“W-what? What did you just say? If I pay that consolation money than the Seirun workshop will perish immediately!”
“Yes, that’s it. The circumstances don’t matter. When you think about it, the residents of the slums were going to die.”
“T-that……”
Agathe made a firm expression and shook his head.
“That condition is unacceptable! I can’t allow Seirun to perish!”
“Well, you control the entire southern region of Bristania so it is difficult to imagine that you can be ruined by just that.”
“What?”
“The Seirun workshop is important to Ciel so maybe I should tell the King of Bristania instead of the guards? What would happen to Seirun then?”
“You cheeky fellow. Do you think the King of Bristania will believe the words of a mere foreigner like you? No, do you think you can even appear in front of His Majesty?”
Agathe suddenly hit back strongly. If the problem expanded then there was no guarantee of Seirun’s safety even if he had the King’s ear. Agathe would immediately receive punishment. However, there were various high ranking officials in Ciel who were susceptible to bribes. It was possible for him to stop the words of the poor and a foreigner from reaching the King’s ear using his connections.
“Ark-nim has the qualifications!”
Suddenly someone’s voice was heard from inside the alley. Confusion spread across Agathe’s face who turned around.
“What the? What bastard, huck, you?”
“Yes. I am the branch manager of Ciel’s Magic Institute, Rabent.”
It was the magician in the Magic Institute that Ark met when he first came to Ciel who said he was a fan of Ark. Rabent nodded towards Ark and began to talk again.
“Although I don’t know everything that is going on, Ark-nim is a member of the Magic Institute with a good standing.”
“M-member of the Magic Institute? The guy who looked for the transporter’s luggages?”
“Ark’s character is someone who can’t ignore it when he sees someone in trouble.”
Rabent said as he once again sent Ark a respectful look. He had completely misunderstood Ark. After all…..
“It is his character that made him work at the slums. Before Ark-nim came here, he dropped by the Magic Institute and told me most of the circumstances. It is quite a serious act. If Agathe-nim refuses this request then Ark will use his qualification as a full member of the Magic Institute to draw attention to this matter. Will Agathe-nim be okay if that happens? I’m talking about my Master. He does have some influence in Bristania.”
Agathe’s face turned white and terrified at the magician’s words.
“After hearing about the injustices of Seirun workshop, I’m honestly ashamed that the Magic Institute traded with you. I’m a mere branch manager so I can’t fathom how much anger my Master would feel.”
Fury flickered in Rabent’s eyes as he looked at Agathe with contempt.
“But if Agathe-nim accepts the polite request of Ark-nim who cares about the plight of the poor then I will bury this fact. I’ll speak clearly. This isn’t for Agathe-nim but because of my respect for Ark-nim who cares deeply about the poor.”
Ark hadn’t known it until now but only 20 users who received the title of ‘Magic Institute Member’ and no more than 500 NPCs. Therefore, the Master of the Magic Institute had a special interest and affection for those members. And this was the magic kingdom, where the Magic Institute’s influence was stronger than anywhere else.
‘Indeed, it is great that I know someone high ranking.’
Ark suddenly realized the importance of connections. Without even needing to go to the Master, Agathe completely gave up as soon as he heard Ark was a full member of the Magic Institute.
“Now, will you accept the conditions?”
Agathe started talking politely as he realized who was holding the sword. Ark gestured towards Rabent and thanked him for helping before continuing.
“What do you say? That is just the first condition.”
“Then what’s the second condition?”
“Pay me 2000 gold.”
“W-what?”
“That’s the fee and the costs of the ingredients for treating the residents of the slums. I’ll tell you in advance, but don’t think about accusing me of anything. Frankly, I think I should get 10,000 gold for my efforts. But after consulting with Rabent, he told me that it really would be a problem if Seirun workshop collapses. Do you understand? This is the limit of what I know Seirun can pay.”
Ark replied with a wicked grin. No matter the situation, Ark still took any opportunity to do some business. He knew that Agathe would decisively refuse the initial 1000 gold. After twisting the sword in, Ark used the opportunity to get compensation for the poor as well as 2000 gold for himself. He had originally decided on 1000 gold. However, Seirun really couldn’t be allowed to collapse so Ark managed to grasp the full range of Seirun’s assets from Rabent. When Ark presented the offer of 1000 gold for the poor and 2000 for Ark, he had taken into full account the maximum amount Seirun could afford. Since even his assets were identified, Agathe declared defeat while sweating.
“Fine. I’ll pay the compensation. But I can’t pay the money immediately or Seirun really will collapse. Shouldn’t you already know that if you grasped the full extent of my assets? I’ll divide the compensation into 3 and pay every two months. If you don’t accept that then I can’t do anything.”
Ark smiled at Agathe’s suggestion and nodded.
“That’s not a bad idea. Of course you will write a contract. If you don’t keep the agreement than the Magic Institute will seize Seirun and distribute its assets to the slum residents and me.”
“How cruel!”
“I don’t want to hear those words from you.”
Ark said with a smirk. After threatening Agathe, he received two contracts. One for Ark and one for the poor residents.
“Now, you should work diligently to pay off your debts.”
Ark shook the contract and laughed, causing Agathe to grind his teeth. Just as Ark was turning around, he hesitated and said.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you the third condition!”
“W-what? I don’t have anything else to give!”
“Why are you so startled? Don’t worry. I’m not asking for more money. Just to borrow your face.”
“Borrow my face?”
Agathe asked in a puzzled voice. Ark lifted his finger and pulled Agathe’s face down. Once it reached a suitable height, he smiled and spoke to Ronnie.
“Ronnie it’s your turn.”
Ppak-!
“Ugh!”
Ronnie bent down ran into his face like a missile. Agathe fell to the ground with a bloody face. While Agathe rolled around holding his nose, Ark squatted down beside him and said.
“Is this really okay?”
Ronnie nodded with a stoic expression and replied.
“Yes.”
“Fine, if you are satisfied with that.”
Ark praised Ronnie and stroked his hair.
“Do you understand? Apart from your mother who almost died, none of the other residents were in a really severe state. Only your mother was in a serious situation. That is because she endured the symptoms and continued working even after being punished by the Karadaras claw. Even when is wasn’t possible to move, she clenched her teeth and endured it.”
Ark grabbed Ronnie’s shoulder tightly and emphasized his words.
“It was for you. So that you could be proud of her. And she is proud of you.”
“Ark hyung.”
Ronnie embraced Ark while crying. Ark comforted Ronnie and returned to the slums. The slum residents passed the written contract among them before Tarun opened his mouth.
“How did this…..?”