Страж Империи / Guardian of the Empire: Глава 2

Chapter 2
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Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:04

Trim the Rat's low house, huddled among its taller brothers in Greasy Dead End, still struck us with its squalid appearance. The facade had never been renovated, the roof was dilapidated, the front door was cracked and dirty-gray. At first glance, it looked like some kind of den, not the home of a wealthy person. And inside, everything was squalid and dismal. The varnish on the furniture was peeling, the carpets were dirty and worn through with holes. Even a junkman would disdain such junk.

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:07

"Karridan Steini," Trim said with a hint of satisfaction. He glanced at me and continued his unsuccessful attempts to rub a red stain in the corner of some iron tray or mirror with his thumb. "What brings you to my Creator-forsaken hole?"

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:11

“Oh, just a small money matter,” I replied, looking at the moneylender, who had noticeably gained weight since our last meeting.

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:17

"Does the Magistrate pay the foremen poorly?"

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:17

I was amazed by Trim's incredible powers of observation. He saw everything he needed to in a short moment.

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:17

"No, not bad. Only when will it come, this salary?"

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:18

"And what do you want from me?" the moneylender grumbled grumpily. "To give you a salary?"

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:20

“No,” I chuckled. “I urgently need ten gold coins.”

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:20

“Don’t you need to date the Emperor’s daughter?” Trim asked seriously, putting his piece of iron aside.

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:21

"I wouldn't refuse such an option," I admitted. "But just money will do."

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:22

"Why do you need so much?" Trim asked, putting his hands together and tapping his fingers.

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:23

"This is a lucky opportunity," I explained, rubbing the new badge with my sleeve cuff. "I received a temporary appointment, and I'm counting on turning it into a permanent one. I just need to bribe someone in the Magistrate."

Camrad_RIP 19.08.25 в 20:24

"That's reasonable," Trim responded approvingly to my idea and asked, "And if the deal falls, how will you repay the debt? You'll have to save up that amount for a very long time."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:07

"No need," I shook my head. "The promotion is a trifle. I have a big bonus waiting for me. Haven't heard about the commotion at the Eastern Gate yet? How did we chase away the smugglers there?"

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:08

“I’ve heard some rumors,” the moneylender said thoughtfully and asked, “For how long do you want to borrow?”

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:09

"Well..." Pretending to be doing some calculations, I looked up at the ceiling and then said, "For three decades. While the treasury evaluates everything and issues a bonus..."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:10

"Okay, then you'll owe two gold coins on top of the borrowed ten."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:12

"Have some conscience, Trim!" I was indignant. "Honestly, they take a fifth share per year, not per month."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:12

"Go to the moneylender's office," Trim suggested indifferently, shrugging his shoulders. "But I have different rates. For the risk."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:13

“It’s still too much,” I noted sullenly. “Before, you took a tenth share.”

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:14

"My percentage depends on the circumstances. The larger the sum and the more serious the risk, the higher the percentage. Oh well, you're a reliable person, you've never let me down before, so be it - I'll knock off five silver coins."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:26

"Ten," I decided to insist on my own. "Or I will never come to you again. And I will dissuade all my friends from contacting you."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:29

"Twelve," Trim said, looking at me with a grin. "And I'm making this concession only out of the kindness of my heart and respect for the valiant guard."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:29

"Damn you," I cursed and waved my hand.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:30

Smiling contentedly, the moneylender pulled out a drawer of his desk and pulled out a skinny velvet purse.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:32

"Here you go," he threw it to me.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:32

Having loosened the strings, I made sure that I had received exactly ten gold roldos. Nodding, I said goodbye to this money-grubber.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:33

"Just don't forget to pay on time," Trim said after me as I left the room. "Unless you want to meet my cute rats."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:34

Hints at the persistent rumors circulating in town that he feeds debtors to these vile rodents so that no traces are left.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:35

"Uh-huh," I muttered, not turning around, so as not to show the grin that had appeared on my face. "It's terrifying. It would be. If only I weren't going to die in three days."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:36

Carefully closing the door behind me, the rusty hinges of which made a piercing creak, I went out into the street. The stuffiness fell again. However, the mood after the successful scam was elevated, which allowed me to ignore the incredible heat.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:37

“Well?” Roald and Veld asked, hiding from the sun in the shade of the balcony of the corner house.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:38

"Trim approved of our plans for the upcoming fun and contributed to their implementation," I replied with a smile.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:39

"How much did you get?" asked Roald.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:40

"Ten gold pieces."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:40

"Kar, are you crazy?!" Veld twirled his finger at his temple. The amount named stunned him. "With that kind of money, the entire guard could party for decades! And how much would we have to pay back later?"

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:41

"Do you think you did the right thing?" Roald looked at me carefully, understanding my plan.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:42

"It is not for nothing that the Holy Fathers say in their sermons: Do not do evil to your neighbor, for you will be rewarded for it doubly,” I answered. “That’s how it turned out…”

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:43

I wanted to say that Trim had made five gold pieces off my needs, but had lost ten because of it, but, glancing sideways at Veld, I remained silent.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:44

"Where do we go next?" Roald sighed, waving his hand. "To other moneylenders?"

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:45

“No,” I thought and shook my head. “Let’s go to your place?”

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:46

"Why?" Roald was surprised.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:47

"I want to ask Triss to sew me some new clothes," I shared my thoughts with the foreman. Rubbing my stomach, I added, "And let's eat at the same time!"

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:48

"Oh, that's it," Veld supported me. No wonder - Roald's wife cooks so well that you'll lick your fingers after trying her cooking.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:49

"Very well," laughed Roald. "Come on, you gluttons."

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:49

"We'll just go through the shopping district," I decided.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:50

Triss will buy the material herself if I can convince her to take on the job, but I still need to go shopping. Buy some presents for Lina and Troy. I have plenty of money, so why not do something nice for the kids?

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:50

Veld also thought it was not right to visit empty-handed and supported me. Roald had to resign himself to the necessity of making a considerable detour on the way to his house. In general, having learned about the misfortune that had befallen me, he became surprisingly restrained. Previously, he would have pulled us to his place, without regard for any customs or decency.

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 06:53

"Roald?" Triss was surprised by the unexpected appearance of guests in the house. "You're on duty until the evening, aren't you?"

Camrad_RIP 20.08.25 в 07:04