Time Travel? Rebirth? I Win This Time!

Mike Bai crouched outside the window that doubled as a classroom, keeping a close watch on Leonardo, the newly recruited tutor and family advisor. He feared that Leonardo might say something out of line that could harm the children.

Fortunately, Leonardo, standing at the podium, was still very professional. He lectured the students with enthusiasm, ranging from the distribution of constellations to the characteristics of plants and animals. He could discuss Greek epics and even recite Latin poetry.

It was hard not to admire Leonardo's vast knowledge. No wonder, despite being penniless, he still attracted the attention of the tavern maids who liked to "study" with him at night.

"Master Leonardo, is it true that Baron Mike Bai is truly blessed by the Lord?" Dogo, one of the students, raised his hand excitedly to ask.

"Why do you ask, young Dogo?" Leonardo replied kindly.

"How else could the Baron discover the 'holy water'?"

At this, Leonardo smiled gently. "Rather than saying Baron Mike Bai is blessed by the Lord, it's more accurate to say he found the treasure that the Lord prepared for mankind ahead of others."

The children, including Mike Bai, all looked at Leonardo with curiosity.

"In the beginning, the Lord created light, air, continents, stars, animals, humans, and the rhythm of time in six days," Leonardo began, his voice steady. "All things exist at the Lord's will, but only humans were made in the Lord's image. Doesn't that suggest humans are the Lord's favored children?"

"The Lord shows mercy to mankind and will send the Holy Son to redeem our sins," Leonardo continued, making a sign of the cross and speaking with a peaceful expression. "But the Lord does not indulge us. He admonishes us when we err, yet He is joyful when we grow."

"But we're growing every day, and we don't see the Lord blessing us!" one child questioned.

"That's because human growth isn't limited to the body, but more about exploring the world!" Leonardo responded with excitement. "Though individuals may die, future generations can learn from the wisdom of the past and grow stronger. And isn't this the Lord's blessing?"

Looking at the hopeful faces of the children, Leonardo's voice grew even more passionate.

"All the mysteries of the world lie within the Lord's will. As the Lord's most beloved children, shouldn't we understand these mysteries and uphold His glory? And the Lord will surely bless us in return. Just like Baron Mike Bai—he discovered the treasure left for humanity and used it to relieve the suffering caused by disease. Isn't that a blessing from the Lord?"

Mike Bai was taken aback. These followers were really good at spinning stories! He had simply invented alcohol, yet somehow they tied him to divine favor. If he hadn't received modern education, he might have believed it himself.

But seeing the excited children, Mike Bai couldn't help but tap his chin. Perhaps there was an idea here: science under the name of showcasing the Lord's glory.

"Alright! That's all for today's lesson. Think about how to explore the world properly, and we'll discuss it again tomorrow."

After assigning "homework," Leonardo packed up and slowly walked out.

As he passed Mike Bai, Leonardo gave him a playful wink before smiling warmly. "Baron, next time just come in to listen. It's much easier than hanging out the window."

Mike Bai felt like a student caught sleeping in class by the teacher who suddenly popped up from the window. He smiled awkwardly. Still, he had to respect Leonardo. The old man seemed to be one of the pioneers of this age, someone with immense courage in seeking the truth of the world.

"Master Leonardo, thank you for your hard work," Mike Bai said, genuinely appreciating the man's efforts.

"It's no trouble at all." Leonardo waved him off. "Just settle the lesson fee, and we're good."

Mike Bai rolled his eyes. "Of course. Even masters need to eat."

"Mike Bai, you're here!" Demore appeared from the side. "There's a man claiming to be the head of the Genoese merchant guild looking for you."

Mike Bai followed Demore into the hall, where a well-dressed merchant was waiting. The man wore a tight red tunic and a feathered hat, exuding an air of high nobility.

"Greetings, Baron Mike Bai!" The merchant elegantly bowed.

"Welcome, Guildmaster," Mike Bai replied, curious. He didn't remember having any business dealings with Genoa.

"I apologize for the sudden visit, but I come on behalf of the entire Genoese merchant guild to discuss a business deal with you. A very big deal."

"Oh?" Mike Bai raised an eyebrow, now intrigued.

The Guildmaster clearly anticipated Mike Bai's interest. He hesitated for a moment, waiting for Mike Bai to speak.

Mike Bai, however, stayed silent, not giving him the satisfaction.

Finally, the Guildmaster spoke the word slowly: "Spices."

Mike Bai's expression grew serious, his gaze sharpening. The spice trade in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the entire eastern Mediterranean, was almost entirely controlled by the Venetians, generating enormous profits. These profits allowed the Venetians to build massive fleets and employ countless mercenaries, maintaining a stranglehold on the market.

Mike Bai didn't doubt that if anyone tried to challenge their control, the Venetians would tear them apart without a second thought.

"William! Get this man out of here!" Mike Bai ordered.

"Please, just hear me out!" The Guildmaster, clearly sensing the tension, quickly added, "Does the Baron want the Venetians to continue controlling the spice trade and engage in dealings with Saladin?"

"Wait," Mike Bai's voice cut through. "Go on."

The Guildmaster adjusted his clothes and looked at Mike Bai earnestly. "You've just returned from the Battle of Mores, and I'm sure you've captured many supplies from Saladin, including military equipment from the Apennine Peninsula—perhaps even siege weapons."

Mike Bai remained silent, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes, all of it was sold to Saladin by the Venetians. Only they would trade with the infidels."

Mike Bai sneered. "If that's all, you can leave. It's common knowledge that the Venetians sell goods to infidels. The Pope even threatened them with excommunication, but the Venetians don't care."

"But Genoa, as true believers in the Lord, would never do such a thing." The Guildmaster drew a cross in the air, trying to emphasize his sincerity.

"Hmph!" Mike Bai scoffed, not buying the act. He trusted the Venetians' character as much as he trusted Saladin would lay down his sword.

"Don't doubt our integrity," the Guildmaster said, unruffled by the mockery. "At least trust in the potential for mutual benefit."

He smiled, confident. "Unlike the Venetians, who can trade with Slavs, Byzantines, and Saracens, one-third of Genoa's annual income comes from the Papacy. We could never risk our big client for Saladin."

The Guildmaster continued, "For you, Baron, it would be far more advantageous to have Genoa control the spice trade. We won't sell to Saladin, at least not for the next ten years."

Mike Bai raised an eyebrow. "And what's in it for you?"

"We can offer more than the Venetians, who only pay a small annual fee." The Guildmaster's voice grew even more earnest. "We can offer you 10,000 gold ducats as a token of goodwill."

William, who had been drinking, nearly choked on his drink at the mention of the amount. The rest of the people in the room gasped, even Sassan's normally stoic face betrayed a hint of interest.

Mike Bai tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought. After a long pause, he finally said, "Give me a few days to think it over."

"Of course!" The Guildmaster bowed deeply, his movements exaggerated, almost as if he were addressing a king rather than a ten-year-old baron. "If you are so kind as to grant us your favor within five days, we have even greater gifts to offer."