Published: July 3, 2025
(Abel has been given a letter of credit worth 500 billion florin)
(Oh, I see. It’s the one he had the Grandmaster hold onto for when it’s needed. He trusts me to know how to use it.)
(I’m honestly impressed by Abel’s capacity for such things…)
(Is that so?)
Abel is probably blushing… Ryo can tell!
(Well, procuring the ship is directly linked to the success of the negotiations, right? So, I can understand the 500 billion florin letter of credit.)
(By the way… how much is 500 billion florin worth?)
(How much is it worth? I don't understand what you mean?)
(Uh… for example, what’s the average annual income of the citizens of the kingdom?)
(Ah… I don’t know the whole kingdom, but for the royal capital citizens, it should be around 1 million to 1.5 million florin.)
(I-I see…)
When converted to Japanese yen at the beginning of the 21st century, 500 billion florin is about 1 trillion yen.
Ryo’s fingers trembled slightly.
(Anyone who approaches will be treated as a thief and dealt with accordingly!)
(No, don’t do that.)
Money drives people insane…
Ryo reached the border of the Mafalda Republic in six days from the Holy Capital Marromar.
Yes, it took him "six days."
It had been five days last time.
Despite being in a hurry, there was a reason for the delay.
A pressing circumstance, to say the least.
By the way, he stopped at the West Dungeon of the Holy Capital along the way…
And now, at the border of the Mafalda Republic.
As before, the border security looked strict.
After waiting for a while, it was finally Ryo’s turn for the border inspection.
The coachman got down and completed some procedures, then knocked on the door.
“Please come in.”
“Excuse me.”
As Ryo spoke, the door opened and a guard entered.
“By order of the ceremony, may I ask if you have a border crossing permit or an identity proof issued by the republic?”
As before, the question was extremely polite.
Of course, Ryo still did not have a border crossing permit issued by the republic this time.
What he had on hand was…
“Then, please take this.”
Ryo handed over the identity plate he wore as a necklace.
“Ah, so you are of noble birth. Please wait a moment.”
The guard said that and then called out.
“Bring me the inquiry board.”
“It seems that the first duke of the Naitorei Kingdom has entered the country again.”
“The first duke of the Naitorei Kingdom would be Duke Rondo.”
This was a conversation between Head of State Columbano della Russo and Chief Advisor Lord Barley.
They were in the official residence of the head of state in the capital of the Mafalda Republic.
“Last time, you brought a letter from Lord Anderson. However, Lord Anderson has already left the republic. Now, what could be your purpose this time…”
“Well… surveillance… no, I wonder. It’s not guaranteed this time will be harmless either…”
Lord Barley pondered, and Head of State Columbano did as well.
“Hm. Last time, there was someone from the Special Agency who was saved by Duke Rondo. Let’s send those two to meet Duke Rondo. That way, we can probe their intentions.”
Columbano immediately contacted Director Bonifacio Franzoni of the Special Agency.
Ryo entered the capital of the Mafalda Republic, Mussolente, two days after crossing the border.
The carriage stopped in front of a visibly luxurious inn that was quite spacious and near the city center.
Immediately, employees from the inn came out and began carrying the luggage from the carriage inside.
Everything went smoothly.
There was not a moment of delay, and not a trace of stress.
Truly, first-class service.
Ryo entered the inn with a cheerful mood.
A huge lobby.
Three stories high, with plenty of glass used, making it very bright.
Even on his second visit, he was still overwhelmed.
“Welcome to Doge Pietro. Duke Rondo.”
The receptionist was someone he had seen before.
It seemed she remembered Ryo's face.
“Hello. I would like to request a stay for seven nights for now.”
Ryo's job this time was to procure a ship.
He thought seven nights might be too short, but for now…