The atmosphere, which had been pleasant moments earlier, turned tense in an instant. The vassals of the Branford Marquisate openly displayed their displeasure. ‘How arrogant! Just because he’s making some money, he thinks he can dismiss such a proposal?’ ‘Why would the marquis even take him under his wing?’ However, unlike his vassals, Marquis Branford didn’t appear irritated. Instead, he seemed curious as he questioned Ghislain. “I don’t understand. It wasn’t a bad offer for you either, was it? You could gain my trust, and it would be a good match for your family.” Ghislain shook his head. During his time as the Mercenary King, he had bitterly regretted his failure to protect his family and those dear to him. Since returning, his only goal had been clear: to protect his family, estate, and his people. To sell out his family just to gain something would contradict everything he stood for. “I won’t sell out my family to get what I want.” “Hmm...” The others, unaware of Ghislain’s convictions, were stunned by his response. Arranged marriages were the norm in this era. It was the easiest and surest way to strengthen a family’s position. For a family as poor as the Ferdium estate, the marquis’s offer was a golden opportunity. When such offers come, you accept. But the heir of Ferdium refused, displaying what many saw as naive or foolish thinking. Marquis Branford smirked, clearly amused, and asked again. “Marriage is a decision made by the head of the family, not the individual. What if I send a letter to Count Ferdium? I doubt your father would refuse.” “If my sister says no, I will stop it.” “Even if your father agrees?” “Yes.” “And you’d be willing to lose out on what you want for this?” “There are other ways to achieve what I need.” The confidence in Ghislain’s reply was unwavering. ‘Defying the head of his family?’ The vassals looked at Ghislain as if he had lost his mind. All except for Rosaline. ‘So there are people who think this way.’ It was a rare individual who could reject such an appealing offer so easily. For any noble, this would be an irresistible temptation. ‘...He’s foolish, but... admirable.’ Turning down such an incredible opportunity was undeniably foolish. Rosaline knew that in her mind. But her heart couldn’t help but find Ghislain’s confidence admirable. No matter how much money or skill one had, there were barriers that couldn’t be overcome. Even Rosaline hadn’t been able to surmount them. But Ghislain stood tall as if those barriers didn’t matter at all. His resolute stance stirred something deep within her. Marquis Branford stared at Ghislain for a moment before speaking again. “You’re certainly not like any noble I’ve met before.” “I hear that often.” “Well, I’ve heard your convictions loud and clear,” the marquis said in a low voice. “If you dislike the idea so much, I won’t push it. But if you change your mind later, let me know.” “Understood. Then, about the favor I asked for...?” ‘This bold one.’ The marquis shook his head, half-amused, half-annoyed. His tone was frosty as he gave his final decision. “I’ll grant your request.” The vassals were astonished. They hadn’t expected the marquis to agree to such outrageous demands. But Ghislain, unsurprised, simply smiled and nodded. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮 Marquis Branford continued, his voice chilling. “Remember, the world you’re stepping into is different from what you’ve known. One mistake could cost you your estate and your head—and not just yours, but your family’s as well.” Ghislain bowed slightly in response. “I understand.” “Officially, the support will be sent to Ferdium. Your father is the head of your house.” “I understand.” “The full strength of the royalist faction will be behind this. We’re changing our plans for you, so don’t disappoint me.” As long as Raypold and Ferdium could hold, the royalist faction could check the duke’s forces in the north. It was a defensive strategy, but one they had to adopt, as the royalists were steadily losing ground to Duke Delphine. Marquis Branford continued briskly. “The aid initially meant for the Brivant estate will be redirected to Ferdium. First, we’ll provide military supplies and food. The people from the royal domain will be moved to your land in phases.” “Thank you.” “I doubt the number of people from the royal domain alone will be enough for you, right? I’ll also speak to other royalist lords to contribute some of their people. Be prepared.” Ghislain smiled. The result was better than he’d anticipated. But the one who was most thrilled wasn’t Ghislain—it was Belinda. “That’s wonderful news!” To her, Ferdium was like a second home. She had grown attached to the place ever since she followed Ghislain’s mother there. ‘How did our young master manage all of this? I’m glad I didn’t stop him.’ It was funny how feelings change. Before, she would have beaten him senseless to prevent him from acting so recklessly. Now that things were working out, she was glad she hadn’t interfered. Marquis Branford added, “The migration will take around five years. That’s fast, considering the scale, but it still won’t be enough to meet your immediate needs.” Ghislain had anticipated this and had already prepared a response. “If that’s the case, I’d like to purchase a large number of slaves in the meantime—not just from the capital, but from other regions as well.” “Hmm, slaves, you say...” The marquis nodded. If Ghislain had the means to buy them, slaves would indeed be a quicker solution to the labor shortage. The reason Ghislain was asking for help was likely because it would be difficult to personally contact all the slave traders. “Fine. I’ll send letters to the slave traders across the region. Since the goal is to increase your population, we’ll prioritize acquiring family units.” “Thank you. While you’re at it... could you help me find some special slaves too?” “Special slaves?” “Yes, I’d like to buy as many elven and dwarven slaves as possible.” “...” For the first time, Marquis Branford hesitated. Elven and dwarven slaves weren’t easily obtainable. They were under special management, making it difficult for anyone but the highest nobles or the royal family to acquire them. Even if they were available, their numbers were small, and the prices were astronomical. The cost of one elven or dwarven slave could easily equal that of more than a hundred ordinary human slaves. “You have some nerve, boy. High-ranking nobles struggle to get even one or two of those, and you want them in bulk?” “Yes, it’s hard to find people who sell them.” “It’d be cheaper to buy highly skilled human slaves.” “I plan to do that too, but having more elves and dwarves would be useful, wouldn’t it?” Elves and dwarves, with their unique racial traits, had advantages over humans. Ghislain had several plans in mind for how to put them to good use. If he couldn’t increase the quantity of his population, he could at least improve the quality. Of course, such a strategy only worked if he could afford the cost. Marquis Branford raised an eyebrow. “You have that kind of money? I hear you’ve been making some, but not enough for what you’re asking.” Ghislain smiled as if to reassure him. “I don’t have the cash on hand right now, but I have an idea.” “What is it?” Ghislain’s eyes twinkled as he confidently turned to the marquis. “I’d like you to cosign a loan...” “Rejected.” “...” Marquis Branford shut him down before he could finish the sentence. Everyone else in the room was just as taken aback. Rosaline, in particular, was once again shocked by Ghislain. It wasn’t just impressive that he could dream up such grand schemes without batting an eye. What amazed her more was his audacity to try to do it with someone else’s credit. ‘...He’s foolish, but admirable.’ As the room lapsed into silence, Belinda tugged on Ghislain’s sleeve again. ‘For the love of all things, why are you doing this? You’ve already made incredible requests, and they’re all being granted. Why push it further?’ Her earlier relief about not stopping him vanished. This was going too far. Ghislain brushed off her hand and spoke again. “The amount of money required is substantial, and I understand your concerns. But rest assured, I can repay everything.” “...” Marquis Branford was at a loss for words. In his experience, people asking for loans always said the same thing. He had never met one who didn’t. “Is it a no?” Ghislain asked again, his innocent expression almost convincing. Marquis Branford couldn’t help but chuckle. Even though he had agreed to be Ghislain’s patron, it felt like Ghislain was asking him to follow him to the gates of hell. Did this kid really just try to get him to cosign? “No. Don’t ask again.” “Aww.” Ghislain smacked his lips, disappointed. ‘Well, that was a no-go.’ He had expected the marquis to refuse, but it was worth a shot, considering the enormous cost involved. Just as Ghislain was about to accept defeat, his eyes landed on someone else in the room. Someone who had recently promised to be his sponsor. Rosaline. The moment their eyes met, she quickly pulled out her fan to hide her face. Ghislain, now gazing at her with a look of feigned melancholy, called out. “My lady.” Startled, Rosaline stumbled, barely regaining her balance with the help of her maid. “I’m not feeling well. I need to return to my room. Quickly. Let’s go, now.” Rosaline, supported by her attendants, hurried out of the chamber, her face still hidden behind her fan. Ghislain called out desperately after her. “Wait, my lady? Didn’t you say you’d be my sponsor?” ‘She said she’d be my sponsor, not my cosigner!’ Buying elven and dwarven slaves in bulk would cost the kingdom’s annual budget. No matter how well the cosmetics business did, he couldn’t hope to repay such a sum. Cosigning for him would be financial suicide. “Lord, I’ll see you later when I’m feeling better.” “My lady! My lady!” Ignoring Ghislain’s calls, Rosaline vanished from sight. “Hmm...” Ghislain couldn’t hide his disappointment as he scanned the room. But everyone he looked at quickly turned away, avoiding eye contact. ‘No one believes me. I could pay it all back, but no one trusts me. There’s so much to spend money on...’ Resigned to reality, Ghislain sighed and accepted the situation. “Fine. I’ll take care of the money myself.” With the discussion concluded, Marquis Branford returned to his usual dry tone. “It seems that’s all. It’ll take a few days to finalize everything you’ve asked for.” “I understand. I’ll come back once you notify me.” “Do you have any other business in the capital?”