The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations - Chapter 247

Chapter 247: Let’s Secure Some Investment (1)

Thud, thud, thud!

The courier drove the horse tirelessly.

It was a horse galloping across the vast northern plains. Running along a straight road, it began to reach speeds unmatched by any other horse.

If the distance was too great, the courier could switch to another horse stationed at the various hubs. Thus, endurance was not an issue.

Currently, this system was limited to operation within the estate, but as the road network expanded and more hubs were established, the range of deliveries would grow significantly.

A courier who set off in the morning arrived at the Forest of Beasts’ garrison by evening.

“This… this is from my mother? Sent this morning?”

“Yes, Fenris Arrow Delivery prioritizes speed as our core principle.”

Ricardo examined the courier from head to toe, his expression skeptical.

‘No matter how close the estate is, can it really arrive this quickly?’

Typically, sending such letters required hiring a merchant group or mercenaries.

That meant the process was expensive and time-consuming. Unless someone was willing to pay an exorbitant price, it was unthinkable to make such arrangements for one person.

‘Come to think of it… didn’t the Young Lord recently cause a stir, claiming he’d start some delivery business?’

Ricardo vaguely recalled hearing about roads being paved, telegraph offices, and various hub facilities being built in Ferdium. The delivery service had been promoted heavily.

‘Still, there’s no reason for anyone to pull this kind of prank on me.’

It didn’t seem like a joke. The courier standing before him was covered in dust, drenched in sweat—a far too earnest sight to be part of a prank.

Ricardo unfolded the letter. His mother couldn’t write, so she would have dictated the contents to someone else, but he could recognize the tone.

[When on earth are you getting married? Stop seeing so many women and settle down already. My friend’s son is married and already has grandchildren…!]

‘Ah, this does sounds like Mom.’

The nagging tone was identical to what he always heard when visiting her. It conveyed a mix of genuine concern and frustration.

She must have been desperate to resort to using the newly established “Arrow Delivery” service for this letter.

“Well then, I’ll be off now. Could you please sign here to confirm receipt…?”

“Wait a moment.”

Ricardo couldn’t let it end here. He had to verify the authenticity. Hastily, he wrote another letter and handed it to the courier.

“This is free for now, right? Can you send this to my mother?”

“Yes, we’re currently offering a free trial period. I will deliver this to your mother.”

Although he could have used the telegraph, Ricardo wanted immediate confirmation. The letter contained details of an event from his childhood that only his mother would know, a way to ensure the truth.

Once his mother received it, she could have someone nearby who could read, write back or use the telegraph herself.

The next evening, Ricardo received a response from his mother. His letter had been delivered in the morning, and his mother had replied immediately.

“Wow, this is real? The speed is insane!”

The letter contained precisely the kind of details that only his mother could know. It was flawless.

Having experienced the efficiency of the Arrow Delivery service, Ricardo enthusiastically shared his discovery with his fellow garrison members and even boasted about it to the women he socialized with.

Ricardo’s parents, who lived in Fenris, were equally impressed and spread the word among their neighbors.

Initially skeptical, people began sending letters to nearby relatives within the estate. Their amazement soon turned into unreserved praise.

“Wow! It really is as fast as an arrow. I’ve already exchanged letters and even gifts with my relatives in Ferdium several times!”

“Is it because the roads are so well-paved? It only takes a day or two for deliveries to arrive!”

“Have you tried ordering something? They actually bring it straight to your doorstep!”

As word spread, telegraph offices began to overflow with people. Existing staff couldn’t handle the influx, leading to new hires, and additional offices were established in towns and cities with high demand.

The most popular service was goods delivery. People frequently used the telegraph office to order items that were difficult to find locally or required in large quantities.

While the selection of available items wasn’t vast, customers could browse the list of deliverable goods and quantities at the telegraph office and have them brought directly to their homes.

People began to go wild over the service.

“I can’t live without Arrow Delivery anymore!”

“They say the list of items you can order keeps growing! The Lord said he’d expand it even further.”

“To think something like this exists in our estate! As expected, our Lord is remarkable!”

The more people praised it, the higher Ghislain’s confidence soared. With a smug expression, he lifted his chin and addressed his retainers.

“How about that? You see it now, don’t you? People always seek speed and convenience. That’s why I always insist on getting things done quickly.”

“……”

Claude and the retainers had no response. It was undeniable—Arrow Delivery was quickly becoming a widely used service.

This success, however, made the administrators busier than ever. Since it was a project operated by the estate, not an individual, the responsibility for maintaining it fell on the administration.

Daily inventory checks of logistics warehouses and ensuring that goods for towns and cities were promptly restocked—all of it was now their duty.

“This is impressive. If it’s this effective just within the estate, imagine what will happen once it expands across the entire kingdom. The number of goods we can deliver and the people using Arrow Delivery will skyrocket.”

The retainers nodded in agreement, though a shared thought lingered in their minds.

And we’re the ones who’ll pay the price with our exhaustion.

The royal court had yet to approve Ghislain’s request to charge tolls for the roads he was building. Additionally, the venture had not yet secured external investment.

Once these hurdles were cleared, the entire Royal Faction’s territories would adopt the Arrow Delivery system.

The problem was that, no matter how much investment came in, the Fenris Estate would remain the sole operator of the business. This meant that the estate’s administrators would have to hire personnel and oversee operations across multiple locations, spreading themselves even thinner.

Claude, wanting to slow things down, cautiously interjected.

“However, we’re incurring significant losses. The cost of establishing the infrastructure is far higher than anticipated. Even after the free trial period ends, the service fees are low enough that turning a profit will be difficult for a while.”

“That’s fine. It doesn’t matter if we’re in the red for now. What’s important is laying the foundation. Eventually, we’ll generate enormous revenue. After all, we’ll have a monopoly.”

Well, that didn’t work.

Claude clicked his tongue in frustration, watching Ghislain repeat back predictions Claude himself had made.

If they could build an overwhelming logistics infrastructure, other merchant guilds would have no choice but to use Arrow Delivery.

If they refused, they’d have to pay road usage fees instead.

But something feels off. His confidence isn’t just about predictions—it’s almost too certain. Could he be having prophetic dreams or something?

The things Ghislain had done so far were all unprecedented, crafted from scratch. Initially, Claude had dismissed his confidence as youthful bravado. But the more he listened to the Lord, the more he realized Ghislain’s logic and knowledge were sound.

It was clear that his repeated successes weren’t just due to luck.

As Claude observed Ghislain with a skeptical gaze, the Fenris Estate continued to develop at a breakneck pace.

Thanks to newly constructed roads and an increasing number of horses, large quantities of meat, grain, and other resources were being transported across the estate at an astounding speed.

Receiving daily updates on the progress, Ghislain smiled contentedly.

“Everything is running smoothly. But there’s still much to do, so let’s pick up the pace.”

Transport-related facilities such as telegraph offices, stables, and logistics warehouses were only part of the picture. For the estate to grow stronger, more facilities were necessary.

The more Ghislain pushed, the harder the administrators worked. However, the pace of development in the estate surpassed anything seen before, and the quality of life for its residents steadily improved.

It was doubtful that such a livable estate could be found anywhere else on the continent.

Seizing the momentum, Ghislain moved on to his next objective.

“Time to visit the Marquis of Branford. Let’s secure the toll rights and some investment.”

—

Claude and the retainers worked to finalize a business plan designed for maximum efficiency.

This venture would encompass half the kingdom—a scale even the royal court likely hadn’t anticipated.

Toll rights? The Marquis of Branford would undoubtedly secure them for them. Given the current circumstances, the Royal Faction could not afford to reject such a proposal.

Once the toll rights were obtained, it would be a done deal. Some lords might later refuse to pay, citing costs as a reason.

But knowing Ghislain, if that happened, he’d likely show up with an army.

Having a justification makes it easier to suppress others.

Claude reviewed the business plan with a meaningful smile.

“As the Lord said, it doesn’t matter if we suffer some losses. What’s more important than a few coins is that our estate’s influence will grow immensely. If we utilize this well, we’ll end up holding the leash on lords and merchant guilds.”

If they could secure the right to impose tolls, they would control not only logistics but also the movement of people. Once the system was properly established, no one would dare to challenge Fenris.

Of course, it wasn’t all a rosy future. To wield that level of influence, they needed a strong military force—one that would deter anyone from attempting to seize control of their roads.

Although they were still lacking in that area, having the Marquis of Branford as their backer for now eased their concerns.

“In any case, the top priority of our estate is building a powerful military. And it’s growing rapidly. The Royalist nobles aren’t an issue, but… the upcoming civil war is.”

The ducal families had their sights set on the Royalist faction. If Fenris got swept up in that, it could very well spell the end for their estate.

But what if the Royalist faction won the civil war? Or, even if they lost, what if Fenris survived? And what if, in the meantime, they managed to build the formidable military the Lord envisioned?

“Perhaps… instead of the ducal families, we could rule the kingdom…”

The words escaped his mouth unconsciously. Claude clapped a hand over his mouth in shock.

Did he truly harbor such ambitions? He hadn’t realized it amidst the exhausting days. He’d always thought he’d be content with a life of idleness and comfort.

When he met Wendy’s eyes, she tilted her head curiously.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing.”

Spending so much time with the Lord must have rubbed off on him. Claude shook his head repeatedly, trying to dispel such reckless thoughts.

Civil war or not, the immediate tasks at hand were more pressing.

After several days of meetings with the retainers, they had finally completed a detailed business plan. All that remained was to send it to the Marquis of Branford.

The problem was that Ghislain was too preoccupied with estate development.

No matter how many times Claude asked, Ghislain remained resolute.

“Are you really not going to the capital?”

“Ugh, it’s too troublesome. I’m super busy right now. I have to check on the development status, train, and oversee the troops’ training. Just send someone. The Marquis will approve it anyway.”

“…”

Of course, the letter could be delivered by someone else.

However, their counterpart was none other than the Marquis of Branford, the most powerful figure in the kingdom. Even if the Lord went himself, it wouldn’t be enough, so who could they possibly send?

‘I don’t want to go…’

Claude still had vivid memories of the time when Ghislain had nearly gotten him killed while trying to save Rosalyn. Honestly, the Marquis had terrified him back then. Just thinking about facing him made Claude feel like he’d wet himself.

Even aside from that, he was far too busy.

So Claude passed the task of delivering the letter onto someone else. Summoning Lowell, he set the mood and said solemnly:

“You go to the capital.”

“Huh? Me?”

“Yes. Go and explain our business plan to the Marquis of Branford. Get the toll rights approved. Also, try to convince Lady Rosalyn and Countess Mariel to invest.”

“How can I handle such a big task! I don’t want to! It’s terrifying! I’m busy too!”

“You can do it. Now, go. If you don’t, I’ll have Wendy kill you.”

Wendy, who was listening nearby, shot Claude a contemptuous glare, but he pretended not to notice. He was beginning to understand why the Lord forced people to act.

‘Just do it! Why do you keep complaining? It’s exhausting!’

Under Claude’s relentless pressure, Lowell had no choice but to head to the capital in tears. He was already swamped with work, and now it was going to pile up even more by the time he returned.

Between the Lord and the Chief Overseer, they were both driving him to an early grave.

—

The Marquis of Branford received the business plan and scrutinized it coldly, glaring at Lowell, who stood before him.

“A road project? Toll rights?”

“Y-yes… Apparently, it’s necessary… and would greatly benefit the Royalist faction.”

Even the usually eloquent Lowell stammered in front of the Marquis, overwhelmed by the oppressive atmosphere exuded by the retainers, knights, and soldiers flanking him.

Compared to the lax and chaotic Fenris estate, this place felt like standing on the edge of a sharp blade.

After tapping his chin a few times, the Marquis spoke in a displeased tone.

“And this small border lord dares to propose a project that spans the entire kingdom?”

“…It seems so.”

Lowell nodded timidly, trembling.

Ghislain was the type to push forward with anything he wanted. Asking Lowell was pointless—he had no control over his Lord.

‘Why are you asking me? Even you can’t stop him.’

As Lowell grumbled inwardly, the Marquis fell into deep thought.

‘An audacious one. Using this opportunity to earn money and expand his influence. To think he could conceive of such a plan.’

Most nobles wouldn’t entertain such an idea. Building roads in another’s territory seemed like a losing proposition to them.

The costs were staggering, making it a venture unimaginable for anyone but the royal family at the kingdom level.

But this audacious project was coming from a single lord. Had anyone else proposed it, the Marquis would have dismissed it as folly. But Ghislain, who controlled abundant grain and manpower, changed the equation.

‘An excellent idea. If completed, it will be a great asset in the fight against the ducal families.’

By now, avoiding civil war was impossible.

To confront the most powerful single force, the ducal families, the royal family and Royalist lords would need to unite.

When attacked, neighboring estates would need to swiftly send troops and supplies to withstand the assault.

Of course, if multiple estates were occupied, it might end up handing the enemy the means to advance. But that was a risk they had to take.

Without proper routes, the Royalists would fail to move quickly and collapse regardless.

‘This one seems to be planning for a post-war scenario. Confident of victory, is he? Arrogant fool.’

Such confidence wasn’t inherently bad, but the idea of someone growing beyond his control unsettled the Marquis.

‘Still, the royal family cannot execute this project.’

The aftermath of the famine still lingered. Most lords were barely managing to maintain their armies.

Only someone with an abundance of grain and wealth could attempt a project of this scale. And with Ghislain taking the lead, the other lords would only need to provide workers.

Even so, it seemed Ghislain sought significant investment, unable to manage it entirely on his own.

‘No single lord, no matter how wealthy, could handle this alone.’

After deliberating for a long moment, the Marquis finally spoke.

“Very well. I approve the project and will order the lords to cooperate. In the name of the royal family, I will grant Count Fenris the toll rights.”

‘Oh!’

Lowell was astonished. He hadn’t expected the Marquis to make a decision on the spot.

‘It’s just as the Lord said. Amazing.’

But the Marquis wasn’t finished.

“However.”

“…?”

Fixing Lowell with a piercing gaze, the Marquis continued coldly.

“We’ll need to increase our share.”