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nEchigoya1 merchants are the source of all evil…

nIsn’t everyone familiar with this phrase?

nWhen spoken, what comes to mind is the image of Echigoya in the past.

nThey were an extremely group with their own story.

nPutting that aside, I need one.

nBefore I can truly become an Evil Lord, I need my own ‘Echigoya.’

nSo let me introduce my purveyor.

nThe plump, bearded man who had the appearance of an evil merchant was Thomas Henfrey.

nAfter I had continued to maintain and develop my territory, he had approached me intending to do business.

nHe was a trader who dealt with goods between planets.

nAt first, I didn’t think there was a real need for traveling merchants in this time of outer space travel, but let me explain why I was wrong.

nThey fly between planets, not only those within the empire, but also to ones in other star countries to buy and sell goods.

nThey buy the resources and goods exclusively found in planets far away, and sell them in my territory.

nThe opposite is also true, but this man is different from the others who do business in my land.

nHe’s my house’s exclusive merchant.

nIn other words, he’s a very important merchant for my territory, and the Banfield family.

nWhile we were sitting down together in the reception room, I asked Thomas.

n“Did you bring the yellow candies that I like?”

nAfter wiping his sweat, Thomas presented to me a box filled to the brim with gold bars.

n“Of course I have, please enjoy them, my lord.”

nAs I picked them up, the heavy weight in my hands brought a smile to my face.

n“Echigoya merchants truly are the source of all evil!”

n“No m’lord, my group is called the ‘Henfrey Chamber of Commerce,’ I’ve told you this multiple times already.”

nAs our usual greetings finished, I felt that he was truly an evil merchant worthy of me.

nI needed corrupt merchants like Thomas by my side.

nAfter receiving his bribe, I started listening to his request.

n“So what do you need?”

n“I’m planning to make a venture into some dangerous space, and I want you to lend me your fleet.”

nHe wanted me to lend my military to him as his guards.

nI wondered what evil scheme he cooked up that required military force to finish.

nThat said, I think I can allow it as long as its profitable.

n“Are you going to a dangerous place?”

n“The destination itself isn’t dangerous, but there are many pirate bases enroute the journey there. There have been several reports of merchants getting attacked everyday.”

nSpace pirates are annoying.

nThey also had a few screws loose.

nSome of them had collected various weapons over time, some were deserters who had fled from the army, and some were thieves who had run away after stealing military tech.

nSometimes they even found work as mercenaries due to their abundant battle experience.

nThey’re very annoying.

nAfter turning my eyes toward Amagi, who was behind me, I could feel that she knew what I wanted to say.

n“If it’s only for about three months, then we’ll be able to prepare a hundred ships immediately. If you require more than that, then some preparations will need to be made first.”

nI smiled and turned back to Thomas.

n“Or so she says, is that fine, Thomas?”

nThomas looked relieved, and gave a meaningful smile while looking a little embarrassed.

n“Wow, I don’t know how I can repay you- no, I’ll make sure to prepare more yellow candies for you next time.”

n“Of course, but more importantly- will we be able to turn a profit?”

nIf he hesitated here, then there’d be no point in lending my forces.

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n“Unquestionably!”

n“That’s great! Amagi, begin the preparations immediately.”

n“Understood.”

nDo your best to make me money, my Echigoya- no, my Henfrey Chamber of Commerce.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nThe large transport ship used by Thomas was anchored at the spaceport.

nAfter going up from earth to space, Thomas was going through the zero gravity path to board his ship.

nHe was surrounded by subordinates and bodyguards as he carried his luggage.

nOne of his men opened their mouth while looking over at the planet in the distance.

n“The Banfield house’s territory sure has developed a lot recently. That young man sure is amazing to be able to do so much at his age.”

nAs Thomas did business, he always seemed to stop by the Banfield house’s territory in particular.

nIt wasn’t that amazing to be honest, but it was definitely a planet with an exponential level of growth in recent decades.

n“He’s a little different from the aristocrats I’ve seen so far. He’s a little strange, but he’s a fine lord.”

nThomas thought the boy who always asked for ‘yellow candies’ was quite the virtuous ruler.

nHis surroundings didn’t deny this statement.

nThe men seemed to be a little confused,

n“Though why would he ask for gold? It isn’t a particularly scarce resource in his territory, is it?”

nThomas was also perplexed.

n“I wonder that too, why gold? Well it’s fine, I tried giving him mithril and magic gems a while ago but he seemed dissatisfied. As I thought, gold really makes himi the happiest.”

n“Maybe he doesn’t know.”

nThe reason why Liam always asked for gold is because he considered gold to be valuable and expensive.

nWhy was gold expensive though? That’s because back on Earth there was only a limited supply of it.

nIn this universe it was still expensive, but there were even golden planets where it could be found in large quantities, more precious resources and metals exist out there.

nMithril is a classic example of this.

nSilver, which carries holy power- is considered to be far more valuable and rarer than gold as well.

n“No, he’s a modest person.”

nTo only take such small bribes in exchange for the multitude of benefits that came with being the Banfield house’s exclusive merchant.

nHe felt tears coming to his eyes at the thought.

nAfter a little bit more walking, they had finally arrived at the ship.

n“He really is trying his best.”

nThomas looked back at the spaceport.

nThe newly built port was well equipped with the latest facilities for use, it was a great boon for merchants.

n“I heard that he was investing the majority of the taxes he’s received, and it seems to be true. It’s quite amazing how much he accomplished while still so young. If the Banfield house wasn’t in so much debt, just how amazing would this place be by now?”

nAs Thomas finished muttering these words, he turned his eyes back to his men.

n“This deal is more dangerous than our usual commissions, but it’s essential for the Banfield

nhouse. Let’s earn a lot of money, and contribute to them as the merchants we are.”

nThis deal was truly important for the Banfield’s, but Thomas wasn’t doing it for the house itself.

nThomas was going this far because he wanted to help Liam.

n—He wasn’t actually an evil merchant.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nIt’s hard to predict what the future will be like.

nIn my previous life’s childhood, I’d dream about flying cars in the distant future as technology developed.

nBut after I grew up, my common sense let me know that flying cars weren’t something I should expect to happen.

nEven though I now live in an intergalactic empire, the skyscraper view that could be seen from a luxury hotel wasn’t that different from my last life.

nActually, it was developing farther than the big city I lived in before.

nEven though there were many high-rise buildings, it didn’t feel crowded.

nNot to mention the rich nature that was around us, there were many undeveloped lands.

n“My territory has barely developed at all…”

nAs I complained, Amagi, who was nearby, corrected me.

n“Master, compared to when you first took over, this territory has grown quite significantly. It’s actually developing at a rate that most people would doubt to be true if they saw the data.”

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n“But those are just numbers, and that wasn’t what I meant. I was talking about something different, about how terrible my people’s fashion sense is.”

nI had tried to walk around the area before, and I was completely shocked by what I saw.

nPeople had started to spend more money recently.

nSo it’s natural that I’d be able to see cute girls out shopping, right?

nBut that was completely wrong.

nYou see, in my current incarnation, I found myself liking girls with a more modest fashion sense.

nEven though I was looking for a girl with a prim and proper feeling, everyone was dressed like gyarus2 or gothic lolitas!3 I can’t find myself attracted to them because they’re not my type!

n“We haven’t had any progress there at all.”

n“It may be good to introduce fashion courses. We can use the premise of ‘this is something that appeals to the lord’s tastes.’”

nIn the first place, fashion culture was different from planet to planet.

nThey may all have the common point called ‘The Empire’ behind them, but they were still all different.

nSome planets advocated my ideals, but there were also many of them who’s fashion culture just looked weird in my eyes.

n“How am I supposed to change this anyways? Should I start bringing in fashion designers and start investing in esthetic fields? Nothing will happen if I just leave this alone.”

nDespite the trends in casual fashion, in the beaches of my territory the prevailing swimsuits used were the kinds that were like full-length tights.

nAs if I’ll let such a stupid situation be! There’s no way I’ll admit to ruling over such a place.

n“Let’s bring in some models and celebrities! If the people look at a beautiful person, they’ll definitely be influenced!”

nAmagi had a somewhat perplexed face on while I started talking about the various plans I had in mind.

nThis maid android was quite expressive.

n“Unfortunately, we’re still in heavy debt. Tax revenues have increased along with the development, but in turn the repayment amounts are rising as well.”

nThe massive debt held by the Banfield house.

nI can’t do a lot of things that I want just because of this.

nA spaceship flew through the sky when I turned towards the window.

nJust when did I get used to such futuristic sights?

nCertainly, it’s slowly been changing ever since I took control at the age of five, but I couldn’t help but feel slightly lonely.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nThe door to another dimension opened.

nWhen the guide returned to this universe and confirmed the present conditions, he almost swore.

n“…at this rate he’s not going to do anything.”

nThe guide thought that Liam would be indulging himself by now, but he hasn’t laid his hands on any women or drunken a single drop of alcohol.

nHe didn’t drink liquor in regards to his physical age.

nAnd he avoided women because of his past trauma, and due to the fact that none of them were to his liking.

nSo before he realized it, he was just working as a good lord normally.

n“This is disappointing. I thought this might happen, but I still feel slightly betrayed. Why are you being such a virtuous lord when you were aiming to become an evil one?”

nAlso, he’s been living a frugal life with little luxuries because he still had the economic sense of his past life.

nEven worse, he was okay with his life as it was.

nA part of his mind was even subconsciously sending feelings of gratitude to the guide.

nAnd even worse than that was Liam’s popularity among the people, and the gratitude they emitted towards him.

nThis was all so revolting for the guide.

nStomachaches, headaches, nausea, dizziness, the guide could endure all of it, but he’d still prefer to avoid it if he could.

nIf was okay for Liam to be grateful.

nBecause eventually, the guide was going to throw Liam away to the deepest pits of despair and show him hell.

nThat said, the guide couldn’t allow things to continue to progress as they were.

nIf left unchecked, then Liam’s life would end with him remembered as a great ruler.

n“This is disappointing. I would’ve been happy if all of this was just on the surface, all a lie.”

nThe people would build up resentment against the tyrant Liam.

nThe soldiers would revolt.

nThe beautiful girls he gathered would try to murder him- the guide wanted to see such scenes.

nHowever, the people regarded him highly as both a good person due to his humble life and previous life’s values.

nThe soldiers were loyal and would accept doing anything under the thought process of “If it’s for the lord’s sake.”

nAnd lastly, there weren’t any ladies surrounding him at all. It was impossible to manipulate human relationships to stimulate his past traumas.

nWas he really aiming to become an evil lord?

nThe guide had enough, it was time to throw away the disappointing Liam.

n“At the very least, let’s burn up the territory he worked so hard to build up. Let’s see… Ah! There are some convenient space pirates here.”

nBlack smoke started emitting from the annoyed guide, as he melted into his surroundings.

nHe started speaking sorrowfully,

n“At least bring me some entertainment at the very end, Liam. Until then, enjoy the view that you’ve built.”

n◇ ◇ ◇

nOn a planet far, far away from the Banfield territory.

nMultiple missiles were hitting the planet, making one big explosion after another.

nThe ground was burned to ashes.

nOn top of it all was a single pirate who laughed in his insanity as the literal world burned in front of him.

nCommander of a pirate fleet more than 30,000 ships strong, was the pirate known as Goaz.He was a savage-looking man, sporting a full beard and a bruised head.

nHe was a giant of swollen muscles.

nGoaz’s mouth was arched in a wide smile.

nHe drank from the bottle held in his left hand as he watched the moment that an uncountable amount of lives disappeared.

n“It’s always moments like this when booze tastes the best, right?!”

nThe pirates who feared Goaz laughed in affirmation.

nThough one of them squeaked out a question.

n“Boss, did we have to go this far?”

nIn response, Goaz put his abnormally large hand on the questioning pirate’s head.

nSome of the pirates in the vicinity averted their eyes, others watched on with expressions that said, ‘what an idiot.’

n“Who allowed you to give me your opinion? Don’t get in the way of my fun.”

n“Wait! Boss, pleas-!”

nThe subordinate’s head was crushed in Goaz’s grip.

nHis hand was immediately washed by some of his other goons.

nAs the men began to clear the body and start cleaning, Goaz continued to watch the planet he had just destroyed on the ship’s monitor.

nThere was a golden box carefully gripped in his clean right hand.

nHe kept the box with the unique pattern and crest on his person at all times.

nUsually, he just carried it in a special holster.

nHe stroked the box over and over again, as if it were about to disappear into thin air.

n“It was an easy job this time as well.”

nOne after another, he had decimated planets and had taken many lives.

nThis man was a true villain.

nGoaz himself was particularly infamous, having huge bounties placed on his head.

nIf you could somehow defeat Goaz and his pirates, you’d be able to earn enough money that you wouldn’t be able to finish spending even if you just goofed around for a lifetime.

nHe was the very definition of dangerous.

nOne of Goaz’s deputy officers called out to him.

n“We made a killing this time as well. So, what are you going to do with that lady now? Have you found a replacement yet, now that she’s just about broken?”

nGoaz smiled.

nThe teeth in that smile were yellow and filthy.

n“True, I have played with her for a long time, so hopefully I can find some new toys soon.”

nThe deputy officer smiled back.

n“As someone who became the Boss’ toy, its amazing she was able to keep her sense of self that long. In any case, should I chart out our next destination?”

nImmediately after Goaz started to ponder this question, black smoke started to coil around him.

nIt was only for an instant, if you blinked you wouldn’t have even seen it.

n“No, wait.”

n“Boss?”

n“Come to think of it, there was a territory that became prosperous recently. I think it was ruled by a brat named Banfield? I heard he was a virtuous ruler, some hard working lord in a backwater planet.”

nThe deputy officer recalled the rumors.

n“Yeah, I’ve heard that a lot recently, so our next prey is the Banfield territory?”

nGoaz feared no nobles.

nAfter all, Goaz had an immense amount of resources.

n“What makes things fun is to break people worth breaking, and it’s been a while since we’ve gone after anyone that could end my boredom.”

nThe deputy officer replied,

n“Then it’s confirmed, our next prey is the Banfield brat.”

nGoaz licked his lips.

n“I’ll do my best to thoroughly break that kid.”

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