Chapter 105: I’m Not Depositing Anymore

Chapter 105: I’m Not Depositing Anymore

Clairement wasn’t wrong—this sudden flood of wealthy merchants and nobles had all come to deposit money!

"Lord Brum, what made you suddenly decide to deposit your money?" Clairement couldn’t help but ask Marquis Brum.

"Your Highness, are you unaware? The Empire has revised its tribute method, switching it to online payment. Now that the Empire’s great war has just ended, as loyal subjects, it’s only natural we fully support the Empire’s reconstruction!"

Marquis Brum wore an expression of righteous solemnity.

There was one thing he didn’t mention—aside from changing the tribute method, the Empire was also encouraging early payments. Those who paid their tribute in advance would receive a 3% reduction in the tribute fee.

When Brum received the Empire’s notice and saw this discount clause, he practically jumped three feet in the air and rushed to pay his tribute as fast as possible.

After all, this money couldn’t be avoided.

Especially after witnessing the Empire’s military might, he didn’t dare try to evade it. Whether paid early or late, it had to be paid eventually.

In that case, why not pay early? Not only would it demonstrate loyalty, but it would also reduce the tribute fee.

At this point, Brum cast a proud glance at the merchants lined up behind him.

"Old Tony, you penny-pinching old miser, what made you suddenly decide to deposit money?"

Old Tony was the burly merchant who had arrived first, but now he could only smile obsequiously as he stood in line behind the marquis.

Bowing his head, Tony replied, "My lord, you may not know this, but I was just about to purchase ore from the mines when I suddenly received word that all transactions must be settled through the Interconnected Bank. That’s why I hurried here."

"The mines? The Venice Mine? That’s Duke Mallory’s private property!"

"Exactly! So how could I dare delay? I rushed here as fast as I could."

"Same here! I was about to buy a batch of magical protective gear, but the Felix Magic Academy insisted on using the Interconnected Bank for payment. That’s why I had to come deposit money."

A baron nearby chimed in with an ingratiating smile, trying to join the conversation.

His addition sent a chill down everyone’s spines, and they abruptly turned to stare at Clairement.

The sudden attention left Clairement baffled.

Why are you all looking at me?

You don’t think this has anything to do with me, do you?

My brother is furious—would he even help me?

Besides, the Keville royal family doesn’t have that kind of influence!

‘The Empire is…’ Marquis Brum, sharp as ever, suddenly sensed a shift in the wind from this series of events.

"But you know what? I actually think this is a good thing. Before, to pay the mines, I had to hire mercenaries to escort the gold coins—and I even got robbed once. Now, with direct bank payments, it’s much more convenient and secure."

Merchant Tony couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

His words earned a nod of agreement from the viscount.

To be honest, as a merchant, Tony had noticed the Interconnected Bank the moment it appeared.

But that was as far as it went.

He would never have considered depositing his money—he was confident in his ability to protect his own wealth.

As for cashless payments?

Honestly, the thought had never crossed his mind.

A lifetime of cash transactions wasn’t something that could change overnight.

But when his suppliers enforced the new payment method, he had no choice but to comply.

And once he did, he suddenly realized—hey, this was actually pretty convenient.

Clairement was overseeing the counting of the currency while listening to the conversation, her heart filled with astonishment. Suddenly, she realized that this must be Lord Ajef's doing!

As a follower of the Internet God, Lord Ajef represented the Internet God in overseeing the affairs of the Keville Empire. There was no way he would stand by and let the Interconnected Bank be obstructed!

Thus, it made perfect sense that the nobles of Keville were being forced to use the Interconnected Bank for settlements.

In an instant, overwhelming joy filled Clairement's heart.

If Lord Ajef had taken action, and everyone started using the Interconnected Bank for transactions, then the bank's status would undoubtedly rise to unprecedented heights.

And as one of its first employees, her future was full of promise!

In fact, she was right again!

Overnight, under Ajef's influence, the Keville Empire issued a mandatory decree.

All financial transactions involving the Empire—tributes, taxes, procurement, and so on—would no longer accept cash settlements. Instead, they must all adopt the Interconnected Bank's cashless settlement method.

Moreover, the Three Great Gods of Magic used their influence to demand that all their followers conduct business settlements exclusively through the Interconnected Bank's cashless system.

What?

Worried that a string of numbers doesn’t feel secure?

Then just withdraw your money at the nearest bank branch, simple as that!

Would the Internet God really withhold a few of your copper coins?

Under the Empire's coercive decree, especially with the intimidating aura of recent victories, most nobles, however reluctant, had no choice but to comply.

And once they did—wow—the convenience of the bank became immediately apparent.

Especially for the great nobles engaged in business.

Transactions often involved hundreds of thousands of gold coins. In the past, they either had to transport the money through portals or hire mercenaries for escort.

One could say that before the business even began, a significant portion of hidden expenses was already spent on payments.

Now, with the bank handling all currency transfers, why wouldn’t they embrace it?

Especially when everyone realized that payments could be received instantly and cash withdrawn immediately on the other end. Gradually, distrust and resistance toward this new system began to fade.

They might as well treat the Interconnected Bank as a free transportation hub.

Yet, because of this, a sliver of doubt sprouted in Clairement's heart.

Could the Interconnected Bank truly attract savings just by relying on the nobles' payment settlements?

...

The next morning, as soon as the Interconnected Bank branch opened its doors, a timid old farmer, dressed in patched clothes, hesitantly approached. His hair was damp with dew, as if he had traveled a long distance.

When he caught sight of Clairement's beautiful face behind the glass wall, he grew even more nervous, almost afraid to come closer.

"Hello, the Interconnected Bank is delighted to serve you. Are you here to open a savings account?"

Clairement, who hadn’t even addressed Marquis Brum with honorifics the day before, now greeted the farmer with a warm smile.

Mr. Ajef had said that farmers were actually the biggest potential clients for savings accounts. Individually, they might not have much, but collectively, they were numerous.

So, when dealing with farmers, they must be given the best treatment, showcasing the demeanor of Willis nobility!

Perhaps encouraged by Clairement's attitude, the farmer finally mustered his courage and said, "I heard... you can keep money here without charging a protection fee?"

"Absolutely! Not only do we not charge any safekeeping fees, but we also pay you interest. Our bank offers an annual interest rate of 1%. That means if you deposit 100 Keville Copper Coins, you’ll get back 101 Keville Copper Coins after a year."

"Is... is this for real?"

"Of course!"

"But... why? Why would you keep our copper coins for us and even give us more?" The farmer looked utterly baffled.

Clairement hesitated, then abandoned the complex economic principles Ajef had taught her.

"It’s the benevolence of the Internet God!" she said with a smile. "Just like how He freely shares magical knowledge online, the Internet God is kind, generous, and asks for nothing in return."

The farmer froze.

All his doubts seemed to vanish in an instant. With a sudden resolve, he pulled out a cloth pouch from his robe and handed it over.

"I wanna save this money."

"Certainly. Please open your internet connection—I’ll need to verify your Soul ID."

Clairement took the pouch, inwardly wrinkling her nose at how grimy it was. Still, she suppressed her disgust and poured out the coins.

But when gleaming silver and a few gold coins tumbled out, her eyes widened in shock.

This was the farmer’s savings?

It was far beyond anything she’d imagined!

"This here’s my eldest son’s compensation money. I read online that lotsa folks got their money stolen. My little one’s still young, and everyone in the village knows we got a big payout. I was scared, so I came to save it."

The old farmer’s voice was heavy, his words jumbled with emotion.

Clairement fell silent.

Without another word, she focused intently, carefully counting the coins and double-checking with the farmer before depositing the sum into his account.

Just as she was about to teach him how to check his Interconnected Bank balance—

The thunder of hooves suddenly echoed down the street.

Startled, she looked up to see merchant Tony galloping toward them at breakneck speed.

Before his horse even came to a full stop, he leaped off and rushed inside, his face twisted in panic.

"Your Highness! The money in my bank account—it changed! I-I didn’t touch it!"

The old farmer’s face paled. His trembling gaze darted to the coins now secured behind the counter.

His aged cheeks quivered, his voice thick with terror.

"I... I don’t wanna save no more. Can I take it back? P-please, give me my money back!"