Debuff Master-Chapter 893

“So basically, the Marchioni Empire looks like they are struggling and losing against the rebels,” Michele said.

“Yeah, that’s what the report I read said,” Siegfried replied.

“But that is not true at all.”

“Why not?”

“Please take a look at this report,” Michele said, taking out a report.

Siegfried took the report and scanned through it. “Hmm? Isn’t this just a bunch of trade receipts?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“So what about this?”

“You will realize what I mean once you take a closer look. The Marchioni Empire is not buying any goods required for war.

“Then what are they buying?”

“They are buying materials required for construction. They are buying construction materials, sire.”

“...!”

“It seems to me that they are stocking up on cheap construction materials rather than military goods. If we consider the law of supply and demand, the empire should be buying every single military goods on the market for a very premium price right now.”

Whenever war breaks out, the price of steel, gunpowder, mana stone, and medicine would often skyrocket.

Why?

It was all because the demand for these goods far outweighed the supply. Not only that, but most merchants charged at least a ten percent premium for any goods sold to countries directly affected by war.

“But they’re doing the opposite right now?”

“Yes, sire. They are not even looking at military goods right now. Instead, they are purchasing materials required for reconstruction at a huge discount.”

“What the hell...?”

“They are still buying military goods, but the trade volume is negligible, more like a ruse. In fact, the amount of luxury goods they purchased far outweighed the military goods they purchased!”

“Hmm...”

“Do you realize what this means?”

“Basically, they’re buying things at a huge discount, hoarding them, and will probably sell them at a premium when everyone needs them later on?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“In that case... it could only mean that they’re confident they’re going to win, so they might as well earn a shitload of gold while they’re at it?”

“That is the only logical explanation,” Michele said with a nod. Then, he took out another report and added, “Look at this. The Marchioni Empire is buying up every single luxury goods on the market. It has reached a point where there is a shortage of luxury goods on the market right now.”

“Hmm...”

“I made a rough calculation. If the empire wins this civil war then...”

“Then?”

“Not only will they earn back what they spent for the war, but they will make triple that amount too.”

“What?! T-Triple?!” Siegfried screamed in shock.

Three hundred percent profit?

To put that into perspective, the Marchioni Empire spent an astronomical sum on this civil war. Even for Siegfried and the Proatine Kingdom, who could be considered wealthy, the empire’s civil war budget was not a figure they could even dream about.

But triple that figure?

It was an amount that could buy a great power nation and still have some change left to buy a few smaller nations.

“The cunning emperor decides to do business instead while facing the worst danger in the empire’s history? This isn’t just some random deal. The emperor is absolutely confident he is going to win.”

“Y-Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”

“Your Majesty. Please remember what I am about to tell you at all times. Emperor Stuttgart is no ordinary man,” Michele said, his voice growing serious.

“Yeah, I know,” Siegfried replied with a nod.

To begin with, it would be strange if the ruler of the world’s most powerful nation was a fool. Moreover, Emperor Stuttgart had seized power, took the throne, and personally executed his own father as well as his relatives.

A man like that couldn't be naive or stupid.

Stuttgart von Posteriore was far more ruthless, shrewd, cunning, and bold than anyone else.

“I am certain that Emperor Stuttgart has been observing those around him for years. He wishes to sort out those that are truly his loyal subjects and those just pretending to be one.”

“Hmm...”

“This is just a test. You must run like the wind the moment the emperor asks for your assistance. Nothing else is more important than this.”

“So you're telling me that since the empire will win the civil war anyway, I should make sure that I’m standing with the victors?”

“Exactly. Please remember to serve him with your heart, soul, and everything you have. I am certain that the rewards will be immeasurable if you make a strong impression now.”

“Got it,” Siegfried said with a nod. Then, he smirked and added, “I was planning to help him anyway, so it’s all good in the end.”

“A wise choice, sire.”

“Thanks for the advice. I’ll hurry on now. I don’t want to keep His Imperial Majesty waiting.”

“May fortune and wisdom be with you, sire.”

Without another word, Siegfried turned and rushed to the communications room as quickly as he could.

***

—It’s been a while, Siegfried van Proa.

Emperor Stuttgart started the call by nonchalantly greeting Siegfried.

“I hope you have been faring well, Your Imperial Majesty.”

Siegfried knelt on one knee and showed utmost respect to the emperor, who appeared through the communications crystal.

He had to make sure he wouldn't mess up with his demeanor toward the emperor, especially after hearing Michele's words.

The emperor let out a chuckle.

— I haven’t particularly been faring well. I’ve had far too many matters to deal with these days.

“Your Imperial Majesty must be greatly troubled by those matters.”

— Troubled? No, the only thing that troubled me was being unable to protect you. However, you managed to overcome such danger with your own strength, and it fills me with joy and pride.

“I am unworthy of such kind words, sire,” Siegfried replied with a deep bow. Then, he continued, “Your Imperial Majesty has already shown me more generosity than I could ever deserve, so how could I possibly expect Your Imperial Majesty’s endless protection?

"It should be my duty as Your Imperial Majesty’s humble servant to assist my lord in times of trouble.”

— Do you truly think so?

“Without a shred of doubt, my lord,” Siegfried replied in a firm voice. Then, he bowed and added, “If my lord ever calls for me, then I will serve with all of my heart and soul.”

— You never fail to amuse me, Siegfried van Proa. I won’t deny that I called to ask for a favor, but it seems you saved me the trouble of beating around the bush.

“It is a great honor beyond measure that my lord would look so favorably on someone like me. Please, speak freely to your servant.”

— A great battle is about to begin.

“Yes, my lord.”

— Will you aid me in crushing the treasonous rebels?

“I will depart immediately, my lord.”

Siegfried listened to Michele’s advice and immediately responded to the emperor’s call to arms.

“Where does my lord need me to go?”

— Hmm? Not even a bit of hesitation?

“How could I hesitate when this is an opportunity for me to assist Your Imperial Majesty?”

— Good. I will send an official decree. You are to report to the imperial camp by tomorrow morning. I will be borrowing your strength this time.

“I am deeply honored, my lord!”

— Then, we shall meet soon.

“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty.”

Beep!

Right after the call...

“Yaaahooo!” Siegfried shouted at the top of his lungs.

This was it—a golden opportunity.

Passing Emperor Stuttgart’s test meant that he would gain not only his trust and favor but he would also be bestowed with generous rewards. Strengthening his ties with the most powerful man in the world would also elevate the Proatine Kingdom on the global stage.

‘I have a lot of things to do, but I guess it can’t be helped.’

Siegfried still had to find the Incarnation of Life, Terra, who was the only solution to countering the Blue Knight of Death. On top of that, he also needed to retrieve Michael’s wings and help him regain his powers.

Right now, however, his main priority was assisting the emperor in crushing the rebels.

‘I’ll have to go to the empire first thing tomorrow so...’ Siegfried decided to meet Michele.

“It is as you said. Emperor Stuttgart asked for help.”

“As expected, the emperor is truly a terrifying man. To think he would deceive the whole world when he is in such circumstances...”

“No kidding.”

“His mind runs as deep as the abyss. He also surrounds himself with an army of brilliant strategists. There was never a chance the empire could fall in the first place. The entire world has always been dancing on the palm of his hand.”

“Well, he’s not the most powerful man in the world for nothing, right? That much authority has to be earned rather than just given for free.”

“Indeed.”

“Anyway, what should we do now?”

“Pardon?”

“We already know the future,” Siegfried said with a grin. Then, he continued, “We already know that the Marchioni Empire will emerge victorious in this civil war, so we have to do something, no?”

“Hmm...”

“We have to take full advantage of this, or else this golden opportunity will go to waste!”

“Your Majesty does have a point. In that case, we should begin by purchasing war bonds issued by the empire. Also, we will start purchasing goods that will surely skyrocket in value once the civil war ends.”

“Oh! That’s a great idea!”

Knowing the winner of a war in advance was nothing short of a guaranteed jackpot, and this was Siegfried’s opportunity to ride the Marchioni Empire Coin to the moon.

“I’ll go work my ass of so you better—”

“Profit as much as we can from this opportunity.”

“Haha! That’s what I wanted to hear!”

It was then.

A signalman approached and announced, “Your Majesty! King Leonid of the Lambda Kingdom has called! He says it is an urgent matter!”

“Oh? All right, tell him I’ll be there right now.”

With that, Siegfried headed back to the communications room once again.

***

— Hello, brother. Did you by any chance...

“Are you wondering if Emperor Stuttgart called me?” Siegfried completed King Leonid’s question.

— Hm? How did you know I was going to ask that?

King Leonid tilted his head in confusion. Then, his eyes widened after realizing.

— Did he call you first?

“Yes, His Imperial Majesty called me earlier.”

— Ah! I see! So, what did you tell him?

“What else? I told him I would help, of course.”

— Oh?

“What did you say to him...?”

— I told him I’d think about it.

“Holy... I think you messed up big time,” Siegfried muttered with a horrified look while shuddering in horror.

— Huh? Messed up? Me?

“You did, elder brother. You should have bowed flat on the floor and rushed over to the empire immediately. What were you thinking?”

— What do you mean by that?

“Ah, I had no idea you could be dense at times, Elder Brother. How can you run a country when you are this blind?”

— Can you just explain it properly? Do you know something I don’t?

“So here’s the thing...” Siegfried proceeded to explain everything to King Leonid.

— W-What?!

King Leonid gasped in horror as his face turned ghastly pale. His reaction was understandable, as no matter how powerful he and the Lambda Kingdom were, getting on Emperor Stuttgart’s bad side was bound to put his entire kingdom at risk.

— Oh no! What should I do?! What if I get on His Imperial Majesty’s bad side at this rate?!

“Who knows? You might already be there...”

— W-What?!

“But seriously. How could you miss that?”

— T-This is a disaster! What should I do?! Hiccup! Hiccup!

King Leonid was panicking so badly that he started hiccuping. That was how terrifying it was to fall out of favor with Emperor Stuttgart. Even King Leonid, who was renowned as one of the Five Star Heavens of the continent and a ruler of a great power, feared falling out of the emperor’s good graces so much so that he ended up hiccuping.

“I suggest you get over there right now,” Siegfried advised.

— Y-You’re right! I’ll go to the empire with my men at once! I owe you one, little brother!

“Wait,” Siegfried stopped him. Then, he said in a firm voice, “You do realize this is a top secret matter just between you and me, right? You can’t tell a soul about this.”

— Of course! Not a single soul will hear of this, both living and dead. Besides, why would I go blabbering around when my own head is on the line?

“Good. See you on the battlefield.”

— Okay.

King Leonid didn't even say goodbye properly as he rushed out before the call ended.

***

The next morning, Siegfried headed to the Marchioni Empire the first thing in the morning as soon as he logged in. He steeled his resolve to earn as many points as he possibly could with the emperor during the days he stayed in the imperial camp.

Upon his arrival at the imperial camp...

“Greetings, Your Majesty, King Siegfried van Proa.”

The imperial officers warmly welcomed him.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!” freёnovelkiss.com

“Salute to His Majesty, King Siegfried van Proa!”

Even the knights and soldiers of the empire saluted him and showed the respect a royal deserved.

“Thank you for the warm welcome.”

Siegfried acknowledged the courtesy he received and took a moment to observe his surroundings.

The camp was located on the battlefield, so there were endless rows of tents that stretched as far as his eyes could see.

“Hm? What’s that line over there?” Siegfried asked, pointing to a place not far from him.

In the distance, thousands of Adventurers were lined up and were marching toward somewhere.