Chapter 86: Games and Gambles

Trevor wore an expression of disbelief.

He clearly thought there must be some ulterior motive.

But I really just came to play the game?

Abel’s Journey was a board game I’d poured my heart and soul into creating.

It was the kind where you’d fall behind if you didn’t make the right choices at every moment.

It required both luck and strategy, making it incredibly appealing.

And it was far more varied than Enpher Trip, so it never got boring.

“What kind of duke would come here for something like this……. Huh?”

Muttering to himself, Trevor placed his token in the wrong spot.

He seemed pretty flustered by suddenly ending up playing a board game with me.

But the world of competition was ruthless.

I mercilessly moved my hero and swept up all the high-value exploration zones.

They were spots Trevor should have claimed, but what could I do about his mistake?

“Too tasty.”

After that, I steadily racked up points.

The early game had gone so well that even Marcel couldn’t catch up.

Despite being quite skilled.

“Thanks to that beginner’s mistake, I get to win easy.”

“It happens sometimes when you’re playing. But next time, it won’t go like this.”

“I know Marcel’s skills well. That’s why I’m saying this out of guilt, isn’t it?”

“Heh heh! Once I get fired up, I can easily score 200 points. Anyway, it was fun today, Your Grace.”

“See you next time, then. Take care.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

After Marcel left, Trevor was clutching his head.

A lumberjack’s monthly wage averaged 12 silons.

Compared to a few years ago, it was an unimaginably high salary.

But it wasn’t enough to throw silver coins around freely.

“Grr! This one was because of my early mistake. Let’s go one more time.”

“With money on the line?”

“Of course……..”

Trevor’s face turned beet red as he growled, but he trailed off.

The game hall’s daily maximum bet was 1 silon.

No matter what, betting more than that was forbidden.

Naturally, I couldn’t ignore the rules either.

“If it’s just for the pure fun of the game, I’ll play as much as you want.”

“Fine. This time, I’ll show you my real skills!”

But a moment later, Trevor was clutching his head again.

He’d suffered another crushing defeat by a wide margin.

For some reason, it felt like steam was coming out of his head.

“You okay?”

“Ugh! You’re supposed to be busy with trials all day—how are you so good at this?”

It was actually pretty obvious.

I was the one who created this game, after all.

I knew just about every strategy inside and out.

But I didn’t bother saying that.

He might think I’d tricked him.

There could be all sorts of creative and efficient builds.

Meaning the creator of the game didn’t necessarily have a huge advantage.

It happened in the modern world too, didn’t it?

Users coming up with wild plays that went against the developers’ intentions.

“There are plenty of other games, so take your time and enjoy. I’ll be going now.”

“Wait, can I ask you something?”

As I was about to leave the game hall, Trevor rushed over and grabbed me.

I wasn’t in that much of a hurry, so I nodded agreeably.

I was curious about what was going through this guy’s head anyway.

“Go ahead.”

“I got a set of clothes and shoes today. They said it was from you.”

“Who said that?”

“A tailor named Martin.”

“Ah, about that. I just delegated full authority.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, it wasn’t me who picked you as the model—it was Martin.”

“Ah…….”

In reality, I hadn’t given Trevor any special treatment.

I’d thought of him exactly like any ordinary employee, no more, no less.

When I answered nonchalantly, his gaze wavered.

He’d clearly misunderstood big time.

Like, maybe I was trying to win him over or something.

He didn’t have much potential, but his skills were real.

Trevor furrowed his brow in thought, then asked again.

“Then why’d you come today? I’ve been practically living here lately, but this is the first time I’ve seen you.”

“Sorry, but I come here pretty often to clear my head. Plus, when a new game comes out, I help explain it.”

“Really…….”

“If you don’t believe me, ask Marcel. You two seemed pretty friendly today.”

He looked at a loss for words.

Yeah, he probably hadn’t realized I had this little interest in him.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going. Take care.”

I gave a casual wave and left the game hall.

A meaningful smile played on my lips.

You think I’d do that for no reason?

In truth, what happened today was just a test.

I was curious about what was going through that guy’s head.

If things worked out, I even thought about taking him on as a knight in the Carius Duchy.

Of course, I’d have to see the circumstances and what Trevor did.

He’s pretty perceptive. I’ll leave him be for now.

If I made the first move, he’d get spoiled.

I’d wait until he came to me.

It felt like handling a cat.

But with his size and those hidden sharp claws, maybe a tiger.

“Anyway, you’re mine, buddy.”

The clothing store in Midias was a huge success right from opening.

It was packed with tough, high-quality, and cheap cheat items, after all.

It was way more cost-effective to buy than to make at home.

No way customers wouldn’t flock in.

Of course, there were still things to improve.

The variety is lacking.

Imagine everyone on the street wearing the exact same clothes.

It’d be a bit creepy, right?

Trends happen, but usually, people want to dress a little differently.

Humans have that desire to show off their individuality deep inside.

It didn’t have to be modern-level, but we needed to release various styles.

“But it’s selling well anyway.”

The Midias clothing store had to close early.

We’d prepared a ton of stock, but it vanished in an instant.

I watched the sold-out situation with satisfaction.

Money was practically duplicating itself—how could I not feel good?

Then, I noticed the line in front of the suit store.

Stewards from noble houses?

T-shirts, pants, wool coats, and such were aimed at commoners.

Suits, on the other hand, were for nobles.

We were deliberately keeping them high-priced, but they were still insanely popular.

“Looks like Your Grace’s promotion was effective.”

The man who suddenly approached was Tobias Wilkins, the steward.

He oversaw the entire Midias shopping district.

I took the report and smiled even wider.

Seeing the actual numbers showed just how massive the earnings were.

There were over ten sacks of newly stacked gold coins in the warehouse.

And they were still piling up.

“Not bad.”

“But there’s something concerning.”

“What is it?”

“Apparently, tailors making products similar to ours have already appeared.”

“Ah.”

I let out a short exclamation.

But it wasn’t a big deal.

I’d fully expected that much.

This was a world without copyright or patent laws, after all.

Someone copying wasn’t all that strange.

“It’s fine. Let them.”

I’d compete on brand image and product quality.

The world would come to recognize clothes from the Midias shopping district.

Of course, anyone faking that would get crushed.

After briefly explaining my future plans, Steward Wilkins nodded deeply.

“As expected, Your Grace has great foresight.”

“Haha! You’re too kind. Anyway, you’re busy, so don’t worry about me.”

“How could I? You’ve come all this way—it’s my duty as steward to attend to you.”

“I’m serious. Go handle your work. I can get around with Brandon.”

“Ah, then I’ll go ahead.”

“Yes, take care.”

After Steward Wilkins left, I boarded the carriage.

I planned to stop strolling the city in a suit now.

No more promotion was needed.

It’s still winter—maybe make something like a goose down parka?

We had piles of goose feathers in the warehouse.

Better to use them for coats than pillow stuffing.

Wool coats were a bit heavy and hard to maintain, after all.

As I pondered new business ideas, I felt the carriage slowing down.

We’d arrived at the court already.

“See you later.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

After greeting Brandon, I headed to work with a spring in my step.

I was in an especially good mood today.

Probably because the fashion business was such a success.

But waiting for me at the court was some outrageous news.

Knock knock.

“Your Grace?”

Judge Josef Padiya had come to see me first thing in the morning.

From his obsequious expression, I had a feeling why.

“Why? Did a tricky lawsuit come in?”

“The case I just received—how did you know? It’s so fresh it’s practically on fire.”

I didn’t bother explaining how I’d guessed.

Even for the shameless Josef, a fact attack would hurt.

“What’s the deal?”

“It’s turned into quite a headache.”

“Hey! A judge using language like that? Maintain your dignity.”

“I learned it from a certain someone. The one who grabs a hammer and smashes heads…….”

Wait, is he dissing me right now?

I’d held back thinking it might hurt his feelings—what a waste.

This sneaky bastard needed a beating first, as always.

“So what is it? Explain properly.”

“Ah, do you know of Marquis Yates?”

I hadn’t heard the name much lately.

But I quickly recalled one person.

“You mean the eastern feudal lord, Hugo Yates?”

“That’s the one.”

“What’s up with him?”

“He got drunk, caused a ruckus, and injured several people.”

“Oh boy!”

Hugo Yates was a member of the imperial family.

He was like an uncle to the emperor and had given significant help during the ascension.

So, he couldn’t be punished for just anything.

How could a regular judge handle a first-class meritorious subject?

Even if Colrund or Josef handed down a sentence, he’d just scoff.

One order from the emperor, and he’d be out in no time.

It was definitely a troublesome trial.

But would it really be the same if I handled it?

I was genuinely curious.

If it was a clearly fair judgment anyone could see, how would the emperor react?

What if he got angry at me for testing him?

My mind got complicated with all sorts of thoughts.

But I couldn’t just pass on this case.

What about the principles I’ve upheld so far?

I’d judged everyone fairly and impartially.

So what if Hugo Yates was royalty and a meritorious subject?

“So am I, you bastard.”