I Became A Black Merchant In Another World-Chapter 224: Consumption Tax and Accountants (3)

The value of medieval universities depended heavily on securing excellent professors.

In today’s society, where there is an abundance of candidates with doctoral degrees, securing exceptional professors does not always directly correlate with the university’s level.

Even prestigious universities like the University of Bologna and the University of Paris, often regarded as medieval Harvards, had periods when they lacked competent professors, especially outside theology and law.

"Back in the medieval era, a university with many good professors was considered prestigious, right?"

“To gather competent staff, one needs to spend money, and to create a prestigious university, it’s essential to recruit the best professors.”

Faculties like law and theology, which were common everywhere, would see a flood of applicants if a lot of money were offered.

Similarly, craftsmen and alchemists, who would serve as professors in technical faculties dedicated to advancing technologies and crafts, would be attracted by money.

If money can make even ghosts dance, professors wouldn’t be a problem.

“If something can’t be solved with money, it’s solved by bringing in even more money.”

The voice of the coachman broke my thoughts.

"We've arrived, Baron. This is the Conto family's mansion."

"Wait here for a moment. It’s cold, so feel free to stay in the carriage and avoid the wind. I’ll light the stove inside to warm it up."

In other families, even in the coldest of winters, the coachmen wouldn’t be offered such a luxury. They’d be told to wait outside, regardless.

What would they do if they caught hypothermia?

"Yes, understood."

**

The Conto family, though not part of the imperial merchant elite, was a merchant family with enough influence, resources, and standing to be acknowledged by myself and other powerful merchant families.

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To put it simply, it would not be strange if someone fell and their position were taken over.

As I waited in the reception room, a man with full, snowy-white hair entered.

Though he used a cane due to his age, his gaze was still sharp and lively.

"I am Stero Conto, the former head of the Conto family. It is an honor for the Rothschild Baron to visit our humble residence."

He smiled warmly, but there was an underlying wariness in his eyes.

What a mystery—what’s making him so wary of me?

I haven’t even drawn my sword yet.

And is it because of what I’ve done so far?

Using matchlocks and gunpowder to make the Maasai Alliance an economic colony or introducing tulips to the Holy Empire to intentionally cause an economic crisis, perhaps.

But he had no way of knowing that. He’s quite perceptive, though.

“I appreciate you coming despite the sudden request to meet.”

“When someone as influential as the Rothschild Baron, who controls the economy of the Empire at such a young age, asks to meet, how could a mere old man like me, who once managed a small trading company, refuse?”

Excessive flattery can be just as insulting as outright criticism.

The way Stero is acting right now is similar.

Though I haven’t said a word yet, it feels as if he’s already readying his blade in preparation.

I’ve certainly played tricks on many merchant families, and I’ve taken down the forces under Duke Sforza in the name of ‘sanitation checks,’ but—

I’ve never made the first move in the Empire as long as no one has provoked me.

‘Though outside the Empire, I might have taken a bit of a page from the British Empire’s book.’

"I don’t have any intention of fighting with you, Stero. I came to see if we could work together."

“Work together?”

“It’s something that would bring great benefits to both you and me. Even if you refuse, it won’t harm the Conto family. I’m not some scoundrel who makes a habit of ruining others, after all. Why would I want to make more enemies?”

The key to social life is to make as few enemies as possible.

That’s why some fathers, while sternly teaching their children how to use chopsticks, also said something like this:

“There are people in this world who will judge and disregard you just because you don’t know how to use chopsticks. So, don’t just master chopsticks, don’t give them any reason to criticize you.”

I, too, make a lot of trouble and spread wisdom from advanced countries wherever I go, but because I’ve never been caught, I’ve made no enemies within the Empire, other than those who directly provoked me.

Had I made a habit of picking fights, I might already be dead.

Isn’t it true that the truth eventually gets out?

Stero, after hearing my sincere words, relaxed his expression.

“The truth is, I’m preparing to establish a university next year under the Rothschild name.”

“You’re establishing a university? That’s quite impressive.”

There are several universities in the Tuscany Empire, but only noblemen with titles of Count or higher usually own a university within their territories.

And even among counts and marquises who run their own universities, there are very few.

"So, you’re hoping for a donation from us?"

I shook my head.

Even with just a portion of the money I’ve taken from the Holy Empire, I could easily establish an excellent university in the Rothschild barony.

Why would I need to receive money from someone else?

If I took money, I’d have to listen to their demands while running the university.

“There’s no way the Rothschild family would lack the funds to establish a university. I’ve already secured all the capital, and I’ve even received a direct permit from His Majesty for its establishment.”

Stero was stunned at the mention of a direct permit from the Emperor.

“Seeing the seal on the decree, it’s undoubtedly His Majesty’s approval.”

There must be several barons across the nation, but I doubt there is any other baron who could meet the Emperor personally just by asking.

Well, except for those who are children of the Emperor’s concubines, of course.

That’s such a rare exception that it’s almost as if it’s only me.

“Of course, we will also establish faculties in theology, law, technical studies, and accountancy.”

“A technical faculty and an accountancy faculty? What exactly are those?”

“The technical faculty will teach subjects like metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and alchemy. The accountancy faculty will train accountants specializing in bookkeeping and auditing.”

In modern times, students of the humanities are no longer the front-runners when compared to students in the sciences, but until the early 1990s, the sciences were merely servants to the humanities.

In the Tuscany Empire, where knowledge outside the humanities isn’t taught...

If I were to teach technology, people would be calling me insane.

Of course, in about 4-5 years, high-ranking individuals will be rushing to our technical faculty, begging for assistance.

‘Please, give us those cannons you’ve applied your technology to!’

It’s all because the humanities will eventually be helpless without the support of the sciences.

“An accountant, huh? It’s because of the stock market issue. Indeed, I’ve seen more than a few traders who’ve gone bankrupt due to stock fraud.”

He’s quick to catch on; it seems his experience in the field has sharpened his instincts.

“The problem, however, is that accounting isn’t a proper academic discipline like law or theology. Frankly, it’s just something traders have traditionally done loosely.”

Some people even call Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press a revolution comparable to the Industrial Revolution.

The Renaissance, the rapid development of Western intellectual thought, began because all records could be written and stored.

But now, knowledge related to accounting and economics is only passed down through word of mouth.

It isn’t transmitted in the form of a systematic academic discipline.

This prevents any real advancement from happening.

“My goal is to gather all this knowledge and systematize it into an academic discipline. And for that, I need you. Become a professor at my university.”

“Are you asking me to pass on your family’s vision to others?”

“Exactly. If you accept my proposal, I’ll ask His Majesty to grant your family a knightly title within three years. You won’t get a landholding, but it will still be a noble title.”

Stero already has enough money, and his family inherited it years ago.

It’s impossible to persuade such a person with money alone.

So, if I use the social standing of his son and grandson as collateral...

“If you refuse, what will happen?”

“You’ll just lose the opportunity to get closer to the Rothschild family. If you accept, we’ll become even closer. Who knows? Maybe my child and your great-grandchild will become kin.”

The Habsburgs have taught the world that if you don’t get excited about seeing your sister or cousin, you can’t survive.

‘Let others fight wars. You, happy Austria, marry!’

That’s right, marriage expands your power by swallowing the other family.

This is how medieval, early modern, and modern Europe conquered the world with LOVE & PEACE (incest and all kinds of sibling fantasies were a must).

I, for my part, don’t particularly want to force a political marriage, but—

‘If there’s no one I actually like, what can I do? And with the family heir...’

“I’ll accept. But you must keep your promise.”

“How old is your grandson?”

“He’s sixteen this year.”

In Korea, he’d be entering high school, but in the Tuscany Empire, he wouldn’t be too young to enter university.

“I’ll get him enrolled in our university’s accountancy faculty. He’ll probably be shedding tears of gratitude when the day comes.”

And so, I succeeded in persuading one person after another to fill the ranks of the professors for the university, ensuring the formation of its faculty.