King
Chapter 159 - 159 111 The Debtor is_3

159: Chapter 111, The Debtor is…_3 159: Chapter 111, The Debtor is…_3 Baron West said indifferently.

If it weren’t for the inappropriate setting, he would’ve liked to dispose of the annoying man in front of him instantly.

Compared to him, he suddenly found the hostile “Hudson” as cute as a little white bunny.

“More than five thousand of these over sixty thousand gold coins are debts, all of which must be settled.

The high-quality slaves among this shipment, who can be put to work, could probably bring in ten thousand gold coins, leaving a forty thousand deficit.

I could probably borrow ten thousand gold coins from my friends, family, and clan in the Northland.

Several of my peers have also lent me a few thousand gold coins, the weapons and war horses I have on hand could cash out a few thousand gold coins, now I just need ten thousand gold coins to survive this crisis.

So I hope you could generously lend me ten thousand gold coins to help me overcome this difficulty.”

Baron Katelai spoke earnestly.

The deficit amount decreased from fifty thousand to ten thousand, and Baron West’s expression showed significant improvement.

However, he was unsure as to whether or not he should lend the money.

His instincts told him that things would certainly not be so simple.

If it were conventional times, the chances that Baron Katelai could borrow money from his friends and family would be high.

However, things were different now.

Everyone knew he had lost a significant sum.

Before lending him money, one has to consider his ability to repay.

What if he doesn’t have enough to fill the hole and decides to abscond with the money instead?

Similar incidents have occurred on the Continent of Aslante before.

Those who encounter such misfortune can only blame their luck.

International debt collection is but a pipe dream.

“If I refuse, you wouldn’t be thinking of robbing the merchant caravan, would you?”

Baron West questioned uncertainly.

Being penniless and resorting to robbery was all too common for the Nobles of the North.

At any other time, Baron West wouldn’t care less.

But not now.

Reports of a well-known merchant being robbed even before the reputation of Dardiel City had been established would ruin the future narrative.

“If it comes to that, I won’t have any choice.”

Baron Katelai responded, spreading his hands open, admitting to his intention.

…

Having extorted gold coins, Katelai knew he had angered Baron West greatly.

It was likely impossible to even maintain a façade of friendliness moving forward.

“Prepare the carriage, we’re going to visit Baron Hudson.”

“Katelai, isn’t it a bad idea to go at this moment?”

Knight Holman said nervously.

Visiting Baron Hudson after just receiving money from Baron West, especially on the latter’s territory, was against all notions of decency.

“If I don’t seek him out, what am I to do with the slaves I have now?

Do I really get rid of them and risk being labeled as brutal?

Baron West was already considerate enough to lend me ten thousand gold coins, I can’t push him to the edge.

But even with these ten thousand gold coins, what am I to fill the reminder of this gaping hole with?

Uncle Holman, you’re not suggesting that at this point, anyone would actually want to lend me money, are you?

Even if it’s within the clan, once the news gets out, there are bound to be complaints.

Rather than make everyone uncomfortable, it’s better not to ask at all and not risk damaging relationships.”

Baron Katelai commented sarcastically.

Without asking for a loan, one would never truly know how unpopular they are.

Nobles, with whom he had a decent relationship, had only been willing to dish out a few hundred gold coins.

Everyone knows in the future they will have to support and protect each other, yet they were only willing to lend so little at this point.

So to ask for money from distant friends and family in the Northland, who he was unlikely to encounter much in the future, was even more challenging.

After all, the relationships among nobles were based on mutual benefits.

One couldn’t simply have one party give without reaping any returns!

Having understood all this, Baron Katelai, instead of feeling bitter or blaming others, chose to actively cope with the situation.

At least he was assured that Hudson was interested in these Orc Slaves during their last conversation.

Though the potential buyer might not have sufficient funds, at least he was a buyer.

…

After going in circles, and tricking Baron West once, both men were back at the negotiation table.

There was no change in Hudson, but Baron Katelai’s posts had evolved.

The brutal reality had taught him that his previously established network was not reliable.

In the previous negotiation, he had some confidence.

He thought that in the worst-case scenario he might lose some money, but with the help of his friends and family, he would at least be able to retain his domain.

The reality was rather harsh.

If it were not for the strict land allotment policies of the Kingdom, some might have wished for him to go bankrupt in order to take over his land.

“Baron Katelai, let’s be real.

I am indeed interested in these slaves.

However, the Mountain Domain’s current financial situation is scarce.

At most, I have twenty thousand gold coins available.

If I purchase at this price, I fear you will suffer a significant loss.

To take advantage of someone in difficulty is not in line with the spirit of a knight.

That’s why I didn’t bid last time.”

After hearing Hudson’s statement, Baron Katelai moaned inwardly.

A cunning merchant speaking of “knightly spirit” was indeed ridiculous, but he couldn’t find it funny at the moment.

The sole buyer can’t afford much.

Even though he claimed not to take advantage of the situation, wasn’t he actually inviting Katelai to voluntarily offer up everything for him to exploit?

He wanted to both reap the benefits and avoid the moral pressure.

If this gets out, it won’t be Master Hudson who has taken advantage of the situation but rather Master Hudson who has stepped in to rescue in a time of crisis.