Chapter 236: Rinella’s Destiny is Her Own (29)

The term ‘swindler’ in the slums denoted a type of loan shark.

However, it wasn’t a title they embraced; rather, it was a derogatory label given to them by the slum dwellers. Their primary source of income was preying on the illiterate countryside folk, exploiting them for money.

They were an organization that functioned much like parasites, present almost everywhere and extremely opportunistic .

However, their presence was news to me, indicating that they were a newly established force that had taken root in the Percus territory.

Loan sharking, at its core, catered to individuals in dire need of money. It was customary for merchants, particularly those facing strict deadlines, to seek urgent loans.

Thus, for loan sharks to thrive, specific conditions were essential.

The existence of a market was the key factor.

Without a thriving market, loan sharks couldn’t survive. Permanent markets typically flourished in larger territories, since they were sustained by ample demand.

So, according to this logic, there was no reason for loan sharks to venture into the Percus territory, which was nothing more than a countryside.

Yet, with Ria’s proactive business development, a shift had occurred.

Through Ria’s efforts, a systematic supply chain and legitimate job opportunities emerged. Consequently, the Percus territory underwent a gradual transition towards a monetary economy.

As a result, a small permanent market surfaced in the Percus territory.

Though nascent, this economic development in a poor territory drew the attention of opportunists that swarmed in like flies.

After all, although small in scale, the place showed signs of progress.

It wouldn’t hurt to secure a foothold in advance.

These so-called ‘swindlers’ especially tended to be worse than others. They operated loan sharking organizations akin to branches across multiple territories, and boasted significant influence and capital that was incomparable to local ruffians.

In contrast, the latter were merely minor players in the local underworld.

Despite various reasons, Ria did not interfere with these swindlers.

In the short term, their influx of capital injected vitality into the market.