The Kingdom of Asura is one of the wealthiest and most influential nations in the world. Its abundance of natural resources and relatively low number of monsters compared to other countries and continents make this country unique and favorable for economic development.
The population of the kingdom is actively engaged in agriculture, trade, and crafts, which contributes to a high standard of living and the development of infrastructure. The capital, Ars, named after a war hero, is the largest city in the world and is famous for its landmarks, such as the Silver Palace, knight training grounds, and the temples of Saint Milis.
However, despite the outward prosperity, the Kingdom of Asura suffers from hidden internal conflicts. The primary power is held by feudal lords who seek to increase their influence and wealth by any means. Noble families are constantly in a state of covert rivalry, weaving intrigues and forming temporary alliances to achieve their goals.
Although Asura's economy is flourishing, the feudal lords, who own vast lands, often abuse their power by imposing high taxes and forcing peasants to work under harsh conditions. Asura operates under a very strict hierarchical system, where power and privileges are clearly distributed among the noble families. In some regions, discontent and uprisings flare up, which are brutally suppressed and carefully concealed. As a result, the population lives in constant fear of the authorities' arbitrariness.
These internal conflicts weaken the state and pose a threat to its unity. Each feudal lord strives to protect their interests, which often leads to local wars between noble families. The current King of Asura, despite his efforts, often finds himself unable to control all his vassals and maintain order across the vast kingdom.
Amid these events, the hidden struggle for power and resources continues, leading to periodic crises and the weakening of central authority. This creates fertile ground for various machinations and intrigues, which are exploited not only by nobles but also by influential trade guilds and criminal organizations.
In this context, a figure emerges—Heinrich von Ars, one of the wealthiest and most influential feudal lords in the kingdom. He is the embodiment of a typical aristocrat, raised in the spirit of strict hierarchy and convinced that commoners must always remain lower in status and origin.
Despite his cruelty and tendency toward intrigue, Heinrich has his good sides, believing in justice and order. However, his understanding of justice is often limited to the concept of hierarchy and social structure, where commoners must stay in their lower status and origin.
Heinrich is a tall and well-built man whose appearance reflects his discipline and severity. He always wears meticulously chosen expensive suits, showcasing his wealth and status. His face, with sharp features and piercing gray eyes, commands both respect and fear. His short gray hair is always neatly styled, and a well-groomed beard adds to his air of authority.
Born into a wealthy family with no siblings, Heinrich was accustomed to luxury and a high standard of living from an early age. His father, Bernard von Ars, headed the "Royal Manufactory," founded more than 200 years ago, which eventually became one of the largest trading companies in Asura. From a young age, Heinrich was taught strict discipline and hard work, which toughened his character and shaped his beliefs. He is a firm believer in the importance of hierarchy and is convinced that everyone should know their place.
Rumor has it that Heinrich's ancestors are directly related to the hero of Asura, the legendary Ars. This connection to a heroic past helps the Ars family maintain high status and influence in the kingdom, despite the lack of direct affiliation with the seven renowned noble families of Asura: the Greyrats, Redbats, Bluewolfs, Purplehorses, Whitespiders, Silvertods, and Yellowsnakes.
At this very moment, Heinrich von Ars was in an important meeting, discussing several key deals with the head of the Eurus family, Alastor Greyrat, a middle-aged man. The Vishiru region, located in the southern part of the Kingdom of Asura, is a major trading hub through which the main flows of goods and capital pass.
The management of this region is in the hands of the Eurus Greyrat family, known for their financial management skills and ability to negotiate profitable trade deals. Despite the lack of specific production specialization, Vishiru thrives due to its strategic location and extensive trade network.
"Lord Alastor, are you saying that all these goods come from the Fittoa region?" Heinrich, dressed in an expensive suit, looked around the large workshop with surprise, examining the samples of products laid out before him.
"Yes, Lord Heinrich, exactly," Alastor replied, nodding. "In recent months, various types of products from this lesser-known region have become noticeably popular in the Vishiru markets. Traders and influential figures in our region couldn't help but notice. The main products that have suddenly become in demand are various papers and cleaning products, such as 'soap' and 'shampoos.'"
Heinrich and Alastor were not only business partners but also old friends who had graduated from Asura's royal academy. Despite their close relationship, in important matters, as they were taught in the higher circles of nobility, they always addressed each other with due respect and formality. Their friendship, forged through years of shared studies and experiences, did not interfere with their professional approach to business.
"Hm... Unusual scent."
Heinrich, slightly intrigued, approached one of the tables and picked up a piece of pink 'soap.' Its fragrance was very pleasant, reminiscent of the scent of white lily flowers. The piece of 'purity stone' looked so appetizing that Heinrich couldn't resist the thought that it was not soap, but a piece of cake. He brought the soap to his nose, inhaling the aroma, and couldn't help but squint as he cautiously brought it closer to his lips as if he were about to take a bite.
Alastor, noticing his actions, barely suppressed a laugh:
"Lord Heinrich, I understand that it looks appetizing, but I assure you, it's not a cake."
Heinrich, embarrassed, quickly put the piece back on the table. He momentarily lost himself in thought, then, coughing slightly, he continued, trying to hide his embarrassment:
"I must admit, I didn't expect such high quality," he said, inspecting the soap from all sides. "And this is from Fittoa, a region that survives solely on wheat farming."
Alastor nodded, looking at the products with interest: "Yes, and it's not just the quality of the soap that's impressive," he said, picking up one of the pieces and examining it. "Look at the packaging. There's even a piece in the shape of a sword. This is pure genius—it grabs buyers' attention and gives the product uniqueness. They say whoever washes with this soap after sword training will quickly become a master of the blade."
"This is definitely the work of geniuses... I wouldn't be surprised if those rumors turned out to be true," Heinrich chuckled.
"And that's not all," Alastor continued, pointing to other products: "Take a look at these papers and stationery. Paper as white as milk—perfect for writing and documents. It doesn't soak and doesn't tear easily. And this 'ballpoint pen'... It's taking the market by storm! Everyone wants to have such a pen, it writes smoothly and comfortably. I've already stocked up on a whole batch from one of my trade guilds."
To verify his old friend's words, Heinrich took one of the 'pens' in his hand and made a few strokes on the paper.
"I've never seen such quality!" Heinrich exclaimed in surprise and clear delight. He applied force to the paper, but it remained intact, while the 'pen' glided over the surface with a pleasant sound, leaving a clear and even mark.
Typically, the highly praised papers of Asura's producers—yellow parchments—quickly deteriorated, were prone to damage, and required extensive resources for production. This made paper so expensive worldwide. Heinrich continued, feeling a sense of wonder:
"The paper is strong, smooth, without a single stain or blemish. And the pen—this is a real find... No need to constantly dip it in ink, just pick it up and write. This is undoubtedly a revolution for scribes and officials. How convenient and efficient this is!"
"Do you know how much these creations cost?" Alastor suddenly asked, watching Heinrich's reaction with understanding, knowing that he would be just as surprised as he was. He gave his friend time to think and try to guess the approximate price, enjoying the moment.
This time Heinrich seriously pondered, carefully examining the products. These inventions looked high-quality and attractive, which meant they should be expensive to produce. The product packaging was meticulously designed: it clearly indicated the purpose of the items with cute illustrations, the place of manufacture, and many other details that, in his opinion, were unnecessary. This clearly required significant expenses.
"We've come to the main point," Heinrich said thoughtfully. "Even if these goods impress with their quality, the packaging, these inscriptions, and illustrations... This must be very expensive."
Initially, Alastor's question sounded like another test, as if they were back at the academy. They often arranged such competitions, and in most cases, Heinrich emerged victorious.
"Considering all the expenses, I'd say this costs at least a couple of gold coins per unit. Especially the pen. One could say it even has its own charm?"
Alastor "evilly" smirked, evaluating his friend's response. He dropped the formalities and said directly: "Your estimate is fair, but! As incredible as it may sound, these goods are sold for just one silver coin each. And on certain days, what they call 'Black Friday,' the price dropped to a single copper coin."
Heinrich, shocked, raised his eyebrows: "W-what?! Just one silver? That's impossible! How can they afford to sell such high-quality goods at such a low price?"
"We have some incomplete information," Alastor mentally added a point to his tally of victories.
Before them lay flat metal devices called calculators. Alastor couldn't hide his excitement as he examined one of these devices. His eyes lit up, and he was practically glued to the new invention. He remembered how traders and accountants used to manually perform all the calculations.
Complex calculations took hours, if not days, and the slightest mistake could lead to enormous losses. Correcting these errors required even more time and effort.
Alastor realized how much time and resources were spent on accounting and trade calculations, and understood that the "calculator" had become a real salvation. He demonstrated a complex calculation to his friend, which used to take days, on this device—in just a second. Heinrich was shocked. His eyes widened when he saw how quickly and easily such complex calculations could be performed.
"Dear Heinrich," Alastor began loudly, "all these amazing products come from a small village called Buena, located in the Fittoa region. There is a workshop there called 'Gray Spiral.' Its owner is Paul Greyrat, but the main inventor is his son, a young genius named Rudeus."
At the mention of Paul, Alastor was filled with old memories. He remembered Paul as a boy, always under the care of his father, Amaranth Notus Greyrat. The relationship between the Eurus and Notus families could be called a partnership and fairly close in terms of trust. The Alastor family did not interfere much in the internal politics and relationships of the major nobles, although they themselves were part of that circle.
They preferred to avoid conflicts and build strong trade relations. The Eurus family was known for its economic skills and financial management abilities, making them indispensable partners for many noble families. It was thanks to their competence and neutral position that they were respected and trusted among other nobles.
And speaking of the Notus, particularly Paul, he had a scandalous reputation among all seven families of Asura. He threw his Notus surname in the trash, completely renouncing his noble title, and became an adventurer. This act shocked and outraged the nobility, for whom honor and family name meant everything. Alastor recalled the day when the news of Paul's renunciation of his title reached his region. He couldn't believe that young Paul, a promising noble, was capable of such a radical decision.
Paul not only renounced his family name but also managed to make enemies in Donati region. At the Water God Style school, he showed outstanding results, becoming the instructor Augusta's favorite, and even managed to repel the Water God Reida Liah. This incident made his name known, but it also further tarnished his reputation. In the end, he left again, leaving behind his fame and recognition.
Paul chose a life free from the obligations and restrictions imposed by noble status. He decided to devote himself to more down-to-earth matters, which ultimately led him and his son to create the "Gray Spiral."
Alastor felt mixed emotions. On the one hand, he admired the achievements of his family, but on the other, he couldn't shake the feeling of loss associated with this young man leaving the noble circle. That boy could have become an excellent heir to the Notus…
It's a pity that Uncle Amaranth and Lady Valentina didn't live to see the star moment of their son and grandson. Nevertheless, looking at the results of their work, Alastor couldn't help but acknowledge that they had made a significant contribution to economic development in a short period.
"Rudeus Greyrat?" Heinrich suddenly asked, more interested in the inventor. The name Paul was familiar to him, but he couldn't remember from where. "I've never heard of him. Is he from any known branch of the Greyrats? Probably from the Boreas branch?"
"No, he's from a simple family," Alastor explained, returning to reality from his thoughts. "Saurus's eldest son, James, forced my daughter to marry his younger brother Godon. And although I initially held a bias against the Boreas branch, my daughter's happiness proved me wrong."
Alastor briefly outlined the political intrigues and power struggles among the highest families of Asura, so his friend would be aware of what was happening.
"Now you see, Paul's family doesn't have an outstanding past. But Rudeus's inventions and entrepreneurial skills are impressive."
Then followed conversations that were not the most pleasant to the ears. For these two, who possessed great capital, multiplying and saving their money was the main task. In any world, wealth certainly makes a person a significant figure in society.
Heinrich, thoughtfully stroking his chin, began to analyze the data. He considered two possible scenarios: either to absorb the "Gray Spiral" company or completely eliminate its competition, and of course, seize their technologies in the process.
According to recent reports, the company engaged in the production of paper and purity stones had incurred losses exceeding 10,000 Asura gold coins in the past few months, and these losses continued to grow rapidly. The head of this company had already visited them, furious and cursing, demanding immediate action from Heinrich and Alastor.
It was obvious that attempts were made to decipher the products of this small village, but uncovering the recipes and production technologies proved to be a challenging task even for the region's outstanding alchemists. Although the packaging indicated unusual "ingredients," the exact methods and proportions remained carefully hidden. This made the task extremely difficult, requiring significant resources and time to analyze and replicate the processes.
Now, even knowing the composition, which was kindly indicated on the product packaging, these names gave no clue as to how it all worked. Heinrich, opening the packaging labeled "soap," was completely baffled by what he saw: "sodium tetradecyl sulfate, triethanolamine, polyethylene glycol, sodium lauryl sarcosinate…"
"It all looks like a spell from an old grimoire," Alastor struggled to pronounce the terms, nearly twisting his tongue. Even reading this was difficult, let alone understanding their essence.
Heinrich, trying to maintain a serious expression, continued his thoughts. These terms and formulas seemed to come from another world. They didn't understand what they meant or how to use them. This was the key to unraveling the success of the "Gray Spiral." They needed to find a way to obtain this information to use it for their purposes, or else destroy their production.
Able to predict the future of the market, Heinrich clearly understood that this so-called "mini-company" was truly capable of starting a revolution. These methods might seem radical, but in the world of business, especially among the upper classes, the survival of the fittest often took a dark turn.
It was necessary to understand that neglecting new technologies and innovations could cost him and his company their market leadership. In recent times, the three great magical countries and the Kingdom of the Dragon King had surpassed Asura in all indicators of technological and magical development, which negatively affected the reputation and economy of the entire kingdom, although few knew about it. We're talking about millions of Asura gold coins.
He feared that the products of the "Gray Spiral" could change the trade structure in the region and mark the beginning of the end for the established orders that had been crumbling for the past few decades. If a small village could achieve such success, then there must be something truly significant behind it.
If they didn't take decisive measures, the "Gray Spiral" could dominate the market… No, judging by the reports, they had already done so; this company would surpass them in all respects in the next few years. Such a prospect was unacceptable for a person of his status, ambition, and traditional thinking. He understood that he needed to act quickly and decisively to maintain his position and not allow the new player to change the balance of power in their world.
Moreover, while the influence of this family of inventors was still small, wouldn't it be better for power to remain with the major players, like him? Heinrich suggested infiltrating the company to learn all the secrets from within or arranging an "accident" and using the opportunity to sabotage them. His gaze expressed cold determination, and he was ready to act swiftly and cleanly to prevent the small village from challenging their market.
Of course, he had the option of cooperation, but that wasn't part of his plans. Heinrich only tolerated complete submission from commoners, and family names meant nothing to him; without the name of one of the four Greyrat branches, this family was simply commoners to him.
He finally remembered Paul Greyrat and his attitude toward the Notus branch. Apparently, Philemon didn't control his brother Paul properly. This created an opportunity to use Philip's resentment for his own purposes… In matters of manipulation and control, Heinrich was unmatched.
Alastor, though unaccustomed to such methods, didn't object. Heinrich had always been decisive and ruthless in business, and these qualities had brought him to the top. No wonder rumors among merchants suggested that the Ars family, despite its name, was an extremely conservative family.
However, such methods were not always morally justified, but who cared? Alastor understood that interfering with Heinrich's plans now would be pointless, especially considering his own not-so-clean intentions. Dark thoughts filled the air, and the shadows seemed to thicken slightly in the room where the fate of a small village and its talented inventor was being decided.
"Somewhere in the village of Buena"
"Achoo!" I sneezed, my nose red and swollen, with snot droplets spraying everywhere. "Sniff... Someone must be plotting something bad?"
A winter storm was raging outside. I had caught either an allergy or a cold, which disrupted my daily routine. Maybe it's due to overwork?
We were working like madmen because rumors about our company, which had long ceased to be "mini," were getting louder, and they could no longer be ignored. Of course, there were certain groups of people who thought that winter would completely halt our production, but that wasn't the case.
In the harsh conditions of a winter storm, most countries face economic difficulties, and many assumed that the severe weather would ruin and complicate the work of "Gray Spiral." However, thanks to careful organization and modern production methods, I was able to easily circumvent these problems.
Assembly lines, machinery, and efficient management allowed us to maintain high production rates despite the unfavorable weather conditions. Ironically, while others were losing income during the coldest days, "Gray Spiral" only grew stronger, proving that real difficulties are for those who don't know how to adapt.
"Ugh... I didn't think I would get sick... Damn it, Mom's healing magic is powerless here, dattebayo," I muttered through my completely blocked nose as I collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. I couldn't care less about what was happening around me...
I remember how in Konoha people would get vaccinations every year. I hated those shots so much... As soon as the nurse took out the syringe, you could already hear the needle buzzing ominously, as if foreshadowing the end of the world. In the world of shinobi, medicine was at the highest level, and vaccinations were mandatory, especially for us ninjas. Vaccination was an important part of our training since we had to deal with all sorts of poisons and diseases.
Pharmacologists synthesized special drugs to protect us from exotic infections and genetically modified viruses that our enemies might use in battle. But no matter how advanced medicine was, the moment when the needle touched your skin was always the scariest for me. It's a strange feeling—knowing that cold metal is about to enter you, even if it's for your own good.
At this point, I wouldn't mind even a suppository if it would cure me. Honestly, it's my own fault. I ate all sorts of junk, and one day I nearly died of a heart attack.
I think it was bound to happen. All those sweets I consume daily to keep my brain active and the tons of meat are definitely not doing me any favors. As a result, I've already developed gastritis, migraines, insomnia, and frequent digestive issues. And of course, PTSD shows up at the most inconvenient moments.
There are strange rumors about my unstable mental state. They say I can explode at any moment if something goes wrong. It seems to me that these rumors are completely justified.
"Alright, to hell with it all, dattebayo," I muttered through my nose, wrapping myself in a blanket. "If I start eating pastries again tomorrow, remind me that I almost died from cake once."
Why did I start all this? Initially, I just wanted to earn some money, and I've already achieved that. Maybe I should just sell the rights to competent people and leave it all behind?
The strange chronic fatigue and stress are taking a toll on my health and mental state. I sometimes think it would be easier to shut down production and live like an ordinary person, enjoying the simple joys of life without all this hassle and pressure.
Paul tried more than once to pull me out of my work frenzy, persistently advising me to take a break, but I just brushed off his suggestions like an annoying fly, often snapping back at him like a spoiled child. Eventually, I lost my temper and started seriously arguing with him, as if it were a life-and-death battle. As a result, I got hit twice as hard, and now it seems like I said something to him that even dragons would find offensive. In short, gomen...
Zenith, as always, was torn between sympathy and anger, watching as I became more and more stubborn and irritable. She is, after all, my mom, but even her patience is not infinite.
When it came to my father, we were constantly arguing, sometimes ending in small fights, but mom knew how to quickly put me in my place, as I was always the one who started the quarrels. My stubbornness was quickly curbed by her as she would unhesitatingly remind me who was the boss in the house: "Rudeus Greyrat! Enough! You need to watch your diet and get proper rest!"
As expected, after Mom convinced me to go on a diet under the threat of a lifetime ban on all sweets, I did start to feel a bit better. Lilia and I were, you could say, real pals, work partners, and even friends, at least I thought so. But everything changed when she refused to fulfill my last request—to make a sweet cake.
I knelt before her, begging, "Please, Lilia, just one cake! I'll behave, I swear, dattabayo!"
At that moment, I saw her anger toward me for the first time: "Are you out of your mind?! I can't stand watching you eat everything in sight and then suffer from stomach pains! We've already set your daily limit long ago, but as usual, you keep breaking it!"
Lilia was speaking the truth: the amount of food I consume would be enough to satisfy a giant. And yet, over all this time, I've become a true king of gluttony. Perhaps these are my subconscious attempts to fight PTSD and depression through food? Or maybe I'm just trying to stuff all my problems inside so they can't come out?
When emotions overwhelmed me and I realized my situation, I understood that I had only one option left—blackmail. Dad would never disobey Mom, and I was sure he wouldn't increase my food portions if Zenith threatened to kick him out of the bedroom.
"If Mom kicks me out to sleep in another room again, I'll find you, Rudeus," Dad threatened. "She already punished me once for sneaking you sweets. So you'd better listen to her and not disobey."
"Alright, Dad..." I said sadly, as it was clear that he had no intention of fulfilling his only son's request. I took a deep breath and added with a slight smirk, "Let's just talk like father and son, discuss some matters, and you can also tell me, for example... why you were ogling Lilia's butt last night?"
"Two cakes, and you'll never bring this up again."
"Four."
"Fair enough."
Our conversation was short but quite productive. Don't get me wrong, I've been a shinobi all my life, so I have all their methods ingrained in me. But after that cake incident, I got sick.
While I was pondering these things, a girl sat next to me. A sweet-toothed demon. Yes, it's Roxy. Though calling me an even bigger sweet-tooth wouldn't be an exaggeration. She's my temporary doctor, filling in for Zenith.
So here we sit: me—the great master of sweets, who has collapsed from my own gluttony—and her, the stern guardian of cookies, trying to nurse me back to health.
"By the way, Rudi, you're already four years old, right?" Roxy looked at me, continuing to use healing magic.
"Khm? Seriously?" I rubbed my nose in surprise, trying to grasp that it's already been four years since I arrived in this world. Time flies unpredictably for me; I hardly even notice how the months or long days pass.
"Yes, yes. But, you know, you haven't grown much during this time," Roxy said this without mockery; she seemed to just be focusing on her magic.
"It seems the same to me, except in relation to you, shorty."
I responded in my usual style, but something tugged at my heart. Her words hit a sore spot! I hate being small! I still remember how it was in Konoha—I was the shortest and the dumbest in the entire ninja academy. Every class, I felt like a little loser that everyone avoided, and it infuriated me to the core!
And now I'm in the same situation again! Even Sylphiette, who is younger than me, is already taller! It's as if I've been thrown back to those days when I was just a little guy struggling to prove my worth.
"Hey! Stop calling me shorty!" Roxy exploded, her face turning "red" with indignation, and her cheeks puffed up like an angry hamster. "When someone calls you that, you immediately start complaining!"
"Khaha… You started it!" I laughed, though the laughter quickly turned into a cough.
"You're smart, and yet so annoying…"
Her complaints were entirely justified. I'm not the best person in the world, and though she wasn't overly critical, my treatment wasn't effective in this case. Psychological issues aren't cured by magic, just like gastritis and heart attacks aren't. Plus, I've had a weak heart since birth.
Seeing my condition, Roxy continued treating me with concern, though I couldn't see her expression. Despite our somewhat strained relationship, her care was palpable. We often quarreled—I constantly teased her, calling her "shorty" and "sweet demon." Moreover, I was far ahead of her in terms of intellect, which clearly annoyed her.
I just couldn't resist poking fun at her every time. She, in turn, reproached me for my carelessness and lack of respect. These constant bickering sessions created an invisible tension between us, like lightning ready to burst into a storm. But now, when illness had truly knocked me down, her care still broke through the walls of our quarrels, showing that she genuinely worried about my condition.
Of course, sudden heart attacks could be attributed to my excessive appetite and high-calorie diet from birth, but the real cause was my psychological issues and overall nervous system dysfunction. I had scared those around me more than once when I suddenly fainted, or when unexpected mood swings turned me into an unbalanced jerk.
"Damn, these merchants have been coming in waves lately. Is the cold really not bothering them? How annoying!" Roxy complained, hearing the noise of the crowd around the house and throughout the village.
In the past few months, the flow of merchants hasn't stopped for even a day. Every day new contracts arrive in the village, and now that I'm sick, most of the paperwork has fallen onto Zenith's shoulders.
My mother, usually calm and collected, was not prepared for such a volume of work. Every time new people knocked on the door, she would sigh deeply and nervously mutter to herself, "I can handle this, I can handle this…" This work isn't for the faint of heart, even the most resilient could give in to exhaustion! Trust me on that.
During this time, the merchants, refusing to leave until they signed contracts, settled in the village, occupying all the available spaces and annoying the local residents with their constant presence. Neither the cold nor overcrowded inns bothered them. All they wanted was to sign a contract and get their share of the production. Honestly, Dad had to hire a team of adventurers as security to prevent possible chaos.
By the way, we've made significant progress technically and established strong connections with various artisans, traders, and adventurers. "Grey Spiral" has become the economic hub of the village, an important node for exchanging knowledge and technology, contributing to its prosperity.
In a short period of time, we managed to recruit many civilian families from the village for permanent work, providing them with conditions they could never have imagined. This amounts to approximately 40 workers.
We offered a salary of 3 silver coins a month, which was significantly higher than the average market rate, plus included free central heating and running water for each family, health insurance covering all basic needs, and generous regular holidays. These conditions made our company extremely attractive to the locals.
At first, they skeptically eyed the contracts, as if expecting some hidden catch. They feared it was another trap. But over time, seeing how their lives and working conditions improved, their doubts began to dissolve. And finally, they trusted our intentions. As for money, we had so much of it that we could take a bath in gold coins and use them as sponges!
Of course, we were obliged to pay taxes to our feudal lord, including levies on wheat crops, Vatrius flowers, and other agricultural products. The village of Buina had always been known as a farming settlement, not an industrial center. However, with the arrival of my inventions, the situation began to change rapidly.
It's worth noting that the tax we had to pay was relatively small since Asura is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The abundance of natural resources and fertile land allowed for a reduction in the tax burden on peasants and small producers like we initially were.
With some truly clever maneuvers and thanks to our knowledge of the system, we managed to reduce payments to 10% of the due taille. By local standards and even by the standards of other countries, this was considered very low. Our system also encouraged good farming practices: if the harvest was good and exceeded norms, the taille was reduced even further, providing additional benefits to farmers.
In the village of Buina, as in other villages, taxes were traditionally collected in the form of natural duties. The feudal lord received a portion of the harvest, such as wheat, Vatrius flowers, and other agricultural products grown on these lands. However, with the arrival of "Grey Spiral," the situation began to change, and we needed to fulfill harvest obligations to get workers for our company.
Thanks to the new technologies from "Grey Spiral," we managed to fulfill the annual norm before winter arrived, processing the entire wheat harvest into high-quality flour in just a few days. This allowed us to easily meet our tax obligations and take advantage of the additional benefits provided by the system.
Instead of paying high taxes in monetary terms, we could pay part of our income in the form of produced goods, which significantly reduced the financial burden on the company while also contributing to the development of the local economy. The remaining resources were directed towards further development of the village and improving the living conditions of its residents.
In my past life, I also lived under a feudal system and was an important part of it, so the local rules, reminiscent of the daimyo's rule, were familiar to me. This similarity helped me easily bypass some of the unfavorable laws using simple yet effective methods. Honestly, my bold maneuvers were met with fear.
Father, as a former nobleman, almost fell out of his chair when he saw the nonsense I was pulling off, and the tax inspector of our feudal lord turned pale, nearly fainting from the conditions I set on behalf of the company. In short, we had no problems with the local authorities. However, we have yet to meet the ruler in person.
I found out that Lord Philip Boreas Greyrat and the old ruler Sauros Boreas Greyrat went to the capital of Asura, the city of Ars, for several weeks to participate in festive events such as the graduation ceremony at the capital's academy. Rumor has it that the second princess is expected to deliver a congratulatory speech to the people. Many events involving royal figures are currently taking place in the capital, which is of great significance to the people of Asura.
All right, let's return to the rapid development of "Grey Spiral." Our working conditions have greatly improved thanks to the introduction of new technologies and mechanized processes. This created a motivated and dedicated team, allowing us to significantly increase productivity and meet the growing demand.
Winter, usually a time of survival for peasants when work is nearly non-existent, has now become an opportunity for them to earn money year-round. "Grey Spiral" provided them with stable and profitable work, regardless of the season.
Examples of such improvements included the creation of separate production units, each specializing in producing specific components. The principle of "assembly line production" was adapted to the primitive conditions of the world. This allowed the production process to be broken down into separate, relatively short operations, performed at specially equipped, sequentially arranged workstations—assembly lines.
For example, soap production was entrusted to a specific group of people under Lilia's supervision, who organized an efficient process with the help of machines and packers.
The workers were involved in all stages of production, from processing raw materials to packaging the finished product. Machines assisted in carrying out heavy and precise operations, allowing for the production of a large volume of goods and meeting contract deadlines. Separate lines were dedicated to producing various cleaning agents such as shampoos and detergents.
Recently, we started mass-producing calculators, pens, and other goods, attracting fairly inexpensive craftsmen from the Roa trading guilds. Honestly, I'm surprised that we managed to sign such a lucrative contract with dozens of masters for a quite reasonable amount. And credit where it's due, "Fixer Fox" from the adventurers' guilds played a key role in finding truly competent specialists. I can hardly believe how lucky we got!
These new devices made a real splash in the market with their exceptional accuracy and convenience, and their production became one of the company's foundational directions.
Industrialization is rapidly gaining momentum. I'm gradually undermining the centuries-old economic structure of Asura, and naturally, I'm facing strong resistance from all the key figures in the country who are not pleased with such rapid development. We have our production secrets.
Thanks to the paper manipulation technique, which my family calls "paper magic," I can process certain types of wood into pulp in just a few minutes, which is then sent to another workshop to be turned into paper of any size.
This process isn't fully automated yet, as the initial stages require my direct involvement. However, I'm capable of processing nearly 5 tons of wood at a time, which is more than enough to meet current demand.
I have a limited supply of chakra and mana, but my control over chakra is at the highest level. Creating ink also requires my chakra, which quickly exhausts me, although in small quantities. There are many processes that I personally carry out, and I strive to free the company from this dependency. You can't put all your eggs in one basket.
"What do they think they're doing?! We're talking about representatives from the top trading companies of Asura here! Clear the way for us immediately!"
I've always believed that quality is more important than quantity, absolutely. But now I see how wrong that opinion was! This is absolute chaos! Retailers and merchants are furious!
We are indeed superior in quality, but they hate us for our low prices and the terrifyingly slow customer service. When I stopped handling the paperwork and got sick, everything went to hell, dattebayo!
The situation at the factory has reached a critical point. The HR department is literally drowning in the enormous volume of work. Earlier, I created several ink puppets that obeyed Zenith and Paul, handling routine paperwork tasks.
But to our horror, they suddenly dissipated, which caused a real shock. It seems to be due to my illness. Restoring them turned out to be difficult—my body requires a certain energy that I replenish through sweets, but Zenith flatly refused to let me draw them again, claiming she would manage on her own.
Now my mother is forced to bear the entire burden on her shoulders. Lilia, despite her care and hard work, refused to take over, fearing that due to her lack of experience, she might make mistakes that our company cannot afford, especially in a situation where everyone is just waiting to take advantage of us.
Entrusting such important tasks to Roxy would also be too risky. Despite her knowledge and skills, her demonic nature could become a serious problem if it were discovered.
In the kingdom of Asura, although discrimination against races is formally prohibited, prejudiced attitudes toward demons persist. If influential clients find out that a demon is serving them, it could lead to serious consequences, up to and including a refusal to cooperate.
"Please, calm down! This is company policy! And I ask you not to disrupt the line!"
The tension around the factory and our home continues to grow by the second. Despite the winter cold, for these people, money seems to be more important than anything else. The adventurers standing guard watch tensely as everything unfolds around them.
"If your goods are selling at such low prices and you can't serve us, just raise the prices! What's the problem?!"
"Yes, and besides," another merchant added irritably, "why have they stopped accepting large orders?! We're willing to pay more to get the volume we need, but they constantly limit the supply. Why don't they increase production if it's possible? This is ridiculous!"
"Hey! Get lost, scoundrels! Do you know who you're dealing with?! This is the head of the Ars family!"
"This is my spot, I've been standing here all day, and I came from the north! I'm not leaving!"
Where are you, Dad?! They're ready to tear each other apart! Why did you disappear when you're so needed? These tons of paperwork shouldn't be Mom's concern—they should be yours! Although, partly mine too…
"Oh right… Dad went to Roa… I totally forgot. Sorry for insulting you, old man, please come back quickly! Sniff, sniff… I hate paperwork, dattebayo!"
I struggled to get out of bed, coughing slightly. The situation had become a bit lighter. Roxy seemed to be trying to stop me, but if I don't intervene right now, there's going to be real chaos here.
"Lord Rudeus! Sorry to disturb you, but there are some very important people here! Lady Zenith is practically tearing herself apart trying to handle everything!" Timothy exclaimed anxiously, knocking on my door.
This young man with long hair recently graduated from the Ranoa Academy and immediately became an adventurer. He now holds the position of vice president in the "Dragon Guards" team that we hired. They have become our real salvation—young, hot-headed, full of enthusiasm and ambition. At first, they thought it would be an easy job, but life quickly taught them not to judge a book by its cover.
"Timothy, can't you see how sick he is? Even a light breeze could knock him down!" Roxy's voice was filled with irritation—she had said this more than once, but it seemed no one was listening.
"Hey, I'm not that weak!" I grumbled in response, though, to be honest, there was a bit of truth in her words.
Timothy and Roxy clearly knew each other from before. Judging by their interaction, they had studied together at the Ranoa Academy, and now they shared a warm relationship. Roxy often helped him with his magic studies, and he admired her knowledge and experience. Their relationship resembled typical senpai and kohai dynamics. It's surprising how many graduates of the Ranoa Academy have settled in Asura.
"Whatever happened, this time a really important person has arrived," Timothy said, trying to hide the anxiety in his voice. "I tried to find Lord Paul, but it turns out he left for the city this morning. So, the only one left at 'Grey Spiral' is Lord Rudeus."
"I'm fine, dattebayo…" I muttered, more to myself than to them.
"Damn it! Why is everything falling apart without him?! Something happens, they immediately call Rudeus! Some important figure arrives—call Rudeus! Something breaks down—they can't do without Rudeus! He's only four years old!"
Roxy was clearly furious; her voice trembled with indignation as if she was about to turn into an angry demon. Though, honestly, I wouldn't agree with her last statement. Mentally, I was older than all these runners around, even if I looked like a small child on the outside.
Well, what can you do? You can't always show your wisdom when you can just lie down and pretend to be sick.
"You just don't realize what he's capable of, Roxy," Timothy said stubbornly. "If anyone can sort out this situation, it's only him. I wouldn't have bothered him if Lord Paul were here."
"I understand, but he's human too! He needs rest, not endless problems!"
Timothy was silent for a moment, then quietly added:
"I know, Roxy, but if not him, then who? We all depend on his decisions… And you know that."
Roxy unexpectedly fell silent. Alright, Timothy, you've certainly exaggerated, but I don't consider myself some kind of super-important person. What's everything to one person might be just a trifle to another. My significance to these people is obvious, but to me, it's nothing more than a way to distract myself from my own dark thoughts.
Though, I admit, sometimes I do love my work because when I show up, things start moving that wouldn't without me.
When the "Dragon Guards" took on this job, they thought it would be easy money—a quick way to earn without much hassle. And it turned out they severely underestimated the task's complexity.
As the situation heated up and they faced the relentless stream of influential merchants and traders, the adventurers finally understood why this assignment had been given an A-rank. Guard duty, which seemed like easy money, turned out to be a real test, requiring full dedication and utmost concentration.
We had notified the Roa guilds in advance about possible conflicts with influential people that could arise in our village. Honestly, even I couldn't have predicted such incredible hype around us.
Judging by the noise outside, another important guest from Asura or even neighboring kingdoms had arrived. It's surprising that they aren't participating in the capital's events since there are fairs and festivities going on in Ars right now, attracting many people. However, the merchants preferred to sign contracts with our family, despite the fact that it's winter and getting to Buina is not easy.
Apparently, they see long-term potential in working with us? Whatever the case, such visits are rare—over the past few months, high-ranking figures have only visited us three times. But each visit brought a wave of concern and tension among the local residents and our workers, as if the fate of the entire village depended on their presence.
Now I understand why my father despised these wealthy upstarts so much. During negotiations, I saw their true intentions, and it deeply shocked me. I came from a different cultural environment, with different views on life.
To the locals, I seem strange and hard to understand because of my communication style, while their culture seems complicated and confusing to me. But I'm a ninja! We know how to adapt to any conditions!
Inability to adapt to the inner world is just as destructive as ignorance and clumsiness in the outer world. The eternal truth is that the ability to change and understand another world is the key to survival and harmony.
I couldn't care less about extra stares at my body—there wasn't much to see anyway. I quickly started changing into my usual clothes, ignoring the lingering pauses and sighs that escaped these two when they noticed my skeletal thinness. Their mutterings about my condition I simply let go in one ear and out the other.
Of course, they might be worried, but I didn't care. I was used to it by now. And I have so much to do that there's no time to worry about my health. Adjusting the bandage covering my blind eyes, I carefully smoothed down my short hair.
I wore a simple "white" kimono with our company's emblem on the back—a spiral surrounded by nine tomoe, and on the collars were embroidered six magatama. On my feet were regular sandals. This outfit resembled the traditional attire of the Ninshuu followers, symbolizing my adherence to the ninja creed.
Being blind, I couldn't see how I looked from the outside, but it was clear that my unusual style made me stand out among the locals.
"Tell them I'll be there soon!" I stood up with determination, hearing the surprised exclamations from Timothy and Roxy when they saw my outfit.
"O-okay!" Everyone had seen me, and not just me, in this outfit. But every time, they somehow continued to be surprised.