Return of The Martial King

Chapter 244

Russ was sweating nervously. He had, of course, heard plenty about Christine.  

"…T-that was seriously a close call. But who's that kid glaring at us over there?"  

A short distance away from where Russ and Sillan were bickering, a troll girl was crouching low, staring daggers at them.  

She seemed to be observing the situation for now, but her posture gave off the impression of a venomous cat ready to pounce if things didn’t go her way.  

Sillan pointed at her and answered, "Oh, that's Titima. She’s the one who saved me when I got caught by Christine. Don’t you know her, Sir Russ? They say she’s Attila’s successor."  

Russ blinked in confusion.  

"Uh… When I met Lord Attila before, there was a little troll next to him, but… Honestly, I don’t remember. I still can’t tell trolls apart."  

"You’re an Aura User, and you can’t even manage that level of discernment?"  

"It’s not that I can’t tell them apart. I just don’t know who’s who."  

For trolls, unlike dwarves, distinguishing individuals with the human eye posed a different challenge.  

It wasn’t because trolls all looked alike, like dwarves often did. On the contrary, trolls were so diverse in appearance that identifying them was difficult.  

Every troll decorated themselves uniquely with tattoos and accessories, and the more important or experienced a troll was, the more extravagant their adornments became.  

"I can tell they’re different, but it’s so overwhelming that I can’t figure out who’s who."  

It was like distinguishing between two abstract paintings hung next to each other, easy to tell apart at a glance. But if asked to identify one painting by itself without prior familiarity, it was nearly impossible for most people.  

At that moment, Titima cautiously approached Russ, glancing up at him awkwardly. Bowing her head slightly, she introduced herself.  

"Hello, Sir Cyrus. I am Titima, Paguru of Lord Attila… But, um, this is actually the third time I’ve introduced myself."  

"…Sorry about that."  

Russ scratched the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. Just then, a deep voice called out from behind him.  

"Russ, Sillan. This isn’t the time to stand around chatting, is it? Everyone’s gathered, so we should start preparing to move again."  

Repenhardt was striding alone through the crowd toward them. Russ and Sillan sheepishly nodded in agreement.  

While the leaders of the various races, such as Siris, Makelin, and Tassid were in charge of guiding the freed non-human slaves, Russ and Sillan also had their roles. They were tasked with managing and protecting the dozens of ox-drawn carts loaded with food supplies, clothing, and other essentials for the massive group.  

"Oh, I know. I was just about to start getting ready," Russ muttered defensively.  

"We’ll move immediately, Brother" added Sillan.  

The two hurried off toward the line of ox-drawn carts, clearly flustered. Watching them scurry away, Repenhardt muttered to himself.  

"Then, I suppose it’s time to wrap up the deal."  

*         *         *

The number of non-human slaves who had escaped from Zeppelin was staggering, surpassing several thousand and nearing ten thousand. Adding the forces from the Duchy of Antares to this already massive group only increased their numbers further.  

Managing such a large gathering was no small task, just moving was an immensely complex undertaking.  

Rescuing the slaves was only the beginning. Ensuring their safe passage to the Duchy of Antares required an equally monumental effort, not to mention the vast amount of food and essential supplies needed along the way.  

A middle-aged human man in his mid-thirties, Siebolt Taoban, the head of the Taoban Trading Company, had been instrumental in preparing those supplies. Repenhardt expressed his gratitude once more as he addressed Siebolt.  

"Without your support, this task would have been impossible. I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of all races."  

Siebolt smiled faintly and waved a hand in dismissal.  

"I merely acted as a merchant should."  

Handing over some documents, he continued, "I’ve delivered all the goods. Now, if you’ll sign here."  

The inventory had already been thoroughly checked by Repenhardt's subordinates. Nodding, Repenhardt retrieved a quill pen and signed the documents with bold, fluid strokes.  

With signatures exchanged and each party securing their respective documents, the transaction was officially concluded.  

As Siebolt was about to leave, Repenhardt’s face suddenly showed a hint of curiosity.  

"By the way… I’m not in a position to question this, but I must say, I was surprised you agreed to this deal."  

The other members of the Taoban Trading Company, who had brought the supplies, still looked visibly uneasy, glancing nervously at the enormous crowd of non-humans.  

This deal was, in truth, a direct act of defiance against the Principality of Chatan. While Siebolt was a well-respected leader and treated his subordinates with fairness, that didn’t mean they were free of worry.  

Shrugging as he looked at his men, Siebolt said, "Of course, I did hesitate a bit."  

It had been two weeks since Repenhardt first reached out to the Taoban Trading Company to explain the operation and request the necessary supplies.  

At the time, Siebolt had spent three entire days deliberating, weighing the risks and benefits.  

The Duchy of Antares opposing Zeppelin was tantamount to a declaration of war, a matter of immense consequence. Deciding how to respond, while keeping the company's interests in mind, was no easy task.  

Siebolt would have rejected without a second thought if he were a small merchant merely seeking stability.

But he was a man who dreamed of becoming a merchant magnate spanning the entire continent.

To become a merchant magnate, one must be sensitive not only to money but also to the tides of the world, and they must cultivate strong relationships with those in power.

And the greatest factor in the growth of the Taoban Trading Company was undoubtedly the existence of the Duchy of Antares.

“His Majesty the Fist King is our trading company's largest client. Though the risks are significant, it's not a connection we can easily let go of.”

Originally, Siebolt was neither particularly opposed to nor supportive of the practice of interracial slavery.

Simply put, he was indifferent. He merely followed the norms of the world as it operated and did as others did.

However, opposing slavery offered the opportunity to stand behind a prominent figure like Repenhardt, along with numerous Aura Users, and even the nation of the Duchy of Antares itself.

On the other hand, supporting it would leave him as just another ordinary merchant of the Principality of Chatan.

“Honestly, it didn’t seem like His Majesty the Fist King was saying anything wrong.”

Since the founding of the Duchy of Antares, Repenhardt had consistently used the Taoban Trading Company as his primary trading partner. Through dealings with the Duchy of Antares, Siebolt had witnessed numerous free individuals from various races.

While he wasn’t particularly inspired by Repenhardt’s philosophy of interracial liberation, he also didn’t think what the man said was wrong.

No, to set aside all other reasons, Siebolt simply liked the person Repenhardt was.

Repenhardt was a trustworthy trading partner and not the type to betray others. In fact, when doing business, trust in the counterpart was just as important as the price and amount.

“The real question was whether His Majesty the Fist King would succeed….”

Siebolt shrugged his shoulders.

“No matter how much I thought about it, it seemed impossible for His Majesty the Fist King to fail, at least from my perspective.”

As for the operation itself, Siebolt didn’t know much, so he couldn’t say whether it was meticulous or not.

But he did know what kind of man Repenhardt was. He also knew well the extraordinary warriors gathered under his command.

Considering all factors, Siebolt concluded that if Repenhardt aimed to capture Zeppelin, there was no way the Principality of Chatan in its current state could stop him.

“If His Majesty the Fist King’s operation to liberate Zeppelin had been entirely unrealistic, I wouldn’t have acted this way. Who knows, I might have run to the Kingdom of Chatan with this information to claim a reward.”

“I only shared this information with you because I knew you weren’t the type to do such a thing,” was the response.

“Indeed, that’s true.”

Siebolt gave a bitter smile. For a merchant, trust in one’s trading partner was an essential factor. Though he spoke as he did, even he thought it unlikely that he would have acted otherwise.

“In any case, I placed my bet on His Majesty the Fist King, trusting him. Thanks to that, I’ve been able to reap great profits.”

“That’s fortunate to hear,” Repenhardt said with a smile.

He knew well that Siebolt wasn’t just talking about trading with the Duchy of Antares. There was no way Siebolt could have seen such significant gains just by providing the necessary goods.

Having anticipated this chaos, Siebolt had not only procured the supplies that the Duchy required but had also moved busily on another front.

He had preemptively signed contracts with slave traders across Zeppelin, agreeing to purchase an enormous number of slaves. The payments were arranged through promissory notes, deferred to a later date, and the contracts stipulated that if the deal fell through, the slave traders would have to offer their lands across the continent as collateral. It was an amount that exceeded the Taoban Trading Company’s available funds, meaning that if Repenhardt had failed, the Taoban Trading Company would have collapsed instantly.

But Siebolt trusted Repenhardt, just as he had during the Great Famine of Crovence.

And his trust was splendidly rewarded.

Now, with no slaves left to supply, the slave traders of Zeppelin were forced to pay with their lands instead. As a result, the Taoban Trading Company had suddenly risen to become one of the top three trading companies on the continent.

“Well, it’s a method that goes against the principles of a merchant, but the slave traders of Zeppelin have always conducted themselves like this. It’s only fair that they fell victim to their own schemes.”

Repenhardt nodded in agreement. Then, as if something crossed his mind, he asked, “But after this, it’ll be difficult for you to remain in the Principality of Chatan. Do you have any other plans in mind?”

Siebolt answered calmly, “I was already planning to wrap things up here and leave Chatan.”

In truth, most of the merchant groups in Chatan were more like stateless entities that frequently crossed borders. The Taoban Trading Company was no exception.

Though the Taoban Trading Company had its headquarters in Zeppelin, that was only because Zeppelin was the most prosperous commercial city on the continent. It wasn’t due to any patriotism Siebolt held for the Principality of Chatan. In fact, Siebolt himself was originally from the Duchy of Lastil.

Bowing deeply, Siebolt spoke politely.

“I plan to settle in the Kingdom of Crovence from now on. I hope His Majesty the Fist King will continue to look after me.”

The current king of Crovence, Yubel II, is well-known among the merchants of the continent for his great favor toward the Fist King of Antares. Or rather, to be precise, it was less favor and more akin to trust in a reliable comrade.

Repenhardt nodded seriously, showing his agreement.

“I’ll do my best to help. It’ll benefit us as well.”

At the response, Siebolt displayed a satisfied smile.

Money, as they say, is hard to earn but even harder to keep. As one of the continent’s most prominent wealthy figures, he knew that a strong backing was essential to maintaining his position. In this regard, the Duchy of Antares was an immensely satisfying ally.

Of course, if the Duchy of Antares were to fall, the Taoban Trading Company would go down with it...  

‘It’s a gamble with stakes this high. Accepting that level of risk is only natural.’

During their conversation, Siebolt’s subordinates finished preparing for departure. After checking the situation, Siebolt offered his farewell.

“I look forward to continued business with you, Your Majesty the Fist King. Our Taoban Trading Company always serves with trust and kindness.”

It was truly the demeanor of a thorough merchant.

“Then, go safely.”

Watching Siebolt’s departing entourage, Repenhardt swallowed hard. He felt grateful for the trust placed in him but equally burdened by its weight.

If something were to happen to him or the Duchy of Antares, wouldn’t it also spell disaster for Siebolt and his people? Perhaps they’d even be branded as the pawns of the Demon King and sentenced to the stake.

‘Well, at least I’m not being called a Demon King this time, so maybe that won’t happen.’

Still, he couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of how many lives rested upon his shoulders.

“Ah, I really need to ensure they all receive proper rewards and live good lives...”

Muttering to himself, Repenhardt began heading back toward the barracks.

At that moment, beyond the Koln Canyon, he noticed three riders kicking up dust in the wilderness, galloping at full speed. They were three rugged-looking orcs, including Talkata, who had gone beyond the canyon on a reconnaissance mission.

“Your Majesty the Fist King!”

In a panic, Talkata dismounted with a near-fall and dropped to his knees before Repenhardt.

Though aged, this brave orc showed no signs of decline, and seeing him like this made Repenhardt widen his eyes in alarm.

On Talkata’s face was an expression of fear rarely seen before.

“What’s the matter, Talkata?”

Still kneeling, Talkata shouted desperately.

“It’s a human army! It seems Zeppelin has sent a pursuit force!”