If one were to put it in simple words, the man known as Zest is actually a cheapskate. He’s the sort of man who would accommodate someone bribing him, but will refuse to do anything when he can’t make a profit.
Zest actually never cared from the start whether a slave demon practitioner was good or bad, all he really wanted to know was a way to make money. But at the same time, although he’s objective was indeed money, it still can’t be denied that Zest is one of the few people in the tamer guild that has begun to see slimes in a new light.
Matthew and all the people around Zest are all aware of Zest’s attachment to money. It is, after all, the very reason why they were able to benefit from him so easily. Such a person couldn’t possibly give up on information that could possibly become a money-bearing tree. Because of that, everyone but Zest couldn’t help but be uneasy, waiting for the next words to come out of Zest’s mouth.
Surprisingly, however, the words to come out of Zest’s mouth next was completely different from what they were expecting.
“By the way, Matthew. A new town is being built at Gimuru, right? You must be busy.” [Zest]
“W-Well yes. In fact, we are always being pestered by people to lend magical beasts for transporting resources and goods. On top of that the mine also needs our magical beasts. Because of that we don’t have any margin for handling requests coming from places other than those two places.” [Matthew]
Although Matthew was suspicious at the sudden change in topic, he still answered. At his reply, Zest nodded as if it was exactly as he had thought.
“As expected. In that case, I’ll send some of my people to your branch. I’ll send them as soon as I get back to my branch. Please do accept them.” [Zest]
“Huh… In any case, I’m grateful for the help, but what kind of people will you be sending?” [Matthew]
“I’ll be sending you some of the more skilled practitioners from my branch, the Three Harken Siblings. You’ve heard rumors of them, yes?” [Zest]
Of course, Matthew’s heard of them. The others too, and they were quite surprised.
The Three Harken Siblings, as the name implies, refer to three conjurers that happen to be blood-related siblings. They have many C Rank magical beasts under them, and their eldest brother can even control a B Rank magical beast. On top of that, they even have experience subjugating an A Rank magical beast once.
Still, although these three are exceptional conjurers, they are problem children. Their behavior isn’t something to be praised. Moreover, while ambition isn’t necessarily a bad thing, these three tend to attempt contract with any magical beast they like regardless of affinity or rank, causing rampages to occur from time to time. They do, however, take measures to ensure everything is safe, so there’re barely any casualties from their actions, and even when there are, it’s mostly only injuries to themselves.
Although they haven’t caused any harm to the commoners, their past records and their subordinates have caused scandals, earning them Zest’s disfavor as he hated commotions. He may have let them off with only a warning, but there’s no doubt that these three siblings were trouble.
“But that’s!” [Matthew]
“What? Are you dissatisfied?” [Zest]
Matthew would definitely be grateful for extra help, but of course, that’s only true when the people he’ll be receiving are decent. It’s only a given after all that Matthew wouldn’t be willing to accept something that he knows to be a problem. Unfortunately, though, Matthew doesn’t really have a choice. If he is to go further in his career, he can’t go against someone as influential as Zest directly.
“N-No, not at all… Only, isn’t it a waste to use such exceptional people for nothing but transport?” [Matthew]
“They’ve gotten in over their heads a wee bit too much, so I figured I’d let these ambitious youngsters take a break for a while. And a job that only requires them to transport things should be perfect for a breather. Oh, and it seems you’re misunderstanding something. I’m not thinking of lending them. I am lending them to you, and you will accept.” [Zest]
As Zest said that, he looked over to the others, and said.
“If there is anyone amongst you that have any spare men, please do feel free to lend them to Matthew. It’s imperative that we help each other in times such as this.” [Zest]
When Zest said that, the people in the room suddenly started saying that they’ll be sending people over to Gimuru as well. Amongst the names that the others gave, names of people famous for their bad behavior and shoddy skills would sometimes come up. Today, Matthew had a great crowd of problem children pushed onto him.