People who have seen Marinburg often say it's a giant beast devouring gold and seawater.
The resident population of Marinburg is about 150,000, but the actual city population may be 500,000 or more. Ever since the "Savior" Ludwig allowed Marinburg's independence 150 years ago, the city has developed rapidly and chaotically as if it had been unshackled. Every day, more buildings emerge, built upon existing structures, even on bridges and in shallow waters. Each day, more criminals dig deeper tunnels hoping to smuggle precious items through them. The originally clearly planned district layout of the city becomes blurred, and the influx of more people gradually turns Marinburg not just into a city but a large urban conglomeration.
Currently ruling Marinburg is the Grand Duke of Marinburg, the "Lender" Van der Gubben-Schultz. This great noble, over fifty years old, could be the richest person in the world, and his lineage is quite peculiar. Essentially, he is an Imperial man, yet his family crest is the fleur-de-lis, deeply tied to Brittania.
In the high castle, the over-fifty-year-old Grand Duke of Marinburg, Van der Gubben-Schultz, is sitting in his luxurious office, carefully reviewing loan notes.
These loan notes feature the names of many great nobles of this world, especially those from the Dukes of Brittania. Loan notes in this world cannot be repudiated, because each one in Schultz's hand carries the divine power judged by the God of Justice, leaving no noble room for denial.
"His Grace Bohemond still owes me ten carts of gold marks, Mueller, do you have any news?" Schultz rubbed his temples, the scrolls infused with divine power seeming a bit dazzling to him.
The courtier named Mueller immediately stepped forward to inform the Duke, "His Grace Bohemond says he needs you to grant an extension." For original chapters go to novel⸺fire.net
"Alright, tell him to settle the remaining balance before the Winter Festival. However, if it's delayed beyond the Winter Festival, then I'll have to charge interest."
"Understood, Your Grace, the Empire is urging this year's defense fee." The courtier, Mueller, immediately noted the Duke's orders.
"This money must be given. Quickly notify His Majesty Carl Franz to send troops to collect it." The Duke nodded. Each year, Marinburg has to pay a "protection fee" to the Empire to ensure its independence and safety. In return, if faced with an implacable enemy, the Empire must deploy forces to protect the city.
"Also, according to reports from the front, the Bearman Tribe rampaging in Nord territory has retreated. The reason for the retreat is a young White Wolf Knight killed the renowned Bearman Tribe Chief, Chaos Champion Bireg, in a champion duel." Mueller pulled out a new record.
"Champion duel? Interesting, does Nord have such a warrior?" Schultz curiously stroked his chin, his thick beard meticulously groomed and shining brightly: "A young White Wolf Knight? Could it be that Great Hammer something?"
"Yes, Duke, that young man is indeed the Great Hammer Laine. According to our sources, he is currently traveling by ship towards Marinburg."
"He's coming towards me? Strange, after winning a champion duel, wouldn't Nord or the Empire reward him with a title or something? Such a capable fighter, and not of peasant origin, surely someone would have invited him." The Duke felt curious.
"Laine is a White Wolf Knight, and... the Saintess Order has declared that he is now the Divine Chosen of the Lady of the Lake." Courtier Mueller brought up Laine's detailed dossier: "Various powers should already be preparing to invite him, but any real action will likely happen after the Winter Festival."
"Now this is very interesting, all the powers are vying for this newly risen star... Interesting, what do you think, if during this time I recruit him as another guardian of this city?"