Chapter 198 I’ll Lend You the Money!
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Ayumu dressed in the simple robes of a pilgrim, preparing for a journey. With Lord on temporary leave and no clear end date in sight, he figured this was the perfect opportunity to travel abroad, to embark on a pilgrimage through foreign lands.
Of course, he had already secured Emperor Rai’s permission. He intended to visit other countries in search of practical knowledge that might cure Crown Prince Aare’s ailment. And beyond that, he wanted to deepen his understanding of the goddess Aria, whose faith functioned almost as the de facto state religion across this Demi-human Continent, by traveling to the Lukurusa Theocracy to study theology.
The Emperor nodded in approval, praising Ayumu’s devotion to the Aria faith. “Ah… I see! Indeed, this is a fine opportunity. Deepen your insight, Sanai,” he said warmly, sending Ayumu off with genuine encouragement.
Ayumu also planned to look for any means to return to his original world, if possible. Yes, of course he wanted to go back—he missed the flavors of K○ntucky and C○ca-Cola, and life in his world was far more convenient with convenience stores and the internet. Naturally, this assumed he could return immediately and safely to the same temporal zone. Otherwise, even if he did return, he’d be just another ordinary unemployed middle-aged man or woman, utterly useless if the timing were off.
Honestly, he didn’t even know if there would be a job waiting. And whether those blessed with divine gifts could return—or even use their powers back in his world—was uncertain. If they could, they might be perceived as threats, killed, subjected to government control, dissected, or exploited. Ayumu’s prospects were far from bright.
Still, to make a reasoned decision about whether to spend the rest of his life in this otherworld, he needed to investigate.
Before setting out on his pilgrimage, he intended to visit Duke Merizaev. Apparently, inspired by the hunting parties hosted by the economic faction, the pro-war faction planned its own hunting event to reinforce unity.
The Northern Military District, led by Duke Merizaev, admired Ayumu’s ruthlessness in eliminating minor noble families and his proactive militarization. In their eyes, he was an ally. Keldan, straddling both economic and pro-war interests, had adopted foreign technologies, expanded profit margins, and improved trade and transportation—enough for both factions to acknowledge him as a useful player.
Well, neither faction had demanded anything directly, so it was fine. Allies were better than none. Unless attacked, there was no reason to oppose them. And besides… expensive meat might be available here that the common folk elsewhere could never afford—why refuse? With enthusiasm, he agreed to attend.
* * *
As Ayumu’s true desires became clear, an unexpected visitor arrived.
”Sir! A guest! I… I hardly know how to put this…”
It was none other than Prince Erik, heir of the neighboring Kingdom of Elandric. Known far and wide for his ineptitude, Erik was infamous as a hopeless, irresponsible noble.
Ayumu had recently instructed the elderly butler Watkins to turn him away. Too late—Prince Erik had already entered the mansion. A middle-aged, somewhat portly secretary named Dmitry, temporarily hired due to a shortage of clerks, greeted him.
(Oh no… I really don’t want to meet him…) Even so, as a foreign prince, Ayumu couldn’t simply refuse. Reluctantly, he prepared to meet the royal visitor.
”My, my! The notorious—though not exactly well-reputed—Your Highness! What an honor to welcome such a distinguished guest! I am Sanai; please, remember me… or don’t, if you prefer!”
Prince Erik, sprawled arrogantly on a wide sofa, exuded entitlement. Ayumu forced his usual bright and exaggerated cheerfulness while inquiring about the prince’s purpose.
”I’ve come to borrow money,” Erik said, leering down with supreme confidence.
Ah, the infamous spendthrift. He had likely heard rumors of Ayumu’s fortune and had come to extort him.
If Erik were a normal noble, Ayumu might have happily lent the money. But being royalty, there was a real risk that Erik would simply exploit his status to evade repayment. Ayumu considered offering a lump sum as a severance-style settlement.
”That is… an honor, Your Highness. Yet I must apologize—I am currently relieved of my Lord duties, so I cannot be of much help,” he said, blending truth and pretense.
Furthermore, as he had received no instructions from Elandric’s High King Karl Ewan Bellnah—Erik’s father—Ayumu indicated that arranging such a sum would be somewhat challenging. He intentionally hesitated, provoking Erik’s frustration and dulling his judgment.
”Please, hear me out,” Ayumu said, carefully restraining the furious prince and subtly seizing control of the negotiation.
”Of course, given your personal visit, if you promise never to request money again, I could provide around 400,000 gold coins,” he offered, presenting it as if Erik had extracted the compromise himself. Erik grumbled but accepted.
To further dissuade him, Ayumu deliberately dragged the process, saying, “But such a large sum requires time!” Before disbursing the funds, he forced Erik to sign an IOU with the sharp remark, “You cannot leave the mansion without signing, nor can I provide the money otherwise. Or… would you prefer lodging?”
Red-faced, Prince Erik finally stormed out, muttering, “Never again… will I borrow from such a place!” Mission accomplished.
Ayumu could now set out on his pilgrimage without worry, eager for the journey ahead.
Smiling warmly, Ayumu watched Erik’s retreating back and thought, “We look forward to your next visit, Your Highness Crown Prince!”
With that, a sense of relief washed over him, and he allowed himself a quiet moment of satisfaction before turning his mind back to the journey ahead.
Notes:
• Kingdom of Elandric – A nation mentioned on the map.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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