Chapter 569: Chapter 39: Bad Rumors

However, though he understood, Robson did not immediately agree. Instead, he tapped his teacup, a contemplative look on his face.

"Uncle, is that all you’re offering?" Valentino asked.

Her implication was clear.

Robson didn’t necessarily have to oppose Marquis George. He had killed Kemal, avenging the annihilation of Marquis George’s family. If he wished, Robson could align with the Northern Faction at any time.

And he would be treated well, at least for his lifetime.

Marquis William, however, was in a different position. The conflict between the Southern and Northern Factions was rooted in their economic foundations and geographical differences.

Besides, Marquis William hadn’t stood up for Robson today.

If he wanted to pull Robson into this risky venture now, he had to offer something sincere.

"Of course, that’s not all," said Marquis William. "I believe the Guterres Family can increase its investments in the five northeastern provinces."

"Chambers of commerce are everywhere," Valentino remarked.

"Uncle, since you’re in the Royal Capital, you must know many merchants, right?" Robson asked.

Marquis William gave a slight nod.

He had a good idea of what Robson was getting at.

He wanted an introduction to the kingdom’s major merchants.

A chamber of commerce could provide the disparate nobles with a basic, shared interest—and shared interests are the foundation of cooperation.

If Robson truly intended to establish a Northern Inland Faction, a chamber of commerce would be indispensable.

Marquis William weighed the pros and cons.

’The benefits of letting Robson form his own chamber of commerce are obvious. Once the chamber is established, forming a faction is the logical next step. That would only deepen the rift between him and Marquis George.’

’However, the drawbacks are just as clear.’

’Originally, Robson had already promised the economic rights to the Guterres Family. The man controls four provinces! It’s also rumored his army has a foothold on the steppes and is exploring the Demon Beast Mountain Range. This is a massive opportunity.’

’With those resources and the Guterres Family’s connections, the economic returns would be enormous.’

’But if Robson starts his own chamber of commerce, all those benefits will have nothing to do with me. Worse, I might even have to pour my own money into it to support him.’

Robson didn’t rush him, waiting quietly for Marquis William to make his decision.

This was also Robson’s test of his potential ally.

’Will he choose the interests of the faction or the interests of his family? This will reveal the kind of man Marquis William truly is.’

’The Marquis George they would have to face in the future was one who had achieved great mastery of his Cultivation Technique.’

’To keep Marquis George in check, they would need Louis III or Marquis Oscillate to wake up right now and tell everyone, "I’m actually fine, I was just kidding."’

’That was obviously impossible.’

’That being the case, Robson had to test Marquis William thoroughly.’

"I do know a few," Marquis William said. "If you need them, I can help make the introductions."

"In that case, I must thank you, Marquis," Robson said with a smile.

....

Marquis William did not delay. He immediately arranged a party for the following evening to help Robson attract merchants and investments.

Valentino had originally planned to visit Marquis Oscillate the next day.

Even though the Marquis was in a coma, one never knew when he might wake up, so it was important to make the proper gestures.

However, Marquis William’s party was clearly more important than visiting the comatose Marquis, so she had to cancel her plans.

.....

The following night, Guterres Manor was quite lively.

The patriarch of the Guterres Family, a titan of the kingdom’s commerce, had suddenly summoned merchants to a banquet at Guterres Manor.

The merchants were, of course, delighted and began to gather long before the appointed time.

A banquet for merchants was not like one for nobles, which was full of pomp and ceremony.

Such formalities were a tool the ruling class used to distinguish themselves from the masses.

Clearly, merchants were not part of the ruling class in the Frank Kingdom.

The Frank Kingdom’s attitude toward merchants was somewhat similar to that of the ancient world from Robson’s previous life. Of course, this only applied to ordinary merchants. Those with official connections, or rather, merchants from the great families, were considered officials first and merchants second.

The host of the evening, Marquis William, had not yet appeared.

The merchants gathered in groups, shooting the breeze and discussing recent business opportunities within the kingdom.

Merchants in the Frank Kingdom belonged to the citizen class. Furthermore, due to the long period of oppression by the Beastman Empire, all Franks, from the highest to the lowest, shared a strong sense of national identity.

As they chatted, the conversation naturally shifted to the other guest of honor for the evening: Robson.

Marquis William had not kept it a secret; they all knew Robson was to be the other guest of honor.

Robson had a fair amount of renown among the common folk of the Royal Capital.

This was especially true given the recent, sensational rumor.

"I heard it was General Robson who killed Beast Emperor Kemal."

"The General isn’t even thirty. He fought his way from the eastern front clear to the central front—it’s more incredible than a minstrel’s tale. I wonder what he’s like in person."

"I, on the other hand, heard there’s something strange about the whole Kemal affair. Apparently, it was Prince Noah and Lumian Knight Commander from abroad who killed him. Robson is supposedly just taking the credit..."

A rumor had recently appeared out of nowhere.

It claimed that the news of Robson killing Kemal was a complete misunderstanding.

Emperor Kemal hadn’t died by Robson’s hand, but by the hands of Prince Noah and Lumian Knight Commander.

Everyone respected these great figures to their faces, but in private, who really cared?

They would critique anyone, not just Robson—even Louis III was fair game. Armchair politicking is a favorite pastime for most men.

This new story had begun to spread like wildfire just yesterday.

In an instant, the crowd was divided into two camps.

This stalemate didn’t last long before a voice cut through their heated debate.

"Marquis William is here! Quiet down."

Marquis William.

At the mention of his name, the room instantly grew several shades quieter.

The power struggles among the kingdom’s upper echelon were rarely made public.

Marquis George’s rise to power had little to do with them.

All they knew was that Marquis William, and the Guterres Family behind him, were among the kingdom’s preeminent noble houses.

Both Marquis William and Robson were powerful individuals. These merchants, possessing little power of their own, had been speaking loudly enough for their entire conversation to be overheard.

Marquis William did not look pleased.

After all, he was the one who had invited these merchants, and he was supposed to introduce them to Robson.

But here they were, bad-mouthing Robson right in front of him. It was quite embarrassing.

"I wasn’t aware such rumors were circulating in the Royal Capital.

I’ll find the man who was speaking and get to the bottom of this," Marquis William offered.

"That won’t be necessary," Robson said with a frown.

"Rumors stop at the wise. As for my merits, His Majesty the King will be the one to judge them.

Let’s go inside," Robson said.

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