Otaku Translation: The Amber Sword V3C32

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Chapter 32: Expansion (Part 13)

The management of had once been quite chaotic. Initially, Brandon granted —now essentially his second-in-command—absolute authority over these funds. Later, he allowed to allocate this wealth for the redevelopment and commercial planning of .

Eventually, even , the three mercenary leaders, and were given limited access rights, enabling them to use resources as needed without requiring others' approval.

Brandon’s initial arrangement was purely for convenience. In past games, although he had served as a leader, it was under the system's assistance, which meticulously recorded warehouse deposits and withdrawals—even aiding in simple budgeting.

Here, however, he lacked such support. Only when confronted with the task did he realize his lack of experience in managing a territory.

Soon, he found his finances in disarray, leading to significant conflicts due to overlapping authorities. Eventually, Roma approached Antietta, suggesting one person manage while another records, stabilizing the nearly collapsed system.

Thus, Brandon’s financial system took its first form.

He glanced at the accounts—though largely incomprehensible. Roma had her own recording method, taught by her aunt; according to Chael, those symbols might be witchcraft ciphers. But Brandon didn’t care. If there was anyone he trusted besides summoned beings, it was Roma and Freya.

After a brief glance, Brandon looked outside where the argument had persisted for some time. ’s voice was the loudest, with supporting her. Master Craftsman Beru occasionally interjected, while Antietta spoke the least. , trying to mediate, was nearly hoarse, yet it seemed no one could convince the others.

“What are they arguing about?” he asked.

Roma happily mimicked Antietta’s tone, dragging out the words: “Only the head of the household knows the cost of firewood and rice, my lord.”

Brandon paused, already guessing the core issue.

---

The courtyard argument had dragged on for quite a while—

Antietta frowned at the group before her. Though outwardly polite, she was inwardly exasperated.

Sir Brandon’s plan to establish his own army was something she supported. She knew he tasked Yuta, Frein, , and Clenxia with selecting civilians from to begin forming the private army.

But that wasn’t the problem.

Cold Fir City had around 15,000 people. After the autumn harvest, food reserves were barely sufficient until the next . Extra mouths—like the mercenaries—couldn’t be fed without trade.

Moreover, upcoming battles would double soldiers’ rations, not to mention reserving grain for spring planting. Laborers, men and women alike, required substantial sustenance.

This food shortage was daunting.

Especially considering the cave dwellers in the forest also needed food—previously supplied by Grudin, who cared little if his people starved. They couldn’t afford such neglect.

Extending control over Cold Fir Barony exacerbated the issue. Antietta knew the saw widespread crop failures in —due to climate and .

Procuring grain faced another challenge: post-war scarcity meant grain was more stable than precious metals, driving prices up significantly.

wouldn’t hesitate to exploit the situation, hiking prices. Thus, purchasing grain seemed bleak.

Antietta had massaged her temples repeatedly, still finding no solution. She considered but knew as second-in-command, she could only suggest. If Brandon rejected, she’d have to work within her means.

With looming, Brandon likely couldn’t spare time. Even Roma delayed her plans accordingly.

Yet, Yuta came to arrange private army recruitment—a costly endeavor, especially now, potentially doubling expenses. Recruited soldiers also needed rations, and training would widen the gap.

Antietta couldn’t fathom the consequences. Persuading Yuta to postpone recruitment until public sentiment stabilized was hard enough. Then Master Craftsman Beru arrived, demanding funds.

Brandon tasked him with establishing a workshop, requiring substantial manpower and materials. Tonygel lacked iron, and training apprentices was expensive.

Beru, accustomed to court luxuries, naturally thought to request funds. Amidst this, Clenxia joined, seeking money—not for recruitment but for mercenary upkeep.

War caused equipment losses, and Brandon bore the burden since the mercenaries relied on him. Though Brandon maintained a special relationship with them, everyone understood the financial strain. Clenxia avoided mentioning fees but emphasized urgent equipment replenishment.

This need inevitably led back to one issue: money.

Antietta’s head spun. Her funds were insufficient. Before devising a solution, the group erupted into argument.

Phrases like "your issue can wait" and "my matter is more urgent" flew. Initially mediating, Antietta eventually joined the fray, leaving Metissa to frantically intervene.

Only the red-haired girl accompanying Princess Metissa watched indifferently, finding the verbal battle tedious.

The dispute reached its peak.

Yuta listened to Beru’s biting sarcasm—his royalist background made him adept at verbal sparring. Fuming, she prepared to retort but stopped mid-sentence.

“Lord Brandon.”

Others turned: “Lord Brandon.”

Brandon glared, snorting, “Quite lively, isn’t it?”

All bowed their heads except Beru, unaffected.

However, the elder reflected and respectfully said, “Lord, we should have common goals and enemies. I’m not here to disrupt, but war consumes resources. Your situation seems dire.”

Brandon remained silent, understanding well. Grudin’s wealth appeared vast but dispersed across territorial needs felt insufficient.

For instance, repairing walls cost exorbitantly. To assure workers, Antietta offered double wages—an unusual move, as lords typically used labor freely.

Brandon recognized local tensions; residents doubted his tenure before confronting . To stabilize, he adopted emergency measures. Suggestions for forced labor were opposed by Yuta and Antietta.

Even Roma, acting finance minister, disagreed—not morally but economically. Long-term, damaging reputation hindered territorial and commercial growth.

Brandon refused to stoop to Grudin’s level.

Yet, problems required solutions.

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