Chapter 73 Hey! You!! Don’t Mess With Me!!
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Since being appointed lead researcher of the Magic Engineering Division, he had been eagerly awaiting the budget… but it never came.
”Something’s wrong!! No matter how long I wait, the budget won’t come through!” he muttered in frustration.
Investigating the cause, he overheard a rumor: some petty nobles were holding a grudge from that incident in the Assembly Hall. Whether knowingly or not, they were sabotaging his funding.
(Unforgivable! I’ll protest this firmly!)
But, alas… he was nothing more than a low-ranking newcomer. Opposing a baron or viscount was impossible. Goddammit!
(Damn it all!!)
While searching for alternatives, Mr. Kapon Rüdel, the very mayor of Livonia City who had kidnapped and confined him, approached.
”Ah, greetings, Lord Sanai,” Kapon said cheerfully. Yet Sanai knew better—everyone was being deceived by this smooth-talking villain. This Caesar-like man had used public authority to abduct him for the Emperor. Just because he was handsome didn’t mean anyone should trust him.
”What is it, Lord Kapon?” Sanai asked.
If it were a boast about kidnapping him for Emperor Rai’s reward, he would have loved to punch that smug face. This was no joke.
”I wanted to consult with you… of course, I believe I can help resolve your troubles as well. What do you say, Lord Sanai?” Kapon asked.
Ah—his troubles, too… he might as well listen, if only to hear the proposal.
”What are the details?” he inquired.
* * *
Kapon’s explanation revealed a massive civil engineering project: a canal large enough for ships, to expand arable land, and improve transportation—all at once.
But such a colossal canal required enormous funds and time. Lord Ralka, Kapon’s master, would be furious if it took too long. Kapon wanted Sanai’s ingenuity to achieve it with the limited budget.
”No, that’s impossible,” Sanai said quietly.
(Seriously? Is your boss crazy? No money, no time, and yet he expects a galaxy-sized canal? Bankruptcy? Death?)
He couldn’t voice such thoughts openly, so he declined politely. Kapon, however, pressed on.
”Surely, someone as discerning as you, who sees through noble schemes and handles them with poise, can do it?” Kapon insisted.
Audacious. Sanai had no obligation, reason, or even acquaintance with this man. How could Kapon possibly think he could succeed with a budgetless, time-strapped plan?
”Hmm… very well. But when would the budget even be approved? Years from now? If you cooperate, it might happen immediately,” Kapon said with a suggestive tone.
Something felt off. Anxiety prickled Sanai’s spine.
”By the way, my master, Duke Ralka, is a key favorite of the Free Yugan Coalition. Surely, you understand what that implies?” Kapon added.
Sanai froze. Duke Ralka—a formidable authority. This could be serious.
”Regrettably, I must report that you declined my offer, Lord Sanai,” Kapon said.
Hey! Don’t mess with me!! Sanai thought. Was this blackmail? Kapon continued relentlessly.
”Your taxes in Livonia City remain unpaid. I’ve been entrusted by Lord Ralka to handle them… and I nearly stamped inflated amounts by mistake out of sheer shock… And the city has already seized all your assets. Can you even pay? Nonpayment is a grave offense. The Kingdom of Elandric, your trading partner, will be furious and disappointed.”
Sanai shuddered.
Somehow, he was now on the verge of angering Duke Ralka, the Kingdom of Elandric, the merchant guild, and even Emperor Rai.
Sure, unpaid taxes were bad—but risking Mr. Baldric’s trust was far worse. Baldric had managed Sanai’s shops, brewery, and franchises after his captivity. He was a benefactor in Sanai’s otherworldly life.
He couldn’t betray such a man. Yet remaining passive risked diplomatic fractures between Elandric and the Free Yugan Coalition—fractures caused by an unpredictable foreigner: him.
Extremely dangerous. He had narrowly survived the Crown Prince incident; this could undo everything.
”Let’s… discuss this, shall we? Lord Kapon! No, Mr.—Lord Kapon!” Sanai stammered, gripping Kapon’s arm.
Kapon smiled. “I’m glad to hear a positive answer. You’ll take it on, won’t you?”
Sanai had no choice. “Ah… yes. I’ll take it on…”
And thus, he had been expertly coerced by Lord Kapon.
Notes:
• Kingdom of Elandric – A nation mentioned on the map.
• Baldric – The branch manager of the Elandric Merchant Guild.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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