Heavenly Castle

Chapter 115: Taiki’s motives and Catherine’s predictions

「As for Heavenly Country’s position, we have no intention of going out of our way to stick our neck into the internal strife of other countries. As such, even if a revolution were to happen, we would continue to operate the store as if nothing happened.」

「……If it turned into a civil war, the capital of that kingdom would be plunged into the utmost chaos.」

「No problem. According to our investigation, there is no direct threat to Karluk Kingdom. Currently, we are in the middle of rebuilding the road bit by bit to allow residents, merchants, and travelers, that lost their place, to evacuate.」

「Karluk’s King gave you permission……?」

「I’ve received permission to freely use the vacant land on that road. Putting a few shops there wouldn’t go against that. My intentions are to expand it to the size of a small town.」

「……! That could be seen as an act of hostility towards the kingdom……」

「No, no, even if it becomes the size of a town, stores are still stores. Of course, if I decide to expand the store even further, I would consult with the King. Well, though during that time he might be too busy with revolts and all that.」

For the most part, no one but Taiki and Catherine took part in the conversation, everyone else just listened attentively to it.

For several minutes Taiki kept faithfully replying to every question Catherine asked. Eventually, as if she was finally convinced, she went silent and cast down her eyes.

Confirming that there are no more questions, Taiki took a nearby glass in his hand.

Grey vigilantly observed how Taiki drank water, and then spoke up.

「……Hearing all this confused me even further. This country already came to shake the very foundation of Karluk Kingdom…… Why would you need our help? Saying this myself is depressing, but we don’t have great influence or money. If what I’ve heard at the beginning is true, we might be dead literally tomorrow.」

Grey muttered, frustrated, but Taiki raised his eyebrows and smiled.

「We shared information, now we can get to business. First, let me get rid of some of the misunderstandings, I have no intentions of ruining Karluk Kingdom or taking down the King from the throne. As I mentioned at the very beginning, I merely want to change how slaves are treated.」

To those words, Grey blinked with a blank stare.

「But, no matter how you look at it, it all points to Heavenly Country trying to undermine Karluk Kingdom from the shadows. The royalty of Karluk Kingdom would naturally see it that way, and surely so would other realms. In that case, the revolt is inevitable, and Karluk Kingdom would……」

Catherine stopped, then frowned.

「……No matter if Karluk Kingdom or the rebels would prevail…… You will put it under your jurisdiction, so the weakened country wouldn’t be attacked by neighbors……? 」

Only Grey, who sat right next to her, could somehow hear what she muttered, almost inaudibly.

That was nothing more than her own speculation, but it served as a good explanation to Taiki’s roundabout ways, which turned into sure conviction in Grey’s head.

Unaware that his guests are having a wild misunderstanding, Taiki said with a slightly apologetic face.

「Well, it might be a bit sly, sorry about that. I’m planning to put my power into making the store a prosperous one. If I do so, it would become impossible to sell slaves the old way. In the case of Kakluk Kingdom we could do business only in this location, but Heavenly Country is capable of expanding its operation over far vaster territories. Should purchased slaves be mistreated, we can immediately head to their rescue. On the other hand, in case of repeated purchases with the slaves welcomed with proper conditions I’m willing to give such people an invitation to this Heavenly Country.」

Saying all that in one breath, Taiki looked at the two.

「However, if the business goes well, and even more people come to buy and sell slaves it would be impossible to keep up with only the current number of employees. I hired a few of the purchased slaves, but that is by no means enough. As such, I’d like you two to cooperate.」

Being told so, Grey and Catherine were stunned.

「……Don’t tell me, you want us to help with slave trade?」

To Grey’s question, Taiki nods with a smile.

「Yes. I think of leaving the main store at Karluk Kingdom to Leticia. The manager there is an employee of Reginshion Company, Diego-san, so there shouldn’t be any problem with that. Next is a branch office in Blau Empire. That one I’d like to leave to Rabia-san and if possible Grey-san. By the way, for Catherine, there is a store in the Imperial Country of Fleida.」

「I, I……? Why, why do you want to leave such a duty to me……」

Grey asked in confusion, but Taiki shook his head and replied.

「That’s because I want the manager to be someone who understands the position of slaves. I actually wanted to ask Richt and his group to do this, but they seem lacking… In planning ability…… So I want your help with each of those stores.」

As Taiki casually made a pretty rude remark, Grey froze for a few seconds and then burst into laughter.

「Ha, Haha……! Yes, Richt is a simple guy. But, it’s not like we have any business experience either. Suddenly telling us to manage a store……」

Grey spoke his actual thoughts, crudely fumbling with the words, trying to sound polite. Replying with a laugh, Taiki raised his index finger.

「That is okay. The rumored store at the capital is also managed for the most part by Diego-san and previous slaves. All you, Grey-san, would have to do is confirm if bought slaves were provided with proper conditions and what kind of person a potential client is.」

Being told so in a carefree tone, Grey’s smile turned to a grimace.

「…Isn’t that the most difficult thing…」

To Grey’s words, Taiki replied with a laugh 「That is because you feel that way that I want you to do it.」