I Became A Black Merchant In Another World-Chapter 203: If you keep telling a lie, it becomes the truth (5)

The imperial parliament is not exactly a system that fits well with a country aiming for absolute monarchy.

Perhaps because of this, the Imperial Parliament only convenes once a year in most cases.

The topics usually discussed are major matters, such as amendments to the empire's constitution.

However, in the case of disasters like a declaration of war or a large-scale emergency, an urgent convocation order is sometimes issued.

“Baron Rothschild. This is your first time at an emergency session, isn’t it?”

It’s been over a year since I became a baron.

Naturally, I’ve participated in parliamentary meetings, even raising my hand in support of certain bills that Duke Visconti wanted to implement.

However, emergency convocations that happen once every 4 to 5 years—this is my first one, having just become a baron not too long ago.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“There’s no need to be nervous just because it’s an emergency session. From what I’ve heard, the issue this time isn’t about a major earthquake or a full-scale war against the Milanians.”

I know what’s being discussed in this session.

To be more precise, a guild master requested the abolition of the guild system, and the emperor is undoubtedly cheering and raising both hands in approval.

Previously, it was difficult to propose the abolition of the guild system, as it wouldn’t hold up as a legitimate argument if it was initiated by the emperor or the nobility.

But now, when the guild master, the core of the guilds, requests the abolition of the guilds?

‘That’s a legitimate reason, after all.’

But as I play the role of the mastermind and expand my influence, I have to pretend not to know about it, and now, I must reluctantly talk about it, though I’ll hide the most important details.

“What is the issue?”

“The guild master of Pisa is suggesting the abolition of the guild system, fully prepared to face the consequences.”

The duke whispered in my ear with a quiet voice.

“You’re the one who instigated this, aren’t you? No need to hide it between us.”

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If I were to hide it, he’d be so disappointed that he might hand me over to the minor noble’s hands.

Once my father-in-law gets me, I’ll be sent directly into a group of madmen who’ll make me wear 20kg worth of full-body armor and go through special forces training.

Why? To take revenge on the thief who took his daughter, while also toughening up my weak body—it’d be such a pleasant experience for him.

I shook my head.

“As expected, I cannot hide it from you. I saw this internal conflict within the guilds as an opportunity to push for their abolition. That’s why I moved secretly.”

“You’re extremely meticulous, aren’t you?”

“If the guilds are abolished, I plan to use the capital I have to build factories across the entire empire, or even the whole Albanian continent, capable of producing far more than enough to sell.”

Even if I were to set up a forge, I couldn’t enter the market for cheap tools like hammers, shovels, pickaxes, and farming equipment.

‘That’s the kind of work the blacksmiths in the village do.’

But if a modern factory with a strict division of labor and quality control is built?

Then I could fully take control of the production of matchlock guns, swords, spears, and armor.

If the war between the Kingdom of Lyon and the Holy Empire (the Papal States) ends, and if the Papal States move as I wish...

“A steel mill will need to be expanded.”

“An excellent thought, my lord. Also, be sure to secure a coal mine beforehand. You’ll need coal to run the blast furnaces.”

It’s been said for a long time that one must not forget to share family and interests to last for generations.

This is the lesson our ancestors gained through thousands of successes and failures.

Following that lesson, I must take good care of my father-in-law and the Visconti family.

“I’ll do that. And after today’s meeting, please let me know about some good investment opportunities. I plan to gather a lot of money and pay off my debts to those damned merchants.”

In an era where corruption and political collusion are the norm, of course, if the duke wants it, I’ll be sure to introduce a few good investment opportunities.

“Trust me. I have a tight hold on the stocks.”

The emperor presides over the Imperial Parliament.

At the Imperial Parliament, the abolition of the guild system passed unanimously.

“With this, the Tuscany Empire officially declares the abolition of the guild system, which has hindered the development of the empire for 500 years.”

When the emperor personally made the declaration, all the nobles, regardless of faction, cheered.

They’ve all certainly received huge bribes from the guilds, but...

They were probably also being ripped off by the guilds, who made 400%–500% profit margins even on the sale of a single hammer.

Now, having been freed from the trade where they had no choice but to cry with their eyes wide open, they couldn’t help but feel joy.

The emperor raised his scepter to declare the session closed, but...

“Your Majesty, the abolition of the guild system is indeed a cause for celebration. However, you must consider the repercussions.”

The worst thing one can do in this world?

It’s when the teacher announces that class is over, and someone asks how to solve a problem.

It’s the same as bringing up an additional agenda after a meeting has concluded.

But no one could express discontent toward the one who spoke those words.

“Please elaborate, Duke.”

Duke Sforza looked toward me and Duke Visconti.

Sometimes, words aren’t needed to communicate.

That look in his eyes is unmistakably that.

The truly sinister look people give when planning a deadly attack.

‘I’m pretty sure this bastard is planning to screw me, or rather, our entire faction.’

“Previous emperors tried to abolish the guilds, but think about why they failed.”

There’s no noble here who doesn’t know why the abolition of the guilds failed.

It was because the guilds, all of them, conspired to bring the empire’s economy to a halt.

“The guild masters banded together and halted the empire’s economy to protect their vested interests. Of course, now the guilds’ unity has cracked. I doubt they will have the same power as they once did...”

“There could be a serious blow to the imperial economy.”

The guild system is like a cancer, blocking the empire’s progress.

To save the empire, a costly operation is needed to excise it.

Therefore, I can’t let the cost of the operation stop me from abolishing the guilds.

‘Unless the empire’s survival is at stake.’

“To overcome this crisis, immense capital will be needed. Therefore, I, Ludovico de Sforza, will donate 30,000 gold coins.”

That wicked bastard, unwilling to see my success, is burning through his wealth without hesitation.

It’s because of people like him that the world isn’t progressing.

The world is already so corrupted, and I’m working hard to stabilize the empire with the wisdom of the great empire and the experience of France eating baguettes and trading stocks.

Ah, that bastard.

“30,000 gold coins—this isn’t a small amount for the Duke, is it?”

“For the development of the empire, it’s not much. Moreover, once the guilds are gone, we can make profits far exceeding the 30,000 gold coins.”

Duke Sforza didn’t force anyone to donate.

He simply declared that he would donate 30,000 gold coins on his own.

However, taking his words literally would be extremely foolish.

It’s like a department head, who has been fighting with his wife and working overtime, telling an intern to leave early when they have nothing to do.

If the intern leaves early after hearing those words, they can kiss their chance at full-time employment goodbye, and the intern will forever be labeled as the annoying one in the department.

‘Since I donated 30,000 gold coins, you should donate more, right?’

He’s likely expecting enormous donations depending on titles, wealth, and fiefs.

As a mere baron, maybe I should contribute around 4,000 gold coins?

Then, looking toward me with a warm voice, Duke Sforza spoke.

“Among all the nobles here, Baron Rothschild understands the merchants’ ecosystem better than anyone. I believe that the Baron can surely provide great help.”

When someone says that you’ll be entrusted with a role or asked for advice, it usually implies giving ‘power.’

But to say you can ‘help’ is vague and uncertain.

It can be interpreted as offering a high-ranking position or as giving authority, but here, it’s a subtle political expression that means, "He’s rich, so we can take a lot of donations from him."

At this point, before Duke Sforza’s faction makes the first move...

A count from Duke Sforza’s faction loudly declared.

“I’ll donate 10,000 gold coins!”

...Did these bastards come prepared?

“I’ll donate 5,000 gold coins!”

Counts, viscounts, and barons from the Duke’s faction were all shouting out how much they would donate.

Our faction couldn’t lose to them, so we would have to donate at least 1.5 times what they donated.

I personally wouldn’t have much issue with donating 10,000 gold coins, but...

‘This will definitely be a significant blow to the other nobles.’

After hearing this donation relay, the emperor declared the end of the session.

“Then, let us conclude the Imperial Parliament meeting.”

When the abolition of the guild system was officially announced in the imperial constitution, the guild masters quickly began gathering at their headquarters, the Florence Guild, in order to take immediate action.