There is a universal truth in all criminal law:

    As long as the police and prosecutors don’t catch you, it’s not a crime.

    Strictly speaking, both the criminal and the victim may know what happened.

    But if the crime isn’t discovered under criminal law, there’s no investigation, no indictment, and therefore no punishment.

    ‘Sure, the Empire’s interests are important, but I need to take care of my interests first.’

    Confucius once said, “Cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world.”

    In other words, it aligns perfectly with my philosophy: earn a big payday first, then support my family, and lastly throw a little to the nation. That way, peace reigns.

    “So, I can go ahead and take a bite out of the Grand Duchy of Milania before the war begins, right?”

    Sebastian replied with an incredulous look.

    “It’s getting to the point where I feel sorry for the Grand Duchy. They’re going to get blindsided long before the war even officially starts—just like Granada did.”

    From the information I’ve gathered as I expanded my trading company, I’ve heard that the Kingdom of Granada is in a dire situation.

    Though no full-scale “war” involving tens of thousands of soldiers has yet broken out...

    The Nador forces have unleashed pirates across the Mediterranean, executing an all-out pillaging campaign. As a result, Granada’s merchant fleet has been effectively blocked from the Mediterranean.

    In retaliation, Granada has done the same to Nador’s fleets, leading to mutual stagnation.

    ‘Even if trade isn’t a major part of the economy in this era, GDP must have dropped by about 7-8%.’

    On top of that, if you factor in the costs of mobilizing military forces, everyone must be struggling to make ends meet.

    Thanks to that, it seems I’ll have an easier time taking over the western part of Ifriqiya.

    “It’s fine. Everyone lives like this.”

    The only difference is that I’m using a bit of “advanced British wisdom,” while the others are doing similar things in more primitive ways.

    For instance, when a Tuscan merchant ship tries to trade with an island nation across the Mediterranean, “totally not Granada-affiliated” pirate ships with suspiciously heavy artillery might show up to loot them.

    Or, if an Imperial merchant is traveling with insufficient guards, “bandits” disguised as knights might rob them.

    Some might even demand exorbitant toll fees for completely unreasonable reasons.

    ‘At this point, they’re not politicians but nationwide thugs.’

    This is just unsophisticated medieval predation. I simply refine it and return the favor in a more elegant manner.

    Sebastian seemed to agree with my explanation.

    “That’s true enough.”

    Not long after, our carriage came to a halt.

    “This is the marketplace in the city of Pergamo, sir,” the coachman announced.

    Upon hearing him, we immediately disembarked.

    I handed the coachman a pouch containing a few silver coins and began observing my surroundings.

    “It’s so calm, you’d never think a war was on the horizon.”

    The Imperial Ministry of Military Affairs and Ministry of War are planning for a large-scale battle against the Grand Duchy of Milania in the County of Pergamo.

    In other words, somewhere within this territory, tens of thousands of soldiers will clash.

    The baker glanced around, looking as if he was about to call other members of the Bakers’ Guild over.

    Even nobles can’t get away with everything, especially when attempting to steal trade secrets.

    In this case, the guards or other authorities would likely side with the guild.

    “Of course, I’ll make it worth your while.”

    I placed a gold coin on the counter.

    The baker’s expression softened slightly.

    “...But this is guild business. How could I possibly tell you?”

    I already knew how the guild would handle this. They’d raid rural villages for stored flour, buy it off the peasants cheaply, and resell it at inflated prices while blaming bandits.

    Even knowing this, I came here to confirm whether they’ve already exhausted the peasants’ reserves—or if they still have resources left.

    “If it’s a guild secret, then so be it.”

    If I couldn’t extract information from him, I’d simply find someone else.

    As I reached for the coin, I carefully observed his reaction.

    If he looked regretful, I could push a little further. If he turned his head away, he wouldn’t budge.

    Sure enough, he eyed the gold coin with visible longing.

    ‘He’d sell out the guild’s secrets for a few more coins.’

    “I was willing to offer three gold coins for an honest answer.”

    “Three? Truly?”

    Adding a bit of a lie helps make your story convincing.

    “I’m the head of the Lyndon Trading Company. We’re based far from here, so you wouldn’t know us. I’m just gathering information to make a profit.”

    If I mentioned being a noble of the Tuscan Empire, he’d clam up.

    ‘The psychological resistance to selling out secrets is much lower when it’s to a foreigner rather than a fellow countryman.’

    I added two more gold coins to the counter.

    The baker pulled out paper and a pencil, writing something down meticulously.

    Perhaps he wanted to ensure no one nearby could overhear.

    Not a bad idea.

    ‘Not that I intend to leak this information, anyway.’

    [It seems the Bakers’ Guild hasn’t yet started buying up flour from nearby villages. We plan to purchase it ourselves to resolve the immediate shortage.]

    Now all I need to do is buy up the remaining grain in the County and sell it to the Tuscan Empire’s army for a hefty profit.

    ‘While I rake in my profits, the Grand Duchy’s military will lose its mind over the food shortage.’

    “Thank you. Here are your three gold coins. One piece of advice, though.”

    “What is it?”

    “Don’t flaunt your newfound wealth. It’ll only attract suspicion.”

    Leaving those words behind, I set out to sweep up the remaining grain in the surrounding rural villages.