The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 10: Expanding Empire

Chapter 10: Expanding Empire

“This quarter’s slave trade revenue report, Master.”

Iris placed a thick accounting ledger on my desk.

This was in the secret office of the Silver Company.

On the surface, it’s a magic product development firm, but in reality, far more businesses are conducted.

“Remarkable figures.”

At Iris’s words, I nodded with satisfaction.

The numbers recorded in the ledger far exceeded my expectations.

“Four times the previous amount.”

“Yes. Demand for slaves with specialized skills has surged.”

I leaned back deeply in my chair.

The slave trade business had become one of the most profitable ventures.

Of course, it’s operated not under Silver’s name but another alias.

“The Hugo Black business is thriving too well.”

The slave trade under Black’s name had grown to one of the largest in the kingdom.

On the surface, an ordinary merchant, but behind it, a precise organization procures, trains, and sells slaves at high prices.

“Particularly popular are slaves treated with magical enhancements.”

Iris’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

Her talent in magical pharmacology was making a significant contribution here too.

“Physical enhancement through strengthening potions, intelligence-boosting magical education, and loyalty-enhancing compounds…”

Her techniques transformed ordinary slaves into high-performance “products.”

And their value multiplied several times over.

“No wonder nobles eagerly pay.”

“Yes. Especially household slaves with both loyalty and expertise are in high demand.”

Slave trading itself was legal in the kingdom, but the large-scale, organized operation I ran was in a gray area.

That’s why I used multiple aliases and a complex network to manage it.

“How’s the demand for military slaves?”

“Astonishingly high. Especially from the neighboring Skarge.”

I raised an eyebrow with interest.

The Skarge Kingdom, a belligerent nation, was always in tension with the Whiterose Kingdom.

“Selling high-performance combat slaves to them… interesting.”

“However,” Iris continued.

“All slaves have been administered the special potion as per your instructions.”

“Ah, that drug.”

I smiled with satisfaction.

Every slave sold to Skarge had a hidden weakness.

A magical “switch” embedded in their bodies would shut them down upon receiving a specific signal.

“It’ll come in handy someday.”

“Also, mining slaves are performing strongly. Our slaves are being used in the Frostheart territory’s mine reconstruction.”

“What irony.”

I laughed aloud.

The mine I destroyed is being rebuilt with my slaves.

And the Frostheart family is footing the bill.

A perfect cycle.

“Now, for the next plan…”

As I took a new map from the desk, Mia rushed into the room.

“Master, great news!”

“What is it?”

“The palace on Green Hill, north of the royal palace, is up for sale.”

My eyes lit up.

That palace was a luxurious residence once used as a villa by the previous royal family.

Surrounded by vast gardens and forests, it guaranteed perfect privacy.

“Who’s the owner?”

“The Lucrezia Earldom. They’re selling due to financial distress.”

“I see…”

I recalled.

The Lucrezia family was one of the nobles hit hard by the air conditioning business.

A house that thrived on wind magic stone trade but failed to adapt to market changes.

“Proceed with the purchase immediately.”

“The cost…”

“Doesn’t matter. I want that palace.”

Mia nodded and began preparations at once.

“With that palace…”

Plans were already forming in my mind.

On the surface, it would be Baron Silver’s new residence.

But behind closed doors…

“It’s perfect for a slave training facility.”

Iris agreed.

“I can set up my experimental lab there too. For more efficient slave enhancement research.”

Seeing the mad glint in her eyes, I nodded with satisfaction.

Iris’s talent always elevated my business to the next level.

“Prepare the facility blueprints too.”

“Yes, Master.”

—

A week later, the Green Hill palace became the property of Baron Leon Silver.

The transaction was astonishingly swift.

Knowing the Lucrezia family’s plight, the Hugo Black slave company bought their debts and applied pressure.

“Magnificent building.”

Accompanied by Mia and Iris to inspect the palace, I wore a satisfied expression at its grandeur.

White marble columns, gold-leaf decorations, a vast ballroom.

And below, a spacious underground area held endless potential for modification.

“Start renovations immediately.”

I spread out the underground blueprints.

Designs for a slave training facility, a magical laboratory, and a special “hospitality room.”

“These facilities must be completely concealed. Use our own slaves for the renovations.”

Iris pointed out.

“Of course. On the surface, it’s a noble baron’s residence. The underground secrets must remain hidden.”

“Magical concealment is possible. My latest research includes…”

Iris began explaining eagerly.

Magical barriers, memory-altering drugs, illusionary disguises…

All technologies to protect my secret operations.

“Complete everything within a month.”

“Understood.”

The palace’s acquisition marked a new expansion of my business empire.

Establishing social status as Baron Silver, expanding the slave trade as Black, and maintaining my position as a prince.

The ambitions of a man with three faces were steadily taking shape.

—

“Are the invitations to the new palace ready?”

Back at the castle, I was advancing social plans as Leon Silver.

“Yes, Master. Preparations are complete to send invitations to all the major nobles in the kingdom.”

Mia presented the organized documents.

“Excellent. The opening party must be a grand event.”

The first official event at the palace would be a crucial opportunity to solidify Baron Silver’s social standing.

Many nobles, including royalty, would be invited, and the plan was to overwhelm them with its luxury and refinement.

“Lydia and Celeste will also have special roles.”

“As foster daughter and household manager, yes?”

“Exactly. Their beauty and grace will further elevate my reputation.”

I nodded with satisfaction.

Lydia’s beauty was already the talk of high society.

And knowing she was my mistress behind the scenes gave me an added sense of conquest.

“By the way, will the Frostheart family attend?”

“The earl declined due to poor health, but Lady Eleanor is expected to attend.”

“Perfect.”

A smile spread across my face.

Inviting her to my palace and showcasing its splendor.

And making her realize that the world she once belonged to is now becoming mine.

“Will Alexander be attending?”

“Yes, as the representative of the Granblue Duchy.”

“Hm… it’s about time to meddle in their relationship.”

I began formulating plans.

—

The renovations of the palace were progressing at a rapid pace.

The public areas were being transformed into elegant, luxurious spaces, while the underground was optimized for my secret operations.

“What will this room be used for?”

The site supervisor asked about a particularly large underground chamber.

“For special magical research.”

I answered curtly.

In truth, it was a facility to house and train newly purchased high-class slaves.

“What about this corridor?”

“Make it like a maze. And add hidden doors here and here…”

I marked the blueprints.

The underground facility was designed to be so complex that anyone who wandered in uninvited would never find their way out.

“What about the water supply?”

“Connect it to the underground aquifer. And install a special purification magic circle in this section.”

Every detail of the renovation was meticulously planned.

I was a perfectionist.

In business and revenge, every detail had to be calculated.

“Don’t forget the auction room.”

This was especially critical.

A special room for hosting auctions of high-class slaves.

A secret venue where only the wealthiest and most powerful clients would be invited.

“When will it be completed?”

“As planned, everything will be finished within a month.”

“Excellent.”

I nodded with satisfaction.

The completion of this palace signified a new phase in my business empire.

It would allow a significant expansion of my slave trade and the provision of more advanced “products.”

“And prepare new rooms for Lydia and Celeste here.”

I pointed to a section on the top floor.

Luxurious private rooms and a dedicated salon.

Publicly, they would reside in the palace as Baron Silver’s foster daughter and household manager.

“They must be looking forward to moving in.”

At Mia’s words, I smiled.

Lydia and Celeste didn’t know their new home would also be the headquarters of a slave trade.

They would live a glamorous life within a golden cage.

“Everything is proceeding perfectly.”

I surveyed the vast palace.

From here, my empire would expand further.

And ultimately, it would become the foundation for dominating the world itself.

“Is the slave procurement going smoothly?”

“Yes. We’ve secured beauties for the special collection as well.”

Mia presented a list detailing the special “products” gathered from within and outside the kingdom.

Beauty, talent, special abilities… each was a handpicked gem.

“These will be kept for my personal collection.”

I gazed at the list with satisfaction.

The palace would also house special slaves for my own enjoyment.

Beauties of various races.

Elves, beastmen, dragonkin, and, of course, humans.

“Once all preparations are complete, my empire will enter a new phase.”

I looked out over the palace gardens from the window.

Elegant fountains and beautifully manicured grounds stretched out.

On the surface, perfect nobility.

Beneath, a hidden dark enterprise.

“Perfect duality.”

Just like me.

On the surface, a foolish prince and a noble businessman.

Beneath, a ruthless avenger and ambitious conqueror.

“The day I become the king of the slave trade is near.”

And that wealth and power would eventually be used for my ultimate goal.

To seize the world itself.