I Became A Black Merchant In Another World

As soon as our Young Baron Your Excellency saw me, he pulled me into a strong embrace.

“My son-in-law! No matter when I see you, you really are quite the handsome fellow. It seems you’ve become even more dashing in just a few months!”

This may be our family mansion, but is it really necessary to act this way in front of the servants?

I was inwardly praying for him to stop at just one verse, but the Young Baron didn’t care and continued to sing two, three verses.

“I had so many worries about that bumbling brat being a concern for my daughter, Erika, until I chose you as my son-in-law. But I have no hesitations about giving my daughter to you! Although the title of Baron is a bit concerning, what does that really matter between us?”

“I’m humbled by such extravagant praise.”

That guy has said similar things more than a hundred times, just like Duke Visconti.

And it wasn’t an exaggeration; I actually counted and it was the hundred and second time.

I know I’m great, but why are they repeating it like this?

Sigh, both of them hold such high status that I can’t say a word.

“So, is this what they mean when they say, ‘if you feel wronged, aim for success’?”

The servants set up coffee and snacks while watching me being showered with affection by a middle-aged man in his forties.

Once they left, the Young Baron’s expression completely changed.

While not a full 180 degrees, he had a slight smile with a serious undertone.

I thought it was strange to keep going on with such excessive flattery.

It seems that his overwhelming affection towards me was a move calculated for political gain.

“You must have been shocked when I suddenly hugged you. But there’s a reason I had to do this.”

I could guess what that reason was without needing to hear it.

It’s not just any commoner; it’s the daughter of a Duke’s legitimate wife being offered to a mere Baron like me. The backlash from the Visconti Duke’s faction was bound to be fierce.

This means he’s intentionally trying to give the impression that he’s forcing me onto his granddaughter to keep the backlash from hitting me.

If the Duke hadn’t shown such consideration, there would certainly be ‘checks’ and ‘jealousy’ directed at me from the Duke’s faction.

“Though they would have probably just ended up like the Olbia Baron Clan.”

Be it war, conflict, or political strife, it’s good that none of it is happening.

Even though I understand what’s going on, I decided to act oblivious out of respect for the Young Baron’s goodwill.

“What might the reason be?”

The Young Baron scoffed at me.

“Are you trying to charm me as my son-in-law? I think you know what’s happening, Fabio.”

I made a show of pretending not to know, but he didn’t let it slide.

It was a bit disappointing.

“It seems there’s considerable opposition.”

At my words, the Young Baron clicked his tongue.

“They’re just pathetic creatures who can’t accept that a young man is more competent than them. If they could just acknowledge and embrace that, they could grow even more.”

It would be stupid to imply that those with high status might feel threatened by my lowly rank.

Saying something like that would be a blatant disregard for the favor being shown by the Duke and the Young Baron.

But if I agree with that statement, it would be disrespectful to the other nobles tied to that faction…

Following the principle of only listening to gossip and neither agreeing nor opposing, I resolved to keep silent.

“Even though those ancestors have served us for generations, the Duke’s family exists today because of it. Isn’t it only fair to acknowledge and praise the achievements made by the son-in-law from our family?”

That’s technically correct.

But in any friendship where no benefits are entangled, boasting about someone’s success can often drive a wedge between you.

I’d feel so small, and unnecessary feelings of inferiority would bubble up.

It’s not like I could only celebrate my successes with my parents; that’s a sentiment that isn’t uncommon.

“On the other hand, anyone who genuinely celebrates my success is someone I should keep close.”

The Young Baron went on for nearly twenty minutes complaining about the opposition to giving me his daughter.

“Ah, speaking of which, what on earth did you do in the Ndor and Ifriqiya continents?”

“I merely sold gunpowder and muskets to both sides.”

You could say I did a noble deed by helping tribes like the Botswana form their own nations to protect themselves.

Of course, I was following the teachings of Mencius to retain balance.

I also sold a sizeable amount of gunpowder and muskets in Ndor, carefully maintaining that balance between the two sides.

“I’m glad you’re truly a noble of our Toscan Empire, and my son-in-law. If you were from the Kingdom of Granada or the Lion Kingdom, I shudder to think about it. Just the thought gives me goosebumps.”

There were indeed a few goosebumps on the Young Baron’s arms.

“What exactly have you heard?”

“Don’t play coy. You set things up so that the Kingdom of Granada and the Sultanate would have to clash, didn’t you? You know there’s no good in keeping things hidden between us, so spill it.”

I reported to the Duke that I was selling gunpowder to the Ifriqiya region, but I kept quiet about instigating civil war.

“Even if you’re my son-in-law, a mere Baron stirring up civil wars is a bit…”

However, unless it goes against the interests of the state and the Duke’s family, I’d probably not be reprimanded for coming clean.

“If the Sultanate finds out we’re selling gunpowder to the Ifriqiya region, won’t it lead to an all-out war?”

“Indeed. Right now, neither of them has reason to raise armies and fight since there’s no gain in fighting each other. But if we attack first, they’ll have no choice but to draw their swords.”

Even the Yakuza, triads, or mafia organizations usually avoid touching civilians unless absolutely necessary.

Killing civilians doesn’t yield much profit, and doing so leads to fights with the authorities, which would be like burning your whole house down for just a single stone.

Even without an authority to mediate between the Sultanate and our Toscan Empire…

They could mobilize hundreds of thousands of soldiers, which would inevitably lead to ridiculous losses.

Thus, in discussions about war, they say this:

“It’s impossible to conquer enemy cities and castles in war; just break their will to fight.”

The notes end there, recommending that not fighting is the best course of action.

“But if we cause the Kingdom of Granada and Ndor to fight, we can weaken the potential forces of two foes, right? And also sell gunpowder in the process.”

Thanks to the new techniques I brought in, the Empire’s gunpowder production is expected to rise sevenfold.

Even just doubling the previous amount would easily resolve the chronic wastage and shortages currently faced by the military.

The rest can’t be thrown away, so selling it all would make money—good things lead to good outcomes.

“Just like watching a fire across a river is enjoyable, war in the neighboring country is the best opportunity to profit.”

“Moreover, it prevents the Kingdom of Granada or Ndor from advancing into the Ifriqiya region. If they establish themselves there, we’ll have to compete with them for our future vassals.”

The Young Baron widened his eyes at me.

“I once had connections with Colonel Dukat when I served in the same division, so I have a bit of rapport. He mentioned recently that you should be placed in the general staff.”

Wait, why am I being implicated in any of this just because I borrowed some wisdom from a country with deep-rooted grievances?

In our Albania Continent, this would be a tactic to make Zhuge Liang gasp in disbelief, right?

“But you shouldn’t be on the general staff. If you become a Chief of Staff, the Albania continent will be soaked in blood.”

Thinking back, I actually have several strategies at my disposal that could burn this continent to the ground if I set my mind to it.

Of those, the most effective would be the ‘indulgence.’

“It seems you have some thoughts, but you’re not saying them. By the way, have you heard the news?”

“What news are you referring to?”

“I hear the Olbia Baron Clan is suddenly leaving Florence. They’re on the run from a huge scandal to avoid punishment.”

That was entirely my doing.

But I’ll keep this a secret from both the Emperor and the two Dukes.

Spreading the rumor would only lead to increased scrutiny.

“Is that so? While they are a faction opposed to ours, that’s quite strange.”

The Young Baron chuckled at what I said.

“Right? My father was pleased, but he found it puzzling and couldn’t grasp what was going on.”

“Quite the mystery, indeed.”

“What do you think? Who do you reckon is behind this?”

That would be me.

So, I’ll just sprinkle some smoke to ensure they can’t trace it back to me.

“The Olbia Baron Clan has been living luxuriously, leading the high court investigators to conveniently bite the bait, right? The Judge Andante and Chief Judge Mancini really are impressive.”

The Young Baron smiled with satisfaction as if the riddle had been solved.

“That’s true. By the way, do you have plans for tomorrow?”

I intended to go out into the countryside with Chloe and Chris tomorrow…

But if the Young Baron is calling, it’s best to cancel those plans.

“Yes.”

“Come to my house tomorrow. I’ll let you meet my daughter, Erika.”

…… Someone please save me.