This masked man and Matthew may not have a deep relationship, but they have been working together for a long time. Because of that, he had a good grasp on Matthew’s jealousy. And he couldn’t help but wonder, why? Why is it that Matthew won’t even bother to investigate the matters surrounding the people he wants hurt?
“Are you not aware? And here I thought you wanted him hurt because of his store’s profits.” [Masked Man]
Of course, that was not the masked man’s true feelings. He’s already fully aware that this man, Matthew, is doing this out of jealousy, and had said that as sarcasm.
Until now it was the masked man who had been responsible for putting together all the plans, and Matthew has not done a single thing till now except give approval. The masked man knew that as well, but he asked that only to put a stop to the conversation.
If one were to give an easy analogy for the man called Matthew, then he’s like a kid who received a toy called authority. He desired authority, then upon receiving it, he wanted to use it. And Matthew would use those two toys of his, authority and money, to eliminate anyone he didn’t like. He was that kind of man. That’s why, perhaps… it’s useless to think of a reason.
Matthew may not be a person who could be said to be above others when it comes to ability, but he was able to accumulate money and build connections through his position and authority. Matthew used those tools to slither his way to the good graces of those above him. And through bribery, he was able to ascend to an even higher position. It was through repeating this sort of unscrupulous method that Matthew was able to take the seat of a guild master at a tamer guild’s branch. Moreover, there were also plenty of times when Matthew would use the masked man to deal with future rivals.
“Hmph! Why must I be concerned about a brat like that? Besides, I do know something! Even if it’s just a rumor I hear from time to time, I do know that he washes clothes cheaply, and a lot of customers come to his shop. In fact, he’s even hired people. So I know that there’s no way he could make a profit. Even if he does, it’s probably a laughable amount.” [Matthew]
At such a response, what else could the masked man do? Nothing. There was nothing else but disgust.
“It’s certainly a miniscule amount from Matthew-sama’s perspective.” [Masked Man]
When Matthew heard that, he couldn’t help but twist his face in delight. However the next words, were like a downpour of cold rain.
“But to small creatures like me, a store with enough profit to make a branch store can’t be called small.” [Masked Man]
Those words were clearly sarcastic. He might lose a good customer because of this as Matthew was a high-paying customer who would bring out money at the pettiest things. However, he’s too stupid.
So far the masked man has had no problems with the people he has arranged. Each time, the men he has hired was always able to accomplish the job given. However, Ryouma was not a normal boy. Therefore, a normal method which worked for normal people couldn’t work on him. So the masked man offered a change of plans, but Matthew wouldn’t have any of it. That was the biggest reason they failed. And that failure hurt the masked man’s pride.
If someone with the ability were to investigate Ryouma’s background, then one would find out that he is someone who possesses connections to several influential people. The guild master of the adventurer’s guild, the guild master of the merchant guild, the president of a leading firm in the country, and even the duke’s household. For someone to lay his hand on a person like that, he must either be uninformed, or someone who possesses unyielding confidence. Matthew is the former, and the masked man is the latter.
Even if he were to go against the duke’s household itself, the masked man is confident that they won’t be able to catch him, but Matthew can only get in the way. If the masked man were to continue to associate himself with someone like Matthew, then he might just trip. At this rate, the risks won’t match the reward. If Matthew were to do something like this again, then… it might be better for him to resign.
“Branch store!? What’s the meaning of this!? I was told that his laundry services were cheap! There’s no way he could make a profit with that!” [Matthew]
“It’s true that’s he’s making a lot. In fact, the branch store seems to be a story from way back. And while it’s true that he charges at a low price, a lot of customers come every day, you know? A single person might only pay 10 suits, but with a 1000? Then that’s 10,000 suits. And because it’s cheap, there are plenty of people who become regulars. Moreover, as long as people live, there will be laundries every day. In other words, he’ll never run out of business. It’s a really well-thought-out business plan.” [Masked Man]
“True, true… that’s definitely true. However! There shouldn’t be any way for him to deal with that many laundry! Otherwise his employee expenses would pile up!” [Matthew]
The masked man blatantly sighed.
“That store can wash over a thousand laundries every day. Who, no, what do you think is washing those?” [Masked Man]
“Huh? It’s a person of course! That’s why I’m telling you it’s not possible, because his expenses will pile up!” [Matthew]
“True, if it was a human, then his expenses would definitely pile up. However, what’s washing the laundry is not a human, but a slime.” [Masked Man]
“Slime… you say? You, what are you saying?” [Matthew]
“It’s exactly as I have said. That slime you’ve been making fun of is what’s washing the laundries, so there’s no problem with expenses. That’s all. I have nothing else to say to you.” [Masked Man]
As the masked man said that, he took out a bag, and tossed it to Matthew.
“Huh? Money?” [Matthew]
“It’s my portion of the money you have entrusted to me until now. I’m withdrawing from this request.” [Masked Man]
“What!? Wait! Now you’re telling me that YOU’RE withdrawing!?” [Matthew]
Without paying attention to Matthew’s panicked, angry voice, the masked man admonished Matthew with a voice that carried a tinge of disgust.
“I’ve returned the money I’ve been entrusted with. You should quickly stray your hand from the boy called Ryouma. That is not an opponent that you can manage. If you listened to me, then it might have still been possible, but…” [Masked Man]
As the masked man finished saying that, he quickly used space magic without even giving Matthew the time to stop him. The masked man vanished from the room, Matthew was left all alone. A few seconds passed, and a vein bulged from Matthew’s forehead. In his rage, Matthew kicked a nearby chair, and briskly strode out of the room. In his eyes glimmered hate and jealousy far more intense than before.