn’t it rather an efficient thing?

“Prepare them as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll do it as ordered.”

***

If you read this on other websites, it means it was stolen. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.wordpress.com.

Certainly, the business has grown a lot bigger by attracting the crown prince. I didn’t consider this scenario. This was a mistake. But of course, a mistake should be corrected. So I decided to also lure a noble to that gambling den. 

I’ve quickly decided. After excluding the impossible candidates, there was only one family left. I sighed. There was really only that guy. I wrote a brief note and sent it to him.  

Fortunately or unfortunately, the reply to my note came quickly. He requested an appointment to meet. 

That was how I met him right now.

“It’s really surprising that Lady Fiona called me.”

Arrendt Clovis looked at me with interest.

Well, I was surprised too.

“I have an interesting matter for the Marquis.”

“By the way, I have no intentions of taking sides with the Prince.”

Ah, very straightforward. 

I showed him my social-smile that I haven’t been displaying in a long time.

“I didn’t come here with that kind of intention either.”

Arrendt glanced at his watch. 

“I hope it will be interesting.”

That meant he didn’t want to waste his time. 

Facing a person with this kind of character was so annoying and quite unlucky, but I would rather face him being cold-hearted than being kind to me. So let’s move on.

First thing first, I drank tea while maintaining my elegance. Okay, I was ready to be a perfect negotiator. If Abel or Sigren, who knew how I normally behaved, saw me now, they definitely would be laughing. I got lucky. 

“Isn’t it difficult running the finance department these days?”

The emperor and the empress were quite extravagant. If Arrednt were to not adjust the palace budget properly, there would have been a problem sooner.

“Nothing is easy in this world.” Arrendt still answered.

“You’re right. But these days, it seems that there are people who make Marquis Clovis even more tired.”

“Lady Fiona….” Suddenly Arrendt stared at my face with a strange expression, as if he deeply regretted it. 

“What’s wrong?”