Chapter 55: The Newest Path to Prosperity

“Perfect, he’ll be known as Little M from now on. Little M, within my manor, resides a minister of considerable intellect. You shall refer to him as Uncle Marnid. Would you be willing to apprentice under him and learn the art of trade?”

“Yes, Count Uncle, I would be delighted.”

Thus, everything was set in place. Draxel, accompanied by the family of three, proceeded to the manor to sort out their new arrangements.

[Side Quest Completed.]

[Reward: 3,000 experience points and an extra +1 to all attribute points. Congratulations, you have leveled up.]

[Current Character Profile: Draxel]

[Level 35, Strength 27, Agility 27, Intelligence 29, Charm 28, proficiency in all weapon categories at 200.]

[Note: The bonus to your attribute points is in recognition of your meticulous care for Old Aubrey’s family. You truly are a noble soul, Count.]

That familiar, invigorating warmth flowed through Draxel once more, revitalizing his spirits.

He contemplated, ‘Hey, System, if side quests offer such rewarding benefits, why bother with the main storyline at all? Let’s dive into more side quests! Bring it on, another one, please.’

[System Notification: Let’s set a good example by refusing to pad out the story. Back to business, I believe Marnid has already devised his next lucrative strategy.]

‘Well, alright then…’

The night had deepened, presumably finding Marnid already asleep. After Old Aubrey had prepared some late-night fare and Draxel had his fill, he too surrendered to sleep’s embrace.

At the crack of dawn, while Draxel was yet to stir from his slumber, Merchant Marnid was promptly stationed outside his bedroom door. Observing no signs of Draxel awakening, Marnid softly rapped on the door.

“My esteemed lord, it’s Marnid. I’ve hit upon an excellent idea.”

“The door’s not locked. Come on in.”

Upon hearing this invitation, Merchant Marnid quietly opened the door and stepped inside.

Draxel, throwing on a robe, propped himself up in bed, leaning against the mattress with an effortlessly elegant posture. He beckoned Marnid to sit down on one of the room’s chairs, and they began their discussion.

“What’s this brilliant idea you have?”

“My esteemed lord, I’ve been pondering why Profit Empress Ronnie is so extraordinarily wealthy. Surely, just managing a tavern and engaging in the brewing and liquor trade couldn’t amass such a fortune.”

“Indeed, that’s a valid point. What’s your theory?”

“I surmise that Profit Empress Ronnie must be leveraging her tavern for additional ventures, which could be the true cornerstone of her wealth accumulation.”

Reflecting on the extensive estate behind Ronnie’s tavern, Draxel felt there was merit to the idea and asked further, “And what business might that be?”

“In a tavern’s setting, beyond drinking, the remaining vices are gambling and prostitution.”

“It’s not prostitution. Ronnie’s establishment only hires men, she’s never brought women into her business.”

“Then, it most likely revolves around gambling. With nine out of ten gamblers walking away losers, their losses must be lining Profit Empress Ronnie’s pockets.”

“Hmm… your deduction seems plausible, likely gambling indeed. I’ll make my way to her tavern today to uncover the truth.”

“Excellent, I’ll await your triumphant news back at the manor. By the way, the young lad Masonde, or Little M as you call him, whom you introduced me to, is quite sharp. We’ve been playing chess and discussing business strategies together, it’s been rather enjoyable. Thank you for that.”

“Alright, I’m looking forward to seeing both of you progress. There’s no time to waste, I’ll set off now.”

With these parting words, Draxel quickly got ready, grabbed a loaf of bread for the road, and set off towards Profit Empress Ronnie’s tavern, munching along the way. Thanks to his familiarity with the route and his trusty steed’s swift pace, Draxel made it to Ronnie’s tavern in just a day and a half.

As it happened, Ronnie had just fetched several cartloads of grain for brewing from the Count’s village at no cost and had cooled off from any irritation she felt from their last less-than-charming exchange.

Ronnie’s smile, missing for far too long, reappeared upon seeing the Count approach alone. Amidst the tavern’s daily flux of diverse patrons, Draxel alone managed to make a memorable impression.

“What brings you here, Count? Did you miss me?”

“Maybe a little, uh… Why does it always seem like I come to you only when I need something?” Draxel, having sought Ronnie’s assistance multiple times, was somewhat embarrassed.

“Ha! No worries, let’s consider it repaying the debt for the grains. What brings you this time?”

“Actually, it’s not much. I’m looking to make some money by opening a gambling den in Uxkhal. I thought you might share some wisdom.”

“And what makes you think I’d know anything about that?” Ronnie teased with a playful smirk.

“Well, considering the bustling business your tavern does, it must attract a fair share of gamblers. Perhaps some gambling even takes place right here in your establishment.”

“Smart thinking, you. Come over here, let me see if anything about you has changed in the few days since we last met~” 

With that, Profit Empress Ronnie slowly leaned toward the Count, extending her hand to caress his face.

“Don’t… please.”

[System Alert: Why not? It’s pleasant. Go on, get closer.]

Draxel internally lambasted the system, decrying its utter lack of shame. We’re supposed to be upstanding men.

How could we… Oh… Ronnie’s touch is unexpectedly tender…

“When you wrapped your arms around my waist last time and I told you to stop, did you listen?” Ronnie quipped, unabashedly continuing to fondle and play with his cheeks.

“Alright, have your fun, but once you’re done, you’re responsible for showing me how to make a profit from a gambling den,” Draxel managed to say, despite the unwelcome attention on his face.

“Ugh, how dull,” Ronnie gave his left cheek a sharp pinch.

“Ow! That hurts, you’re incredibly violent,” Draxel couldn’t help but cry out in pain.

He couldn’t shake the feeling of being hard done by. Safiya had a penchant for ear-tugging, and now Ronnie for cheek-pinching? What accursed habits they harbored.

“Okay, okay, Her Majesty is in a generous mood today, so I’ll lend you a hand. There’s a village under Uxkhal, called Ibiran Village, that’s yours. I have a dear friend there who can assist you.”

Finishing her explanation, Profit Empress Ronnie swiftly penned a letter and handed it to Draxel.

“Take this. Once you’re in the village, seek out the village chief. She’s the chief’s sister and quite a bit older than you! She could practically be your mother, hahaha.”

“Not anyone can claim to be my mother. My mother is Yan… I mean, Lady Bela, alright?” Draxel almost inadvertently revealed his true mother’s name, Yan.