“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.”
“Ha… really…”
The more Penril listened to Freya’s words, the more dumbfounded he became.
In a way, her behavior was like a child who simply wanted to do things her own way.
Freya, who, instead of just being a simple backer, was willing to employ him without hesitation, was no different from a child throwing a tantrum.
Her attitude made it feel as though she was acting on impulse, like a spoiled child.
Following her would mean completely destroying the reputation and hard-earned status he had built up in the underworld.
He would have to convince his subordinates, and in the underworld, he would forever be marked as a traitor, with everyone ready to backstab him at any moment.
It was enough for him to be content with the current situation.
He had invested a lot of money, but if he succeeded in selling everything, he would finally be able to amass wealth he had never had before.
Also, joining the Count’s family would make it clear that he would never again make money in the underworld.
But was it really the right choice to pass up this opportunity?
A chance to move from being a criminal in the back alleys to becoming a knight of the Count’s family was a rare one.
‘What should I do… What choice should I make…’
“Oh, by the way, the profit from this transaction, even if you become my knight, I can still recognize it as personal funds.”
“Please forgive my rudeness. I, Penril, will remain a loyal knight, defending the peace of the family and the territory, and standing against all who seek to harm the Evergarden family.”
“Oh, how quick you are.”
Penril, who had been lost in thought about Freya’s proposal, immediately knelt down upon hearing her statement about acknowledging his private property.
It was so quick that only a few seconds after he knelt, Freya’s chair made a loud noise as it toppled backward.
His honor? The uncertainty of the future? All of that was meaningless in the face of money.
“Alright. We will have an official ceremony for your knightly appointment, but shall we proceed with this for now?”
Freya, watching him with interest, stood up and raised the quill pen in her hand.
“Others may not know, but to me, this pen is both a sword and a shield. You, as my knight, must swear to uphold three vows.”
Normally, one would declare the three vows of a knight with a sword, but to Freya, her most powerful weapon was the pen, and she was serious.
Freya’s quill lightly brushed Penril’s right shoulder.
“Do you have the resolve to serve Evergarden as a knight, with compassion and dedication?”
“Yes, I do.”
Freya’s quill lightly brushed Penril’s left shoulder.
“Do you have the courage to push forward, no matter the hardships, to achieve your ideals?”
“Yes, I do.”
Finally, Freya’s quill brushed Penril’s head.
“Do you swear your loyalty and honor to me as a knight of the Evergarden family?”
“…Yes. I swear.”
“Then, by the name of Freya Evergarden, I shall make you my knight.”
“I will serve with loyalty.”
“…Heh, this is something I’ve always wanted to do. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.”
“It’s my honor.”
After the small knightly ceremony was completed, Freya, with a bright expression, smiled.
The arrogant attitude she had previously shown disappeared, and Penril, with his eyes now shining from the monetary benefits, barely hid his smirk as he raised his voice.
‘After all, being a knight is every man’s dream. It’s the first time I’ve achieved my dream since coming to this fantasy world.’
Why do men’s hearts race when they hear the word ‘knight’? Perhaps it’s because the word holds romance, a sense of chivalry, loyalty, and courage.
Freya felt that tonight, when both her dream and her practical needs were fulfilled, was a meaningful night.
From there, things proceeded simply.
After formally appointing Penril as a knight, Freya employed the Red Fang members under her command, completely absorbing the Red Fang organization.
Now, with the Red Fang absorbed, there was no longer any need to worry about the underworld. She would use her troops to sweep it all clean.
At that time, the Evergarden family’s official military force, excluding the newly arrived Red Fang members, consisted of about 52 men.
Normally, these soldiers were distributed around the territory, and in case of major issues, the local citizens were drafted.
Since equipping soldiers with weapons and paying them was costly, having a large military force required significant funds, and in times of peace, most territories were in similar situations.
This was the only force she could immediately deploy.
However, no matter how much the criminals were involved in murder and crime, their weapons and equipment were no match for hers.
Even the criminal thugs, armed with daggers and knives, were no match for the military equipment issued to just one soldier.
And if needed, she had Gordon, a dependable ally, making the operation practically flawless.
The cleaning of the Evergarden territory’s underworld was about to begin, but…
“Master! Please, I beg you to withdraw the order!”
“…What’s he saying now?”
“…Sigh.”
Hearing the order, a knight who was supposed to carry it out was strongly opposing it.
Another sigh escaped Freya’s lips.