STGB Episode 465
Proof (4)
The moment I rose from my seat, the noisy barons shut their mouths and turned their attention to me.
Even though we were in the same space, their eyes carried a sense of distance, almost like a wall between us. The bearded baron, who caught my eye, spoke on behalf of the others.
“Baron Jandel, it seems you have something you wish to say.”
There was no need to interpret what he really meant:
We’ll listen to whatever you have to say, but don’t expect us to change our minds.
The other barons didn’t look any different in their attitudes.
‘It’s not like I’m doing this just for my own good…’
Thirty-one barons from thirty-one different families.
Among them, the only one who can be called my ally is the rabbit baroness who is anxiously watching from the host’s seat.
So, in other words.
‘I just need to persuade fifteen of them.’
Melbes had now become a group consisting of thirty-two families including myself.
Seventeen votes are needed for a majority, and the votes of myself and Rabbit baroness were already secured.
“Um… Baron Jandel?”
The Rabbit Baroness’s anxious voice signaled it was time to finalize my thoughts.
“First off, I want to clarify that this isn’t just for my personal gain.”
That was the first point I needed to address in order to persuade the fifteen.
“The proposal put forward by Baron Lirivia is for the benefit of all of Melbes”.
Naturally, a rebuttal came immediately.
“How does supporting Baron Yandel and the clan under his command benefit all of Melbes?”
“Because I’m different from you.”
“…?”
The mustached baron tilted his head in confusion.
“The power of a noble comes from his house. But my house hasn’t even found any land to settle on yet.”
I watched as they all leaned forward, curious to hear what I was going to say.
Alright, that should be enough to build some momentum.
“Yet no noble dares to look down on me.”
I continued speaking.
“It’s quite strange if you think about it. Marquis Tercerion, who won’t even grant an audience to anyone below a Count, and Duke Keallunas—both show me respect and do not treat me carelessly.”
“…”
“Why do you think that is?”
“I would guess… your reputation, perhaps?”
“Wrong.”
Well, to be precise, that’s not entirely incorrect, but—
Where do they think that name value came from, anyway?
“It’s because of my strength.”
The Giant, Bjorn Yandel.
He is someone who has achieved military honour and has risen to the rank of Baron through his individual skill alone.
“My fame and status come from the fact that I was powerful enough to earn them.”
Therefore—
“That’s the reason you should support me.”
That completes my logic.
“If I grow stronger, my rank will rise as well.”
“I have no intention of remaining a baron forever.”
Hence, helping me is helping Melbes.
***
Thirty-one.
No, now with me included, a total of thirty-two families formed Melbes.
This group has two major weaknesses.
First, as non-humans, they are ostracised and kept in check by the existing noble society.
And the second…
‘The highest title among us is a Count.’
Yes, there’s only one Count family in Melbes. That’s their upper limit.
“Support me, and I will fulfill all your wishes.”
“Support me, and I will fulfill all your wishes.”
However, it seemed my logic didn’t resonate strongly, because their reactions remained indifferent.
“We understand your ambition, Baron Jandel, but this ultimately seems like a special favor for a specific family, doesn’t it?”
Well, I knew I would never be able to convince each one of them.
Society is such that if you push from behind, someone will pull from above.
‘Still, I think a few of them were interested in what I said, so that’s good enough.’
I’ve shown them plenty of “grand visions,” so now it’s time to tackle this from another angle.
“Of course, that’s not the only reason you should support me.”
I continued.
“Melbes hasn’t yet touched any business related to the Labyrinth, correct? If you think of this as Melbes formally sponsoring a clan, there’s really no loss involved.”
Many noble houses sponsor explorer clans not just as a show of prestige.
Having a clan under their control means they can influence what happens inside labyrinths at any time.
Since this entire kingdom runs on a single Labyrinth, that kind of influence is immeasurably important.
Up until now, Melbes had never had such a clan.
“I understand what Baron Jandel means. However, the reason we haven’t dabbled in Labyrinth-related activities is not because we couldn’t”.
“Then why not?”
Feigning ignorance of the reason, I asked, and once again the mustachioed baron was kind enough to provide an answer.
“If we start meddling in the labyrinth, the checks from existing powers are inevitable.”
This was essentially the same reason why the Barons of Melbes kept their distance from the Sanctuary.
With such small power, it’s vital not to increase enemies.
That was Melbes’ motto.
But…
“That argument ended the moment I joined.”
From the moment they accepted me, a famous explorer, they’d practically forfeited that strategy.
Still, the mustached baron didn’t back down so easily.
“That’s why supporting you further is even more dangerous. If our support continues, there will be no room for excuses. The other established noble houses will think we are using Baron Jandel to get involved in the labyrinth, and that won’t do any good for Baron Jandel either.”
His message was clear: they weren’t willing to pay even a single cent in personal support funds.
If that was enough to make me give up, I wouldn’t have started this at all.
“Are you truly that afraid of them?”
I asked in a provocative tone. Sometimes you need a little poke to stir people’s thoughts.
He responded immediately.
“…That’s a pointless question.”
“Why do you say it’s pointless?”
“We simply make rational judgments. That’s what it means to lead a noble house. As a lord, you bear not only your own responsibilities but also those for your children and the entire family.”
His voice was somewhat emotional but not overtly hostile; it sounded more like sincere advice from a senior to a junior.
Thus, I needed to keep pushing.
“To my ears, it just sounds like you’re pushing responsibility onto the next generation.”
“I have no reason to accept criticism about my decisions from you.”
Eventually, the baron’s voice grew cold.
Ah, he had been a rather gentle old man, even if he was always interfering.
Though I felt somewhat sorry, it couldn’t be helped.
I was acting for my team, my clan, beyond just myself.
“There has been a misunderstanding.”
Anyway, I had pushed enough; now it was time to pull.
“Baron Heskaira, my words were not meant as criticism. It simply means that from now on, we need to actively grow stronger.”
“……”
“Wasn’t that the reason you brought me in?”
Though my tone was soothing, Baron Heskaira stayed silent.
Instead, someone else spoke up for the first time.
“I think Baron Jandel’s words have some merit.”
It was Baron Bruellin of the white wolf tribe.
He was in his thirties, making him quite young compared to the other barons.
“Haven’t we all agreed that change is necessary?”
Just as the Rabbit Baroness had mentioned before, many within Melbes were dissatisfied with the current state of affairs.
Which is why, the moment someone suggested a new path, Baron Bruellin immediately took the chance to voice his stance.
So, as soon as someone suggested a new way, Baron Bruellin jumped at the chance to express his opinion.
“Ah, that doesn’t mean I agree with the proposal. However, trying to expand our influence into the labyrinth seems like a worthwhile attempt. During this war, while everyone else was earning their stripes, all we could do was watch.”
Led by Baron Bruellin’s words, a full debate began.
“I agree with that part too. It’s been a hassle to always rely on the sanctuary whenever an explorer is needed.”
“But do we really need Baron Jandel for this? If we gather our own explorers within each tribe, we could form a clan in no time.”
“Yes, I’ve heard Baron Jandel’s clan has fewer than ten members right now.”
“Precisely. Wouldn’t it be better if each family contributed talent and together we created a brand new clan that we could all support equally?
Hmm, this isn’t good.
Before I was completely shut out of the conversation, I rushed to intervene.
“You only know half the story!”
“…Excuse me?”
“By the time that happens, the war will be long over!”
They’re obviously drawn to the Labyrinth business because of the war.
During the war, numerous noble houses made massive profits through the clans they sponsored. Meanwhile, Melbes simply watched, growing jealous—
‘Wait a minute…’
“Well, isn’t it too early to try and profit from this war already?”
“I agree. There might be a need to prepare for such events in the future, but that doesn’t mean we should rush into it now. A rushed step often leads to mistakes.”
This is why noble types can be so frustrating. Their narrow-minded focus on the long term.
Thinking so leisurely and complacently, How can I convince them to make major changes?
They’ve been this way for thousands of years, which is precisely why nothing has changed until now.
As a K-Barbarian who prioritizes speed, this conversation is incredibly frustrating.
But…
‘I need to change my strategy.’
There were two options I could present to these politicians who looked to the future.
Either tailor my future value to their needs.
Or make the future they envision look like a dump.
Naturally, I chose the latter.
“Idiotic! While you waste time, the families that disregarded you will grow stronger!”
“You’re talking nonsense! While you’re wasting time, the families that’ve been looking down on you all this while will only grow stronger!”
I grew up knowing that politics is based on negativity.
“Haven’t you seen the Chancellor? He’s been taking advantage of the war to build up his house! He’s distributing out positions to his own people so they can rack up achievements!”
“But isn’t Baron Jandel not one of the Chancellor’s people?”
“I—I’m an exception!”
“Just look at the Chancellor’s son! With no name or skill, he became a commander during the war and is recognized for merits he didn’t earn on the battlefield!”
“To say that Marquis Tercerion’s son lacks ability is a bit…”
“Anyway, I got lucky and became a baron this time, but what if the war drags on? Surely, a few more noble families will emerge, and those families will align themselves with the houses that supported them in the labyrinth”
“……”
“You’re just going to stand by and watch? This could be our chance to bring another non-human noble house if we get involved!”
I tried to stir up their ambition.
But it still wasn’t easy.
“…Nothing we can do about it. It’s our fault for not preparing in time.”
“This war came too unexpectedly.”
“To be honest, who knows if such a situation will ever happen again. Maybe staying as we are now is the best option…”
Who are these people, really?
Even the Rabbit Baroness, feeling sorry for how hard I was pushing alone, jumped in to assist me. But in the end, we failed to sway public opinion decisively, and the vote began.
“We shall now proceed to vote. Those in favor of formally supporting Baron Jandel and Clan Anabada, please raise your hands.”
I could guess the outcome.
‘I didn’t realize they could be so conservative.’
It seems I have no choice but to wait for the next opportunity—.
“I vote in favor.”
While the Rabbit Baroness and I were sadly raising our hands, another voice spoke up.
It was Baron Bruellin of the White Wolf tribe—the one who at least recognized the need for ‘change’ among the barons.
‘…What?’
Surprisingly, following him, more and more heads began raising their hands.
One, two, three, four…
By the time the votes were tallied, the number of hands in favor just tipped past the majority.
“…Se-seventeen families are in favor. Therefore, the motion to formally support Baron Yandel and Clan Anabada is hereby carried.”
Even the Rabbit Baroness, a longtime member of Melbes, couldn’t hide her astonishment at the result.
However, once the voting ended and further discussions began, my swelling excitement quickly deflated.
“We agreed to offer support, but we are against using Melbes’s public funds.”
Support came with restrictions, from both who voted for or against, so in the end, what I actually got was extremely modest:
- The possibility of a loan using public funds (with interest and limits).
- One of the Melbes Merchant Guild’s buildings was offered as a clan house (at a reduced rate).
- Permission to accept Melbes-exclusive quests.
The third point was the most important:
If Melbes ever needs me or my clan, they’ll make a formal request and offer appropriate compensation in return.
…Starting is half the battle.’
Alright, let’s be satisfied with this for today.
***
After the assembly ended at the Rabbit Baroness’s home, I took my carriage back and grabbed a good night’s sleep—something I couldn’t do the previous day. And early the next morning, I headed right back out.
I have a tight schedule this month.
Ah, Bjorn… you’ve arrived…”
“Good morning, Shabn Emoor.”
“…Is it morning already?”
“……”
I immediately went to the sanctuary and started my duties as tribe chief.
As the deadline approached, I checked how far the administrative corps had progressed with their property sales plan, and I listened to the matters that required my approval and gave them my approval.
Of course, my duties didn’t end there.
“Oh! Bjorn! You’re here!”
“It’s not Bjorn; it’s Chief.”
“…Yes, Chief!”
I checked with Aynar how many of the warriors who had recently gone to Labyrinth had survived and returned, if there were any other matters in the tribe, and what the public opinion was.
And…
“Me, a second elder…?”
“Don’t you want to?”
“How could I not! I’ll do it! Just order me!!”
I appointed Karon, son of Tarson, as the second elder of the tribe. He was the same warrior who started the backpack revolution when he returned to the tribe after being betrayed by his comrades in the Labyrinth and rescued by me.
Aynar couldn’t handle everything alone.
Since a new month had started, we also had to prepare for next month’s coming-of-age ceremony, but I didn’t have time to oversee every detail.
It would also be unfair to burden the already busy administrative corps further.
Anyway, Busy time flew by hectically, and a new day began.
Year 157, July 5th.
It was real estate day.