Chapter 12: Future
Vincent never got an answer, but his years of business experience told him that this investment was likely a loss. However, Derek wasn't part of the trading house, so Vincent had no authority to interfere. Instead, it was better to maintain a good relationship with such a powerful young knight.
The caravan stayed for two days, purchasing a large amount of fur before heading back. The return journey was slightly different as Vincent continued to buy various goods, piling the carts as high as mountains. Watching the horses struggle, Derek felt a pang of sympathy. It seemed capitalism was ruthless no matter the world, only the exploited subjects varied.
Derek reminded himself that it was better to be the one exploiting than to be exploited.
As they approached Watch City, another piece of good news arrived: Simon's nag had also joined the interface and quickly upgraded to ordinary quality. This difference in value was worth at least three gold coins. The profit was significant, but more importantly, it provided a source of warhorses. Fully armed heavy cavalry, in this era of primitive warfare, were a decisive force, almost like nuclear weapons in their deterrent effect. This power relied on excellent horses.
Upon returning to the city, they completed their mission and registered it at the tavern where they took assignments, leaving a record. Future caravans looking to hire Derek could refer to this, and if he was particularly outstanding, it could even increase his pay. For example, this time, Vincent reluctantly handed over two gold coins as a reward.
After the handover, Derek returned to his base. Limited training and higher levels meant the remaining spearmen showed little improvement. However, the three blacksmiths became increasingly skilled, with young Tru independently forging fairly high-quality swords.
Derek steadily accumulated strength while taking on small tasks around the area to train his spearmen. Over time, they gained some reputation. The mercenary circles in Watch City knew that a group of strong and reliable men had arrived. Money flowed in, and their strength grew.
Yet Derek still felt anxious, a constant sense of urgency. Without land and population, the seemingly good business would ultimately have its limits. For instance, the Ferrella barony had only four to five thousand people. Could he recruit soldiers indefinitely from such a small population?
Other noble territories were the same; freely recruiting soldiers was out of the question. Most free citizens had their own land and businesses and wouldn't enlist as soldiers. Those without land or businesses were vassals of the nobles, and even their movements were restricted. Agriculture and livestock were considered means of production, entirely controlled by the nobility.
In this feudal society, the upper limit was already set. No matter how hard one worked, breaking through this ceiling was impossible. Only by breaking down the class structure could one continue to grow. Currently, the output of the three blacksmiths was barely sufficient to cover their needs. If Derek wanted to expand his business, without a powerful backer, he would eventually be devoured by others.
Derek understood the nature of the nobility well; they wouldn't take risks. Maintaining the status quo seemed like a good option. A small manor in the northern province cost about 5,000 gold coins. If he worked hard for fifty years, he might save enough to buy one. For people of this era, leaving such an inheritance for their descendants and family was quite impressive. Look at the Perez family; after years of effort, they only managed to accumulate two small manors, and they were considered well-managed.
Derek should be satisfied.
Satisfied? Not at all. Derek wasn't about to settle for that. After Traveling through another world and gaining a golden finger, living a mediocre life was not an option. Moreover, any unforeseen event could cut his life short, and he might not even live to see fifty years. This world offered him no sense of security. Only by seizing his fate could he ensure his survival.
Small wars might offer opportunities, but Derek was unwilling. The kingdom's politics were a classic example of dual monarchy, with both liege lords and the king. Nobles under the king's direct control had obligations to him but enjoyed relative freedom. However, those enfeoffed by other great nobles might continue to hold positions in the kingdom, yet their political freedom was almost nonexistent. The stance of the liege lord was your stance, and unless they rebelled, you could hardly refuse their demands.
Ironically, most political resources in the kingdom were still controlled by the king. Even your descendants would be at the mercy of the liege lord's descendants. Breaking the class structure and seizing power was difficult under a great noble, and you would face numerous constraints.
The best approach was to go to the capital, to grasp the core resources of the kingdom.
However, the Ferreira family was just a rural noble house, lacking the political resources needed for Derek to become a kingdom official. Even if they had such resources, they wouldn't be his to use. These political resources were reserved for the great nobles and the royal family, creating a vicious cycle.
Unless a large-scale war occurred, resulting in military merits that could earn him a title and bring him into the king's view, Derek would have to struggle to gain power and resources gradually. Derek was waiting for a war with the northern barbarians. These barbarians, who had risen in the north, had taken advantage of the kingdom's previous divisions to occupy a significant amount of its land. As the kingdom regained its strength, a war to reclaim these territories was inevitable. This was a common understanding among the knowledgeable, but the exact timing of this war could be tomorrow or twenty years from now.
Derek once thought he could wait, but he now realized he didn't have the patience. His impatience stemmed from the subtle, ever-watchful eyes around him. A business with an annual revenue of over a hundred gold coins, especially in arms dealing, was bound to attract envy. The only things keeping those greedy gazes at bay were his knightly title, the deterrence of his family, and his own martial prowess. But if his business expanded, it would provoke even more greed.
The first to act against him could very well be his own patron, Baron Ferreira. Yes, familial loyalty means little when family interests are at stake. A business that could contribute significantly to the family's income would tempt even his closest allies.
Ultimately, Derek had underestimated the value of a competent blacksmith. Why were blacksmiths so valuable? The techniques of smelting and forging were incredibly precious in this era. Most blacksmiths relied on their intuition and experience to craft high-quality weapons, making them rare and highly profitable. Even their knowledge was guarded and passed down with great caution. Only a few factions with advanced techniques monopolized this industry.
The existence of his system was like a cheat code, turning what would usually be a matter of luck into a certainty. Any blacksmith could become skilled with enough time. What a tempting power! Realizing this, Derek didn't dare to continue allocating points frivolously.
But there was a burning desire in his heart. He needed to find a place away from prying eyes where he could fully utilize his system's capabilities. He believed that given the right opportunity, he could quickly ascend onto the stage of history. And he already had a target in mind.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone