For some people, borrowing money is not a difficult matter. They simply approach friends or family and explain what they need the money for.
The process is quick and effortless. After all, it involves only two people, and the amount borrowed is usually small.
However, things are different when it comes to large-scale loans between a noble family and a specialized institution like the Trading House. Such loans involve lengthy procedures, strict requirements, and various other conditions.
That’s only natural, considering the sums involved often range from millions to hundreds of millions, even billions of Sharn.
The process can be extremely difficult, often taking days or even weeks to complete.
Moreover, the Trading House does not approve every application. Rejections can occur for many reasons—unstable financial flows, problems within the fiefdom such as bandit attacks or drought, and so on.
The Austin family’s current situation fell into this category. The appearance of the sea monster had thrown their income—and that of every noble family in the eastern region—into turmoil.
This was especially true for those who relied on the sea fisheries sector and on trade between kingdoms and empires.
As a result, many turned to the Red Obsidian Trading House for financial support. This surge in demand was also the main reason Zarak’s popularity skyrocketed throughout the eastern region.
Rafine had no intention of letting the situation drag on, let alone forcing the Austin family to support Zarak.
To her, Zarak was an emotionally unstable man, unworthy of becoming emperor.
She fixed her determined gaze on Theo, her eyes holding both resolve and hope.
He’s our only chance to get out of this mess, she murmured, clenching her fists.
If that failed, the Austin family would have no choice but to turn to the Red Obsidian Trading House—a desperate move she wanted to avoid at all costs.
Beside her, Nolan remained silent, merely casting her a sidelong glance.
She’s such a straightforward girl, he thought with silent praise.
Despite her sometimes annoying behavior, Nolan couldn’t deny that Rafine was both intelligent and remarkable. She had not only a keen intellect but also impressive emotional insight.
Well, her emotional awareness did falter occasionally around him—but even then, it was still unusually high for someone her age.
"I understand your situation, Young Lady Rafine," Theo’s indifferent voice broke the silence from across the table.
He took a slow sip of tea, his gaze calm and steady, before asking, "However, before we continue, may I know the amount of the loan the Austin family wishes to request?"
Relieved that Theo hadn’t rejected her outright, Rafine steadied herself before replying, "Based on our calculations from the losses during the sea monster’s attack, we’ve lost roughly four billion Sharn. I’d like to request a loan of three billion. With it, I believe we can revive the economy and ease the poverty affecting several noble territories in the east."
The monster’s appearance lasted just over a week, yet its impact was already immense. Poverty surged, and many noble families lost most of their fortunes trying to endure the hardship.
The Austin family had also poured out much of their wealth to help them, but the results were far from satisfactory.
"Three billion Sharn?" Elina gasped, swallowing hard.
In her entire life, she had never seen such a sum. Her savings amounted to only a few million Sharn, plus the sixteen million her brother had given her.
Even so, knowing the money would be used for the welfare of the eastern region’s people helped her steady herself.
It might seem large to one person, but for the entire population of the eastern region, it was next to nothing.
"Three billion Sharn, huh?" Theo gave a slight nod, his eyes narrowing. "That’s an unusually large sum. Still, with our current finances, it’s within safe limits."
Then, a faint smile crossed his face. "Well, I approve the Austin family’s loan request. And since I know the crisis in the eastern region is severe, we’ll add another billion Sharn, making it an even four billion. How does that sound?"
His words left Elina, Luvistar, and—of course—Rafine stunned. Rafine’s mouth fell open, her eyes widening.
"Branch Chief Theo... Are you serious? Adding another billion Sharn?" She asked, swallowing nervously.
She had proposed three billion because it was the smallest amount she dared to request. If not for the fear of rejection, she would have asked for four billion from the very start.
However, she didn’t want to take any risks and settled on the safer figure. What she never expected was for Theo to raise it to four billion Sharn—it was completely beyond her imagination.
"Yes, I’m serious," Theo replied calmly. "But there are conditions, and I hope you can accept them."
Rafine quickly regained her composure, her expression turning solemn.
"Please, go ahead, Branch Chief Theo," she said firmly.
No matter how tough the terms were, she would accept them. Compared to dealing with the Red Obsidian Trading House, borrowing from the Blue Moon Trading House was by far the better choice.
Still smiling, Theo explained, "The terms are simple. The Blue Moon Trading House will grant a repayment period of five years with an annual interest rate of five percent. In addition, we require the rights to manage Mount Vulkrund and the surrounding area for twenty years. Can you agree to that?"
Rafine froze at his words. Five years might be short, but it was still more than enough for the Austin family to repay the debt.
What’s more, the interest rate was only five percent—a remarkably low figure. At the Red Obsidian Trading House or similar institutions, annual rates could range from nine to fifteen percent.
That was why borrowing from them was often no different from stepping into an endless hell.
However, that last condition... Rafine muttered with a frown. Mount Vulkrund? Isn’t that the place Nolan requested earlier?
To ease Nolan and Elina’s anger over the expulsion incident at the city gates, Rafine had made Nolan two promises.
One she had kept in reserve, while the other granted him the right to use a thousand acres of land in the Vulkrund region.
And now, Theo was asking for the entire mountain and its surrounding area—directly conflicting with her promise to Nolan.
Rafine opened and closed her mouth, but no words came out. Her mind churned, torn between honoring her promise to Nolan and securing the loan.
After a full minute of silent deliberation, she steeled herself and spoke firmly, "I accept the five-year term and the five percent interest, Branch Leader Theo. But as for the rights to Mount Vulkrund, I’m sorry—"
Before she could finish, Nolan cut in, "Thank you for your concern, but I have no objection, Rafine. Please, just accept the terms."