Tyrant Simulator

"Master, why don't we break into the prison and rescue Mobutu!"

Upon learning of Mobutu's arrest, Amin immediately raised his voice and shouted loudly.

The unicorn in his arms was thus awakened and startled, letting out pitiful whimpers... It took him a while to soothe it down with his rough and powerful hands.

Luke shook his head: "Don't be reckless! If it's just about price gouging, then we can solve the problem without resorting to violence..."

He turned to Huff and said, "Go back to the trading post and gather some information. Don't be stingy with your money..."

In short, we need to find out where Mobutu was taken and who was behind it.

I always felt that things weren't as simple as they seemed!

Back at the market, Hef spent money everywhere to bribe officials and smooth things over.

It was only from the trade minister at the market that they learned that Mobutu had not been formally arrested by the regional government of Nord province through "legal" procedures.

Instead, they were taken away by the guards of the Empire's free city of Fusar, on orders personally given by the "Silver Star" financial family, Albic.

Fusar is an important trading center located in the southern part of the Nord province.

Although located within the province of Nord, it was officially recognized as autonomous by the Emperor of the High Court Empire fifty years ago. It can levy taxes, mint coins, and organize militia on its own. It is not subordinate to any lord or bishop and is only responsible to the royal family.

The Albic family was one of the most prominent families in Fusar, holding a position in the city akin to that of a "local emperor."

Mobutu's public identity was just a merchant in a border market, so how could he have offended such an important figure?

Filled with doubt, Luke disguised himself as a merchant and traveled alone from the imperial border to Fulsaur…

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In the heart of Fossa, the Florence Cathedral stands like a solitary, majestic ancient god, surveying the city beneath its feet—a city that is both pious and blasphemous—with its unique, indifferent yet loving gaze.

Beneath her enormous dome, various buildings stand side by side, spreading outwards in all directions.

The Republic's business aristocracy built luxurious and exquisite private mansions in "The Embrace of the Immen".

Walking along that bustling commercial street, no matter how crowded it is, you can easily distinguish between the rich and the poor in Vfsal. Thanks to the thriving textile industry, the rich often wear fine velvet and brocade, covered with large otter or fox fur cloaks; while the poor are dressed in rags and are only allowed to wear coarse linen and wool.

Luke arrived at the entrance of the town hall in Lord's Square and was stopped by two brightly dressed elven guards.

"No unauthorized personnel allowed," one of the guards said coldly.

Luke handed each person a silver coin: "Please inform them that Mobutu's boss has come to visit... Please, Lord Albicy, grant me an audience."

The two guards exchanged a glance and quietly accepted the money... One of them went in to announce their arrival and soon came out.

Please follow me.

Luke followed the guards through the long, deep red carpet corridor and stopped in front of a beautifully carved, imposing wooden door, gently knocking on it.

Boom, boom, boom.

"Come in."

A deep male voice came from inside.

Upon entering the room, a male elf dressed in a magnificent velvet brocade robe and a mink cloak sat behind a desk processing official documents. A gleaming silver star badge was pinned to his fur collar, exuding an aura of authority and quiet power.

"Lord Albic, the person has been brought."

Only then did Albicy lift his head from the sea of ​​books and examine Luke closely through his monocle.

According to the "Laws of Justice" promulgated by Fusar:

The consul is both the head of state and the commander of the city's self-defense force; while the council of elders is the highest governing body, whose members are mainly elected by the major guilds.

There were three major guilds: the guilds of silk merchants, fur merchants, and bankers, known as the "fat guilds," each of which elected one representative. There were also 14 smaller guilds composed of other artisans such as blacksmiths, bricklayers, and shoemakers, known as the "thin guilds," each of which elected two representatives. As for the working class who did not join any guild, they had absolutely no political rights.

This Lord Albic is not only the ruler of the country, but also the head of the Fusar Bank... It can be said that he controls the economic and political lifeline of this city republic.

"How should I address you, sir?" Albic asked with a smile.

"The form of address is not important. Mr. Albic, I have noticed that you seem to have arrested our company's employees arbitrarily without trial or arrest warrant... I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation."

Under the sunlight, Albicy's lenses gleamed with an unfathomable light.

"Indeed. Mr. Mobutu was arrested without going through the judicial process of the Nord Province, because he did not violate the provincial law, but rather the supreme economic law of the Empire."

According to the law, no merchant firm may trade furs across territories, nor may they manipulate prices or disrupt the market... otherwise they will be subject to sanctions by the guild.

Don't tell me you knew nothing about what Mobutu did.

Luke wasn't fooled by his words and argued, "I know that... but the worst punishment is only a fine, confiscation of profits, or deportation. There's no reason to detain someone!"

"Yes, that's because no merchant has ever done anything as ruthless as your company, managing to control the fur supply in eight trading regions all at once."

This is no longer just an ordinary illegal businessman; we must crack down on them!

The two fell silent for a moment; the large office was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After a long pause, Luke slowly spoke, "Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

Albicy casually sipped his tea: "What do you mean?"

"If it's about upholding the law and justice, you should shut down my business directly... but instead you've only arrested the manager, and the business is still operating as usual. That's just too strange."

Moreover, you didn't show any surprise when you saw that I, a human, was actually the boss of a group of goblins, as if you had expected it all along.

Therefore, I suspect... your target might be me!

Upon hearing this, Albic burst into hearty laughter, as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world.

"As expected of Mr. Luke, no wonder he was able to lead humanity to establish a regime in the northern wilderness and have so many monsters following him."

"But you're incredibly bold, coming to see me all alone. Aren't you afraid I'll arrest you too?"

Startled that his identity had been exposed so easily, Luke quickly regained his composure: "If you wanted to capture me, you would have done so long ago, not now..."

You went to great lengths to lure me out, so why don't we have an open and honest conversation—what exactly do you want?

"Great!" Albicy gave a thumbs up. "I'm a businessman, and I'm not interested in your feud with Lord Neville; the only thing I'm interested in is business."

So what I'm about to talk about is a transaction…”