I Killed the Demon King. It Was a Mistake. Chapter 46

I killed the Demon King. It was a mistake.

Chapter 46

It had been four days since Caesar was released from his comatose state, but he slept for three days straight afterwards.

It seems the four days of wandering around without sleep had some effect.

In the end, as Smir had said, he didn’t move from his bed for a week, so should we say it went according to Smir’s prediction?

Well, that’s not really important right now.

“…It’s certainly impressive.”

Caesar moved his body around in various ways.

How should he describe this feeling?

Should he say it feels like being reborn?

He could make all his senses more sensitive than before, and at the same time, he could make them duller.

He could use muscles he couldn’t use before, and he could control his heartbeat, which used to be in the realm of the autonomic nervous system.

‘Let’s give it a try.’

Caesar closed his eyes and used Wind Reading.

He reached a point where he could see the world even with his eyes closed.

Like a bat finding its way with ultrasound, he could create a real-time virtual map from all the auditory information entering his ears.

‘It feels like I’ve become so much smarter.’

It’s like going from barely being able to memorize the multiplication table to suddenly becoming a computer that can do four-digit multiplication in your head.

This is a level I haven’t experienced even with Barre’s body.

Do Yan and Mitchell always see and feel this kind of world?

I think I can understand why those guys act so smug.

Just then, he heard someone approaching from behind.

Without turning around, he thought he knew who it was.

“Harrison. What is it?”

“I apologize for interrupting your training. But there’s an urgent message.”

“An urgent message?”

Caesar received a letter.

The seal had been opened, probably by Harrison, but the shape was familiar.

A silver sealing with a long-toothed tiger face.

This is the seal of the Sylvatil family.

Caesar read the letter.

[To Caesar Sylvatil

From Aldo Sylvatil, the eldest son of the Sylvatil family guarding the Long Tooth Mountains.

Return to the Sylvatil family immediately upon reading this letter.

Aldo Sylvatil.]

“This is ridiculous.”

Caesar has received many letters while living as Caesar, but this is the first time he’s seen such a rude letter that only says what it wants to say.

Ah, his rebellious nature is rising.

As much as he wants to ignore it, since it’s a family matter, Caesar decided to find out exactly what’s going on first.

-What on earth was Caesar thinking when he showed up in the South?

-Could he be aiming for the position of the next head of the family?

-No, if that were the case, he would have gone straight to Wizard Province instead of coming down to Vex Province.

-I should hear the exact story and ask if he can support me.

When they said to come immediately, he thought the current Viscount had died while groaning.

But the real content was nothing special.

This guy just wanted to call Caesar like a dog he was raising.

‘I see. So this is my current position within the Sylvatil family?’

Caesar tore up the letter.

“Burn this in the incinerator.”

“…Are you not planning to go?”

Caesar picked up the axe again.

“The one who wants something should come. Why are they telling me to come?”

“Then, do you not plan to send a reply?”

“Leave it. If it’s urgent, they’ll contact us on their own.”

“Yes. I understand.”

I think I understand why the nobles of Dre don’t really like the Sylvatil family.

At least the eldest brother, who’s closest to becoming the next Viscount, seems to have lost his mind a bit.

***

Around the time Caesar was adapting to his changed body, he received a message from Miles.

He wanted to meet and talk with Gregory.

Caesar closed Benjamin & Junior’s business for a day and arranged a place for the two to talk comfortably.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Gregory Walterwood.”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Miles Parker.”

Watching the two shake hands, the phrase “dragon and tiger facing each other” naturally came to mind.

Should I say it feels like something tremendous is about to happen just by looking at them?

To be honest, it seems more likely that the bodyguards glaring at each other behind them will cause trouble first.

Caesar tapped the table. “Before we start talking, let’s have all the bodyguards leave amicably.”

One of Miles’ bodyguards spoke up. “For security reasons, that doesn’t seem possible.”

“Why, are you afraid I might suddenly go crazy and kill Lord Miles?”

“…It’s not that, but there could be unforeseen dangers…”

“The dog keeps barking and it’s getting annoying. Do you want to die?” When Caesar used ‘intimidation’, all the bodyguards froze.

Among Miles’ bodyguards, there was even a knight, but none of them could escape Caesar’s intimidation.

Miles glanced at the bodyguards and said,

“Everyone out.”

Caesar looked at Gregory.

Gregory also gestured for his bodyguards to leave.

“Now the atmosphere is less tense. I’ve prepared black tea, is that alright with both of you?”

“…You seem different every time I see you.”

“It would be more accurate to say I’m getting stronger.”

Caesar poured black tea for both of them according to the etiquette he learned from Knox.

Gregory tasted the tea and said to Caesar,

“It tastes quite good. A few months ago, it was difficult to enjoy such high-quality black tea because of those mafia guys. I’ll say it again, thank you very much.”

So now he’s subtly criticizing the Parker family who supported the mafia?

Your insults are quite artistic.

Miles didn’t back down and opened his mouth.

“I’ve heard statistics that the crime rate increased by more than 10% during the two months Sir Caesar was away in Dre… I’m worried that without Sir Caesar, there’s no one to take charge of Homigraph’s public safety.”

“That’s why we’ve decided to more than double the police force this time.”

“Will that be enough?”

“Is that all? Corrupt politicians and officials who received money from the mafia are also being judged by the law one by one. We’re cutting off the roots of evil.”Gregory said with a glint in his eye, “Ah, perhaps you’d like to come and watch? I think there might be quite a few people you know.”

“Sure. But as far as I know, there are more corrupt individuals. What were their names… Nolan or Nathan? I can’t quite remember. Will they also be brought to judgment?”

This… Isn’t it a bit much to bring up his children?

Gregory looks like he’s about to flip the table because he’s so deeply hurt.

If we continue talking like this, it seems like the revolvers hidden in their chests might pop out.

Caesar decided to quickly get to the main point.

“Let’s stop with these uninteresting stories. Councilman Walterwood. There’s something I’m curious about, may I ask?”

“…What is it?”

“This black tea is from the Kingdom of Dior. In Dior, it’s 9 del per 100g. But as soon as it leaves Dior, a 2 del tariff is added. And when it enters Wizard Province, an additional 2 del is charged. Finally, when it’s unloaded at Homigraph port, another 2 del is added. So it’s a total of 15 del. The price increases by nearly 70%. Do you consider this a normal administrative procedure?”

Gregory took a sip of tea before speaking. “Crossing the border requires paying tariffs according to federal law, the tax paid when entering Wizard Province is the Eileen River management tax according to provincial law, and docking at Homigraph is the port usage fee. They may look the same, but they all have different standards and laws for processing.”

“Then, if we integrate the taxes and incidental costs, wouldn’t it simplify administrative processing and reduce costs?”

“Each province and city has the duty to protect its citizens safely according to the legitimate rights granted by His Majesty the Emperor. We check if there’s anything wrong with the goods loaded on the ship while going through the procedures. As a result, it may seem like unnecessary administrative procedures are increasing. But they’re all necessary procedures.”

At that moment, Miles spoke up. “Such complicated administrative procedures cause enormous waste of time and funds. In fact, we can drink this black tea for 9 del in the Kingdom of Dior, but aren’t we drinking it for 15 del here? That damage is entirely borne by the citizens of Homigraph.”

“That’s why we’re eliminating management taxes and port usage fees for certified distribution companies. If Sir Caesar wants to bring in this black tea cheaply, he can choose a certified distribution company to import the tea.”

“So, is the tea imported through these distribution companies sold cheaply? Aren’t they selling it with a margin instead?”

“Do you have evidence for that statement? And that issue is not for the parliament to intervene. How can I stop it if the CEOs decide to sell at high prices?”

“That’s why suspicions of preferential treatment arise. Wouldn’t the citizens benefit if you announced clear certification criteria and encouraged fair competition?”

“You keep making baseless claims, are you saying that the Homigraph parliament isn’t putting forward fair standards? If you can’t provide clear evidence, don’t wag your tongue.”

Once again, the atmosphere is heating up.

Caesar decided to cut the flow of the conversation here.

“So, I want to talk about the future of Homigraph. Councilman Walterwood.”

“The future of Homigraph?”

“Right now, unlike other cities, Homigraph has a high public safety rate and sufficient incentives for rapid growth. However, there’s a shortage of people to work, and investment isn’t properly made because the investment barriers are too high.”

Miles jumped in quickly. “Homigraph is good land. It’s close to the river, has large factory sites, and is close to Sapientia. If proper investment is made, it’s a place that could take off.”

“But if a city that lives on distribution and processing has high taxes and complicated procedures, how can investors like me invest with peace of mind?”

Gregory took a sip of tea before speaking. “Just maintaining proper public safety alone is an incentive to attract businesses and workers. Because other places are so damaged. In fact, S&W Firearms Company is planning to build an additional factory in Homigraph.”

Caesar spoke up. “So we should strike while the iron is hot. How many companies and factories have been ruined because of the mafia? There are abandoned factories in South Line, and East Line is currently being restored. Do you think this problem can be solved overnight? It will take at least a year.”

“But if customs procedures are simplified, Homigraph could see an increase in outlaws again. Smuggling is a prime example.”

“Is that all that needs to be solved?”

“Do you have a method?”

“I do. Leave that problem to me.”

Miles looks at Caesar with a fresh gaze.

He probably sees it as actively supporting him.

But that’s a misunderstanding.

“I’ll smash the skulls of all those who commit crimes in the Homigraph area. Of course, it would be difficult for me to do it alone. So give me the authority to establish a private mercenary company, and give me the right of summary disposition.”

Miles is taken aback. “Wait, wait. What do you mean by that?”

“Why? Am I not allowed to get a piece of the pie?”

“…Huh?”

Gregory laughed heartily and said, “I was wondering why the conversation was proceeding normally for once. I thought you might have changed after lying in bed for a week.”

Caesar looked at Miles and said, “Anyway, Miles, you want to simplify customs procedures.”

Then Caesar turned to Gregory. “And Councilman Walterwood, you’re worried about the public safety issues that could arise from simplifying customs procedures, right?”

“Not just that, I’m also concerned about the damage to existing companies in Homigraph. We can’t even start without protection policies for existing companies.”

Right.

Now the true intentions are coming out.

Smuggling or violent crimes are just pretexts, and the wellbeing of business partners who have been with the Walterwood family for 200 years is the top priority.

Miles put a cigar in his mouth as if to say, ‘I knew it.’

“What industries need protection policies?”

Gregory spoke as if he had been waiting for this question.

“Textiles, artifact distribution, shipbuilding, firearms, steel, and magic stone distribution and refining industries.”

“You’re blocking all the lucrative businesses. Your greed is excessive.”

“It’s not greed, these industries are the core industries of Homigraph and Sapientia. If any one of these falters, it would be a big blow to the economy.”

“Hmm…”

Miles tapped the table, lost in thought.

As soon as Miles tapped the table, Caesar quickly placed his hand on it and used psychometry.

-It’s all within the expected range.

-Even if artifact distribution is connected to the magic tower, we must somehow acquire the magic stone distribution and refining industry.

-Is there any other way?

The extent of Miles’ greed was roughly revealed.

So it’s just about somehow managing the magic stones?

Caesar spoke up.

“By the way, why are magic stones included? Are there separate companies distributing and processing magic stones in Homigraph?”

“There are companies that import magic stones and supply them regularly to the magic tower.”

“Then they’re mainly sourced from Goldmile Province and Mackenzie in the west of Wizard Province, right?”

“Usually, yes.”

“But I’ve heard that the magic stones there have almost all dried up. Is that not true?”

Gregory’s eyebrows twitched.

“That’s about right.”

“Then those companies will have to close down unless they find new magic stone mines.”

“Instead, there’s the demon realm. There are massive amounts of magic stones in the demon realm.”

“So, have you found a magic stone supplier?”

“…I don’t know about that.”

What do you mean you don’t know.

They definitely haven’t found one.

That’s why the stock value of Homigraph’s magic stone distribution companies is in freefall right now.

Gregory looked at Miles as if he had realized something.

“Do you happen to know someone who does?”

“Hmm…”

Miles thought for a moment before speaking.

“If you promise to unconditionally accept just two conditions, the Parker family will support the Sapien faction.”

“What are they?”

“Lower all customs hurdles for the transportation companies I designate.”

Gregory’s eyes widened dramatically.

He had finally realized exactly what Miles was aiming for.

“…How long has this been planned? Since before the demon realm war? Or after?”

“What’s important isn’t when, but who’s involved in this plan.”

“Does Arch Duke know about this?”

“I won’t say.”

“Then can you tell me this.”

Gregory calmly took a sip of tea before speaking.

“Does it include living things?”

“I won’t say that either.”

Caesar felt his heart sink for a moment.

Living things.

In a word, that means ‘demons’.

“…Let’s put that aside for now. What’s the second condition?”

“We will buy up to 51% of the shares of magic stone distribution and refining companies in Homigraph. Those guys won’t be able to find trading partners no matter how hard they try anyway.”

“That’s absurd!”

“Then let them go bankrupt. It wouldn’t be bad to devour them all at once after the stock price falls even further. Ah, then those complicated certification procedures won’t be necessary either.”

Miles blew out cigar smoke.

“If the magic stone distribution companies in Homigraph hadn’t monopolized the magic stone supply chain to the magic tower in the first place, this disaster wouldn’t have happened.”

“Don’t you know that magic stone distribution is deeply related to Arch Duke?”

“I know. That’s why I’m asking you to solve that problem somehow. This is the second condition.”

Gregory finally put a cigar in his mouth too.

He seemed to have a lot to think about as he puffed on his cigar without answering for a while.

By the way, I wondered why these guys made plans excluding Arch Duke, but it turns out they want to somehow take away Arch Duke’s magic stone distribution business.

But will Arch Duke accept this proposal?

Gregory finally spoke.

“For now, call in the working-level officials. We need to discuss the details.”

“Alright.”

Gregory and Miles shook hands.

They both know there’s a long road ahead, but today they’ve figured out what they need to give up and what they need to protect.

At the same time, it’s significant that they’ve realized they can communicate with each other to some extent.

From now on, those two will figure it out on their own.

But Caesar’s mind was complicated.

‘Demons…’

I don’t know what Miles is thinking because I haven’t been able to read his mind yet, but what should I do if demons come by ship?

Should I save them or not?

TL NOTE:

Schedule: Every {Wed-Sat}

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