Viscount Bunarn, whose scheme had been completely exposed, seemed likely to stop borrowing money. However, he had another idea. Apart from the items in his office, he attempted to use something hidden in the treasury as collateral.
Ryu appraised the item impassively to confirm its authenticity, while Sebastian assigned a value. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet the amount the Viscount desired. Eventually, they agreed to include artworks from the office as additional collateral.
“Isn’t the total value of the artworks too high for the borrowing amount?”
The Viscount expressed dissatisfaction.
“Without this, the collateral wouldn’t serve its purpose, right? Please understand this is not a charitable loan.”
Ryu insisted and asked for the Viscount’s signature on the contract.
Ryu decided not to intervene in the management of the Viscount’s estate. Since sincerity was lacking on the Viscount’s part, collateral was necessary.
The Viscount’s side was unwilling to discuss the details of estate management and showed a strong reaction against interference.
Perhaps the Viscount wasn’t even planning to pay the interest promptly.
Ryu sensed this and felt no need to be sympathetic.
Despite being the father of Tauro’s friend, maintaining a professional relationship without causing any disturbance seemed prudent to Ryu.
Although the Viscount appeared dissatisfied, he signed without hesitation.
Ryu had expected some more resistance, but evidently, the desire for cash prevailed.
Ryu theatrically produced a leather bag containing money from Sebastian and handed it to the Viscount. He had taken it out from a magic storage, fearing inquiries if he had taken it directly.
The Viscount glanced at the bag, seemingly expecting to see money inside, but then quickly verified the amount by weighing the bag.
The Viscount glanced at the bag, presumably expecting to see money inside, but quickly began to verify the amount by weighing the leather bag he was given.
During this time, Ryu’s group had to wait, but this was unavoidable given the lack of trust between them.
Since there was mutual distrust, it was better to have everything confirmed in front of each other to avoid future disputes.
“Ah, I have deducted this month’s interest as per the contract.”
Ryu had adopted this technique from his previous life. Here, financial laws were lax, so reaching an agreement between the parties was the best evidence.
Of course, if it violated the laws set by the kingdom, it would be a different story, but if the contract was validly executed, any issues between the parties would be settled at the time of signing.
Dismayed, Viscount Bunarn reviewed the contract upon hearing this but reluctantly accepted it as it was written.
With the contract concluded without a handshake between Ryu and the Viscount, Ryu’s group decided to stay at the arranged inn.
After reporting the successful contract and depositing the collateral in the Landmark House’s treasury, they used ‘Dimension Corridor’ to return to their home.
“Oh? Ryu, you’re back early.”
Farza greeted Ryu as he entered the office.
“…So, that was the person. I’d rather not get involved, but if he’s like his son, perhaps I can overlook this instance.”
“Yeah, I think so too.”
“So, you’re just staying overnight and returning tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but I’ve been asked to stay an extra day for a party the day after tomorrow. What should I do, Dad?”
“A party? Tomorrow instead of today? Well, there’s no reason to say no, so enjoy your day.”
“Okay, then I’ll be heading home the day after tomorrow.”
After saying that, Ryu returned to his room where he had set up an entrance and used ‘Dimension Corridor’ to return to the inn.
“Ah, you’re back Ryu.”
Leanne said as she entered the room.
“What’s going on?”
“An envoy from Viscount Bunarn just came by. They said tomorrow’s party is canceled.”
“Really?”
“It doesn’t make any sense, does it? They decided to throw a party on a whim, and now it’s suddenly canceled.”
“Yeah… Well, once they’ve borrowed the money, there’s no reason to keep us around. I was surprised when they mentioned the party as we were leaving, but maybe they realized it was pointless.”
In the end, Ryu’s group was toyed with by Viscount Bunarn until the very end, but they decided to return home the next day.
