Episode 277 War of Money (5)
Bikire put on the cat mask and moved on.
The target is Damian, a long-haired dark-brown man who is far away.
He holds the title of director of the Empire’s Money Manufacturing Bureau and outside director of the Bourgeois Landlord’s Guild.
A strange position, half an official of the Empire and half a director of a private company.
It was difficult to understand without knowing the background that he was exiled after being defeated in a political battle within the family.
Although he was defeated in the Game of Thrones, he was not completely defeated by the bourgeois family because of his outstanding abilities and excellent political sense.
So, while receiving the rust of the empire, he oversees the affairs of the currency manufacturing country, and at the same time, he is also in charge of the internal affairs of the largest landlord’s guild run by the bourgeois family.
However, in terms of status, being a public servant is a priority, so he is hardly allowed to interfere in the affairs of his family, so his position as director of the landlord’s guild is virtually useless.
The influence within the family is so insignificant that it is almost nonexistent compared to the title of count and social position.
Bikir thought quietly.
‘Perhaps his promotion to director was a voluntary choice to survive.’
The words of those who challenged the throne and were defeated are only death or an exile more miserable than death.
In order to avoid such an end, the smart and competent Damian would have started driving piles through promotion immediately after he judged that he would not be able to sit in the headship.
for the protection of the state.
‘He volunteered to be the dog of the nation because he was afraid of his own family.’
In simple terms, it means that he entrusted himself to work because he was afraid of his family.
Bikir evaluated this choice simply.
‘You’re wise.’
Bikir knew all too well that his family could be his worst enemy.
Isn’t it family that is closer than anyone else, but that’s why it can hurt more than anyone else.
In that respect, it was very wise for Damian to turn his back on the family and go under the imperial family.
Thanks to this, he was able to keep the bourgeois in check by receiving the protection of the imperial family.
‘Damian, who knows the inner workings of the bourgeoisie, must be a very good hostage from the point of view of the imperial family.’
Having already analyzed the newspaper articles, I know that he is hostile to the bourgeois family head.
In other words, Damian is currently maintaining his position by walking on a tightrope between the imperial family and the bourgeoisie.
He could be said to be an excellent merchant and at the same time a seasoned politician.
Bikir, like other servants, continued to move forward, handing out cocktail glasses to those around him.
It is a fact that even Dolores does not know that he is disguised as a servant here, so he is even more secretive and careful.
Now, the distance between him and Damian has narrowed to only a few meters.
He was having a conversation with the people gathered around him.
“Hahaha. Money is really great.”
“They say there’s nothing money can’t do, so that’s true.”
“I’m a bit surprised that younger juniors know how to be extravagant like this.”
“I’m sure it’s something to earn money and see.”
“I can see why the term ‘Golden Almighty’ was coined.”
People with glasses in their hands were laughing with drunken expressions.
at that time. one person said
“Ah, money is great, but it’s not all-powerful. How many things can’t be done with money in the world?”
This was in response to the saying that gold is omnipotent.
Then another person next to him said.
“Uh huh. Don’t you know what’s popular among young people these days?”
“Ohh? What is that?”
“If there’s something money can’t solve, I’d say think about whether it’s not enough money! Hahahaha!”
At those words, the crowd burst into laughter.
“That’s right. Having money doesn’t mean everyone is happy, but it’s okay to be unhappy if you don’t have money.”
“Of course. Eat delicious food, wear good clothes, ride good things, sleep in good places, travel in good places, buy good toys, give good gifts to good people.
“Heh-heh- When I was young, money seemed to be the best, but as I got older, I realized that money is even better than I thought when I was young!”
“That’s right. When I was young, I was most envious of rich people, but now that I’ve grown up, I’m still most envious of rich people.”
“Once I said, ‘I wish I had a lot of money,’ and someone said, ‘Money can’t buy happiness.’ I was a little taken aback when I heard that. Who said you wanted to be happy? You said you wanted a lot of money.”
“Money is truly a great invention. It is the best symbol of humanity.”
The topic now flows toward praising the greatness of money.
It may be a natural subject since everyone is a figure in the business world, but in fact, there was another intention behind it.
It was also an indirect flattery towards Demian, who makes ‘money’ itself.
Director of the Empire’s Currency Manufacturing Bureau. An existence that prints currency used throughout the country.
It was based on the judgment that since he was the person most closely related to money, he might have a sense of pride and awe toward money.
however.
“…”
Director Damian just smiled bitterly.
Soon after, he left without a word and headed towards the terrace alone.
People tilted their heads in the sudden drooping atmosphere, wondering if they had made a mistake, but they couldn’t pinpoint anything.
“What is it? Didn’t the director’s expression look bad just now?”
“Ummm. Did we do something wrong?”
“There was nothing in particular. I only said the right things.”
“Maybe he was just drunk?”
“That’s right. You looked a little tired from the moment you entered the party in the first place.”
“…Moreover, there must be a ‘daughter problem’.”
At the words of the last person, everyone else nodded.
“Come to think of it, your daughter is really like that…”
“You mean Juliet? I’ve heard the news well.”
“He was such a young and beautiful person. It made me very sad.”
“Then it’s not that you’re in such a bad mood.”
People chatted about the misadventures of Damian and his daughter for a few minutes before the new dancers caught everyone’s attention with a wild dance.
Compared to the expensive alcohol that goes into your mouth, the sympathy that comes out of your mouth seemed quite expensive.
* * *
“…… Whoa.”
Damian. He was leaning on the terrace where the night dew fell, looking out.
Beyond the silk curtains, you can see the beautiful night view of the ecliptic.
The dawn of a blue night. It is cozy and cozy, so it creates an atmosphere that makes you want to fall asleep.
But Damian only looked away for a moment and then turned away.
Exciting music and excited voices coming from the hall outside. Everyone is praising today’s party.
Suddenly he remembered the story he had heard in the hall.
“……Money.”
He was a man used to money.
From the time he was born, he had a gold spoon of immense purity, and in his youth, accumulated enormous wealth through numerous business trips.
Now, which is slowly entering the twilight, he has become the chief executive of an institution that prints money.
In other words, a man who has lived with money all his life. It was an existence that had held an immeasurable sum in their hands.
but. Even Damian couldn’t help but flinch at the voice approaching from behind.
“Do you think there is anything in this world that money cannot do?”
Damian turned and looked behind him.
Did it come soon? A boy wearing a cat mask stood in the back.
At first, Damian thought it was just an audacious servant who had come to him out of longing.
But soon he realized.
‘……No sign?’
A boy who came silently and stood behind his back like a ghost.
The movement is so secretive that it cannot be dismissed simply as a servant trained in movement.
But Damian was indeed a smart man.
He did not show displeasure or shout or anything.
However, I only tried to talk once to smooth the situation.
“Yes. There are many.”
Damian nodded and turned his gaze to the night sky.
“Money is just one of many means to achieve a goal. And there are as many unattainable goals as the stars in the night sky. That’s why you’re human.”
Damian answered in a low voice and naturally took his back from the railing.
to return to the party hall.
at that time. said the servant boy.
“And which of those stars is the farthest and brightest?”
“……?”
Damian turned his head away with a puzzled expression, and the servant boy was still standing there.
star. shining bright in the night sky.
A really earnest and earnest goal, but a lofty and distant goal that even a person with a social position on the level of Damian cannot achieve.
“…Isn’t that just meeting the dead daughter?”
Damian’s steps stopped for a moment at the servant boy’s words.
A little silence flows, only the night air gets colder.
Eventually, Damian opened his mouth.
“Meeting the dead.”
He turned and looked at the servant boy.
His gaze was fiercely forged, unlike before.
“…I can’t, but I think you can soon.”
At the same time, a terrifying life spewed out.
Pit-
A fleeting flash. A golden stiletto pulled from Damian’s waist and flew towards the servant boy’s shoulder.
Damian thought briefly.
This spoiled servant boy will feel the fear of death, but not life.
However, as a reward for making fun of a high-ranking noble, he will live with an uncomfortable arm for the rest of his life.
however.
…can!
Damian’s thoughts went astray.
And the quick sword, which was quickly deployed, also missed.
It was because the red-hot blade protruding from the back of the servant boy’s hand deflected his sword.
At the same time, Damian’s eyes widened wide.
“……The hound of bar night?”
