Sage's words left Koala and Robin in a momentary silence.
They weren't sure how Sage handled things in his own territory, but every Great Pirate had their own style of doing things.
Some enjoyed killing, some enjoyed destruction, some sought pleasure, some pursued profit, or simply liked meat... those are all pirates.
But to eliminate all the merchants in the territory...
Those are merchants!
Even within the Revolutionary Army, a significant portion of the funding comes from commerce.
Plus, Sage is a pirate; he inherently has difficulty attracting legitimate businessmen...
"Um, may I ask a question?"
After the Demon Race dragged away the lifeless-looking Andre, Robin raised her hand and asked, "Sage, how many merchants do you intend to take down?"
"Who knows."
Sage sat back in his chair, waved his hand, and Bella handed him a cut cigar.
Click.
The lighter made a crisp sound as it ignited the cigar, and Sage exhaled a puff of smoke. "I usually don't keep track, but it should be quite a few."
"According to the registration in the country, from factory owners to traders of bulk goods, there are a total of 138 merchants."
Lily replied, "As for the small vendors and shopkeepers, they are not included."
Although there is economic intervention, it is essentially laissez-faire. What people do below that level is their business. As long as it's below a certain threshold, they don't care, but whatever is done requires taxes.
After all, it's hard to count the populace, but the small merchants hiring workers are there, and when they pay salaries, they already prepay the taxes.
Together, these 138 merchants almost control 70% of O'hara's bulk trade and industry.
The remaining 30% is Sage's core, untouchable by others.
It may sound outrageous... but it depends on the population.
With a population of over two million, having more than a hundred engaged in bulk commodity and industry isn't that many.
Moreover, Sage is quite lenient with merchants. As long as they pay taxes honestly without deducting them, they can grow as much as they can; that's their skill, and he never meddles.
"O-One hundred plus merchants is a lot!"
Koala stammered, "Hey, Calamity, if you do this, will anyone still come in the future? And what if they run away?"
These aren't small vendors; these are capable businessmen. According to him, the Revolutionary Army only has a dozen such people at most, providing them with resources and funding, and they're cherished like treasures.
Is Sage really going to kill them all now?
"Can monks run away with the church?"
Sage scoffed, "The stuff is here. What's the point if they run? Even if they get the news, what can they take away? Industries are immovable, how much material can they carry on ships? If someone gets lucky and takes some Belly... what good is paper?"
The meat's in the pot, and whether it boils well or poorly, it's not growing legs to fly away. Eating it is up to him.
As for monetary losses, if it comes to that point, Sage can have a fallback plan to cover it.
Does he take his Rainbow Gems as fake?
Under Dofla and Crocodile's operations, although they haven't reached the million Belly value Sage desires, they're worth around 300,000 Belly now.
As a luxury item, its price isn't low. After all, out on the sea, a branded shirt is just 10,000 Belly, a jacket is 30,000 or 40,000, and high-quality luxury brands are about ten times that amount.
Comparing to East Sea, even the famous Baladi Restaurant costs only 13,000 to 14,000 Belly for a meal, similar to half or a third of an ordinary person's monthly salary.
That's why Sage really doesn't fear merchants running away, and even less so taking money with them, leaving the territory without funds...
His products have no problem selling.
"Mm..."
Sage stroked his chin, pondered for a while, and said, "That guy Piekro represents an industry that truly cannot be let go, the six major industries. We won't take on assassination jobs, but transitioning to debt collection could work."
Originally, he thought the funeral industry Piekro represented was of no use to him, but now, after considering, it might not be the case.
Regardless of whether these merchants can escape, once the banks open and loans flow, he can't send Sage or his subordinates for debt collection, can he? Occasionally as a side role is fine, but not long-term.
It needs to replace that industry and develop a professional debt-collection agency.
But there's no rush; the six major industries are interconnected, and each might have side jobs. For now, the primary focus should be on developing the basic framework, and then figure these out later.
"Sage, what about the intensity?" Lily asked.
"Do as you see fit." Sage waved his hand.
"Then let's handle it with the same severity as cleansing the nobles. After all, betrayal is a grave crime, with the main culprits subject to the Demon Race's skinning Blood Eagle Torture."
Lily's nonchalant words sent a chill through the banquet hall, making the maids and chefs standing behind shiver in unison.
They were all local residents, with only a few outsiders.
The bloodbath stirred here wasn't that long ago, just over a year, and their memories were pretty vivid.
At that time, walking the streets of Storm City felt sticky!
Is it going to happen again now...
Lily's words also made Robin and Koala's expressions shift, each showing a grave expression.
Earlier, they just felt the slaughter was inappropriate, but as soon as Lily spoke, they felt a bloody scent rush straight to their heads.
As a member of the Four Emperors, many of Sage's deeds are well-known to the world.
After conquering this Kingdom, they had heard of the rumors of his massacre of all nobles to ensure his rule.
At the time, the Revolutionary Army even sent people to the surrounding areas, trying to rescue any survivors.
After all, Sage's reputation was pretty poor back then.
If it weren't for the later rumors of stability and prosperity reaching the Revolutionary Army, Dorag might not have considered collaborating with Sage.
Internal discussions considered that perhaps it was just hearsay because pirates always had a bad reputation.
Pirates, yes, they're known for killing, but not necessarily slaughtering entire families, right?
But hearing this now...
The rumors might be true?
"W-What are you going to do?" Koala couldn't help but ask, "Kill them all? They're innocent, those people..."
"Koala."
Robin stood up, reminding, "Since the deal is settled, we should return."
Saying this, she pulled Koala up, saying, "So we'll take our leave now."
"Won't you stay a while longer? After all, we're relatives; I'd like to host you." Sage grinned.
"There will be opportunities in the future, Sage..."
Robin gave him a complex look, wanting to say something but holding back, only offering him a smile before pulling Koala away.
Once they were out of sight, Renedia sarcastically remarked:
"Quite perceptive, the mere Revolutionary Army teaching us? Have they killed Heavenly Celestial Dragons?"
Sage exhaled smoke, curling a cold smile.
Relatives?
Which one of those present isn't closer than her?
Since her rejection of his offer in Alabasta, they weren't on the same path anymore.
Relatives, he acknowledges; anything else, no.
"Robin, this Calamity is too much, even if it's betrayal, punishing the individuals is enough, but according to them, they want to kill entire families! Is this what pirates are?!"
Not until they exited the Royal Palace did Koala finally say what she had held in.
She's not foolish, she knows some words are off-limits; earlier it was merely a subconscious response.
"Yes."
Robin nodded gently, "That's what pirates are."