"This is my hometown. I've worked in the merchant guild for a long time, so most of the people here know me. I also know a lot of the residents."
Rio had traveled all over the territory, leading the merchant guild. Since they mainly dealt in daily necessities, it was impossible for people not to know him.
"I know very well how they live. Most of them are living in poverty."
Baron Margell was a greedy lord. He imposed heavy taxes and tried to take as much as he could from others.
Naturally, the people living under such a lord could not live well. They were all struggling, crushed under the weight of excessive taxes.
"I may not have much wealth, but I do have a lot of experience living as a merchant. I've seen firsthand what problems the territory is facing."
Once Rio started speaking, he grew more confident and continued his words.
"Baron Margell has stored large amounts of gold and food in his warehouse. First, we need to distribute that to support the exhausted residents. Only when they recover their strength can they do anything."
"And then?"
"I'm thinking of lowering taxes and lending money at low interest rates to revitalize the market. That way, consumption will gradually increase."
Rio pointed at various spots on the map as he spoke.
"I also know what each town and village needs and what they're lacking. I plan to repair broken facilities and build new ones where necessary."
By now, Rio seemed excited. His eyes sparkled at the thought of developing the territory.
"The security here isn't very good, either. I'll strengthen public safety so that merchants and residents can move around freely. I also plan to recruit knights and soldiers."
"It won't be easy to recruit knights."
"For now, I plan to invite retired knights and freelance knights. To protect the territory, we can't afford to be stingy with money."
Through this situation, Rio realized that he needed power to protect what was his.
To gain that power, he needed money. However, with the gold mine, he was confident that financial issues could be resolved.
This was precisely why Baron Margell had tried to take over the Lacus family before they grew any stronger.
Rio then shared various policies and plans—all aimed at rapidly developing the territory.
He smiled as he explained his thoughts to Ghislain.
"At first, a huge amount of money will be spent, but in the end, when the residents' lives stabilize, it will return as higher taxes. If the residents prosper, the territory will naturally become richer."
Hearing Rio's words, Yulian, Deneb, and Kyle couldn't help but admire him.
They had thought he was a simple and naive person, but in just a few days, he seemed like a completely different man.
It was only then that they understood why Ghislain had said Rio was more suited to be a lord than a merchant.
Ghislain nodded after listening to Rio's ideas.
"That's right. The difference between a merchant and a lord depends on how they earn and spend money. Don't forget that mindset."
Rio's plan was flawless. All that remained was to secure his unstable authority.
Over the next few days, the process of investigating the territory's officials and assigning tasks took place. Since Rio knew the territory well, he selected the right people for the job.
Even the traitors in the merchant guild were captured. Among the remaining members, Rio picked out useful ones and employed them as his close aides.
Afterward, the wealth Baron Margell had hoarded in his warehouses was distributed throughout the territory. The residents were overjoyed and praised their new lord.
"Hmm, you're doing well. Now we just need to solidify the foundation a bit more."
Ghislain focused on tightening military discipline. For Rio to manage the territory effectively, he needed to control the army.
Capable individuals were newly appointed, and the command structure was reshuffled. The new officers had no choice but to pledge loyalty to Rio.
Yulian and Deneb marveled at the rapid changes unfolding in the territory.
"So it really is possible to change things like this..."
"If a ruler is determined, things can change quickly."
With Ghislain's support, Rio implemented policies without opposition.
Money flowed, and policies were enforced as soon as Rio gave the word. The lives of the residents changed noticeably day by day.
Watching this for several days, Yulian and Deneb began to understand what Ghislain had meant.
"This many lives can change just like that."
"This really is the power to change the world."
The evil Baron Margell had been removed, and a kind-hearted Rio had taken his place.
That alone had caused a dramatic transformation in the territory and its people's lives.
Yulian and Deneb also helped with many tasks while staying in the territory, but it was Rio's new policies and systems that truly changed everything.
Looking at the joyful residents, Yulian murmured to himself.
"If only we could get rid of the Demon Realm..."
And if people like Rio held power and governed the world,
Surely, the world could change for the better.
Their role was to eliminate evil and empower good people. That was what they were best suited for.
While staying with Ghislain, Yulian and Deneb gradually strengthened their beliefs.
Ghislain remained in the territory for two months, helping Rio secure his authority.
Once Rio had firmly established himself, Ghislain approached him and said, "Now, it's time for us to settle accounts, isn't it?"
The initial deal of receiving 30% of the gold mine's revenue had been adjusted to 30% of the Lacus family's total income.
Since the Lacus family now controlled the entire territory, this effectively meant 30% of the territory's income belonged to Yulian's mercenary group.
Swallowing nervously, Rio asked, "Did you plan this from the start?"
"Of course. It's a territory with a gold mine, after all."
"....."
Rio gave a hollow laugh and looked at Ghislain.
The more he saw, the more impressive Ghislain seemed. Pulling off such a bold plan and succeeding—it was unbelievable.
If Ghislain had told him the full plan from the start, Rio would never have believed it and probably opposed it. Even now, it was hard to believe this was reality.
But a deal was a deal. Considering how much he owed Ghislain, he didn't feel bitter about it at all.
Without Ghislain, he would have lost everything, not gained a territory.
"Understood. I'll provide 30% of the annual revenue to the Yulian mercenary corps."
Rio's straightforward agreement brought a smile to Ghislain's face. Meanwhile, the other heroes stood in stunned silence.
'W-Wow... We're rich now.'
'Ghislain is amazing. He earned this fortune in one go.'
'Can we just retire? With a gold mine, we could live in luxury forever, right?'
Unfortunately, they wouldn't get a chance to enjoy it anytime soon. Grueling training awaited them.
At least they no longer had to worry about funding. Ghislain never spared money when it came to training.
Curious, Rio asked, tilting his head.
"But... if you're leaving soon, where should I send the money?"
The Yulian Mercenary Corps had no permanent base, so Rio was unsure how to deliver the payments.
Considering the territory's gold mine, the 30% share would grow into an enormous sum once the territory fully developed.
Ghislain replied without hesitation.
"Just store it separately for now. I'll send someone whenever we need funds, and you can deduct the costs accordingly."
"Understood, but wouldn't it be inconvenient? How about establishing a base here? I can prepare any location you prefer."
"That's not a bad idea, but not yet. I still need to give my friends more experience."
There was no time to settle down yet. The group needed to spread their fame and build their skills.
"Thanks to you, my father's condition didn't worsen. And I really appreciate you taking care of the territory's residents."
"Uh, um..."
"And Kyle, thank you too. The second duel was really impressive."
"Well, of course. If anyone bothers you, just let me know. I'll come running and take care of them."
Unlike the others, Kyle responded with a proud expression. Sitting on his shoulder was Dark, who had resurrected and was now mimicking Kyle's smug look.
The rumor that Yulian Mercenary Corps had formed a brotherhood bond with Rio spread quickly. This rumor also helped Rio solidify his authority.
Countless people had witnessed the strength of the Yulian Mercenary Corps. The fact that they supported Rio gave him even greater power.
Rio wasn't the only one who benefited. If the Yulian Mercenary Corps ever needed help, the Lacus family would become their strong and reliable sponsor.
It was a mutually beneficial relationship for both the Lacus family and Yulian's group.
"Well then, we'll be leaving now. Let's keep in touch."
Ghislain was ready to move on to another region.
He planned to keep expanding Yulian's influence by building connections and giving the group more experience.
Just before their departure, Rio curiously asked Ghislain,
"Older Brother, aren't you a mage?"
Although Ghislain had only been seen beating enemies with his staff rather than casting spells, he still claimed to be a mage.
Ghislain nodded.
"That's right. I'm a mage. Why?"
"I was wondering... may I ask which magic tower you studied at? I'd like to make a donation there."
It was a sincere offer of gratitude, but Ghislain blinked in confusion.
"Which... magic tower was it again?"
"Excuse me?"
"Wait a moment."
Ghislain immediately summoned Astion within his consciousness.
'Hey, wake up.'
— Mmm... what is it?
Astion responded sleepily, and Ghislain got straight to the point.
'Did you ever study at a magic tower? You said you're from the countryside. If you learned from the soul possessing you, does that mean there's no tower involved?'
— Yeah... I didn't study at a magic tower. I learned magic from the soul possessing me.
'Really? Hmm... Have you ever thought about a name for a magic tower?'
— Why would I have something like that?
'Then I'll name one for you. You can use it later.'
— What are you talking about? Why are you naming a magic tower? I don't even have the skills to build one.
'Just roll with it. If you ever build one, you can use this name. I'm preparing it in advance.'
— No! Why are you naming someone else's magic tower without permission?
Ghislain grinned. Astion was clearly the founder of the magic tower that Jerome would one day inherit. Using that name now wouldn't be a problem.
In fact, it seemed like it had to be used. If Ghislain influenced the past too much, the future might change, and he needed to avoid that.
Seizing the moment, Ghislain decided to cement his claim. With a proud expression, he told Rio, "I'm not from a magic tower, but I do plan to establish one in the future."
"R-Really?"
"Yeah. I'm only telling you because you're my brother. The name of the magic tower I'll build is..."
Ghislain smirked and said, "The Magic Tower of Radiance."
Thus, the name of the tower Jerome would inherit in the future was decided here and now.
***
With a generous travel fund from Rio, Yulian Mercenary Corps also secured sturdy horses to make their journey more comfortable.
As Ghislain stroked his horse, he muttered, "I wonder if Bean is doing well."
He had spent quite a bit of time in this place, but in reality, not much time should have passed.
So, the Black King should still be eating and sleeping well.
Though everyone back home was likely worried, Ghislain remained relaxed, convinced everything would be fine.
"I'm not dead anyway... They'll manage somehow. Time flows differently here."
The Salvation Church had already been destroyed, and the last dragon was dead. There was no immediate threat to the continent.
The people Ghislain left behind were all competent, some of the most skilled individuals on the continent. Managing the kingdom and territories wouldn't be a problem.
The only thing that lingered in Ghislain's mind was the existence of the adversary.
If that being were to revive, no one could predict how things would change.
"Hmm... I'll probably wake up before that happens."
Deneb had undoubtedly summoned him here to deliver a warning.
So, Ghislain felt confident he would wake up before the adversary's resurrection.
Of course, he couldn't help but worry that he was unintentionally altering the past little by little.
"Alright, you've had it easy for a while."
During their travels, training resumed. Whenever they had time, Ghislain pushed the three hard—though they saw it as grueling torture.
This time, however, the three of them accepted his teachings differently than before.
'I need to become strong... like Ghislain!'
'That's the only way to save the world!'
'I want to make lots of money too!'
Through this experience, they had learned many things, especially the importance of strength to achieve their goals.
One day, during training, Yulian looked at Ghislain with concern and asked, "Ghislain... are you okay?"
"Yeah... I'm fine."
Ghislain was wiping a nosebleed, and his complexion looked pale.
But he already had a guess as to why this was happening.
'My body... can't handle it.'
Since it wasn't his own body, the balance between his mind and the host body was starting to collapse.
At this rate, he wouldn't be able to stay in this body much longer.
'I can't leave yet.'
He needed to help the three of them stand on their own and uncover the mysteries of this time period.
'No choice, then.'
Ghislain was someone who could sense and move the will of the world.
He began thinking of ways to extend his stay in the body.
'Maybe it's time to actually learn some magic.'
Ghislain always aimed for the best. Naturally, his goal was the 9th Circle.
That should be enough to be useful even after returning to reality.