Pushover Extra Trains the Villainesses

Chapter 167: Merchant Counts Gold Coins I

Humans are not very brave creatures. Even when they see something wrong before their own eyes, they tend to ignore it, knowing that nothing would change, even if they stepped forward. Ultimately, they understand that all it would bring would be meaningless harm to themselves. But even they would stir if something small began to appear—something trivial, yet offering a clear opportunity. Then, they would be willing to risk everything and start making their voices heard.

“Awaken the church!”

“Corrupted priests, end the blasphemy now!”

“We are followers of the Lord, not the p0pe! Let’s dismantle false doctrines and restore true faith!”

The calls for religious reformation echoed across the continent. This movement began with a few clerics opposing the sale of indulgences, but their message quickly gained momentum, rallying strong support from lords and nations opposed to the Holy Church. 

As a result, a continent once united under the church’s name was now fractured, with the entire land swept up in a whirlpool of chaos.

Amid this upheaval, Schwyz remained tranquil. 

There, Bahamut Fernandez of the Beden Merchant Company wore a look of displeasure as he addressed the messengers trembling before him.

“So, you want me to lend you more money now. Is that it?”

“Yes… His Majesty himself has requested this. So, just this once…”

Bahamut let out a deep sigh, causing the messengers’ faces to fall in anxiety.

“Do you know how many times this has happened already? The funds borrowed during the last war haven’t even been repaid. You keep asking for more money. Even though you are monarchs, shouldn’t there be a limit to how shameless you can be?”

The messengers fell silent, unable to respond to Bahamut’s blunt words. 

They were, in fact, still burdened by unpaid debts that Bahamut had lent at minimal interest in the last war. The recent wave of religious reform within their realms had drained their finances, forcing them once again to rely on the Beden Merchant Company and others like Uranus.

‘D*mn it… I never imagined this debt would trap me like this…’

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‘I was too complacent, thinking I could repay it if I tightened my belt. But who could have foreseen such urgent turmoil across the continent right after we barely repelled the Tarkic offensive?’

The people before Bahamut were high-ranking nobles—dukes or marquises from various countries. Yet now, they were forced to grovel before a merchant they normally deemed beneath them. If they couldn’t secure the funds here, they could lose their heads, placing their lives in this merchant’s hands.

“Please! We beg you! Anything helps; just lend us the funds!”

“We will repay this debt one way or another! Please, sir!”

Bahamut sighed deeply, sensing their desperation. “I don’t want to, but I have my loyalties. Above all, if anything happens to you, I won’t recover my previous loans. So, I’ll make an exception here.”

“Oh… thank you, Mr. Bahamut!” The messengers expressed their gratitude. However, Bahamut’s response was cold.

“Even so, I cannot lend to you again without compensation. The principal and interest are still unpaid, and we’ve suffered considerable losses. I expect something from you in return.”

The messengers’ faces grew tense as Bahamut presented them with a document. Mixed emotions played across their features as they reviewed its terms.

“Understand, I won’t force you. The choice to accept or decline is yours.”

The messengers realized they had no choice. From the beginning, they had been bound by this debt.

***

“So, how did it turn out?” Bertina asked, smiling as she embraced her husband, Bahamut, her b0dy against his.

“It went as expected. The answer was clear from the beginning.”

The Beden Merchant Company had secured extensive commercial rights from indebted nations, effectively gaining control over them. Despite the heavy price, these nations had no other option, needing the ‘blood transfusion’ to keep their weakened states alive amid the continent’s turmoil.

“Congratulations, honey. With this… the continent’s commerce is practically ours.”

“That’s true. I hadn’t initially intended for things to go this far, but somehow it did.”

Bertina’s smile deepened as she held Bahamut closer, happiness radiating from her. She thought to herself, ‘I was so fortunate to have met a man like you.’

Initially, he had brought her despair, only to later bring joy and the sense of being a woman once more. Over time, he had become her support, allowing her to fully love again. Now, he was the man who had fulfilled all her dreams.

As she lovingly embraced him, Bertina began to consider another delightful plan. ‘Perhaps… we could have another child. This time, a son who resembles his father…’

***

In the commercial city of Benessa, the atmosphere had changed. 

The city, once suffering from attacks by the Tarkic Empire and losing its colonies, was now dominated by ships bearing the Beden Merchant Company’s insignia, even at ports usually reserved for Eastern trade goods.

“The price of spices is slightly lower this year due to the continent’s current issues. I’ll accept 160 talets,” Isolda announced calmly.

Her words brought a wave of relief to the merchants gathered. 

The Beden Merchant Company now commanded not only Eastern trade but also wielded debt as a powerful weapon over monarchs across the continent. Though they could have easily inflated prices, the company instead showed mercy, dispelling the merchants’ anxieties.

“Thank you, truly. Given the current situation, we were concerned, but your consideration means a lot.”

“In these troubled times, we merchants must support each other. Mr. Bahamut has also urged humanitarian aid for the needy. He believes that every citizen on this continent is our customer, and in times of crisis, it is our duty to help the public.”

“Oh, absolutely! We’ll gladly cooperate.”

“As expected of Mr. Bahamut. We’ll do our best to contribute.”

The merchants agreed to support this initiative, moved by Bahamut’s vision. 

Beside Isolda, Yuria also smiled sincerely.

With the spice deal completed, Isolda and Yuria returned to their lodging, escorted by the Predator members who had been guarding them.

“Anything to report from the watch?” Isolda asked Echid, who had been on guard.

“I kept a close eye in case of suspicious activity, but there was none.”

Isolda nodded, satisfied, and addressed her team with a warm smile. “Thank you all for your hard work. Now that the deal is done, let’s enjoy a meal together. I’ll treat you today.”

“Oh! A meal out? That’s a treat!” Nemea exclaimed.

The others shared their excitement.

“I heard that Benessa’s dark spaghetti is excellent…”

“Yes! Made with squid ink, I believe?”

“I… I’d like to try it too.”

“Then it’s settled. Spaghetti it is!” Isolda declared with a cheerful smile.

Her warm smile, radiating genuine happiness, was a rare sight, one that her companions would not soon forget.

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