In the end, human life inevitably revolves around money.
In wealthy families, even if tuition fees are not insignificant, family lives don’t get shaken by it.
However, in poor families, the burden of university tuition can lead the entire family into tears and chaos, ruining their lives.
Even here, in a knight order where devotion is exceptionally strong, the situation is likely no different.
‘Even those who fought for independence often gave up due to livelihood issues.’
Yet these individuals are not only focused on ideals; fighting infidels makes money all the more important.
“Are you saying you want to make a donation? We would welcome contributions.”
They occasionally set sail to the sea and rob infidel merchant ships that have done no wrong, and if they want a thrill, they pillage towns along the Sultanate’s coast like Vikings.
However, ethical standards differ with the times; nonetheless, they are recognized by the pope as a “sacred knight order,” a “model of faith,” and “the mace fulfilling the will of God.”
It’s a proper act of devotion to donate to those worthy of respect among the Deus followers.
“If I need to go abroad, I’ll testify to Your Grace’s faithfulness. I’ll also hold mass, albeit briefly, every month.”
As I had expected, these guys must be in dire need of funds.
When money is plentiful, they wouldn’t offer such benefits for a donation.
But now they’re providing such VIP services at a heavily discounted price.
It’s enough to bring tears of gratitude to my eyes.
“I intend to make a donation, but more importantly, I came to discuss business.”
Upon hearing my words, the commander tilted his head in confusion.
“There’s not much in terms of local specialties on our island. The best we have is a good catch of fish, but is that anything remarkable?”
Had this been the territory of the Medici baron family, smuggling with the infidels (miracles like the managers turning a blind eye) would likely have been done quite openly.
Then various spices, mercury, precious metals, and infidel artworks would have flocked here.
They would have made a fortune selling those, much like Singapore or Taiwan, which survive solely on their geographic conditions.
‘I know it’s profitable, but their beliefs prevent them from doing that.’
“This place has a climate well-suited for growing sugarcane.”
As soon as the commander heard the word “sugarcane,” he looked like he was about to grab me by the collar.
He slammed his hand on the desk and stood up.
“It’s true that our Deus knights are short on funds! But are you suggesting we grow sugarcane, which the infidels cultivate? Are you trying to insult us? That Visconti duke must be out of his mind!”
If I weren’t the duke’s representative, I’d have been killed for sure.
But then again, I’ve nearly died more than once.
If I were scared off by threats, I wouldn’t be able to pull this off.
When facing someone who takes a hardline stance, you must use strong words.
“Why do you have such a narrow view, Commander?”
“Are you insulting me right now?!”
In the noble world, the word “insult” implies that the person is interpreting it in such a way.
‘It means I’ll kill you; even if I can’t now, I can’t live under the same sky as you.’
In Korea, it’s an even harsher remark than cursing someone’s parents right in front of them.
“You’ve surely heard of Café Medici. The sugar consumed there amounts to 3 to 4 tons daily, totaling over 1,500 tons annually.”
“What nonsense—ah!”
Did I hit upon what I wanted to convey?
“I need to purchase 1,500 tons of sugar from the spice guild, which means I’m paying them over 5,000 gold coins each year.”
5,000 gold coins is equivalent to the annual living expenses of 5,000 serf households.
“And I plan to expand Café Medici nationwide. If I consume that much in Florence, opening branches in major cities like Naples, Latina, and Amalfi will likely triple that amount.”
I moved a bit closer to the commander.
“The revenue that will flow to the spice guilds spread throughout the Toscana Empire would exceed 15,000 gold coins annually.”
If I plant sugarcane across the farmland on Rabatt Island, it would not only meet my demands but also leave some surplus.
“And the spice guilds are dealing with infidels. To be precise, it’s the merchants controlling them. The Medici baron family I’m affiliated with is one of them. Therefore, I know the income ratio that goes to the infidels...”
The information I possess, with a slight exaggeration, is on par with second-level military secrets.
Simply put, it’s rare enough that even a member of our country’s National Assembly would have access to such materials during meetings.
The commander’s eyes lit up as he listened to me.
“Half of the revenue ends up with the infidels. Therefore, continuing sugar trade with the spice guild would effectively be aiding the infidels.”
The commander is a rather worldly individual.
In fact, deeply religious people often can’t rise in status in any group.
How can those who have given up all worldly desires triumph over those who are fiercely ambitious?
‘Even among the Deus followers, a saint chosen by God who performs miracles can only ascend to the rank of cardinal.’
Even bishops and archbishops, while they may hold significant symbolic power, often circulate in rural areas.
“To win against the infidels, we must first reduce the profits they earn, right?”
Someone once described trade with an enemy like this.
Engaging in trade with them is akin to giving them the weapons to kill your own country’s soldiers.
The commander, who trembles at the thought of infidels, would surely think along these lines.
‘Not only do I make money, but I also deal a financial blow to those infidels. This is a total jackpot!’
“Indeed. The money they earn will eventually return as weapons and shells aimed at us.”
At that, the commander slightly bowed his head before me.
“Frankly, I’m not fond of the Medici baron family. However, you have brought us a way to pursue profits while aiding us, the devout believers, and striking a blow against the infidels. From now on, our Deus knights will treat the Medici baronet family as friends.”
The commander of the Deus knights does not hold a hereditary position.
In the first place, the knights here take a vow of celibacy—what kind of hereditary position is that?
However, due to their military might and symbolic significance, the commander is treated as a count wherever he goes.
‘That’s why I refer to him as “Your Grace.”’
For a man of his status to openly apologize is quite remarkable.
“There’s still more to discuss. Now that this has come up, how about swearing allegiance to the Toscana Empire? Then I will use my influence to petition His Majesty to waive all import duties on goods entering this island.”
“Waiving all duties...”
“Of course, your taxes would only consist of symbolic items to be paid annually.”
This is feasible due to the various symbolisms this knight order holds.
To the emperor, the Deus knights voluntarily walked in as vassals, and because of their presence, the Toscana Empire’s territorial waters are not threatened by infidel pirates.
‘All the infidels trying to cross into our empire are dealt with by the Deus knights.’
Additionally, they are those who have received the title of guardians of faith from the pope.
If it became known that the most devout among them are serving as loyal subjects to their lord, it would reflect positively on our emperor.
‘A ruler deemed noble enough by those living for faith.’
Considering that, even a complete waiver of duties would be welcomed with cheers by the emperor.
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“...... While it’s positive, even I, as commander, cannot decide on this easily. I am the commander of this order, not its lord.”
This knight order operates similarly to a parliamentary system.
Decisions are made through discussions with leaders such as the grand marshal, general, and abbots under the commander's authority.
‘Except when it comes to war or plundering.’
“However, everyone will welcome this proposal. Though our knights came this far for faith, we cannot overlook financial issues.”
Even among church pastors, there are many who dual-task as faithful little church ministers.
During the week, they work in skilled jobs at construction sites and gather the congregation to minister on weekends.
Originally, it’s frowned upon for ministers to dual-task due to “various issues,” but since they can’t starve while ministering, the congregation reluctantly allows it.
Financial issues are that dire.
Let alone a knight order formed by secular individuals aiming to make a living.
“Where are you currently staying?”
“I’m lodging at an inn called ‘Footprints of the Wind.’”
“That place is not bad, but we cannot let someone of your stature stay there. I will offer you a guest room within the fortress walls of our order.”
“Thank you.”
Then he casually said something shocking.
“Oh, you must be quite spirited at your age. I’ll prepare something nice for you. Since they’re infidels, it’s okay to treat them a bit roughly.”
He just twisted his words, but he was essentially saying he’d give me an infidel sex slave, which is hard to find elsewhere.
It’s fortunate that I decided not to bring Chloe and Kris along.
I need to sternly command those two not to wander around the fortress until we return.
‘I should block contact with my servants as well.’
Even I find the suggestion shocking, so for those two girls, it would be provocatively suggestive in a negative direction.
“My maid will get jealous. She’s the type to get jealous even if I say I’ll just keep a cat.”
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a young nobleman value his maid so much.”
The commander clicked his tongue in disappointment.
“Receiving gifts is a matter of taste, and if a maid is so dear to you, I can’t force you to change your mind. If your feelings ever change, just let me know.”
While I adapt to everything else, I have no intention of giving up my basic sense of human rights.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”