Survival 157

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Just as I entered the newly assigned room close to Luciana after the banquet, I heard a sudden voice from behind.

“The Duke wants to see you?”

“…What? Me, not Ms. Freesia?”

“Freesia…? Ah, you must be referring to that elf the young master mentioned. He did not request her presence.”

Luke, what kind of report did you give?

Holding my throbbing head, I let out a sigh.

Was it a miscalculation?

Or had I expected too much from Luke?

‘Why is he calling for me?’

I thought Freesia would bear all the hardships to bear the fruit of the World Tree.

I was mistaken.

I never expected he would summon me.

‘I really don’t want to meet that cunning Duke.’

“My stomach is starting to hurt. As you know, I am merely the child of a baron, so I feel too insignificant to face the Duke directly.”

Despite my polite refusal, the attendant stood silently, unmoving.

“…Excuse me?”

Even when I gestured for him to leave, he didn’t respond.

It was as if he wouldn’t leave unless I explicitly agreed.

“Sigh. You’re really persistent.”

“He wishes to discuss the treatment of the elf you brought. Please make a wise decision.”

Hmph. Dragging Freesia into this.

I had gone through the trouble of taking her from her parents, and now I couldn’t let such a valuable asset go to waste.

Hiding my reluctance, I stepped out of the room.

“…Lead the way.”

“Yes. Please follow me.”

The ruler of the West and the richest man in the Manhett Empire.

A meeting with the Golden Duke.

Glaring at the back of the attendant’s head as I followed.

I recalled the Golden Duke from the original story.

Even upon reconsidering,

‘I have a feeling I’m going to hear something troublesome.’

***

The room I was led to by the attendant.

Being at the very end of the hallway, the door itself was extravagantly decorated.

‘Even the king of the western natives had a solid gold door that surprised me, but this takes it a step further.’

Ebony, marble, thin layers of gold, various gemstones…

My keen eye for luxury sharply discerned the materials used in this door.

In terms of sheer opulence, it might be less than solid gold.

But in terms of artistic design and balance, the value of this door was much higher.

It was overwhelming.

And beyond that door,

The man who owned everything, including this door, spoke.

“So you are the promising talent Luke mentioned.”

A chair crafted from carved ivory, intricately decorated with various gemstones.

It was the pinnacle of opulence.

The man who had summoned me was seated there.

The first thing that caught my eye was his golden hair, as if to prove he had passed those genes to his son.

The ruler of the South and the guardian of the World Tree.

It was Duke Daimon.

‘This is the second time I’m facing a duke.’

But the atmosphere was quite different from when I met Duke Speda.

‘Is he really middle-aged?’

The most significant disparity was his appearance.

Even though Duke Speda looked somewhat young, he still had a dignified presence.

As for Duke Daimon, how should I put it?

With a bit of exaggeration, he could easily pass for Luke’s older brother.

“Are you very surprised?”

“…No. While youth generally fades with time, those who are chosen can even escape this fate. In that sense, it is right to say that the Golden Duke has preserved it excellently.”

I know where that ‘youth’ comes from, having confirmed it in the original story.

A diet of only the finest ingredients.

Skin and health care using magic.

Expensive eastern herbs that he drinks like water.

It’s truly because he is a duke.

And not just any duke, but the duke of the wealthiest southern region of the empire, making such extravagance possible.

“Hoho, thank you for noticing.”

‘I meant it as a slight jab.’

No matter how great a noble’s beauty is, it won’t help in a fight.

While he was obsessed with this, countless people in the empire starved to death.

Whether he didn’t catch this or simply liked the compliment, the Golden Duke lifted his chin from the armrest and looked directly at me.

“Actually, the reason I called you is that I have something to discuss.”

“…Me, you say?”

Hiding my momentary grimace, I had to put on a calm mask.

Unfortunately, my prediction was correct.

‘Why is this old man giving me troublesome tasks….’

I’m not a member of the Daimon Ducal House.

I’m not even in the same faction.

I’m not even the elf that could bring him wealth.

The reason I mentioned having a way for Freesia was because I needed to stay close to Luciana, making the South too far for me.

So I intended to give him a favor and have him negotiate with her or other elves.

But what could he possibly want to discuss with me?

“Are you not inclined?”

“No. The information you have to share, Duke, is undoubtedly more valuable than gold. I’m very much looking forward to it.”

However, I couldn’t ignore the conversation offered by the Duke.

I thought I’d give him a vague response until he said this.

“From what I hear, elves can generate infinite wealth. So, our house plans to actively support slave hunting at a family level this time.”

His eyes, resembling gold coins, glinted eerily as he weighed profits and losses.

***

“Father, I have something to say.”

“In your capacity as a child or as an executive of the trading company?”

The golden hair across from him flinched at his words.

The intent behind the Golden Duke’s words was clear.

As a merchant, one must prove oneself solely by earnings. Although he was the eldest son and had shown many achievements, securing his position as the heir,

One never knows.

Other siblings with business talent might appear someday.

“Of course, as an executive of the trading company.”

And his brilliant eldest son knew his role well as the heir to the ducal house.

To widen the gap so that no latecomers could catch up.

A faint expectation appeared on the Golden Duke’s lips.

“Very well. Speak.”

“It’s about the fruit of the World Tree.”

What Luke conveyed next contained information that would indeed bring a new wave to the South.

“…Elves can produce the fruit of the World Tree?”

“Yes. Although it’s not yet verified, the one who discovered it even brought an elf. It should be confirmed shortly.”

The Golden Duke, deep in thought, tapped his fingers on the armrest of his throne.

The fruit of the World Tree.

Recently, it hadn’t even been forming properly due to the tricks of the beastmen, causing contamination.

And now, it could be obtained with the help of the elves.

After a brief moment of contemplation,

The Golden Duke’s answer was simple.

“Well now. If the High Meister of the Dwarves heard this, he wouldn’t be able to contain his joy and would probably jump up on the spot.”

Of course, he wasn’t much different.

The fruit of the World Tree is a source of magic power infused by nature itself.

It would greatly contribute to making the elixir that maintains his youth, so how could he not welcome it?

Hiding none of his satisfaction, the Golden Duke asked his eldest son,

“Luke, if the fruit of the World Tree proves to be real, what would you do?”

“Of course, we should increase the budget for supporting slave hunting.”

So far, slave hunting had been quietly carried out under the pretext of subjugating beastmen.

Luke suggested bringing it out into the open.

“If we use elf slaves as labor, our house will prosper even more. Additionally, we can weaken both the beastmen and elves who are targeting the World Tree.”

It wasn’t an ingenious strategy, but it was a good one.

There’s no more reliable way to secure labor than using slaves.

But,

Is that really the best course of action?

“Summon him.”

“Yes, with the banquet coming to an end, I will immediately send an attendant to fetch the elf.”

“No, not that one.”

“Who then?”

Luke tilted his head in confusion.

Seeing his son struggling to understand his intentions for the first time in a long while, the Golden Duke smiled gently.

“Don’t you think the one who provided you with that information might have a different opinion?”

“…Indeed. Byron seemed quite close to that elf.”

More than just close.

Given the circumstances, it was likely that the elf was the one who informed them about the fruit of the World Tree.

“So, I hear you think elves can generate infinite wealth. Therefore, we plan to actively support slave hunting at a family level this time.”

Therefore,

He posed the same question to the young man before him as he had to Luke.

“What are your thoughts on this matter?”

It was clear to see the young man’s half-closed eyes hidden beneath his black hair twist.

‘Poor young man.’

Seeing this, the experienced noble,

The Golden Duke, had a subtle smile on his lips.

It seemed he had proposed it to Luke for the sake of harmony between elves and humans.

But the Daimon family are merchants before they are nobles.

“If you have no further comments, I will take that as agreement.”

So why had he spoken so hastily?

Paying a fair price to acquire wealth isn’t the only way.

I always think northern people have quite a naive side.

Watching the young man’s lips twist,

The Golden Duke gestured for him to step back.

He’d do well to consider it a cheap lesson.

The dukes of the empire, including himself, were all just folks looking out for their own gain.

“…Please wait a moment.”

Indeed, stepping back like this would be too unfair to that elf.

It was quite an impolite thing for a lower noble without even a title to say, but the Golden Duke willingly gave him a chance.

“Oh, really? Do you have a different opinion?”

The one who had handed them such precious information.

He could at least listen to one word.

‘Let’s see how he responds.’

Will he try to appeal to emotions, claiming even elves feel pain and emotions?

Or will he express childish anger about his situation?

“I oppose this for three reasons.”

However, he should say that his expectations were pleasantly off the mark.

Despite being before the duke, where he might feel intimidated, the young man stood straight, smoothing his tense expression.

“Three reasons? That’s interesting. Let’s hear them.”

“First, there is the issue of the loss of honor by bringing something from the shadows into the light.”

Actively encouraging slave hunting openly by the ducal house.

It was only right that they would be criticized for forgetting their principles out of greed.

…Is that what he intends to say?

“What does that matter? We are merchants. It’s the highest praise.”

A sneer formed on the Golden Duke’s lips.

It had been that way since the roots of their ancestors.

The title of duke was earned through their achievements with the World Tree.

They were merchants before they were nobles.

In that sense, talking about honor seemed like nothing more than jealousy over their wealth.

“No. Then it becomes an issue with the second reason. Seeking small gains at the expense of greater ones.”

“…Oh? Is that so?”

Was this groundwork for that argument?

His interest grew even more.

Greater gains.

Indeed, what could be more beneficial than bringing in elf slaves and obtaining the fruit of the World Tree?

“Speak.”

“The issue with the South is that you cannot fully utilize that vast and valuable land.”

…Indeed, it was a treasure trove of resources, including the World Tree.

But few places, including the Daimon estate, made full use of it.

The unexpected angle in his argument caused the Golden Duke’s brow to furrow slightly before relaxing.

“Because of the jungle wilderness and the enemies, beastmen and elves.”

“Hmm. You seem to know our South quite well.”

“Haha, I studied before coming for the field class. Anyway.”

He had heard he was from the West but worked in the North.

Seeing his interest in the South, which he governed, was quite gratifying.

‘And the boldness to speak of such shortcomings before me.’

Could Luke do this?

It seemed he was not ignorant of the Duke, yet his fearless attitude piqued more curiosity.

“Ahem.”

While the Duke was momentarily impressed,

The young man cleared his throat to steady his voice and continued.

“This is where friendly exchanges with elves would be beneficial.”

‘…Huh?’

Friendly exchanges with ‘elves.’

Was that even possible?

Not a child reading a fairy tale, nor was he ignorant of the South.

Yet his audacious suggestion made the Golden Duke stare at him intently.

“Hm. Could it be, I’m right in my assumption?”

“If you guessed that I mean to use elves for jungle development, you’re correct.”

He squinted, then opened his eyes fully and smiled.

“For elves, the World Tree is a sacred object.”

“By granting some of them access to the World Tree, we gain its fruit in return.”

“This would be the first deal. The first opening of that closed-off race.”

Moreover,

The Golden Duke easily inferred what the young man had left unsaid.

-As long as the trade continues, they will inevitably come to understand each other thoroughly.

So-called, cultural assimilation.

Human power is already formidable.

They have conquered the World Tree over the course of decades, if not centuries, and enslaved elves and beastmen.

While the occasional attempts to reclaim it might be a bit annoying, they are nothing more than a trifling matter underfoot.

To the Golden Duke, it was a trivial issue.

But what if the elves were given limited access to the World Tree, which they so desire…?

If this continued long-term, there would likely be far more elves preferring to coexist comfortably with humans than those insisting on reclaiming the World Tree.

Going further, they might even begin to cultivate the jungle, their home, emulating human life.

“Hoho.”

“From my perspective, the clear dishonor and the potential to harm future relations with both species make slave hunting unappealing. Besides, can we guarantee that those brought in will work properly?”

A merchant should play in the big leagues.

Simply pioneering the new realm of the jungle would undoubtedly bring immense profit.

Furthermore,

‘From the way he speaks, it seems he has a means to win over the elves as well.’

“And the third reason?”

“You would be making an enemy of Hans Byron. Can you handle that?”

“What? Hahaha!”

The Golden Duke burst into laughter on the spot.

Such an arrogant and audacious statement.

It was truly laughable, yet not irritating.

A baron’s son challenging a duke?

The sheer absurdity made it all the more amusing.

Yet he knew,

This young man was serious.

“I’ve received a precious lesson from my young friend.”

“I’m glad it was helpful.”

“To speak bluntly, I like you. Would you consider becoming my personal attendant?”

A greedy smile spread across the Golden Duke’s lips.

He desired him.

Whether as a merchant or a duke,

The urge to snatch up talent was an instinct of those who ruled.

The young man was an unpolished gem.

No, even that was an understatement.

He was more accurately a diamond yet to be discovered by the world.

Therefore,

He must have him.

He is the Golden Duke,

The wealthiest man on the continent and a power broker in the shadows.

“I can guarantee better treatment than what you receive in the North. Don’t you want to hold on to this ‘youth’?”

He extended his hand to the young man.

With the confidence that he would not be refused.

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