This story took place during the break between (41).
Barnabas of the Mineil Trading Company, along with his subordinates, was visiting the base of “Fang of the Divine Wolf.”
He had requested a meeting to confirm rumors that had been circulating in Seichun’s Town for several days, and he had finally received a response, leading him to come here.
The rumor was that “Fang of the Divine Wolf” would be absorbed by Crown.
Barnabas naturally knew of Crown.
It was an organization that had suddenly appeared on the Central Continent just over a decade ago.
In just over a decade, Crown had rapidly taken over the Central Continent and was even extending its influence to other continents.
As a single organization, it had undoubtedly grown to a scale that could rival the top powers in the world.
Its momentum was unstoppable, and it was still expanding.
Naturally, such a massive organization would face opposition from other groups.
In fact, its existence often threatened the vested interests of existing powers.
Crown had tried to establish a branch in Seichun in the past, but they had been summarily rejected.
Crown had made their proposal through legitimate means, but unfortunately, legitimate methods did not work in Seichun.
The matter ended there.
When Barnabas heard rumors of Crown recently, he was surprised, but also felt a sense of “as expected.”
“Fang of the Divine Wolf” had possessed abundant funds and talent from the beginning.
Their speed in clearing dungeons was particularly remarkable.
While the people of Seichun were focused on Corry’s achievements, Barnabas was more interested in the party’s overall progress.
This was likely due to his perspective as a merchant.
A party capable of clearing higher floors could acquire more valuable materials.
Of course, it wasn’t just Kou’s group that Barnabas was paying attention to.
Each party operating within “Fang of the Divine Wolf” was also showing remarkable achievements.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Barnabas was paying more attention to them.
After all, “Fang of the Divine Wolf” possessed the organizational strength to assemble such talented individuals.
He had been executing various strategies to bring them into the Mineil Trading Company’s fold, but all his efforts had failed until today.
Furthermore, he had also kept a close eye on the movements of other merchant guilds that could be rivals to the Mineil Trading Company.
It was a small comfort to Barnabas that these guilds were in the same situation as his own company.
And then, this current rumor surfaced.
For Barnabas, it was imperative to confirm the truth behind it.
***
Upon arriving at the “Fang of the Divine Wolf” base, Barnabas was guided to a room by the woman at the reception.
Previously, a woman named Exu had been at reception, but now someone else was in charge.
Moreover, the entire building was much livelier than during his previous visit.
Sensing the atmosphere, Barnabas felt that the rumors might indeed be true and became more serious.
They had summoned him knowing that he would notice these changes upon his arrival here.
It was natural to assume something was up.
And Barnabas’s premonition was immediately confirmed in the room he was led to.
“Wh-!?”
Barnabas couldn’t help but exclaim as he looked at the people inside the room.
Hiding one’s emotions was a crucial skill for doing business.
Yet, Barnabas, of all people, had inadvertently vocalized his surprise.
Seeing Barnabas’s reaction, the people inside didn’t even mock him, but instead wore expressions of sympathy.
Inside were members of the Anessa Trading Company and the Bart Trading Company.
These two companies were fierce rivals of the Mineil Trading Company in Seichun, constantly vying for influence.
Silently cursing himself for his outburst, Barnabas quickly put on a polite smile.
“My apologies. I never expected to be seated here with you all.”
Barnabas managed to reply, but the others gave an unexpected response.
“Hmph. No need to feign politeness now. We feel much the same. Wouldn’t you agree, Bart?”
“…I think it would be more productive to share information about what ‘Fang of the Divine Wolf’ is thinking, rather than engaging in petty disputes here. I already feel like we’re being outmaneuvered.”
Barnabas agreed with the sentiments of the two, who spoke with displeased expressions, though he remained wary.
After they had spoken for a while, Exu entered the room, accompanied by a man.
“My apologies for the delay.”
Exu said, but they hadn’t actually missed the appointed time.
Barnabas and the others had simply arrived early.
Therefore, no one, including Barnabas, commented on it.
Instead, their attention was drawn to the man who had entered with Exu.
The man seemed to notice this and greeted them with a smile.
“It seems I’m the only one here who doesn’t know everyone, so allow me to introduce myself. A pleasure to meet you all. I am Schmidt, the head of Crown’s Merchant Division.”
Upon hearing this, Barnabas barely managed to suppress a groan.
The other two likely felt the same.
Schmidt’s simple introduction completely overshadowed their previous conversation.
Their intention to investigate the truth of the rumors had become meaningless.
Exu then delivered another blow to Barnabas and the others.
“Since Schmidt has introduced himself, allow me to do the same. I am Exu, Deputy Director of Crown.”
Barnabas was stunned.
A few moments later, Barnabas quickly adjusted his expression, but seeing that the others had similar looks of astonishment, he inwardly sighed.
He was relieved to know that he wasn’t the only one who hadn’t known about Exu’s high position within Crown.
However, this offered no consolation to Exu and Schmidt.
A member of the Anessa Trading Company, realizing they had been outplayed from the start, finally spoke up.
“…If you introduce yourselves as such, does that mean the rumors circulating in town are true?”
Schmidt nodded nonchalantly at the question.
“Of course. More importantly, we have gathered here today to discuss business.”
The assembled individuals frowned at Schmidt’s attitude, as if the rumors were of no consequence, but their expressions sharpened upon hearing the mention of business.
Barnabas and everyone else gathered here were individuals with exceptional business acumen.
Their gazes converged on Schmidt, wondering what kind of business proposal he would make.
Undeterred by their scrutiny, Schmidt donned a businessman’s smile and said,
“Today, I believe I have brought an opportunity that will not result in any losses for any of you.”
Looking back, Schmidt’s smile at that moment was a devil’s grin, as Barnabas would later recall.
This could not be contained in a single episode.
It will continue in the next episode.
