STGB Episode 467

Landowner(2)

Count Alminas

This family does not belong to the founding nobility of the Royal Family of Raphdonia.

But

Alminas.

[Alminas Central Exchange]

[Alminas Bank]

The very fact that these institutions belong to the Alminas Merchants’ Guild, which in turn is controlled by the Count, shows that their influence rivals even the original families. And as the patron of one of the largest clans, the  Gearfang Clan, their influence reaches far into the Labyrinth.

“I didn’t think they would stay quiet, but I never imagined they’d escalate this to Mozlan,”

Amelia gave a small chuckle in agreement to my words.

“The count’s family has more guts than I thought. Even though the circumstantial evidence is clear that they tried an unauthorized subjugation, I didn’t expect them to pull this kind of move.”

“Emily, it’s not your fault, you don’t need to feel responsible.”

“…Responsible? Why should I feel responsible?”

“Uh…”

I just said it because it seemed like the right time to say it…

Never mind.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I quickly changed the subject.

“The letter was sent two days ago. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I assumed you were busy, and I needed to verify a few things first. If you hadn’t come home today, I’d have gone to find you.”

“Verify what?”

As if she’d been waiting for that question, Amelia told me about the few matters she’d looked into over the past two days.

And they weren’t exactly good news.

“Rumors are already spreading in the pubs. The Alminas family has begun their propaganda campaign.”

“I expected as much. What exactly are they saying?”

“The details vary, but they are claiming that we schemed to steal the Floor Lord away from them while they had nearly captured it. Oh, and there’s even speculation that we may have been the ones who summoned it in the first place.”

“Still, there are plenty of people calling that nonsense. Fortunately, it seems that the path you’ve been following hasn’t been in vain.”

Yeah, thanks to the reputation points I’ve accumulated.

This might be a little satisfying—.

“But we need to hurry.”

“Huh?”

“I saw them approaching the explorers you helped back then. They’re likely trying to bribe them into giving favorable testimony.”

“…Bribe? But verification magic would expose lies, right?”

“In case you didn’t know, 

 In Mozlan’s trials, one can exercise the right to remain silent. They’ll likely skip answering detrimental questions, only revealing truths that benefit them.”

“…Hmm, but our side is much more credible, isn’t it?”

“Not necessarily. If testimonies conflict, the court often reduces the weight of the testimony in their decisions. It’s a common strategy.”

Oh… I see…

“How do you know all this?”

“I’ve been studying the documents for the past two days.”

“…”

Maybe the real genius isn’t her older sister, but her.

While admiring her secretly,I quickly asked Amelia for her advice.

“So, what do you think I should do?”

“A trial is basically guaranteed, so your priority should be finding some of those people you helped who are willing to testify on your behalf.”

“And then?”

“Seek help from Melbes. Given their long history, they must have experienced similar disputes before. They should have a competent lawyer.”

“And then?”

Amelia averted her eyes under my expectant gaze.

“…I’m good at investigating, not coming up with solutions.”

So basically, she doesn’t have any more ideas.

“Mister, is there anything I can do to help?” Erwin, who’d been listening quietly, joined in.

I was grateful for the thought. But…

“I’ll let you know if I need anything. So don’t worry about it until then”

***

After four days without a proper break, all I wanted to do was collapse into bed, but instead I went straight to the Mozlan headquarters.

Strike while the iron is hot.

I need to gather information before I can formulate a strategy.

So far, I have no major complaints.

However, I did have one regret.

‘……Why call me to the main office?

The Mozlan branch where Dwalki was arrested was located in District 7, but its headquarters is located in the Imperial capital of Carnon.

‘…Should I spend some money and use the military transport station?’

The temptation briefly flashed before my eyes, but as the clan leader of Anabada, I shook it off.

“Welcome to Mozlan headquarters. Baron Jandel, please come this way. I will guide you.”

Once I arrived, the knights on duty greeted me politely, not even waiting for me to state my identity.

Is this what they call ‘the times have changed’?

Of course, it wasn’t a pleasant visit this time either, but in the past, when I went to their office about the Dwalki matter, they wouldn’t even let me set foot in the building.

And it wasn’t even the main office but a branch.

Anyway, that’s not important now.

“I am Christina Beallon, the chairperson of Mozlan.”

The person who greeted me was an elegantly dressed middle-aged woman. . Though she wore civilian clothes, she was part of Mozlan, so she must also be a knight.

“Bealon? As in the House of Bealon?”

“Yes. Count Bealon is my elder brother.”

“I see. But do chairpersons usually handle matters like this themselves?”

“Not normally. But since this is a dispute between titled nobles, it’s a sensitive matter. I decided to take care of it personally, just in case”.

“Is that so? Well then, let’s hear it. The letter said you would explain in detail.”

“Yes, since there’s a limit to what can be communicated through letters. Ahem, I’m not sure where to start…”

The lady glanced at me cautiously, then began her explanation.

“Normally, we would recommend a settlement. Count Alminas has clearly promised to reduce the demanded amount if Baron Jandel agrees. But…”

She then looked up at me.

“You wouldn’t want that, would you?”

“Of course not.”

“Then I suppose we’ll have to refer the case to the Royal Court.”

She went on to explain the procedures and what I would have to do once it reached the Court.\

This included writing a statement.

One of those steps involved writing a statement…

“If you wish, I can call a scribe right now.”

But I decided to postpone writing the statement.

After all, it’s something that will be used in the trial.

Better to do it strategically with a lawyer present.

So, after leaving the building, I went straight to Baroness Lirivia’s house.

“Baron Jandel…? I didn’t hear from Mother that you’d be visiting.”

It was the Baroness’s daughter who greeted me.

As it turned out, the Rabbit Baroness was currently busy at the royal palace.

Her daughter said she’d be back today, so I decided to just wait.

And how much time passed.

“Baron Jandel, what brings you here? I heard from Minia that you have been waiting for half a day… … .”

“Baron Lirivia, I need your help.”

“Help… you say? Please explain in detail first.”

Baroness Bunny, who returned at dusk, heard my story and sighed deeply.

“No offense, Baron Jandel… but you were born in the eye of a storm.”

“….”

“Anyway, I know a skilled lawyer, so there’s no need to worry too much. It’s not possible today, but you should be able to meet him by tomorrow.”

“Thanks for arranging that. By the way, do you happen to have any vacant rooms?”

“Vacant rooms…?”

“It’d be a hassle to go home, sleep, and then come back again tomorrow, wouldn’t it?”

“…Ah, you’re staying in Ravigion. Understood. I’ll have a room prepared.”

“Appreciate it.”

Okay, lodging sorted.

After dining with the Rabbit Baroness’s family, I borrowed a communication crystal to inform Erwin and Amelia I’d be staying out.

And the next morning:

“Nice to meet you, Baron Jandel. I am James Elk.”

Early in the morning, I met with the lawyer Baroness Lirivia had introduced and received a consultation.

After hearing everything I had to say, the lawyer’s expression was grim.

“…This is quite a troublesome situation.  So let me get this straight: : the official case filed with Mozlan is that they are demanding ‘a share of the spoils based on their contribution,’ correct?”

“That’s right.”

Even though they’re spreading rumors as if I did something terrible, the lawsuit itself boils down to that.

“Either way, the Gear tooth clan definitely contributed to the hunt, so they’re demanding their share based on that.”

The lawsuit was grounded in Labyrinth Disaster Law.

During disasters, each explorer is obligated to collaborate to overcome the disaster, and disputes over loot are a recurring issue.

“Yes. Their demand is legally valid. And if they’re bold enough to file, they’ve likely secured proof of their ‘contribution.’”

Speaking in a slightly quieter tone, the lawyer continued.

“How about accepting the offer Count Alminas made? if this goes to court, the payout might be worse.”

“…Even though there’s suspicion that they summoned the floor lord without permission?”

My voice turned inadvertently sharp.

However, the lawyer responded in a strictly professional tone.

“That’s not relevant to this case. It’s just circumstantial evidence for now. It’s hard to prove, and even if proved, it would be a separate case from the distribution.”

In other words, whether Count Alminas ends up paying a fine or serving time later has nothing to do with the fact that they’re entitled to a cut now.

“Please don’t be upset. My job is simply to present all the facts so Baron Yandel can make an informed decision.”

Well, there’s no point in lashing out at him.

“James, is there really no way around this?”

“As I said before, I recommend negotiating. If you use the ‘circumstances’ you mentioned as leverage, you can reduce the share you have to pay. And the risk you take on will be far less.”

“And if I don’t care about the risk? Is there really no other way?”

Even though I pressed him, James didn’t change his stance.

“No. That is the best we can do. Ultimately, you won’t be able to avoid paying some share. Unless Count Alminas withdraws his mediation request at Mozlan, that is.”

Right, so that’s how it is.

I ended the legal consultation at that point.

It felt like I didn’t gain much, but thanks to James, I knew which direction to take.

Essentially, we have to force them to withdraw.

In other words, I need some ammunition to pressure Count Alminas into backing off on his own.

***
After the legal consultation.

I went straight to Mozlan, and with the help of the lawyer, I finished drafting the statement in my best interests.

Realistically, I’d prefer to avoid going to trial, but who knows how things will turn out.

I have to be prepared, just in case.

They said it would take at least two to three months for a trial to begin.

Time remained, so I postponed confronting the Alminas Count directly. Instead—

Ding!

On my way back, I dropped by the Explorer’s Guild.

I was received by the branch chief himself, and I filled out a subjugation request form.

[Subjugation Target: Dreadfear, Lord of Terror.]

My target was none other than the Floor Lord on the first floor.

“…It’s been a while since anyone put in a request to take that thing down.”

Well, that’s not surprising.

There are many other ways for a Rank 5 clan to promote to a Rank 4 clan.

Usually, only those who’ve just started a clan but have enough skill to rank up quickly aim to subjugate that one.

“The subjugation date is right after the next labyrinth opens….,, I see. I’ll rush out an official notice to all branches.”

Fortunately, the permit went through without a hitch.

“Do you know? The moment that notice goes up, there’s going to be an uproar.”

Of course I know.

That’s exactly what I’m counting on.

“A total of five participants for the subjugation… If you succeed, you’ll be the tenth person since the ‘Last Great Sage’ to accomplish such a feat.”

That was my first piece of ammunition to use against Count Alminas.