Episode 107

At the Rheinfalz Empire army barracks, on the right side of the open space.

I am currently leading a protest with 500 selected members from the mercenary units participating in this expedition, feeling like a 21st-century union leader.

“Baron Pappenheim has manipulated our meritorious service records! Please rectify this injustice!”

“He has blinded the eyes and ears of His Imperial Majesty!”

“Don’t let such a dishonorable person who commits such despicable acts go unpunished!”

While loudly condemning a specific target and demanding a resolution from someone of high status, I thought to myself that if it weren’t for the armor I was wearing, this could be a scene from any 21st-century country.

A guy from another mercenary unit tried to cross the line with his words.

“Baron Pappenheim’s superior, the Border…”

I, although he wasn’t a member of our mercenary unit, had to intervene because if I let this damned guy finish his statement, all our heads might roll…

I dashed towards him and struck the back of his head hard.

The guy, unexpectedly hit on the head, turned towards me, furrowed his brows, and gritted his teeth.

“Are you seeing the Black Lion Mercenary Unit as a bunch of fools? We came out to correct the unfair meritorious service records… Why the hell are you hitting me?”

He glared at me with a look that seemed to demand an explanation.

I grabbed the shoulders of my clueless friend, filling them with aura.

A cracking sound came from him, and a scream escaped his lips.

“Damn, it hurts! Damn! I surrender, I surrender, you damned bastard.”

Even after hearing that, I continued to inflict pain on him without leaving any marks, and whispered.

“The Baron is a bastard who openly swindled our mercenary unit’s achievements, so it’s okay to curse him, but if you drag other nobles like the Border Count into this, do you know what will happen?”

He finally seemed to understand, or perhaps it was just the pain, as he began nodding his head vigorously.

“If you meddle with the honor of other nobles, you might find yourself in a duel with Sir Sword Master Ainz. If you’re lucky, you might save your life but won’t see a penny in compensation, and you’ll be barred from imperial assignments in the future. If you’re unlucky, it could lead to mass slaughter, you blockhead with a brain like cheese over half a year old.”

To nobles, honor is more precious than life itself.

This isn’t merely a metaphor; it’s a literal truth.

So much so, that if a daughter loses her virginity not due to promiscuity but because of rape, some extreme parents would even compel her to take her own life.

A noble who loses their honor is regarded in noble society as akin to a child molester, and everyone associated with that family faces tremendous disadvantages.

Therefore, carelessly tarnishing a noble’s honor is akin to begging, ‘Please, kill me painfully.’

“Yes, yes, I won’t do it again.”

“We’re just trying to make a living, don’t do something that’s tantamount to seeking death.”

As I was imparting a necessary lesson to this lunatic on the verge of uttering dangerous words, a voice called out from afar.

“I am Poltrun Schmitz, a mid-level knight of Baron Estel. I swear on my name that I will personally convey your legitimate demands to the Baron, so please, everyone, disperse.”

Typically, in a standard protest, a mid-level or, if fortunate, a high-level knight would end it by distributing some money.

But now, a person of mid-level knight status was prepared to stake his honor to resolve this issue, which significantly lifted the spirits of the surrounding mercenary captains and mercenaries.

‘But if I’m going to be stubborn about this, I need to make an impression without overstepping, right?’

“Sir Schmitz, we’ve suffered unfairness in the meritorious service records due to Baron Pappenheim. Ignoring this issue, regrettably, is tantamount to undermining His Imperial Majesty’s prestige.”

This is akin to the principle where if a local government mishandles a natural disaster, the ultimate responsibility could even reach the ‘President.’

Knowing this, Sir Schmitz couldn’t offer any rebuttal.

“That’s true, but there are procedures for everything.”

“We are also peacefully protesting here, in accordance with the customs.”

As I said, we were merely peacefully shouting slogans and cursing Baron Pappenheim in the bright daylight, without waving any weapons.

Sir Schmitz was pondering what to do in this situation when suddenly, a resounding voice came from afar.

“Baron Estel himself has arrived! Everyone, show your respect.”

Hearing this, all the mercenaries, including myself, showed our respect.

Baron Estel signaled us to rise with a gesture.

“Well, I already know why you have staged this protest, so I won’t ask. Let’s get straight to the point, what do you want?”

At his words, all the mercenaries turned their gaze towards me.

Estel, seeing the attention and eyes of the mercenaries on me, smiled a slightly perverse smile.

‘… Surely this gentleman isn’t gay?’

Why is this man blushing and smiling while looking at me?

“It is a clear fact that Baron Pappenheim attempted to steal the achievements of our Whitebeard Mercenary Group. Additionally, in the process, he underreported the achievements of the mercenaries present here, so we have not been properly compensated for our dedication.”

As I spoke up, I heard some murmurs from the mercenaries behind me.

“Isn’t that guy skilled? He’s logically persuading the Border Count.”

“The content of his speech is clear. It’s not easy to speak like that; it’s not something that can be done with just guts.”

“He’s skillful, the kid…”

The comments coming from behind were praising me.

If I were to liken my relationship with Baron Estel to a corporate structure, I’d be akin to a department head of a subcontractor, while he’d resemble the president of a subsidiary within a vast corporation.

Typically, I would be entirely subservient to Baron Estel, unable to assert our stance as, ‘This is an unfair measure.’

‘Right now, I am confidently expressing my beliefs.’

Furthermore, it’s not merely about quietly securing advantages for our mercenary group but also about ensuring that others receive additional rewards.

“Although we are merely humble mercenaries, our dedication surely merits recognition, doesn’t it?”

Estel nodded in agreement with my statement.

“You are correct. Moreover, as you mentioned to Sir Schmitz, overlooking such flawed records of meritorious service is equivalent to disrespecting the honor of the royal family. In fact, I have already dispatched a letter to His Majesty requesting the amendment of these inaccurate records.”

After concluding his remarks, Baron Estel handed me a letter adorned with a prominent red seal.

“This is a portion of the letter I sent to His Majesty. As you will see upon reading it, the accomplishments of each mercenary group, with the exception of the Whitebeard Mercenary Group, have been underestimated by 20%.”

The reversal of a 20% undervaluation of achievements implies…

Merely by doing the math, doesn’t this mean that the rewards for those not part of our Whitebeard Mercenary Group will see an increase of at least 20%?

Upon hearing this, the captains and mercenaries from the other groups embraced each other in joy.

They restrained themselves from expressing their elation with profanities in Baron Estel’s presence, but it was clear they would soon celebrate with less refined language once the noble had departed.

“Therefore, I’m sorry to ask, but in this case, it will take about a fortnight for His Majesty, or in this case, His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, to send a response regarding the meritorious service records. Can you stay here until then? We will cover all the costs of your food and basic maintenance during your stay.”

Everyone nodded and responded.

“Of course, of course. His Majesty of the Rheinfalz Empire and His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief are indeed just and fair. Besides, if we just have to wait a mere fortnight, anyone who complains would be a fool, wouldn’t they?”

“I wanted to see Baron Pappenheim punished, but of course, it’s an honor.”

“Long live His Majesty the Emperor! Long live Baron Estel!”

Estel looked at this and smiled bitterly, waving his hand.

“I swear on my name that I will pay you 20% more than the original amount due for your meritorious service, so you may leave now. However, Martin Meyer of the Whitebeard Mercenary Group, please stay.”

The sight of Baron Estel recalling the name of a single mercenary surprised everyone, but soon their attention shifted away from me.

Dalton, humming a tune from the back, kindly informed us all.

“With this expedition, we’ve made a year’s budget, and if you add 20% to that, it’s like getting an extra two and a half months’ budget. I’m ecstatic.”

As everyone left, Baron Estel, with his hands on my shoulders, asked me.

“Martin Meyer of the Whitebeard Mercenary Group, you managed not only to seal Baron Pappenheim’s fate but also to influence the opinion of other mercenary groups and etch your name in their memories. I have a very important proposal for you.”

“Please, speak.”

Estel looked at me with a murderous yet wicked smile.

“Baron Pappenheim will soon die. Then his territory will naturally become my direct jurisdiction. That would create an ‘ownerless barony.’”

Just as Estel said, in the absence of an heir, a vassal’s territory automatically reverts to their lord.

This is similar to how in South Korea, even if someone has a massive fortune, if there’s no one to inherit it, the ‘state’ becomes the owner of that money.

“Ahem, that was a long introduction. For now, join my ranks as a senior knight, and after 2-3 years of accumulating suitable achievements, I’ll grant you the Baron Pappenheim title. Furthermore, during this process, whether it’s women, money, honor, or anything you desire, just tell me, and I’ll generously provide it. What do you think? I believe there’s no offer more exceptional than this.”

I found myself nodding involuntarily to his words.

That’s because, although I had proven the worth of Martin Meyer, I hadn’t yet increased my value to the point of receiving a ‘barony’ as a scouting condition.

Estel essentially declared that he would make me a baron after 2-3 years of being a senior knight, regardless of whether I achieved anything notable.

It was an unimaginably tempting offer for me.

I was truly enticed.

No, I briefly imagined myself being called a baron and Karin being called the baroness…

‘But realistically, I can raise my value much higher in the future, right?’

Thinking this way, I was able to stay cool despite having a chance equivalent to winning ten first-prize lottery tickets.

“I deeply appreciate your offer, Baron Estel, but I cannot accept it.”

Hearing my words, Baron Estel let out a deep sigh.

“Refusing my offer even though I’m offering you a barony. I heard that you, like other nobles, desire power, wealth, honor, and a harem. If you become a baron, all of these will be yours.”

Even a baron of a weaker lineage has the right to freely use the taxes and labor force from roughly 10,000 households.

And this includes the right to make peasant girls his maids and concubines with just a flick of his finger.

Refusing such an opportunity is insane.

“Moreover, great turmoil is soon to unfold, and depending on your actions, becoming a count is not just a dream. No, I’m about to ascend to the position of a grand duke this time. All my vassals will rise significantly in status and enjoy glory, honor, and wealth for generations.”

Estel is certainly worth serving, overflowing with value, but…

‘It’s not a wise choice to accept a title when I haven’t fully proven my worth yet.’

If I attach myself to Baron Estel like this, wouldn’t I be indebted to him?

If I wait a bit now, I might miss the chance to rise even higher later, tied down by Estel’s offer.

‘Estel must be aware of this too.’

With sincere gratitude for his kindness, I knelt and bowed my head in apology.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think my worth has reached that level yet. Please withdraw your offer. However, if I can fully utilize my abilities, please propose it again.”

Hearing this, Estel sighed as if truly regretful.

“…It’s a shame I can’t keep you. Alright, just don’t oppose me then.”

“Yes, Baron Estel.”

Even if Estel hadn’t said so, I wouldn’t want to oppose him.

With such an incredible desire for talent, a sharp mind, and possessing the character that even made Sir Sword Master Ainz, who could have become a count, give up his chance, he’s not someone to be opposed lightly.

“I will take my leave now.”

After Martin Meyer left, Baron Estel laughed heartily, watching the spot where he had stood.

“They say troubled times produce heroes, and truly, with the world in chaos, such a madman emerges.”

He had offered the best conditions he could, yet they were refused.

Martin Meyer, who had preserved his dignity to the end.

Estel didn’t dislike Martin; in fact, he still held him in high regard.

For soon, Martin Meyer would surpass the boundaries set by Dalton and soar wildly.

By doing this, without expecting anything in return, he promised that ‘Martin, the future’s promising star, would be on his side.’

Thanks to Martin Meyer, Estel felt he was on the brink of being promoted from a baron to a duke, perhaps even a grand duke, and would be granted a vast territory.

Even setting these achievements aside, he owed a significant debt to Martin.

As long as Martin didn’t antagonize or betray him, Estel found it impossible to harbor any hatred towards him.

Yet, he couldn’t shake off a bittersweet feeling…

“…I must quickly choose a prince with good potential for gathering talents and prospects.”

He decided to prepare for the inevitable civil war that would erupt in a few years.