SSS Ranked Merchant: Rebuilding a Broken Kingdom With Unlimited Wealth-Chapter 28: Web of Corruption

Felix sat in the council chamber, arms lazily draped over the armrests of his chair, exuding the air of a man who had much better things to do than listen to self-important bureaucrats drone on about taxes and grain shipments.

The chamber was dimly lit, save for the flickering candlelight reflecting off polished wooden tables, illuminating the faces of the so-called "esteemed" members of the village's governing body.

At the head of the table sat Telio, the village head, his plump fingers drumming rhythmically against the wood.

Surrounding him were a handful of minor nobles and influential merchants, the kind of men who measured their self-worth in how much coin they could hoard.

Their expressions ranged from smug to vaguely constipated as they whispered among themselves, exchanging sly nods and knowing glances.

Felix had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. Oh, the grand council of "How Can We Make More Money While Everyone Else Starves" was in session once again.

Telio cleared his throat, a calculated pause before he spoke. "As we were saying, gentlemen, it would be in our best interests to—"

"Steal from the poor?" Felix interrupted, quirking a brow.

A few gasps. A choked cough. A dramatic shift of weight in chairs.

Telio's lips pressed into a thin line. "To ensure the village's economic stability," he corrected, giving Felix a pointed look that screamed, play along.

"Right. Because hiking up grain prices while people are already struggling to afford bread is so stable."

A merchant with a particularly large mustache scoffed. "You don't seem to understand, Felix. This is business. If the villagers cannot afford it, they should work harder."

"They're farmers. They are working. Quite literally all the time. Unlike, say...you."

Another scandalous murmur rippled through the room.

Telio sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose like a tired father dealing with an unruly child. "Felix, let's not be difficult. We all must make sacrifices."

"Oh?" Felix smirked. "What exactly are you sacrificing, Telio? Your third serving of roast duck?"

Telio's eye twitched. The nobles and merchants shifted uncomfortably. The mustached man adjusted his collar, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

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Felix let the silence stretch, letting them stew in their discomfort. Then, finally, he spoke, his voice calm but firm. "I refuse."

A pin could have dropped, and it would have echoed.

Telio's gaze darkened. "Then you put yourself at risk."

Felix tilted his head, an amused glint in his eyes. "Are you threatening me, old man?"

More glances exchanged. The air felt heavier, weighed down by unspoken words and veiled threats.

Felix stretched, pretending to yawn. "Well, if that's all, I'll be on my way. It's been delightful, as always." He stood up, offering a lazy wave. "Gentlemen."

As he strode toward the exit, he could feel their glares burning into his back. Let them stew. Let them plot.

He had more important things to do—like figuring out just how deep this corruption ran...and how much trouble he was about to be in for saying no.