Raising the Northern Grand Duchy as a Max-Level All-Master

137. Building Soft Power as a Max-Level All-Master (3)

The deafening noise of the racetrack diminished significantly as Violet stepped into the VIP suite.

“Money really is amazing.”

The VIP suite was luxurious in every sense—its temperature, soundproofing, ambiance, and interior design were all impeccable.

The previously grating cheers now sounded like a gentle hum of excitement, adding to the atmosphere rather than detracting from it.

While not completely soundproofed, the enchantments on the windows, walls, and doors effectively dampened the noise.

At the suite’s center, an assortment of expensive teas, wines, and desserts were frequently replenished.

Above, a magical heating device emitted a soft glow, providing comfort to those unaccustomed to the North’s harsh cold.

“Yo, Violet! What brings you here? Great timing!”

With a slightly different demeanor and appearance from the Northerners, he, like Violet, seemed to be from the Empire. He was also wearing the uniform of Arad Capital.

“Mr. Baker, here again? Why not just set up an office here like Mr. Holland?”

“Believe me, I’ve been seriously considering it lately. Half of my results come from this place. Combining work with racing tips has been surprisingly effective.”

“...…”

Half-joking, Violet’s tone didn’t faze Baker, who flashed a confident grin, revealing a gold tooth.

“Looks like an Imperial lady. To be in this frozen land, and a woman at that—impressive. Care to introduce her?”

Another voice chimed in, belonging to a man Violet hadn’t yet noticed in the suite.

“Hahaha! Of course! This lady here is Violet, quite an exceptional woman. Cardinal Marcus.”

The man addressed as Marcus looked more like a noble than a cleric, his attire reflecting the racetrack’s formal setting rather than the church’s sanctity.

“Indeed, you seem to be a strong-willed lady. Oh? Are you a lady? I didn’t see a ring on your finger.”

“You’re correct. She’s unmarried,” Baker answered on Violet’s behalf, seemingly in the middle of discussing business with the cardinal.

“What line of work is she in?”

“She works at Arad Bank.”

“A bank? Like Sir Richard over there?”

Marcus gestured toward another corner of the spacious VIP suite, where a middle-aged man, likely in his fifties, stood.

“Run! Run! Ruuun!!”

The man, also dressed in an Arad Capital uniform, clutched several glittering gold and silver betting slips in both hands, fully immersed in the thrill of the races.

“...…”

He was easily the most enthusiastic about horse racing among the Arad Capital employees present.

“...Richard oversees Renslet Central Bank.”

Baker, momentarily speechless as he watched Richard’s antics, quickly regained his composure and clarified for the cardinal.

“So it’s different?”

“Yes. Same institution, but entirely different roles. Incidentally, what might interest you, Cardinal Marcus, falls under Lady Violet’s purview.”

“Oh! Is that so?”

With Baker’s introduction, the conversation naturally shifted toward Violet and the Imperial Cardinal.

“Greetings, Your Eminence. I am Violet, currently employed at Arad Bank.”

“A pleasure, Lady Violet. Meeting a fellow Imperial in this harsh, unfamiliar land feels strangely reassuring.”

“I feel a profound peace of spirit to meet a high cleric of the esteemed church.”

“It gladdens me to bring you such peace of spirit.”

“May I ask what brings you to me?”

“Straight to the point as soon as we meet? Hahaha! You’re practically a Northerner now.”

“Forgive me if I offended you. I tend to be rather impatient.”

“No offense taken. I actually prefer it this way.”

Of course, Violet already knew why the cardinal sought her out.

‘The slush funds of high-ranking clergy. She’s here to store them where neither the Imperial Court nor the archbishop can reach.’

The directive she received at the post office was directly related to the woman standing before her.

“I heard that there’s a place in the North where valuables can be stored securely and discreetly. I came to find it.”

“Then you’ve come to the right place. We can discuss the details verbally here, and in two days, finalize the paperwork at the bank.”

“There are too many eyes and ears on me for me to visit personally.”

“In that case, we’ll send someone to you. They’ll collect the items at that time.”

“These aren’t ordinary items, so I’m a bit uneasy.”

“A security officer from the company will accompany them.”

“Arad security officers?”

“Yes, former Frost Knights and High Tower knights.”

“That should be sufficient.”

With both parties aware of the general terms beforehand, the finer details of the arrangement were quickly settled.

“By the way, is this place secure enough for such a discussion?” Marcus asked, glancing around the VIP suite.

“At least here, there are fewer prying ears than in Arad Bank.”

Waaaaah!

At that moment, another wave of cheers erupted from the racetrack, underscoring her point.

Their conversation, inaudible to anyone not standing right next to them, rendered additional soundproofing unnecessary.

“Indeed, who would imagine conducting bank business at a racetrack? Unless, of course, it’s the unethical lending practices over there.”

Marcus gestured mockingly toward a section of the VIP suite, not far from where Richard had been earlier.

There stood a sign reading “Arad Capital Loan Consultation” above five desks staffed by employees in Arad Capital uniforms.

“Hahaha… But we do offer competitive interest rates.”

Violet chuckled awkwardly, feeling secondhand embarrassment from Marcus’s pointed observation.

‘Holland really lacks awareness. Even if this place is a goldmine, does he have to flaunt it in front of an Imperial cardinal? Baker could’ve intervened.’

She shot Baker a pointed look.

‘Relax. Marcus is just putting on a show. She’s only feigning discomfort. In fact, she was briefly interested when she heard our annual interest rate is only 20%,’ Baker replied with a shrug.

Oblivious to their silent exchange, Holland continued smiling brightly as he processed yet another loan application at the consultation desk.

Sigh.

Deciding to focus on Marcus, Violet let the matter drop.

“Thanks to you, Lady Violet, this was easier and faster than expected.”

“You flatter me.”

“Baron Orant’s recommendation was spot on. You and your colleague made this cold, arduous journey worthwhile.”

Cardinal Marcus nodded with satisfaction as he glanced at Violet and Baker.

“Sir Baker, I have high expectations for the stocks you recommended.”

“I’ll do my best to meet those expectations,” Baker replied confidently.

“I heard that Baron Orant and the Noble Council reaped significant benefits from them.”

For context, Baron Orant was the noble who previously visited the North to deposit the Noble Council’s slush funds.

“I’m certain you’ll enjoy it as well, Cardinal. Perhaps even more than the horse races,” Baker said, gesturing toward the racetrack.

The racetrack was quieter now, as the 30-minute intermission had given everyone a chance to catch their breath.

‘Wait, did he sell stocks during this break?’

Violet, catching wind of their conversation, discreetly jabbed Baker in the side with her elbow.

‘Of course I did. This isn’t just any slush fund. This is money that high-ranking Imperial clergy secretly gathered, keeping it hidden from the archbishop and the emperor. Arad Bank alone can’t handle something like this.’

Baker, along with Holland and Richard, were all Imperial expatriates like Violet, sent to the North to work for Arad Capital.

When Arad first ventured into comprehensive financial operations in the North, it faced a shortage of skilled personnel. Desperate, the company sought help from Entir Bishop.

True to form, Entir scoured the Empire and recruited four exceptional individuals—Violet included.

‘And let’s not forget, as long as we hinder the Empire and the Imperial Court, that’s enough for us, right?’

‘Naturally.’

This shared sentiment also hinted at their common resentment toward the Empire and its royal family.

Much like Violet, who had once been a Sigma agent managing royal funds before losing everything in a cover-up, the three men also bore deep scars from their pasts.

[Announcement: The next race will begin shortly. Once again, the next race is about to start.]

The broadcast echoed through the racetrack, signaling the end of the intermission.

“...…”

Hearing the announcement, Violet took out her golden betting slip.

“Violet, did you bet on this race?”

“Yes.”

Baker noticed her single, gleaming gold slip and cautiously asked, “Which horse did you bet on?”

“Number 7.”

“Single-win or multiple-win?”

“Single-win.”

“Wait… Are you telling me you bet 200 Ren on just Horse 7?”

“Why?”

At that, Richard, who had been absorbed in the races, turned his attention to their conversation.

“Horse 7? Isn’t that the one with the lowest odds of winning?”

Even Cardinal Marcus, now more interested in enjoying the races after concluding his business, grew curious about Violet’s golden ticket.

“Yes, that’s the one. It’s a thoroughbred with excellent stamina and speed, but it’s notorious for being unruly. It’s completed races properly only a handful of times,” Baker explained.

“Wow! Violet, 200 Ren isn’t exactly pocket change. Are you in desperate need of a big payout? Want a loan from me instead?” Holland chimed in, temporarily stepping away from his loan desk to join the conversation.

“No, thank you!” Violet snapped, brushing off his offer.

‘These guys are all smooth operators.’

Violet couldn’t help but inwardly sigh at the antics of the three men—Baker, Richard, and Holland.

The trio knew she had received operational funds alongside her directive, yet they still feigned ignorance to tease her. After all, they were also occasionally assigned tasks through Entir Bishop.

“Lending money at a low rate, huh? How low are we talking?” Marcus asked, leaning into the conversation.

“Oh, about 20% annually,” Holland replied smoothly, flashing a sly smile.

“Low, indeed,” Marcus remarked with an approving nod, earning an even broader grin from Holland.

“But what if someone from outside the North borrows money and then flees without repaying it?”

“Many Imperial nobles entrust their wealth to Arad Bank. And I work for Arad Capital,” Violet interjected, explaining the system.

“Usually, borrowers are those who have already squandered their savings, right?”

“Yes, Your Eminence. In such cases, we require a guarantor,” Holland added with practiced ease.

“So if they can’t repay, you take the guarantor’s savings instead. That’s… intimidating. But how common are guarantors?”

“They’re quite rare, which is why we often grant loans even without one.”

“And if they don’t repay and flee back to the Empire?”

“In that case, we outsource the recovery to Bishop Company.”

“Ah, so there’s a system in place,” Marcus remarked, nodding thoughtfully.

“Hahaha… Of course,” Holland replied with a confident laugh.

“Such measures inspire trust. On that note, could I take out a loan as well?”

“Y-Your Eminence? Why…?”

Holland’s eyes widened, wondering why a cardinal with access to vast slush funds would need a loan.

“Because that money isn’t mine. I can’t spend it freely,” Marcus said, his gaze fixed on the racetrack, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

“I want to use it for personal purposes. Something… something feels promising about this.”

“Oh, absolutely!” Holland agreed enthusiastically.

“And what collateral would you require? Not that,” Marcus clarified, referring to the clergy’s slush funds earmarked for Arad Bank.

“Of course not. Holland may be shameless, but he knows the basics,” Baker interjected with a chuckle.

“It’s refreshing to meet someone so reasonable,” Marcus replied, seemingly reassured.

“Then how about this for collateral?”

“Let’s hear it.”

“I heard from Baker that you’ve recently purchased some stocks.”

“Those stocks are problematic. While some were bought with my money, most were not.”

“How about the dividends from those stocks? Could we use a portion of them as collateral?”

“?!”

Violet, Baker, Richard, and Holland—all four from the Empire—paused momentarily at the bold suggestion.

Their official roles in Arad Capital revolved around comprehensive financial operations.

But their real mission? To quietly siphon Imperial capital with the tacit approval of the High Tower and Arad Group.

Whether it was safeguarding slush funds like a Northern Swiss bank or recommending lucrative stocks, their ultimate goal was to bind Northern and Imperial elites into a shared destiny.

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