If I had my way, I would want to completely uproot the spice guild.

    I have the position of tax collector, the full cooperation of Chief Judge Mancini from the High Court, and the absolute support of the Duke of Visconti.

    “If I really wanted to, I could truly eliminate the spice guild.”

    However, I have no intention of doing so.

    Just as I wouldn’t murder the incompetent and constantly dismissive chief I can deal with, I also wouldn’t kill the guild outright.

    The consequences would be too much for me to handle.

    “It’s not easy, is it? Right, Sebastian?”

    “There’s nothing easy in this world.”

    That’s true.

    There’s not a single easy way to make money.

    Especially making a lot of money is even harder.

    “Isn’t it said that those who make 3 to 4 hundred a month still have weekends, but once you hit 500, weekends gradually disappear?”

    Let alone, my income is at a level that can’t even be compared to 500.

    “It would be nice to cut off the spice guild’s breath, but I guess I shouldn’t? Sebastian.”

    Sebastian nodded at my words.

    “The spice guild is intertwined with four major families, including the Medici family. This time, you have the moral high ground, so they won’t protest or become hostile even if you take a somewhat brutal approach. But if you go too far...”

    I know without being told.

    Although Albert, the Baron Medici, and I are brothers, he’ll leave me alone due to his nature.

    The other three major families will probably scream, “This is our chance! Kill him!” and come to trample me.

    So it’s important to deal with them appropriately.

    “While I can’t eliminate the spice guild, taking off an arm or a leg should be safe.”

    In fact, making them suffer lifelong wounds is often more painful for the opponent than simply eliminating them.

    The real targets for my revenge are the guild master of the spice guild and the high-ranking members.

    “I know that too. This time, I have no intention of uprooting the spice guild itself.”

    I don’t plan to show mercy for the innocent employees working in the guild.

    This is war, and there are no innocents in war.

    “Aiming weapons and shooting at civilians is one thing, but accepting unavoidable deaths is a reality we must bear.”

    “Only the guild master and the executives of the spice guild.”

    I mimicked cutting my throat with my finger.

    “If they disappear, then that’s that. I need to show them what happens if they touch me.”

    A friend from my teaching days once told me this.

    A victim of school bullying should never use mild methods to escape violence.

    “If you resist poorly, bullies will only harass you more, and that can lead to unfortunate choices. So if you can’t stand such injustices, it’s better to use a firm approach. Don’t believe that telling a teacher like me will solve everything.”

    It’s not that teachers in our country are incompetent or don’t care about students; they can’t solve problems.

    Those who find joy in bullying don’t listen until they realize their heads can be broken.

    That’s why I was told to file complaints with the prosecutor''s office rather than the police, or to confront violence with violence.

    My current situation is just like that.

    “From the documents I’ve reviewed so far, these guys are pretty dirty, aren’t they?”

    I’m not a herald of justice, but seeing filthy deeds makes my stomach churn.

    “Since they’ve been caught in my sights, they should pay for their sins.”

    I have no intention of burning myself for justice, but I fully support catching those who touched me while also righting the wrongs of the innocent.

    What’s wrong with doing one more good deed while I’m at it?

    “Let’s head to the High Court prison. And I want to take Kris along, so can you call him?”

    “Yes, understood. He should be at the mansion, so please wait a moment.”

    Well, even if the High Court wields immense power, they can’t just torture people without justification.

    “Murder, serial murder, treason, conspiracy to commit treason, attempted murder of the Emperor or royalty.”

    Only if it reaches this level will torture be immediately executed.

    For all other crimes, torture won’t occur until evidence is apparent.

    “The resolve of iron; it’s a very nice phrase.”

    It sounds as meaningful as some trivial saying from a shabby village.

    What do I mean?

    It’s as credible as the promise made by comrades from basic training to meet again when they graduate.

    “Of course, the chances of those comrades meeting again disappear as soon as they enter their assigned units.”

    I placed an incredibly thick copy of the crime list in front of him.

    “Looking at you, it seems you sold Toscana’s serfs to infidels supplying spice. The men were sold as galley slaves, and the women were sold to harems, nobles, and merchants. The books show it’s not just one or two instances.”

    In the Albanian continent, kidnapping infidels to sell them as sex slaves is an entirely legal and encouraged business.

    Moreover, selling serfs who couldn’t repay their debts to other nobles or merchants isn’t encouraged but is also a business no one would criticize.

    “In times of famine, that’s why young girls are sold every year, just like Chloe.”

    However, selling those who believe in Deus to infidels is treated as a crime equivalent to treason in our empire.

    “I’ll let go of just two executives from the Florence spice guild without charges, excluding the guild master. So, you’d better not disappoint me.”

    Cold sweat began to trickle down the face of the executive in front of me.

    “I’ll ask again: do you have anything you want to confess?”

    “Please, let me confess!”

    “See? Among such scoundrels, loyalty and whatnot are worthless!”

    With that, the executive’s facade broke down, and he was clearly terrified.

    “Please, I’ll tell you everything! Just spare me!”

    I leaned closer, maintaining an intimidating presence.

    “Very well. Start talking. What’s the spice guild’s relationship with the infidels? Who are the main players involved?”

    He took a deep breath, clearly weighing his options before speaking.

    “W-We have been working with the Eastern trade guilds, trading spices for a profit while selling our serfs as labor. The guild master made deals with their leaders for more substantial shipments. Their names...”

    I narrowed my eyes at him, urging him to continue.

    “Just say it! If you think this is a game, you’ll regret it!”

    “R-Right! The main contact is a man named Rasel, who leads the Eastern trade guild. He’s been the one coordinating everything for us!”

    “Rasel, huh? What else?”

    “He has connections to the underground markets in the capital as well. He can get us anything we need—goods, weapons, even...”

    “Even what?”

    “Even slaves. It’s all part of the deal. He helps us get rid of those we don’t want, and we provide him with resources.”

    His hands trembled as he spoke, fear evident in his eyes.

    “Where can I find this Rasel?”

    “Rasel usually meets at the old warehouse by the docks in the evening. That’s where all the deals go down.”

    I nodded, processing this information. It was clear that the spice guild had deep connections, but they had also left themselves vulnerable by their greed.

    “Good. I’ll make sure this information is put to use. But know this: if you’re lying, I’ll make sure your fate is far worse than what you currently face.”

    He nodded vigorously, clearly understanding the gravity of the situation.

    “Now, let’s talk about your guild''s finances. Show me the records of your dealings with the Eastern trade guilds. Every transaction, every name—everything.”

    He hurriedly pulled out documents from the nearby table, hands shaking as he laid them out before me.

    “This is everything! Just please don’t hurt me!”

    I glanced over the documents, noting the names and transactions that could lead to uncovering more about their corrupt activities.

    “Very well. I’ll review these carefully. If what you’ve said checks out, you may yet find mercy.”

    As I studied the records, I felt a sense of purpose building within me. This was just the beginning, and the spice guild’s days were numbered.