The treasures, antiques, and paintings owned by Viscount Mamire were scarce.
Even if there were any, when verified with Ryu’s “Appraisal” skill, only worthless items such as fakes, forgeries, replicas, and imitations remained.
According to Viscount Mamire, most of the valuable items were taken away by creditors.
However, one treasure remained in the possession of Viscount Mamire: a gem passed down from ancestors, said to have been bestowed by the royal family. It seemed this gem had been safeguarded without being used as collateral.
“Unfortunately, Viscount Mamire, at this stage, the only thing that seems suitable as collateral is this gem bestowed by the royal family.”
“T-That’s… Is there no other way?”
Viscount Mamire pleaded with Ryu, wiping sweat from her face with a distressed expression.
“Unfortunately… But, it’s only collateral. If the borrowed money is repaid properly, it will return to the Viscount.”
“It’s a shameful situation, but even those who have borrowed money are falling behind on repayments… If we lose this, the Mamire family will come to an end in my generation!”
Viscount Mamire sank to her knees, clinging to Ryu in desperation.
“Please calm down. We don’t intend to just take collateral and lend money.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“If we can improve the finances of the viscount’s territory, I believe there is still repayment capability. So, first, we’ll consolidate the debts here, reduce expenses through territorial reform, and cut down on waste. We’ll stay here for a few days to outline the plan, so please implement the reforms based on that.”
“Will you really do that for us!?”
“We don’t particularly want to take the gem from the Viscount. When lending money, it’s essential to create a proper repayment plan and recover it. Mutual benefit is the priority in lending and borrowing.”
“T-Thank you very much!”
Viscount Mamire pressed her forehead to the ground, clinging to Ryu as her savior.
“Well then, let’s start by organizing the debts borrowed from elsewhere.”
Ryu thoroughly examined the contracts, recalculated, reclaimed overpayments, took over remaining balances, and proceeded with consolidating debts to the landmark house.
During this investigation, it was discovered by Viscount Mamire that there were irregularities committed by the accounting, head maid, and merchants who were involved in it, leading to their punishment.
The butler of the Mamire family felt ashamed for not noticing it and requested resignation, but it was rejected. Such integrity was necessary for the current Mamire family. Under Sebastian’s guidance, the butler would undergo several days of re-education.
While consolidating debts over several days, the Mamire territory had developed a complex and inefficient system due to longstanding customs, complicating matters. Streamlining this and reallocating idle hands to other tasks were done.
Although the tax revenue itself should have been sufficient due to the rich land, it had been wasted due to long-standing customs, complex systems, and corruption.
If Ryu noticed this in just a few days, thorough investigation would likely reveal much more.
Sebastian was entrusted with educating the butler here, and with his integrity, it should be fine after some rebuilding and guidance.
“Well then, we’ll keep the gem as collateral.”
Viscount Mamire handed the case containing the gem to Ryu, drenched in sweat.
“I’ll have this stored in the Landmark house’s treasury immediately, so please rest assured. Please be diligent in repayment and refrain from excessive extravagance.”
Ryu accepted the gem, emphasizing.
“Thank you very much for this. Our territory, our Mamire family, has been saved. Thank you. I will repay the borrowed money without fail and in full.”
Viscount Mamire and the butler bowed deeply, swearing.
“There’s no need for thanks. It’s beneficial for both parties.”
Ryu replied and boarded the carriage, heading towards the next territory of Viscount Bunarn.
