I didn't know what to say at first since this was out of my field of expertise.
Even in my past life, I was nothing but a commoner.
I didn't know how to navigate the fields of politics like a proper politician, so I was sure that I would be eaten up by these nobles eventually.
I was aware that if it wasn't for the king's grace and Shadow Garden's protection, I would have already fallen into the hands of those other nobles.
So I was very grateful for that.
I had also assumed that this would be the same this time, but it seemed that it wasn't.
If that was the case, should I just stop this mithril trade?
But there were many people that were very excited about this and there were many things that I could use mithril for…so I really didn't want to give it up…
Seeing the look on my face, Scar revealed a look like he had already expected this.
With the look on his face, it was as if he had already expected me to say this.
So Scar said, "Well, there is a way to handle all of this."
I couldn't help looking at him with one brow raised.
When I saw that look on his face, I knew that I had already fallen into his trap…
But since he had an idea, it was better to listen to it than to not. After all, he was a seasoned noble and knew how to handle things in this situation.
Not to mention, he had covered for me when we were back in the capital, so I'm sure that he wouldn't throw me under the bus too hard.
Scar didn't say anything at first as he kept me in suspense, but then he suddenly said, "If you offer the king a portion of the mithril, then you'll be able to gain his support. As long as the kingdom receives its share, this trade will be protected by the kingdom if you know what I mean."
I just revealed a bitter smile when I heard this.
In the end, it was all about money.
And I could guess why he wanted to help me offer this to the king.
It was most likely being offered through Shadow Garden, so once this deal went through, Shadow Garden would receive benefits for facilitating this deal.
It was a deal involving mithril, so there wouldn't be a lack of benefits for them.
But what he said was indeed a good deal.
This would be the most effective way to solve my problem.
The only thing that I was worried about was that in cases like this…it would take a large slice of the pie to satisfy the higher ranked noble.
While I was fine with sharing, that didn't mean that I wanted to give everything to the king…
So I would have to talk to Haley and the others to see how much we should offer if we get anything.
After thinking for a bit, I said, "For now, I can't promise anything since we don't even know if we can trade with them yet."
Scar gave a nod to show that he understood.
Then I said, "Once we get a number, I'll give you an estimate. Is that good enough?"
Scar once again gave a nod to show that he approved of this.
After all, he knew that what he had said was true and he knew how hard it was to convince the dwarves to sell their mithril in the first place.
While they hadn't decided anything yet, they shouldn't be in a rush to promise anything or else they would be the ones to suffer in the end.
But Scar still said, "For now, I'll cancel all missions and prevent them from assigning you any other missions. I'll also send a letter to the boss to let them know about this situation. Is that alright with you?"
I gave a nod since even if I didn't agree, it would have happened anyway.
Shadow Garden was the best information organization in the kingdom, so there wasn't much that could be hidden from them.
If I reported this later, I would be punished for not reporting it sooner.
Scar then said, "I'll also send Shaka along to help you."
I was surprised to hear this, but thinking about it, I gave a nod of agreement.
This mithril deal was an important deal for our kingdom, so it wasn't strange that he would be sending Shaka along to supervise.
Since this matter had been settled, we headed back to the living room where the rest of them were waiting.
This time, Veronica had settled down and was waiting for me to come back.
When I did walk into the room, Veronica suddenly stood up and said, "Your lordship, I think that it's not fair that you are leaving my father, your greatest supporter out of this deal."
I couldn't help being taken aback when I heard this.
I just looked at Veronica for a bit and she stared right at me without turning away.
There was no doubting the firmness in her eyes, so I knew that she wouldn't back down on this matter.
So all I could say was, "Young miss Veronica, of course I would never leave the duke out of this. As my supporter, naturally there will be a share of mithril for him, but that is dependent on if we can strike this deal. Before doing so, I cannot promise anything."
Veronica gave an understanding nod, but she really drove the dagger in by saying, "Very good. To make sure that you don't go back on your word, I will be going with you."
I couldn't help being caught off guard when I heard this, but after a moment of being dazed, I said, "Young miss Veronica, is there really a need? It will be a dangerous journey, so it would be better for you to stay here and wait."
Veronica just glared at him after hearing this before saying, "I said that I'm going, so I'm going."
Even if I was a viscount now, it wasn't as if I could go against a duke's family head on…
So I had no choice but to say, "Alright, then if you insist, we'll be heading out tomorrow."
Veronica just revealed a smile as she said, "It's a deal then."
I just gave a sigh without saying anything after seeing this.
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