Chapter 42: A False Triumph
[Villa Year 423, August]
Banaji was at the western edge of the Diner Dukedom, at the foot of Naruto Mountain, a three-hour carriage ride from the mansion.
He anxiously watched the mountainside from a hastily built work shed.
A figure hurried toward the shed from the direction of his gaze.
“Master, the test digging is complete.
Here—”
The man, Liberte, the current mine manager for the Diner Dukedom, handed Banaji a stone, panting.
Taking the fist-sized rock, Banaji saw glints of sparkle within its heavy weight.
“We did it.
Gold ore.”
“Yes, gold ore.”
Liberte nodded vigorously.
“Is this all?”
“No, we found others, but I brought this one to inform you quickly.”
“I’ll see it myself.
Lead the way.”
Banaji placed the gold ore on the shed’s table and stepped outside.
Climbing a steep slope, he reached a vertical shaft where workers were busy.
“Today’s findings are here.”
Liberte pointed to the shaft’s entrance, where stones of various sizes were piled, all glimmering with gold.
“All this in one day?”
“Yes.”
“We did it!
Well done!”
Banaji shouted, exhilarated.
‘As expected, Fine’s Divine Blessing paid off.
She’s useful.’
The rare good news lifted his spirits.
“Build a full-scale mining operation here.
Get started immediately.”
“Understood.”
Liberte bowed in acknowledgment.
From then on, everything went smoothly, as if the endless failed digs were a lie.
Back at the mansion, Banaji savored fine wine, reveling in the business revival.
“Banaji, I want to buy a dress from Madame Cynthia.
Is that okay?”
Reina clung to him, her voice sweet.
“Sure, do what you want.”
“And new jewelry and shoes to match—”
“Buy as much as you like.”
Banaji agreed readily.
With Naruto’s gold mine, money was no issue.
“Yay!
Thank you, Banaji!”
Reina wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing close.
Banaji pushed her away with one hand.
“Hey, what gives?”
“You’ll spill my wine.”
Reina puffed her cheeks, displeased.
Banaji sighed inwardly.
When had Reina, once charmingly naive, started seeming like a vain, empty-headed woman?
“By the way, Reina, I’m thinking of inviting Fine and her husband here soon.”
“My sister?
Why?”
“Think about it.
We found Naruto’s gold mine thanks to Fine’s advice.
Keeping her on our side is useful.
We should build a good relationship, right?”
“Hmm, you mean use her?
Will she cooperate that much?”
“She has no children yet.
If there’s a rift with the Rosaider Margrave, she’ll be cast out.
Who do you think she’ll turn to then?”
Reina’s eyes lit up, catching on.
“You’ll drive a wedge between her and the Rosaider Margrave?
But wasn’t he called ‘Death’?
Will it work?”
“That ‘Death’ rumor?
I spread it, so don’t worry.
The trap’s for Fine.
If she’s caught with another man while visiting, how will Hawk react?”
Banaji grinned wickedly.
Known for his ruthlessness, Hawk would surely rage and expel Fine from the Rosaider Margravate.
“Great idea.
I’ll start preparing.”
“Good, do it.”
Banaji swirled the wine in his glass and downed it.
‘I’m a genius.’
In this world, only those who win at strategy survive.
He felt no fear of losing to a man still swinging a sword in peacetime.