Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 59: [58] The Bargain for a Crownless Throne

-Arkan Lawrence-

I exhaled deeply after surviving the earlier tension. It wasn’t my intention to toy with the continent’s deadliest assassins, but I wanted a long-term collaboration with them. Their skills would be invaluable.

As a merchant, I frequently dealt with highly paranoid individuals. Thus, I needed a group capable of providing concrete intelligence, and Sarasota was the best choice.

Perhaps there would be opportunities in the future, but for now, I hoped they would return to me.

Alright, let’s get back to work...

Days passed in dull routine. I thought today would be no different, but it turned out I was wrong. An unexpected summons from Marquis Arleon’s mansion made me furrow my brow.

"Well?" I asked shortly, standing in the luxurious study across from the Marquis himself.

The middle-aged man gazed at me with calculating eyes. "How would you like to purchase Baron Derren’s nobility?"

I froze. The question struck like lightning on a clear day.

"Excuse me?" I leaned forward, making sure I’d heard him correctly. "You’re offering me a noble title?"

Marquis Arleon sipped his tea calmly before answering, wisps of steam curling from the rim of the delicate porcelain cup. "Baron Derren was recently killed by his own people," he said bluntly, as though discussing the weather. "An uprising broke out in the western coastal region. After a royal investigation, it was revealed that the Baron was guilty of embezzlement, tax fraud, and abuse of power. He was a tyrant in his own land."

He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the polished surface of the desk. "The royal court has stripped his heirs of all claims to his title and lands. The region is now leaderless, chaotic, and still unstable."

I leaned back in my chair, letting my thoughts drift. The western coast wasn’t a primary trade hub like the eastern territories, but its potential... if developed properly? A faint smile tugged at my lips as I reined it in. Naturally, I already knew every detail of the chaos there—I was the one who ordered Sarasota to "judge" the Baron.

"Why me?" I asked cautiously, studying every flicker of expression on his face.

Marquis Arleon shrugged elegantly. "You’re a good fit," he said simply. "The region borders my own territory, and Her Majesty has tasked me with overseeing it until a suitable candidate is found." He sighed dramatically. "But I’ve got my hands full managing my own land. So... why not you?"

There was a gleam in his eye. He wasn’t telling me everything.

Marquis Arleon smiled knowingly. "I’ve seen how you operate. It would be a waste to let you remain an ordinary merchant, wouldn’t it? And I hear you’re short on manpower." He paused, his gaze sharp. "The region is ideal. There are plenty of people in need of work just to survive. Becoming both a merchant and a noble... isn’t that an intriguing combination?"

Yeah, right. I bit back a snort. Comparing trade management to governing a territory? That’s like comparing the sky and the earth.

Still, something gnawed at me. A vague memory of the future—the destruction yet to come. I needed power. Perhaps not supernatural power, but, as someone once said, true strength lies in the people you lead. Becoming a lord... maybe this was the way forward.

"How much?" I finally asked, ignoring the triumphant curl of the Marquis’s lips.

"Five hundred thousand gold coins for the title and territory," he said, setting down his cup. "Plus one hundred thousand for... administrative costs."

I scoffed. "You mean bribes for court officials?"

"Ah, you’re sharp." The Marquis chuckled softly. "But that’s how politics works, Lord Lawrence. You must play by the rules of the game."

Tapping my fingers on the chair’s armrest, I weighed the situation. "Three hundred thousand for the title and land. Fifty thousand for ’administration.’ Considering the current state of the region, this is more than fair."

"Four hundred fifty thousand total," the Marquis countered smoothly. "And I’ll ensure the documentation is completed in three days."

"Three hundred seventy-five thousand," I insisted. "Plus, I want your political support for the first year. After all, the region borders your territory."

The Marquis fell silent, his eyes narrowing as he assessed me. "Four hundred thousand. Six months of political support. And..." he smirked, "I’ll provide you with a full list of remaining corrupt officials in the territory."

The value of that information far outweighed the price difference we’d debated. I nodded slowly. "Deal."

"Excellent!" The Marquis rose from his chair. "Welcome to the world of politics, Lord Lawrence."

I stood as well, shaking his hand firmly. "Still candidate for now, Your Excellency. Until the documents are signed."

"Details, details." He waved dismissively. "Ah, one more thing. You’ll want to visit your new domain immediately. There’s... a situation that requires your attention."

I raised an eyebrow. "Situation?"

"Several bandit groups have taken advantage of the power vacuum. They’ve seized control of the main port." He shrugged. "But that’s an internal issue for your domain now. I’m sure you can handle it."

Of course, I thought grimly. Dump the chaos on the new guy.

"Oh, and Lawrence?" the Marquis called out just as I reached the door. "Do ensure you meet Her Majesty’s expectations. She’s... very interested in the development of the western coast."

I gave a polite nod before stepping out of the room. As I walked down the silent corridor, I exhaled heavily. The Queen was interested? That only made things more complicated.

At least now I had access to greater resources. And with Sarasota backing me... Well, those bandits were in for an unpleasant surprise.

"Sir," a servant greeted as they approached. "Your carriage is ready."

"Thank you." I straightened my coat. "To the eastern docks. There are... preparations to be made."

During the ride back, my mind churned with plans. I needed a strategy, and I needed it now. First, secure the port—it was the top priority. Second, map out who among the remaining officials I could trust. Third...

The carriage jolted over uneven cobblestone roads. In the distance, the setting sun painted the horizon a deep crimson—fitting for a day when I decided to throw myself into the perilous game of politics.

"Baron Lawrence," I murmured softly, testing the title’s weight. "Well, I suppose I can get used to it."

###

That was unexpected," Rainer murmured as he pushed open the office door.

Inside, Rainer Astoria was already waiting, lounging in one of the chairs with his legs propped up on the desk. His disheveled blonde hair, perpetually mischievous blue eyes, and tattered adventurer’s outfit were a stark contrast to the tidy atmosphere of my office. Sometimes, I wondered why he continued to dress like that despite working under me.

"There are circumstances that force my hand," I explained as I sat behind the desk. "Whether or not you join me is up to you. I won’t hold you back."

Please don’t leave, or I’m in big trouble! I screamed internally. After all, Rainer wasn’t just any ordinary person—he was the main character of Destiny Warrior, the novelized world in which I now found myself stranded.

Rainer rubbed his chin, pretending to deliberate. "Hmm... I made a promise, and I’ve yet to find any other interests or purpose. Besides," he smirked, "working with you is far more entertaining than being a mercenary."

Even though you’re a high-ranking noble who walked away from your estate? I swallowed the comment. Better not to dig up his past. What mattered was that he chose to stay.

"So," Rainer sat upright, "I heard there’s trouble with bandits at your new port?"

"Yes," I sighed. "They’ve taken advantage of the power vacuum after... the incident with the Baron."

"The ’incident’ you orchestrated with Sarasota?" Rainer grinned slyly.

I shot him a sharp look. "We need to deal with them, no matter what it takes. I need to assert control while figuring out how to fix this region’s economy."

"Hmm..." Rainer drummed his fingers on the desk. "You want me to handle them?"

"If you’re able, please."

"Fine." His blue eyes glinted dangerously. "How many are we dealing with?"

"From what I’ve gathered, there are 23 of them. Some of the locals were forced to join."

"Got it... 23," Rainer smirked. "It’s fine if I kill them, right?"

"Yes... but," I raised a hand, "capture any who surrender. I’m hiring additional mercenaries to support you."

"Consider it done!" Rainer leapt to his feet with energy. "When do we start?"

"Hold on," I said, pulling out a map of the port. "We need a proper plan. Look here—they’ve taken control of three key areas: the storage warehouse, the main docks, and the watchtower."

Rainer leaned over the map, studying it intently. "Hmm... interesting. They’re pretty organized for a group of mere bandits."

"Exactly. That’s what makes me suspicious." I marked several points on the map. "It’s possible they have backing from someone unhappy with the change in power."

"Marquis Arleon?"

I shook my head. "Not his style. He prefers subtle political maneuvers." My finger paused on a specific spot. "What catches my attention is this watchtower. According to informants, they’re equipped with military-grade gear—far too advanced for regular bandits."

"Ah," Rainer nodded in understanding. "You suspect another noble might be involved?"

"Possibly. Or maybe a merchant who isn’t pleased about a new player entering the scene." I exhaled deeply. "That’s why I want you to scout first. Find out who’s pulling the strings before we make our move."

"And the mercenaries you mentioned?"

"A distraction," I replied with a thin smile. "Let them believe we’re launching a frontal assault. Meanwhile..."

"I sneak in and gather intel," Rainer finished, smirking. "Smart. What about the locals who were forced to join?"

"That’s your second task. Identify them. Later, we can offer them clemency and better work opportunities to turn them to our side."

Rainer let out a low whistle. "You’ve thought this through, huh?"

"Not entirely," I admitted. "There are still too many unknown variables. But at least we have an initial plan."

"Alright," Rainer rolled up the map. "I’ll leave tonight. Easier to scout under the cover of darkness."

"Be careful," I warned. "Don’t take unnecessary risks. This is just a reconnaissance mission."

Rainer laughed. "You worry too much, Boss. I’ve done this kind of thing a thousand times."

Yes, in your original story, I thought wryly. But this is different. We’re rewriting your destiny here.

"Oh, one more thing," I called as he reached the door. "If you spot any signs of Sarasota..."

"I’ll pretend not to see them," Rainer winked. "Relax, your secret’s safe with me."

After he left, I turned my attention back to the map. Twenty-three bandits, mysterious military-grade equipment, and the possibility of a hidden backer. Not to mention the Queen’s vested interest in the region, which remained a puzzle...

"Welcome to politics," I muttered, echoing Marquis Arleon’s words. Yes, and it seemed this was only the beginning.