I Became A Black Merchant In Another World

In this world, unexpected things happen as often as eating a meal.

I was reminded of this truth again by the person in front of me.

Why on earth is this person here at our house, leisurely enjoying cake and coffee at this hour?

Before I officially greeted him in the parlor, I asked the butler once more to confirm his identity.

I think I know who he is, but I need to prepare myself mentally before we meet.

“Is that person over there Duke Visconti?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Did you ask him why he’s here?”

“He simply said he wanted to meet the Young Baron since he has some free time.”

No matter how much free time a Duke’s heir has, he wouldn’t visit another noble’s mansion out of boredom.

Even if not every step the Young Duke takes carries political significance…

‘It’s only natural for an aristocrat to be noticed when visiting someone privately.’

So, there’s definitely a thought behind this sudden visit.

“Understood. Tell Chloe to bring out the best tea leaves and snacks.”

Honestly, having the butler do it is the easiest way.

However, since a noble has come, according to the unspoken rules of nobles, it should be the “wife” who presents the tea and snacks with utmost courtesy.

Since I don’t currently have a wife, bringing in the closest Chloe makes sense.

‘Rumor has it in high society that I cherish Chloe to the extent that I overlook her, what can I say?’

Some idiots are even spreading nonsense that I’ll bequeath the Medici Young Baron family to the firstborn I have with Chloe.

I stepped into the parlor immediately.

“Nice to meet you, Your Grace.”

As soon as the Young Duke saw me, he extended his hand.

“Delighted to meet you. Surprised by my sudden visit, weren’t you?”

Thanks to his unexpected arrival, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning while walking down the street.

Because of this, I had to delegate the tasks I was supposed to handle today to Sebastian.

However, maintaining my expression is a crucial social skill, so I bowed my head as if deeply apologetic.

“I’m honored, Your Grace.”

“I mentioned to your butler that ever since retiring from the army, I’ve felt bored to death. So, I came to see your Fabio, whom my father praised endlessly.”

The Young Duke observed my face, body, and physique with a suspicious smile.

It made me quite uneasy seeing a man act like that.

‘I know he doesn’t have any cross-gender feelings, but why does his smile send chills down my spine?’

“I like you.”

“Thank you.”

For some unknown reason, an unsettling feeling washed over me.

It’s not the anxiety and wariness I feel when discussing money or facing a high-ranking individual, but something indescribably different.

While I pondered this unfamiliar emotion, there was a knock at the door from outside.

“It’s Chloe. I’ve brought the snacks and tea for His Grace and the Young Baron. May I come in?”

“Come in.”

As soon as I gave my permission, Chloe entered promptly.

With very polite movements, she set down the snacks and tea.

The Young Duke gazed seriously at her and asked,

“Does the Young Baron treat you well?”

Why on earth would he ask that?

‘It’s strange, but he doesn’t seem to want to nab anything from me.’

The way he’s asking suggests he might be trying to gather information about what kind of person I am through Chloe.

But, except for personal matters, Chloe doesn’t know anything either.

“Yes, he treats me more than fairly.”

Upon hearing that, a pleased smile spread across the Young Duke’s face.

What’s this? Why is he acting like that?

Why did the atmosphere suddenly become so warm?

‘Could it be he wants to connect with me through bloodline? No… that can’t be it.’

I shook my head internally and steadied my mind.

“It seems the Medici Young Baron is a man of great character. For even a mere maid to be so loved, how wonderful.”

He then gestured for Chloe to step back.

As she left the room, the Young Duke gave a suspicious smile and said,

“Anyone who marries you will certainly be happy. I’m even a bit envious, wanting to receive such love from a woman.”

“You’re joking too much.”

“Surely you know? Once one becomes a noble, it becomes absurdly difficult to fall in love. That’s why when noblewomen gather in social circles, they bring up boring stories about novels filled with loveless romances. And men get lost in knightly literature, talking about idealized love stories.”

Among the nobility, it’s rare for couples to fall in love and marry on their own.

Most marriages are arranged, and even if single men and women meet at social gatherings, the marriage rate for love is only around 5-10%.

‘Moreover, the majority of these are upward marriages, where women hook up with better men.’

“Which is why they end up seducing pretty mistresses or maids. I can’t say I’m any different, but you seem to be genuinely loved by that maid. Just from that alone, I can roughly gauge what kind of person the Young Baron is.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“I see now why my father praises the Young Baron whenever the topic arises.”

The Young Duke sipped tea with a smile of apparent satisfaction.

“I’ve rambled on long enough. As you know, I’m not that free now that I’ve retired. Thanks to my father’s eagerness for successor education, keeping up with it isn’t easy.”

Even the educational expectations for a mere Baron heir are immense, equivalent to that of a high school senior in Korea.

Let alone a Duke managing dozens of Barons, so what can I even say?

“From what I hear, you’re soon heading off to the continent of Ifriqia? It seems you’re looking to meet the pagan folks there and find a route for the gold trade. I’d love to accompany you, would you help me persuade my father?”

The Emperor was the first to suggest this thought.

However, realizing it wasn’t something I could hide from the Duke anyway, I decided to tell the truth.

I’m trying to explore routes and trade opportunities on the continent of Ifriqia.

Did he go straight to tell his son that?

And now his son is asking me to take him along?

‘This is maddening, really.’

“Yes, I can offer assistance, but…”

After presenting the grand prize of the Deus Knights’ surrender, it seems they’ve come to trust me too much.

Anyone would think I used some sort of brainwashing app on them.

Since there are no smartphones here, perhaps they think a witch cast a spell?

The Young Duke took out a letter sealed with the Duke family crest from his bosom.

“Read it, as it was penned by my father himself. I have no idea what’s written in it, so I’d like you to tell me the contents.”

I promptly opened the letter using a knife designated for such.

[Dear Young Baron Medici, I was quite surprised to hear that you are heading to find a golden trade route in the western regions of Ifriqia. Though you’ve astonished me once or twice before, it’s nothing new.]

Steel Factory, Seaweed, Deus Knights’ surrender, Spice Guild destruction, and so on…

Ordinary people would find it difficult to achieve even one of these feats, but I managed to pull off all these major achievements in just two years.

Honestly, it’d be strange not to be surprised.

[When I remarked this to Count Latina, he said that establishing a trade route in the continent of Ifriqia would be difficult, but I believe that you can firmly plant our Toscan Empire’s flag there.]

No, isn’t it true that the essence of the Age of Discovery is colonization?

What power do I have to conquer the western Ifriqia continent?

So, this should be interpreted simply as a way of expressing his trust in me.

[Though it seems I’m laying another task on you at a troubling time, I’d appreciate it if you could take Alfred along. He’s studied quite a bit and has improved, but having only served in the army at a young age without any experience in travel has made his view quite narrow. Thus, I hope you can broaden his perspective during this trip. -Duke Visconti-]

This is insane! Why on earth must I broaden the Young Duke’s perspective?

I’ve only ever learned to trade, nothing else.

As I folded the letter neatly and set it down, the Young Duke asked right away.

“What did it say?”

“I don’t think I need to persuade you. Your father has asked for me to take you along.”

Upon hearing that, the Young Duke grinned.

“Indeed, my father knows my heart well.”

I understand he’s trying to strengthen my political standing, but isn’t this a bit much?

At this rate, I might just die of a heart attack.

“How long do I have to prepare?”

“A week from now. While I can guarantee your safety, this trip won’t be as comfortable as the journeys other nobles undertake.”

Alberts went on Grand Tours across continents, expanding his social circle and knowledge.

Don’t they carry gigantic beds and furniture just to make it a little comfortable for the Young Lords?

‘Wasn’t 5% of the family’s financial income spent when Albert went on a trip?’

“Do you think I haven’t fought a war while climbing up to the rank of a division commander? Just as long as you don’t let me starve, I’ll approve.”

“Understood, I’ll do my best.”

Though this is what I say, I’ll have to convert a part of the ship’s cabin into a suite.

I can’t make it too shabby.

“It’ll be interesting as my father has never been to the land of the pagans either.”

Taking the Young Duke along to the land of the pagans will soon become tantamount to carrying a “tutor to the Young Duke” title.

Because my assigned role is that of a temporary home tutor.

‘My job is to teach him all about the travel destinations and broaden his horizons.’

I have no idea why a 22-year-old is doing this for a man in his early forties.

And so, I headed straight to the northeastern continent of Ifriqia’s big city, Nador, with the Young Duke.

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