Fortunately, contrary to concerns, no one raised any objections regarding the shares of the Rosso Bank that I had obtained from the Countess Kioja.

 

In fact, Duke Veneto welcomed my involvement with the Rosso Bank.

 

It seemed that, since I was treated as a capable individual by the Duke, having the grandson-in-law of the still-weak Lordship of Marseille hold the shares was less unsettling. 

 

Having the daughter-in-law of the powerful Lordship of Saxony do so.

 

Thus, I ordered Chief Economic Officer Diego to attend the Rosso Bank board meeting and return.

 

“Diego, get the ‘Establishment of a Marseille Branch’ proposal passed at the board meeting.”

 

“We hold 12.5% of the shares. Is that possible?”

 

“It’s something I’ve already discussed and agreed upon with Duke Veneto.”

 

Since Duke Veneto was the majority shareholder, his agreement alone made it entirely possible.

 

“The Lord is successfully attracting businesses one after another, while I still have no achievements to show.”

 

“Don’t be disappointed already; if you could even bring over a Magic Tower, it would be a huge success.”

 

I patted Diego on the shoulder.

 

He had been trying for a long time, contacting the Magic Towers located in the Kingdom of France to attract them.

 

Even though he failed every time because the Magic Towers, already established and stable in the capital, had no reason to relocate.

 

“I will return to the Lordship of Marseille as soon as the board meeting is over. Before the wheat sowing begins.”

 

“Understood. I’ll send the ‘Benedicta’ to you as soon as you return.”

 

I became the Lord of Marseille around the harvest season last fall, and now the spring sowing season is already approaching.

 

It was also a reason I needed to hurry back to my territory.

 

💫

 

Upon hearing the news that I was returning to Marseille, the Duke of Veneto and his family expressed their regret.

 

However, since they were also busy preparing for the spring sowing, they understood my need to hurry.

 

Particularly, Count Kioja, who owns large wheat fields, completely entrusted the wedding preparations to me.

 

“Viscount Marseille, I apologize that it seems I am dumping all the event preparations on you.”

 

“Since the wedding is taking place in your domain, it’s only natural that I should prepare it.”

 

“I’m glad for your understanding. And I do not wish for a lavish wedding, so please keep it as simple as possible.”

 

“That is actually what I prefer.”

 

“Thank you. And I will bring the child to be used as a substitute.”

 

Since my bride hasn’t even been born yet, a substitute must stand in for the wedding ceremony. He means that Count Kioja will bring the person who will act as that substitute.

 

“Please do as you see fit.”

 

“Perhaps you have a preferred appearance?”

 

What is this person talking about?

 

Why would that be necessary for a substitute?

 

Seeing my puzzled expression, Count Kioja laughed and explained.

 

“Ah, I plan to choose one from among the commoner children.”

 

They’re insane.

 

These otherworldly beings, who seem to have no concept of human rights, apparently intend to forcibly send along a bride for a political sham marriage, even if it’s just a substitute.

 

Of course, for me, it’s nothing but a nuisance.

 

I was about to dismiss that uncouth consideration coldly, but then I suddenly changed my mind.

 

“If that’s the case, please send me one of the orphans cared for by the church. Preferably a smart child.”

 

Since I was going to get a fake priest anyway, I might as well use them as a propaganda tool. I’ll create a story of a young orphan girl who, under my care, is well-dressed, well-fed, and thriving.

 

The concept of a benevolent lord is effective propaganda anywhere.

 

Perhaps sensing my intention, Count Kioja grinned.

 

“As expected of Count Marseille. Understood. I will prepare things as you wish.”

 

“Thank you for your understanding.”

 

Anyway, we were both busy, so I declined the farewell ceremony and headed to the port, quickly boarding the Benedicta and ordering its departure.

 

“Adrian Asel! To Marseille!”

 

“Yes, my lord!”

 

It was almost like a triumphant return, having squeezed honey from the territory of Veneto.

 

It was only natural for the journey home to be fulfilling and enjoyable.

 

💫

 

The pirates of Cagliari were all put back onto pirate ships, still bearing their slave brands.

 

Most of the pirate ships were decided to be operated as merchant ships transporting cargo.

 

A few of those merchant ships appeared at the island of Menorca (Guano Island) in the Balearic Islands.

 

A sailor looked at Guano Island and sighed. He vented his frustrations to a comrade.

 

“Why is the lord making us dig up guano? Ugh, the smell is incredible.”

 

“Stop complaining. It’s not a matter of life and death, just moving rocks. What’s the big deal?”

 

“True. The food is good, and simple labor is the best for passing the time. Heh heh heh.”

 

“If you have nothing to do, just praise the lord. He did save all of us, after all.”

“Pfft, you slave-like fool.”

 

At the sailor’s words, a comrade pointed to the slave brand engraved on his forehead.

 

“What’s he talking about? I am a slave.”

 

The merchant ships anchored off the coast of Bird Shit Island, and the laborers began to disembark in a line.

 

Soon, a foreman directing the work shouted loudly.

 

“Don’t harm the birds! Don’t just dig up any rock! Only put the hardened bird droppings into the sacks!”

 

“Yes!”

 

Whether it was because of the slave brand or not, the laborers, former pirates and bandits, answered robustly and began their work with shovels and pickaxes.

 

The birds on the island watched the laborers as if they were cattle or chickens. Having never been harmed by humans before, they seemed fearless.

 

One laborer watched the countless migratory birds and seagulls shitting all over the island as they came and went.

 

“It’s really raining shit. But where on earth are they going to use all this dung…”

 

He then silently went back to digging up the dung rocks and putting them into sacks.