Chapter 358. The Fear of After-Service (3)
‘This is… Tsk.’
King Venetogna clicked his tongue involuntarily.
He had just received a contract from Lloyd, and its contents had left him with mixed feelings.
‘How should I take this?’
On one hand, he felt like cursing upon seeing it. But on the other hand, he felt relieved. Naturally, his gaze towards Lloyd grew sharper.
“I’ve reviewed your proposed contract.”
“Thank you.”
“In summary, you want my kingdom to provide your family with 5% of the value of the goods transported through the Pantara Mountain railroad as maintenance costs?”
“Yes, you’ve grasped the main point perfectly.”
Lloyd smiled brightly.
King Venetogna’s brows furrowed.
“Maintenance costs, you say. This feels more like a customs duty extortion.”
“You could interpret it that way. After all, the title of the fee is flexible.”
“So, you acknowledge it could be seen as a customs duty.”
“But I would be grateful if you acknowledged that the maintenance costs for operating a railroad in such a harsh mountainous region would be enormous.”
“Hmph.”
“It’s true. The rails will be buried by snowstorms, freeze, and suffer damage from falling icicles and water on the slopes. The sleepers and ballast need daily inspections. This process requires manpower, adding labor costs to material expenses. And there’s more.”
“…More?”
“Of course. At the top of the gorge that crosses the mountain range, there is a small station. It’s a space for people and goods to rest. This facility also serves as a residence for railroad maintenance staff. Thus, management costs are continuously required for this place as well, including food, clothing, and supplies for the resident staff.”
“So, you expect me to bear all these costs?”
“Well, it is my hard-built railroad. Consider it a usage fee. Besides, 5% of the total goods’ value should still leave you with plenty of profit.”
“…”
“Isn’t that so?”
“…Tsk.”
King Venetogna clicked his tongue again. There wasn’t a single flaw in Lloyd’s argument. Direct trade with the rising power of Magentano had immense significance. All goods that used to circumvent the mountain would now flow through this trade route, not just from Beneto but from neighboring countries as well.
‘All nearby nations’ goods will pass through my land via this trade route. The transit fees alone will be enormous.’
In fact, the benefits from direct trade were smaller compared to the transit fees. Just having a direct trade route through the mountains would create a significant economic impact throughout the entire kingdom. So, giving up 5% was still a highly profitable deal.
“So, how do you intend to collect these maintenance costs?”
“Oh, that’s written a bit further down.”
“Hmph?”
“There, just below that section. Yes, there.”
“Convert the maintenance costs to gold coins… and collect them quarterly?”
“Yes. With this bone dragon, moving a few chests of gold coins is a breeze.”
“…”
This guy was seriously prepared.
King Venetogna realized once again.
Lloyd internally nodded in agreement.
‘Of course, I was fully prepared.’
It was obvious. This large-scale construction project couldn’t just end with the Magentano royal family’s appreciation. Maintenance costs were a genuine concern.
‘I plan to leave dozens of Orc warriors. Also, a few Elf archers for slope maintenance. Considering their food, living expenses, and materials for facility maintenance, it’s daunting.’
‘That’s all my hard-earned money!’
It was too unfair to spend his own money on maintenance for a route benefiting others. That’s why he had calculated expected maintenance costs and figured out how much extra profit he could ensure.
‘5% of the total goods’ value. That’s sufficient. Enough for maintenance and to support the Frontera estate.’
This additional income would be his lifelong pension, making his life more prosperous and secure.
‘Well, even though I currently have plenty of wealth thanks to the Dragon King’s sponsorship, one can never be too sure.’
Life is unpredictable, and income sources can suddenly dry up. Even banks, which are supposed to be secure, can sometimes go bankrupt. So, relying entirely on the Dragon King’s sponsorship felt risky.
‘The Dragon King, that lazy bum, can be quite capricious.’
From Lloyd’s perspective, the Dragon King Birkis was extremely moody, a lazy bum with a mean spirit. So, having insurance was necessary.
‘Who knows when I might accidentally fall out of favor with that lazy dragon. Better to have some insurance.’
The Dragon King’s sponsorship was strong but unstable. Other income sources weren’t reliable either.
‘The royal sister’s support for my estate can be cut off anytime if I fall out of favor. The taxes from the Raconia estate are too little.’
So, securing another stable and substantial source of funds would be ideal. If he could get maintenance funds from the Beneto Kingdom, it would be perfect—stable and abundant funds.
That’s why, after thorough calculations and predictions, Lloyd had finally presented the contract to King Venetogna after abducting and charming him.
‘Life is long, and money is always needed.’
With this pragmatic motto in mind, Lloyd continued pointing out the details of the contract.
“So, starting from the next quarter, you’ll pay the specified amount for the next 50 years.”
“50 years?”
“Yes. It’s not a long time.”
King Venetogna looked incredulous, but Lloyd responded as if it was perfectly reasonable.
“If there are no wars or natural disasters, this direct trade route will last not just 50 but 500 years. You’ll continuously benefit from it. Isn’t 50 years of initial investment a small price to pay?”
“But what if a war or natural disaster does occur…?”
“Oh, there’s a special clause for that. Yes, there, see?”
“…”
King Venetogna fell silent. There it was.
‘In case of war, natural disaster… or any equivalent event leading to the closure of the trade route… the payment for maintenance costs can be temporarily suspended? Ha.’
The king looked at Lloyd meaningfully. At this point, he wasn’t even annoyed anymore. He felt a sort of admiration.
The 50-year period was perfectly balanced—long enough to be significant but not excessive, fitting the situation. Lloyd even had the audacity to subtly shrug his shoulders as if to say, ‘I am being upfront about my intentions.’
‘This guy has it all—boldness, shamelessness, and thorough preparation.’
A helpless laugh escaped the king. Ultimately, he nodded.
“Fine. I understand your terms.”
“Does that mean…?”
“I agree to your contract proposal.”
“Thank you!”
At the word ‘contract,’ Lloyd bowed deeply and quickly pulled out a pen and ink bottle, offering them to the king with remarkable speed.
“…Hahaha. Right now? Here?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“But for my signature to be effective, the royal seal must also be affixed. Why not accompany me to the palace?”
“That’s a very reasonable and generous offer. However—”
“However?”
“I’m just afraid that during the journey, you might change your mind. It’s my only fear.”
“…Hahaha?”
“So, would you kindly sign it here first?”
“Tsk. You’re ready to abduct me again if I refuse.”
“I apologize.”
“Huh. You don’t even deny it. Such brazenness.”
“I’m sorry for that as well.”
“…Very well, give it here.”
The king took the pen. There was no reason or time for further hesitation. He signed the contract, casting a sharp glance at Lloyd.
“But after signing, I have a question.”
“Yes, please ask.”
“Earlier, you mentioned starting the payment from the next quarter. Why not this quarter?”
“Oh, that’s a service.”
“…”
The king was speechless once more.
Lloyd, still smiling, accompanied the king to the palace to get the royal seal on the contract, finalizing the deal he had wanted.
‘Perfect. Now I’ve secured a steady income until I die.’
Lloyd’s heart swelled with satisfaction. Although he still had to deal with the Restoration of Fate, he was hopeful about a prosperous future.
But then,
“Lloyd Frontera.”
In the midst of his cheerful thoughts, King Venetogna’s voice called out, subtly suggestive.
“Yes, please speak.”
“Do you have a lady you’ve promised to look at the future with?”
“…”
Lloyd was silent, instantly realizing.
‘Ah, it’s been a while since I had a father-in-law attack.’
He tried to suppress a bitter smile as he replied.
“I’m sorry.”
“Hm?”
“Is it because you have a daughter of marriageable age?”
“Haha? Are you reading my mind?”
“No, just a guess.”
Lloyd’s bitter smile deepened. His guess was spot on. King Venetogna was indeed considering a political marriage involving Lloyd, not out of spite but because he saw great potential in him.
‘This guy is a gem. Cold-hearted to others but fiercely protective of his own.’
The king could tell from seeing the Pantara Mountain railroad site. Safety measures were in place, and workers’ lodgings were solidly built, indicating Lloyd didn’t treat his subordinates as mere tools.
‘If this marriage happens, my royal family will be connected by blood with a favorite of the Magentano royal family. What a benefit.’
With many daughters, sending one to marry Lloyd seemed beneficial. But what the king didn’t know was Lloyd’s modern, 21st-century views on marriage.
‘How could I marry someone I’ve never met, especially from a royal family? I’d be under constant pressure from in-laws my whole life. No way.’
Lloyd wanted a love marriage with someone of modest status, to live a peaceful life. Marrying a princess from a small kingdom felt like putting a noose around his neck.
“Again, I sincerely apologize.”
“…Hm, it wouldn’t be a bad match for you either.”
“I can only say I’m truly sorry.”
It was best to firmly decline. Making excuses could lead to complications. With extensive experience in handling father-in-law attacks, Lloyd knew to draw a firm line and swiftly excused himself.
“Thank you for the contract. I’ll relay your cooperation to my liege.”
“…Very well. Consider the marriage proposal seriously.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s difficult. Goodbye.”
He ended with a polite but firm refusal and quickly exited the palace. Worried about being caught again, he and Javier swiftly mounted Yongyong and took off.
“Let’s go!”
*Boom!*
Yongyong took off powerfully, crushing the rest of the square’s flower beds. As they achieved their goals and left Beneto Kingdom, a new notification appeared before Lloyd’s eyes, heralding a new accolade.
*Ding-dong.*
[You have demonstrated the drive to unite various races, the cunning to manipulate and threaten spirits, and the shrewdness to charm and placate foreign nations, successfully completing a historic international construction project.]
[All the participating races, the manipulated spirits, the nations losing their profits, and even the devils of hell nod in agreement at this new accolade.]
[A new accolade, <Hell’s Optimal Talent>, has been created.]
