Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World-Chapter 262: Collateral and Consequences

What should he do if there was a defect in the land he received as collateral?

'We need to throw away the multi-platform group.'

In fact, even Midias used to be just a territory border.

It was merely an abandoned piece of land with a few flags planted on it.

But what about now?

Everyone wanted to live there, constantly asking if they could open a store.

The result was the creation of factories, shopping districts, and well-organized residential areas.

"It's up to the bank to decide whether the land is useless or not. If any problems arise later, they won't hold you responsible."

"Then wouldn't it be a loss to His Majesty the Carrier?"

"I think you should consider it as your fault for making a wrong judgment. Do you have any buildings or land that you can put up as collateral?"

"From a noble's perspective, such things are abundant. In fact, unless it is fertile farmland or pastureland suitable for farming, I don't really care. And besides, it doesn't go to a territory that competes with mine."

"Really? Is there a place like that in Schultz County?"

"Of course. Please wait a moment, Your Highness."

Count Schultz left the drawing room and ran off somewhere.

When he finally returned, he was holding a large scroll in his hand.

It was a parchment map with a rather old feel.

"This is..."

"Here is a map of my territory and the surrounding area. I left it in the carriage in case I got lost. Do you see it here?"

"Yes."

The County of Schultz was as large as the lands of a small count.

It was indeed a territory befitting a key figure in the Giovanni noble faction.

However, only a very few cities and towns were marked.

The rest was mostly empty land.

"There is only this much land for people to live in and farm. Other than that, virtually no one uses it."

"If you move away from the houses, there is a risk of being attacked by monsters or thieves, so you can't build a house without caution?"

"That's right."

Why had Abel built a wall around Midias?

It was to prevent invasions by foreign enemies.

In this world, if someone looked weak even for a moment, they would be completely robbed.

"So you're saying that you can use these lands as collateral?"

"Actually, I don't think it would matter if I couldn't pay it back. It seems like it would be more profitable than just selling it."

"Then let's sign the loan contract."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Count Schultz's expression brightened even more.

He seemed even happier than when he had heard the news that Billy Gut had been defeated.

Was that really a natural reaction?

Even if all the pirates were destroyed, the money and manpower lost wouldn't be recovered.

Now, however, he had laid the foundation for a comeback.

Abel lent gold coins with a moderately sized piece of land as collateral.

'We're pretty close, so let's give him a generous amount.'

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It was true that Abel felt somewhat lighthearted, knowing Count Schultz wasn't someone who would fail to repay his debt.

But what came next was the problem.

"But, Your Highness the Duke."

"Yes?"

"What happens if I can't pay my debt and the land goes to waste?"

"It would be land owned by the bank."

"So this is Your Highness's land after all. Aren't you the owner of Dapan Bank?"

"Well, I guess that's what it is."

"Do you think His Majesty the Emperor will find this acceptable?"

"Oh…"

Abel had forgotten for a moment.

Land ownership leads to influence.

Of course, it was true that this was wasteland that no one used.

But what if it was wider than expected?

And what if it hadn't been given by the Emperor?

It might not seem like much to others, but in Abel's case, it was different.

It could be perceived as a treasonous plot to usurp the throne.

Even if it wasn't true, if the Emperor felt that way, it would be the end.

"I guess it won't work. Let's rewrite the contract."

"Huh? How?"

"I'm an expert in this area."

Abel smiled meaningfully.

Then, he inserted a key phrase at the end of the contract.

'The real estate held as collateral will be returned to the direct control of the Imperial Family.'

In times like this, the best thing to do was just throw it at his cousin.

That was enough for Abel.

Count Schultz burst into a hollow laugh after seeing the changed contract.

"As expected of the Duke. Your Majesty… No, your judgment is amazing. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Abel felt like he was being called a leftover.

Was it just his imagination?

When he looked at Count Schultz with a puzzled expression, the man just smiled awkwardly.

"Then you are borrowing 300,000 goldens with 300 hectares north of Schultz County as collateral. Do you understand?"

"Yes, thank you!"

Count Schultz stamped his seal on the contract and left with a grin on his face.

This laid the foundation for establishing a stronghold for the Dapan Group in the South.

Oh, of course, if Count Schultz failed to repay the money on time…

If Abel wanted to, he could simply buy the land with money.

That man would likely sell it willingly.

'Should we go to the marriage information company now?'

Abel opened the front door of the bank with a light heart, and someone greeted him politely.

"Ahem! Your Highness the Duke. I wonder if you remember me. My name is D'Angelo Titus."

"Ah, I know, Count Titus. But what brings you here?"

"I also need to borrow some money…"

Abel just stood there, blinking.

Count Titus and Abel didn't get along very well.

Titus had received an unfavorable verdict in a territorial dispute trial.

He had tried to steal some of Count Braden's land but ended up getting robbed instead.

Wasn't Midias, where the bank was established, originally this man's territory?

Count Titus probably looked at Abel with displeasure.

'But you came here to get a loan? Those interest rates are really high.'

Of course, Abel had no strong feelings about him.

Even if Titus had lost the land, it was basically just a border area.

It had originally been a place where nothing could be done, so he probably didn't really regret it.

Abel nodded willingly.

"Come in."