Enlightened Empire

Yes, certainly an army man. That means he'll probably stick with the truth, and is probably easy to fool.

Every time he met a prospective customer for the Tasa Bank's loan business, Sawo would first observe them to understand them before they ever opened their mouths. Thus, he carefully watched the young man with the sharp face and stiff posture who sat in front of him, across from the expensive table in his office. It was a familiar feeling, and a familiar room, though both hadn't been much in use recently.

In fact, he wasn't really responsible for the lending business anymore. These days, he had people for that kind of thing. Rather, he was busy handling his other properties, and had no time to sit around and listen to poor people who tried to take his hard-earned money.

However, today's customer was simply too important, and Sawo just happened to be here, so he decide to greet this important customer himself.

"Now then, Officer Alcer," he began, while he pointlessly shuffled some papers around his table to look important. "We are very happy that you still decided to work with us."

"You say that, but 'happy' is not the impression I got from you," the officer huffed, and threw one of the Tasa Bank business cards onto the table between them.

Of course, Sawo knew what this customer of his was talking about. He himself had ordered his workers to put some pressure on undecided high-value customers. It was an aggressive strategy, but also highly effective. After all, this one had still come here, no matter how much he complained. Obviously, Sawo couldn't admit as much, so he simply played dumb.

"Whatever could dear customer be talking about? Surely, this is a misunderstanding. All we offered was a simple reminder that the bank is currently a bit short on funds. After all, we cannot wait on our potential customers forever, no matter how good their business might be."

Although Sawo felt that his excuses were good, it didn't calm the commoner's anger.

"Well, I'm not the one making you wait. It's one of your other 'customers' who's making trouble for mw. What do you say about that?"

"I don't follow."

This time, Sawo was really confused.

"Okay." The customer seemed to collect himself for a bit, before he adjusted himself in his chair and began to explain, now in a much calmer tone. "You know the papermaker Rimaq, right? One of his goons came to me a few days ago and threatened me. Just as I found a good administrator to get my business started, they are trying to force me to look for another one."

"Haha, that is a real tragedy," Sawo deflected with a hollow laugh. "However, the bank is unaware of such actions, and not involved in the private behavior of our clients. We are merely facilitators, you see."

Of course, he couldn't just give up Rimaq's business over a minor complaint. After all, Rimaq was an important piece of Sawo's future expansion strategy.

"Then you best facilitate between me and that guy, or you can forget about my business," this customer insisted. "You wanted me to come up with a more concrete business plan and hire an administrator, right? Don't think I'll work with you when your other client makes it impossible to fulfill your requirements."

"Please, we are merely a bank. What are we supposed to do?" Sawo acted pitifully, but inside, he was seething.

Never before had he seen such a self-entitled commoner. This sort of behavior had been getting worse ever since the lightning miracle, but this one really topped everything. If this customer hadn't been connected to people in the army, Sawo would have thrown him out long ago.

Him and his worthless knife business that's doomed to fail.

However, the idiot knew nothing of Sawo's professional assessment, so he continued to bluster.

"Since you don't know what to do, I'll be the one to do something instead," he said, with an annoying sneer on his face. "I know that some protected materials were almost stolen in that paper manufactory, and I can prove it. That Kyunya your friend Rimaq doesn't like? He knows a lot, and he likes to talk. What do you think would happen if rumors about that spy-infested company's lack of security were to spread? I wonder how valuable this Rimaq customer of yours would still be by then."

For a second, Sawo was silent. Although he still calmly returned the commoner's annoying stare with a smile, he was even more furious inside. Rimaq was Sawo's way onto Sillu Island, the first step to the establishment of an alliance of large property owners.

With the warrior class gone, these owners would play a crucial part in Saniya's politics in the future, and Sawo intended to lead that movement. For that, he needed support from people like Rimaq. He didn't know whether or not the spy claims from the annoying army man were true, but he couldn't risk it. He wouldn't have his hard work ruined over this commoner idiot's pride.

"Surely matters are not that serious," he carefully tried to disarm the commoner, but in the expected manner of a soldier, he kept his weapon and thundered on.

"That Rimaq had his goons waiting for me at my home! I won't stand for that."

In defiance of his claim, the idiot stood up and slammed his hand onto the table between them. Despite the booming voice and his own internal anger, Sawo remained calm and polite on the outside.

"Of course! Please calm down, dear customer. We will guarantee your satisfaction."

And stop hitting my table, you rube. That's mahogany, you'll never be able to afford it with your worthless business. I wouldn't even bother with you if you couldn't introduce me to some army personnel.

Once Sawo had shown some weakness, the commoner finally came back to his senses and stopped abusing his table.

"Then make sure that your other dear customers don't ruin my business anymore," he insisted as he sat down in a huff.

"Haha, I am sure we can come to an agreement," Sawo deflected once more. Rather than defend all this time, he would much rather go on the attack. Thus, he pulled over a document he had been handed by his secretary and pretended to read. Of course, he already knew about the contents. "Now then, dear customer. I see here that apart from the need for an administrator you have been given other requirements before we can grant your wish for a loan. Have these requirements been met already?"

Because if not, I really don't have to waste any more time on you. I'd rather be at home with my family than spend my day with some self-entitled dreamers. And whatever empty threats you offer, I will just deal with them later. The power of rumors is always limited, especially in the hands of a rube like you.

However, Alcer's next words immediately removed all of Sawo's frustration, as well as his condescension.

"Yes, everything else is taken care of. As I said, I've failed to secure an administrator because of that Rimaq's little goon, but I already have a high-quality blacksmith lined up. He has worked out a concrete production plan and everything, including the materials we'll need to get started. If my word won't suffice for you, he can come here any time and present his plans to you. However, beyond that, I also have this."

Finally, the rube dropped a piece of paper on the table. Before Sawo had even picked it up, he noticed the seal at the bottom of the page.

Royal Army? he wondered immediately. A fake? Surely even this uncouth commoner won't be dumb enough to try that.

However, when he saw Alcer's confident grin, he couldn't afford to doubt him any longer. Just on the off-chance that this document was real, he had to treat it as such.

"That's right," the customer said, with empty pride in his voice. "We've already secured a contract with the army. As you see, I already have a seller and craftsmen lined up. Now all I need is the money to produce the goods."

With dry lips and shaking hands, Sawo inspected the paper further. Indeed, this document was to the order of thirty thousand 'ring bayonets', given out by the army to the name of the rube sitting before him.

Although the note looked a bit provisional, the contract wasn't fully concluded after all. Maybe some buddy in the army had given Alcer this guarantee early. After all, according to Tasa Bank's investigation, Alcer himself was a former ensign, and a well-respected veteran in certain circles.

Suddenly, the paper felt like pure gold in his hands, smooth and shiny. No, this paper was better than gold, and even better than the money it guaranteed for this veteran's bayonet business. This was a way for Sawo to get involved in the army's affairs, and become a proper military supplier.

All throughout the war, he had hoped to get involved with the arms trade in some way. However, the kingdom had never accepted any help from private merchants. Every single coin the army had spent had gone to the kingdom's own manufactories or granaries. Others could only earn in a second or third instance, providing goods which the manufactories needed to produce military supplies. Even so, the merchants involved in these trades had all made a fortune in a short amount of time.

Now, finally, the chance had come to Sawo to do the same. He could already hear the coins roll into his coffers. But more than that, he could already hear his voice within the city grow louder, and more influential. If he could establish business contacts with the army, his power would increase dramatically. With more power, there were many things he could do. For example, he could influence the local officials in his favor to make business easier and more profitable. More importantly, he could protect his family, as well as the many subordinates who relied on him.

However, just as Sawo was dreaming a beautiful dream, the paper which would make it all possible was rudely ripped from his hands. Shocked and confused, he stared at his dearest client, but the cold eyes of the man in question mercilessly cooled down on Sawo's fiery heart.

"I have to take this thing back, of course. This deal isn't quite official yet, and still highly confidential. I can't have evidence of an early deal lying around, can I?"

Although Sawo had this treasure taken from him, his previous anger had completely dissipated. For now, he had confirmed his suspicions: This paper represented only a preliminary deal. However, that was even better. For Sawo, this meant that this Alcer could get special treatment from the higher-ups in the army, which made this connection even more valuable.

"Of course," Sawo easily agreed, and tried to improve his best smile even further. "Since dear customer has trusted me so much with this information, I will seek to show my gratitude. Your previous loan application will be approved today, no questions asked."

"No." The greedy commoner shook his head. "My deal got a whole lot more certain compared to last time, so your old conditions aren't good enough anymore."

Naturally, Sawo couldn't get angry over a little bit of greed. Rather, the greedier this precious client was, the better. Greedy people were easier to trick, and easier to control.

"Of course not. What is it you desire, dear customer?"

"I want an apology from that Rimaq guy for his disrespect. Directly from him. No subordinates and no letters."

"Of course, this much should be expected. I will put in a word, and I guarantee that this uncouth Rimaq will apologize to Master Alcer in person, within a few days at most."

While Rimaq's paper manufactory was an important step in Sawo's plan, the papermaker was nothing compared to the chance to enter the arms industry. Thus, Sawo easily threw his older customer Rimaq off the boat to make room for Alcer. Forcing the papermaker into an apology wouldn't be difficult either, considering just how much leverage Tasa Bank had against him. However, an apology wasn't all his newest best client wanted.

"I also want a bigger loan," Alcer added. "You saw that this is a big order, and I've heard that it's only the first of many. So I'll need more money to build a manufactory that's big enough to get all of these orders done on time."

Idiot. Rather than ask for better conditions, you ask for a bigger loan? This way, once you fail to read the contract carefully, I'll have you in the palm of my hand for the rest of your life. You'll have to pay me off forever. And if you want to keep your wealth and business, you'll have to do me a favor or ten.

Already, Sawo was looking forward to a brilliant future, provided by his newest best customer. Unfortunately, there was only one problem with his calculations.

"Of course," he answered again. "However, the loan will have to be postponed until after the government's recent manufactory auction. For now, many loans are still being processed and the bank does not have the capacity to provide further funds."

Although Sawo thought that these few days of wait were only a minor issue, his fussy customer once again saw it differently.

"What? Are you crazy? If I wait that long, who knows what'll happen with the army contract. And I wanted to buy a ready-made manufactory at the auction for cheap, too. The sooner I get started with production, the faster I can make my money back. So if you can't help me get this done, then I'll just go to another bank who'll take my business instead."

Thus, his rash, lovely customer threatened to escape his customer status, and stood up to emphasize the point.

"No, please wait!" Sawo shouted and jumped up as well. As he followed Alcer around the table, his mind was working frantically in search of a way to retain his best client. "No need to get up. I'm sure we can arrange something somehow. Just give us some time, dearest customer."

At least, Sawo's words made the precious customer stop halfway to the door. However, Alcer's nasty grin didn't bode well in Sawo's eyes.

"Then how about you just take some money from that Rimaq guy?" Alcer asked brazenly. "I hear you're about to loan him a large amount so he can buy his own workshop at the auction."

Again, Sawo was shocked by the rude commoner, for the second time today.

"Where did you hear that?" he asked, this time with genuine suspicion written on his face.

It couldn't have been any of my guys who talked, right? Must have been one from Rimaq's side. That useless-

Before he could finish the thought, Alcer uncovered the mystery and exonerated Rimaq.

"Where else? That Kyunya guy told me. He probably knows about every dirty deal that went on in that manufactory."

"That man is not to be trusted," Sawo tried to disarm Alcer's newest weapon, again to no avail.

"So you're not loaning to Rimaq then? I'll know the truth after the auction at the latest," he pointed out, before he added. "You think I'll work with liars then?"

"No, I..." Again, the wheels in Sawo's head turned, until they fell upon a brilliant solution.

If you keep using this Kyunya to spread gossip, then I can do the same, he thought, before he spoke up again, his confidence restored.

"How about we work out a deal? I believe I have an idea."

"I'm listening."

Finally, Alcer sat down again, and Sawo followed. For now, the commoner had turned into a customer once more. Sawo intended to keep it that way.

"You are still friends with this Kyunya, are you not, dear customer?" he asked.

"Well, we're acquainted."

Good enough.

"In that case, could you convince him to spread rumors about the ruinous state of Rimaq's paper manufactory? It doesn't matter even if they are false, so long as they are convincing. That wouldn't be difficult, would it?"

For a moment, Alcer seemed taken aback, before he replied with a sneer.

"Convince him? That guy is so obsessed, he won't talk about anything else. If I give him the chance, he'll spread those rumors all on his own."

"Fantastic." Sawo clapped. "In that case, please do so."

"Why?"

"Because no one wants to buy a ruinous business. If there are no other takers for the paper manufactory, Master Rimaq will be able to purchase it for cheap. Then, we can easily loan out the leftover funds to Master Alcer. This way, everyone wins."

Enamored by his own wits, Sawo sank back in his chair and waited for a positive response. Minutes later, they were working out the details of their deal. An hour later, Sawo was shaking the hand of the foolish army man and led him out of the building.

In the end, this brutish commoner had come to complain about Rimaq, but Rimaq's prospective loan had only gotten better, while Alcer's had gotten so much worse. All the papermaker had to give in return was an empty apology, while Sawo was the greatest winner, as usual.

He really didn't understand these prideful army people, but he didn't have to. All he needed to do was trap this Alcer in a contract he would never escape from. Eventually, Sawo would not only control Saniya's industry, but its army as well.

In the past, he had tried to gain power through sheer military might. In the future, he would rebuild his empire based on business alone. Fools like this Alcer would get him ever closer to his dreams, one foolish signature at a time.