Reincarnation of a Hunter Chapter 43.1 - The Ducal Succession War

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This time, the secretaries accompanying me to the Venetian territory were Diego, the chief economic advisor, and Martin, the chief security officer.

I set out to tour the area with the two of them.

Veneto was filled with ancient ruins and beautiful architecture, offering plenty to see.

We traveled in an open-roofed carriage, taking in the sights of the city. It was common to see small groups of people dressed in fine fabrics gathered in front of tea shops, smoking and chatting idly.

 

“The atmosphere of a territory that’s been wealthy for so long is just different. Everyone seems so at ease.”

“I don’t understand why they smoke so much. The smell is…”

“Haha, it’s a sight you’d never see in our territory.”

 

I chuckled as Martin pinched his nose and complained.

Concerned for the health of our people, I had imposed heavy taxes on imported tobacco.

Since we didn’t grow tobacco in our territory to begin with, the already low smoking rate had naturally declined further.

 

Diego, however, seemed more interested in something other than health.

“My lord, have you considered any special ideas related to tobacco? If we processed and exported it, the profits could be substantial.”

“No matter how cold-blooded I may seem, I don’t want to trade people’s health for money.”

“Nobody thinks you’re cold-blooded. But is tobacco really that harmful?”

“I’ve told you before. Just quitting tobacco alone makes people much healthier. It reduces diseases too.”

“Then why not make tobacco that isn’t harmful?”

 

Tobacco that isn’t harmful to health…

Even though the plants growing in this world aren’t drastically different from those on Earth in my past life, there are certainly many unheard-of plants here as well.

 

“If we can find a plant that could potentially replace tobacco leaves, we might be able to make money.”

“But if we compete with real tobacco, we’d lose immediately.”

“We should first check if it has any market value.”

 

We continued discussing new ideas, bringing up items we found around the city of Veneto. 

 

Me, eager to rapidly develop the territory. Diego wants to secure even a single penny more in the budget. And Martin, who’s easygoing no matter what.

We exchanged our thoughts as we toured the city until sunset.

 

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The eve of the Veneto Ducal Succession War.

I set out with my secretaries to attend the dinner being held at the lord’s manor.

Unlike Martin, whose legs were shaking nervously, Diego appeared surprisingly composed.

“Diego, you’re not nervous?”

“Hmph. I’ve been through this before.”

Apparently, he had once been invited to the residence of the chairman of the Lisbon noble council. A place like the Veneto lord’s manor must not faze him anymore.

 

Unlike spacious Lisbon, where land is plentiful, Veneto’s high land prices mean every building is tightly packed.

Because of that, it seems less extravagant compared to Lisbon.

“It’ll be different once we’re inside.”

This is the city where luxury reaches its peak. Most people wouldn’t even dare to set foot here. 

 

Sure enough, the two men who stepped out of the carriage couldn’t even bring themselves to enter the manor.

“T-this carpet… it’s silk, isn’t it?!”

“I can’t go in. If I step on this, they’ll have my head!”

“That doorknob… is that gold? And shaped like a lion…?”

These country bumpkins. 

 

If they ever went to Seoul, they’d faint on the spot.

 

“Follow me if you want. Take off your shoes or whatever.”

I strode confidently into the manor.

“W-wait, my lord!”

 

The two secretaries couldn’t bring themselves to step on the silk carpet and instead stuck to the sides of the hallway as they followed.

Naturally, even the servants of the lord’s residence chuckled at the sight.

 

And then, another obstacle appeared. This time, the hallway was adorned with countless famous paintings and ceramics. Even someone without an artistic sensibility would feel intimidated.

 

“Gasp! Where are we supposed to walk now?”

The two, now with no place to step, looked utterly perplexed.

 

“You two, don’t walk on the sides and risk breaking the ceramics—just walk down the middle.”

“Y-yes…”

 

I took the lead, walking ahead while admiring the displayed artworks. I skimmed over the paintings since they didn’t interest me, but I examined a few of the ceramics—likely imported from the East—using [Convenient Low-Level Appraisal].

 

Likewise, I’ve always been interested in the Eastern culture of this world. Maybe it’s natural, since I’m Korean at heart.

 

‘Huh? There are fakes here.’

 

[White Porcelain Inlaid Plum Vase. A replica modeled after a national treasure. The maker’s signature is inside the vase. Created by Nguyen Phuong Linh, a specialist in reproductions.]

 

‘Someone must’ve been scammed into buying this. My silent condolences.’

 

As I walked down the long hallway, I spotted five more fakes.

Of course, I didn’t point them out. If they thought their pride was hurt, they might end up resenting me instead.

 

Soon, we arrived at the banquet hall, where the herald and attendants of the Veneto territory welcomed us. Martin, as the standard-bearer, displayed the banner, while I extended the signet ring on my finger.

 

After verifying my identity with a magical tool, the herald whispered to an attendant.

 

“Presenting Count Eric Marseille of the Marseille Territory!”

The attendant announced my arrival in a booming voice.

 

At that moment, everyone in the banquet hall turned to look at me.

 

‘What’s this? All this attention is uncomfortable.’

 

While heading toward Marquis Kioja after spotting him in the distance, a swarm of nobles suddenly surrounded me.

 

“It is an honor to meet you, the esteemed Marquis of Marseille. I am from the main empire—”

“What a privilege to encounter the great inventor. Allow me to introduce myself—”

 

The endless requests for handshakes flustered me. I never imagined I’d be this famous.

 

Later, I learned that my name was especially well-known among nobles in port cities. The goods I produced were either related to the sea or were popular trade items.

 

After enduring the rush of greetings from countless nobles, a young boy approached me.

 

“Pleased to meet you. My name is Vincent Veneto.”

 

He was the fourth son of Duke Veneto. Unintentionally, I had just met the enemy leader of this succession war. But his height was around 150 cm, and his slender frame made him appear almost frail. His overall demeanor seemed far too delicate.

 

Appraisal.

Vincent Veneto (16 years old)
➺ Fourth son of Duke Veneto. 

➺ Unemployed. 

➺ Serves no deity.

 

The information was extremely brief. Contrary to Viscount Kioja’s words, he had no connection to the ‘God of the Dead, Hela.’

 

This is confusing. Why on earth did Duke Veneto pick this kid as his successor?