The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

“What on earth is going on here?!”

“Tsk, let’s just go back for today and try again another time.”

“Ugh, as expected from those northern hicks—no manners. None at all. If it weren’t for the Marquis of Branford…”

The same people who had been brandishing swords in front of someone else’s shop were now, as if nothing had happened, speaking solemnly about manners.

After some time, most of the crowd dispersed. With the doors shut tight and no conversation to be had, they had no other choice.

As it grew quieter outside, Ghislain asked Claude quietly.

“Are they all gone?”

“For the most part, yes. But what are you planning to do now? If we open again, it’ll just cause another mess.”

“We need to make sure it doesn’t become a mess.”

“How, exactly?”

“We need to find a representative. As things are now, it’s better to sell off everything quickly and move on.”

There was no way he could stay tied down to the capital forever.

Having made his decision, Ghislain took determined steps forward.

Claude hurried after him, asking, “Didn’t you say it’d be a waste to leave it to someone else? This chaos is just because it’s the beginning. Won’t things settle down in a few days?”

“How long will that take? Unless we set up branches and manage supply across all the kingdom’s territories, people will keep flocking here. The so-called famous merchant guilds from each region have already started coming by.”

“…It’s going to be hard to return to the estate right away.”

“Yeah, I won’t be able to budge until the stock is completely sold out.”

Ghislain had estimated the amount based on the popularity he had seen in his previous life.

Initially, he had planned to adopt a luxury strategy, selling only to a few wealthy nobles and slowly expanding sales channels.

By controlling demand at a manageable pace, he intended to secure a stable income source. However, word of mouth spread faster than he had anticipated after treating Rosalyn.

But no matter how well the business was going, he couldn’t afford to miss out on more important matters.

It was frustrating to have to share even a little of the profit, but in this situation, it was better to appoint a representative.

Claude, understanding Ghislain’s thoughts to some extent, declared with a resolute expression, “Then I’ll stay and handle things somehow! My lord, you should just return to the estate!”

“If you’re left alone, you’ll slack off, won’t you? Want to die?”

“I’m sorry…”

Claude’s hidden ambition was blocked by Ghislain’s unyielding stance.

“Then who are you thinking of entrusting this to?”

“Hm…”

The representative needed to be powerful enough to manage even nobles and skilled at handling the work.

There weren’t many options.

‘Countess Aylesbur wouldn’t be a bad choice, but since I’m already tied to the Branford family as a patron, it’d be better to leave it to them.’

With a casual demeanor, Ghislain headed to the Marquis of Branford’s mansion.

The sudden visit left the Marquis of Branford pressing his temples, trying to suppress a headache.

‘He’s not just dropping by a friend’s house…’

Hiding his inner thoughts, the Marquis maintained his usual expressionless face and asked, “What is it?”

“I’m here to deliver some good news.”

It was a line typically used by conmen.

The Marquis squinted his eyes, sizing up Ghislain from head to toe. Ghislain, however, met his gaze confidently, without a hint of hesitation.

“…Go on.”

“I’m sure you’re aware of the increasing popularity of our cosmetics.”

“And so?”

“We would like the Branford family to take over the sales of these cosmetics on our behalf.”

The Marquis didn’t bother to conceal his confusion and asked again, “They’re selling well. Why would you want to hand them over?”

“There are too many customers for our current manpower to handle. We’ll offer you 10% of the sales profits, and in return, we’d like an investment of 300,000 gold.”

The Marquis’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

Three hundred thousand gold was a fortune, enough to buy a small estate. To bring up such a massive sum so casually…

Although the cosmetics were incredibly popular, exchanging just 10% of the shares for 300,000 gold was absurd.

‘Does this kid think I’m a pushover just because I’ve done him a few favors?’

It had been a long time since the Marquis had felt this level of agitation. He scowled as he responded, “No.”

The swift and firm rejection caused both Belinda and Claude, who had accompanied Ghislain, to nod in agreement.

‘The Young Lord went too far this time. Three hundred thousand gold? That kind of money would last a person for decades.’

‘Ah, why does our lord always think on such a grand scale? Did he really believe that would work? Even a fool wouldn’t agree to such a deal.’

Just as the atmosphere began to grow awkward, Rosalyn, who proudly considered herself Ghislain’s patron, intervened.

“Father! I’ll cover half of the investment. Please accept it. This is a really great opportunity.”

Startled by the sudden statement, the Marquis raised an eyebrow and asked,
“An opportunity? What kind of opportunity do you think this is?”

“Cosmetics are consumable products. They’ll continue to sell endlessly. We can recoup the investment eventually.”

“And when do you think we’ll make that money back? With a 10% share, that’s only 10 gold. After subtracting management and operating costs, there won’t even be half of that left.”

“That’s only because we’re currently selling them in the capital. Once Deneb’s name spreads across the entire kingdom, we’ll recover the investment much faster than you’re estimating.”

It wasn’t entirely wrong, but building that reputation and expanding sales channels would also take time and money.

The Marquis clicked his tongue and chided his daughter.

“Do you think it’s as easy as it sounds? Selling in the capital and setting up branches across the kingdom are entirely different matters.”

“I’ll take care of the management myself.”

Rosalyn’s confident statement made the Marquis of Branford pause for a moment.

“You, Rosalyn?”

“If you leave it to me, I’ll make sure we recover the principal without any problems.”

“If that guy fails to supply the goods properly, we’ll suffer a huge loss.”

At this, Ghislain, who had been listening quietly, grinned and spoke confidently.

“Come on, if the products sell well, that’s good for me too. Do you really think I’d mess that up? There’s no need to worry so much.”

Rosalyn eagerly backed him up.

“That’s right. Baron Fenris isn’t the type to do that. You’ve seen it yourself so far, haven’t you?”

Ghislain had been trying to keep his distance from Rosalyn, but if she was going to actively support him like this, the situation changed.

“Anyway, I was planning to gradually set up branches when I had the resources later on. If Miss Rosalyn helps, it’ll establish a foothold quickly. It would be a great benefit for the Branford family as well.”

With the two of them determinedly pushing, the Marquis of Branford was a bit flustered and took a step back.

Whether he was retreating or not, Rosalyn continued even more assertively.

“This is also an opportunity to enhance the influence of our family. It would mean that every noble who wants this product can only get it through us.”

She had a point.

Monopolizing a product is a form of power.

Especially if the product is one that has become a sensational hit, the power derived from it grows proportionately.

The Marquis of Branford, who was momentarily swayed by how reasonable it sounded, shook his head vigorously.

‘No, no. It makes no sense to spend 300,000 gold and take on the work just to get that kind of profit. I’m not a fool!’

It was only logical that if you invest, you should receive a stake in return.

But to do the work on top of that? It was no different from asking him to work for free. What kind of investor would accept such a foolish proposal?

Sensing that the Marquis was about to refuse again, Rosalyn shot a glance at Ghislain and quickly continued.

“Think about it. Imagine branches spread across the entire kingdom, with the banner of the Branford family flying over each one. It wouldn’t be a loss for our family. We’ll recover the principal quickly, and after that, it’ll be pure profit. Let me handle it.”

Seeing Rosalyn’s unusually desperate effort to persuade him, the Marquis of Branford’s expression grew suspicious.

‘Why is she being so proactive? Could it be that she was moved by the nonsense that idiot said?’

Marquis of Branford, suddenly reaching a certain thought, pointed at her and spoke.

“Your wedding is not far off. You don’t have the luxury to start something else.”

Rosalyn, as if she had already anticipated his remark, continued without hesitation.

“Now that I’ve recovered, is there really a need for me to marry into such a family? There are much better options available. Doesn’t it feel like a waste?”

“Hmm…”

The Marquis of Branford’s gaze wavered slightly.

Now that she had recovered from her illness and was gradually returning to her old self, it did feel like a waste to send her off to that family.

Seeing this, Rosalyn realized this was the perfect moment to press on.

Her father wasn’t the type to hesitate like that over most things.

“I’ve managed various organizations before, so I’m confident I can make money. You know that, Father. Leave it to me. I’ll make sure you feel like 300,000 gold was a bargain.”

The Marquis of Branford couldn’t refute Rosalyn’s words.

Indeed, Rosalyn’s business acumen surpassed his own.

Before she fell ill, she had run multiple organizations simultaneously without a single complaint and had never incurred a loss. It was something he could trust her with.

‘It does sound plausible… but still, something feels off…’

The Marquis of Branford glanced at Ghislain.

Ever since that fellow had asked him to be a guarantor, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being used.

Ghislain spoke with a confident air.

“In the long run, I’m the one who stands to lose. I’m selling it cheaply now because I urgently need the money and managing it is a burden. Opportunities like this… they don’t come around often.”

It was quite a skill, to deliver lines fit for a con artist with such boldness.

The Marquis of Branford slightly frowned.

“Still, isn’t the amount too high…?”

“Father!”

Swish!

Rosalyn snapped open her fan, covering her face with it while glaring at the Marquis of Branford with just her eyes.

“Why are you acting so out of character? This is a chance to increase the family’s influence and make money! You know the value of this better than anyone!”

‘What do you mean out of character? Is selling cosmetics supposed to be my thing now?’

The Marquis of Branford felt an odd sense of injustice.

‘Why am I… listening to this? Why am I… suddenly selling cosmetics? Why am I… supposed to give her money?’

In truth, he knew Rosalyn was right. That was the problem. He knew the venture had value, and that’s why he was wavering.

It was something worth doing, yet he didn’t understand why it made his stomach churn.

The Marquis of Branford clutched his throbbing head and closed his eyes.

Ever since Ghislain appeared, everything seemed to be going awry.

He had requested to become his guardian, and under that pretense, had siphoned off all the support. Now he wanted him to sell cosmetics on his behalf and, in return, cough up the funds.

‘Ah, now I understand why I’m feeling ill.’

Come to think of it, that guy was getting everything he wanted.

The Marquis of Branford’s face showed signs of deep distress.

Watching this, Belinda and Claude clenched their fists tightly.

To see the Marquis of Branford hesitating like that!

‘Is he… is he really wavering at the Young Lord’s proposal? Seriously? Is that really the Marquis of Branford?’

‘Could he really be convinced? I hope so. That would be amazing! It’d mean less work for us. Please, please!’

As the Marquis of Branford wrestled with his decision, unable to reach a conclusion, Ghislain decided to throw out his trump card.