“Is that really true?”
“Yes, we’ve confirmed that the merchants who had been staying in the territory have also been hastily fleeing the area safely.”
“I see… Huh?”
Penril, who had been smoking a cigarette, put it down and exhaled the smoke.
“According to the reconnaissance team, there were no signs of anyone using power or leading troops… I wonder if the Count’s family handled it, or if it was just a coincidence…”
After refusing Freya’s proposal during their meeting, the rumors about dragons that had been spreading in the Evergarden territory began to quickly fade.
Despite the rumors causing many merchants to flee the territory, they did not return in a panic, and it was clear the rumors would completely die down soon.
According to the report from the reconnaissance team, they had received information that after a carriage left the territory and returned, the rumors disappeared, indicating that the Count’s family must have taken some action.
“So, Gordon was driving the carriage, right?”
“Yes, we’ve confirmed there are many witnesses.”
“Right now, he’s considered a fallen hound, but I guess a hunting dog is different after all.”
A hunting dog.
He had been an assassin who had suddenly appeared in the underworld, and wherever he went, the bodies were torn apart as if ravaged by a crazed hunting dog, earning him that nickname.
And with the reputation that he could solve any contract cleanly, rumors spread that “a hunting dog’s target is always caught.”
“When he raised his spirits back then in the building, I was also a little creeped out, but even considering the past situation, it would have been impossible to win without serious injury.”
A few days ago, when Freya had brought Gordon to visit Red Fang, he had just silently stood behind her, but the atmosphere he emanated was sharp enough to make Penril’s tail stand on end.
“Really, how did she tame that hunting dog? I’m really curious about that.”
Penril couldn’t believe that someone with that much skill was working as a butler under a noble family, especially one with a reputation as grim as the Evergarden Count’s house.
“Anyway, the Count’s family sent a letter?”
“Yes, we weren’t able to determine the exact time it was delivered…”
“Well, it’s clearly the work of a hunting dog.”
Penril, who had finished smoking her cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray and received a letter from her subordinate.
The letter, sealed with the Evergarden family’s emblem, showed no signs of being hidden.
In fact, it wasn’t even delivered by someone in person; it had been left in the hall on the first floor of the Red Fang building, only discovered after some time had passed.
The skill demonstrated by the sender indirectly threatened that the building’s security had been thoroughly tested.
“Well, it was probably the Countess who ordered it.”
Such a ridiculous provocation made Penril think of Freya.
On the surface, she seemed to be just a kind noblewoman, but Penril could tell that inside, there was a serpent coiled up tight.
“Let’s see what’s written.”
Penril tore open the sealed letter and began to read its contents.
And then…
“…Heh, heh heh! Well, well, looks like we’ve been hit!”
Penril’s ears twitched, and her hearty laughter filled the office as she squinted at the letter.
“What does it say?”
“It’s nothing special. It’s a little roundabout, but it says she wants to meet me alone at the Count’s estate.”
“…What?”
The expression of her subordinate, who had asked, hardened instantly after hearing the response.
No matter how much of a criminal Penril was, she was still a criminal.
Based on all the things she had done, she deserved the harshest punishment, and even her entire family could be eradicated for just her actions.
In the Empire’s territory, leading an armed group without permission was enough to make her a prime target for a coup charge.
Especially since Red Fang didn’t have any noble backing, if Penril, the leader of Red Fang, were caught, it would be the end of her.
In such a situation, being asked to come to the Evergarden Count’s estate alone, without any protection, was like sticking one’s head into a lion’s den.
“It’s too dangerous. Last time, at least we had our base with us, and the Count’s side conceded, but this time is different!”
The subordinate, who had been stiff with disbelief, spoke seriously to Penril.
“No one would send their boss to the enemy’s camp alone.”
“It’s too late. We have no choice but to respond to this request.”
But Penril realized that she and the entire Red Fang organization had already been ensnared.
After all, during the first meeting, Freya had come to them directly, and the problem related to dragons that she had rejected was already being resolved by the Count’s family.
The Count’s family had already fulfilled their part, and now they were asking her to come again—Penril could not refuse it a second time.
Even if Red Fang had its own independent business route, it had already long since been ruined, and with the dragon rumors dying down, the Count’s family would find another way to get what they wanted, with or without Red Fang.
No, Penril’s gut told her that Freya would certainly make it happen.
“If we reject this request, the Count’s family will look for another path, even if it means a smaller profit, and in that process, we will be discarded as useless. And then…”
“…The hunting dog will come.”
“Six million dinars in total. So you’re saying this is the amount of money that can be immediately used in Red Fang, right?”
“While the items themselves are worth far more than this, the amount we can pay right now is only this much,” Penril replied as he carefully examined the documents listing the valuable items that Freya had prepared.
“The items themselves are all so valuable that just their asking prices are astronomical. If you think about the future profits, we could easily multiply this by several times. But… at least, I can guarantee that the current asking price is three times more than what I’m paying.”
“…I see.”
Freya, who had drained the Evergarden family’s valuables to secure the most crucial funds, couldn’t help but be astonished at the situation.
Even if sold at a used price, the collection was full of absurdly expensive treasures.
The Earl, having gathered them all, was practically a piggy bank.
‘So, how much surplus funding did the Evergarden domain originally have, and how could they ruin it all in just a few years like this?’
Every time Freya thought about this, she couldn’t help but despise her former masters.
They had ruined the family by hoarding expensive items, and even if she excluded those that wouldn’t bring a profit when resold, the price was still absurd.
“So, you want to settle the total transaction amount at 27 million dinars…?”
“Upfront payment of 6 million dinars, with the remaining amount to be paid over time, correct?”
“Considering the quantity, it will certainly take time. Fortunately, these are not smuggled goods, and with the noble documents confirming them, we can shorten the time a bit. However, it will likely take at least 2-3 years.”
“How will you proceed? Madam?”
“Let’s agree to it.”
Freya realized that they were getting a deal that wasn’t ideal for them, but the urgency was on their side.
The Evergarden domain desperately needed the 6 million dinars right away.
Penril’s suggestion made her realize that they were essentially taking a loss in this transaction, but she still stamped the documents, understanding that saving the domain came first.
“The items themselves aren’t particularly precious to us, but even if we need the money, the priority is to restore the domain,” Freya said.
“As long as we manage to restore the domain to function properly, we can easily make the money back later.”
“Are there any issues with the documents?”
“…Quite tough, huh? I thought at least one or two things would be nitpicked.”
Penril, slightly puzzled at Freya’s quick handling of the documents, asked.
“I don’t really like to spoil the mood, and if any issues arise, we can resolve them later.”
“…I see. That was a silly question.”
“Hehe.”
Penril, who had been expecting some manipulation, felt a drop of cold sweat on the back of his neck after hearing Freya’s confident answer.
‘It was a good decision not to try to pull anything.’
After struggling to gain more profit than the other party in their respective devious ways, Penril now realized the meaning of being in an absolute position of strength.
The strong don’t need to do anything.
“Then, the deal is settled. I’ll have my subordinate send the funds in a few days.”
Just as Penril was about to leave with his signed portion of the contract, Freya stopped him.
“Wait, the transaction isn’t finished yet. Are you leaving already?”
“Transaction… Now, I wonder if we have anything useful to offer you, Madam.”
Freya, holding him back, continued.
“The area Red Fang occupies… Honestly, it’s like a thorn in my side. Which lord would be happy to have a band of criminals openly taking over land in their domain?”
“…I’m sure that’s true, Madam.”
“That’s why I’m planning to lead a major military operation to clear them out.”
“…Ha, this is something else.”
Penril chuckled at Freya’s declaration.
Just moments ago, she had been negotiating the deal, and now she was declaring her intention to destroy his territory.
How could she be so calm?
“Rather than leaving these people, who don’t pay taxes and offer no benefits to the domain, it’s better to spill some blood and use the remaining land more effectively, don’t you think?”
“Besides, after clearing the area, we’ll build usable structures on the ruins. This will create jobs and generate income for the domain’s craftsmen, so now that we have enough capital, there’s no reason to hesitate.”
This declaration marked the first step in Freya’s project to revive the domain.
With some funds in hand, the most urgent thing was to invest in the domain while she had the financial flexibility.
And this plan was perfectly suited for that purpose.
By clearing out criminal organizations with a solid justification, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for the domain’s people, Freya could turn things around.
“And here’s a proposal. Penril, would you like to join me?”
“…Such a bold offer, Madam?”
Freya’s next suggestion made Penril weak in the knees, and he sat down again, staring at her.
“When I saw you, I was quite impressed. Your leadership of the organization, your ability to carve out independent routes, and your role as an information broker handling countless pieces of intel… How did someone like you end up stuck in a backwater village, playing leader in the alleys?”
“…Well, I wouldn’t know. I never got to meet the parents who probably wanted to ask me that.”
“However, despite your talents, your origins and circumstances haven’t supported them. The stigma of being a criminal and of low birth will follow you for life.”
“…Once it’s stuck to me, there’s nothing I can do about it. This is the only path available to me.”
“The administrative rights of this domain belong solely to me… or more precisely, to the head of the family. And if you use this authority, you can wash away the grime of being a stray dog in the alley and wear the honorable collar of the Count’s knight. Do you understand that?”
“…Now I’m completely being treated like a dog? I’m a wolf, you know?”
“Oh, a wolf? How fitting for a knight. You’ll make a fine, loyal hound.”