Matthew and Zest’s cronies enjoyed the luxurious food and wine, currying favor with Zest as they did. When more food and wine arrived, the conversation switched up a bit as Zest spoke to Matthew.
“Oh, right. Matthew, there’s something I’ve been wanting to speak to you about.” [Zest]
“With me, Zest-sama?” [Matthew]
Anxiety, distress, expectation, and fear mixed altogether filling Matthew’s heart.
“It’s only something I’ve recently been made aware of, but I’ve heard there’s an excellent demon slave practitioner at your guild.” [Zest]
“But, of course. I am always keeping a watchful eye over the progress of my juniors.” [Matthew]
Matthew replied with confidence. There are many demon slave practitioners under Matthew that can transport the ores from Gimuru’s mine. To Matthew, the mark of an excellent demon slave practitioner is one who can employ strong magical beasts. Which is why Matthew himself believed that his guild had many excellent practitioners.
“That’s all well and all, but from what I’ve heard this slave demon practitioner uses slimes to make a profit. Moreover, this profit isn’t just a meagre amount. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to get in on this little secret, how does this practitioner of yours make his profit? I’d really love to have the people of my branch follow suit, you see.” [Zest]
When the slave demon being a slime entered Matthew’s ears, the image of a young boy he detested immediately flashed through his mind.
(I was wondering who he was referring to when he spoke of an excellent demon practitioner, but he’s actually talking about that brat that can’t use anything but slimes!? To think even Zest-sama would hear of that… how aggravating. A blunder…)
“What’s the matter? Can’t you tell me how that slave demon practitioner is making a profit with slimes?” [Zest]
Although Matthew hesitated momentarily, he answered in the end.
“If it’s that practitioner you’re referring to; he’s using his slimes to eat the filth from clothes to operate a laundromat.” [Matthew]
“But that shouldn’t be possible. Dissolving the filth is possible, but the clothes would also dissolve.” [Another Guildmaster]
A guildmaster who was listening from the side as he drank said that.
“Certainly, it would normally be impossible, but if it’s his slimes, then it’s possible.” [Matthew]
“Do you know how he’s doing it?” [Guildmaster 1]
“How is he training them?” [Guildmaster 2]
“Didn’t you say just now that you kept a watchful eye over your juniors?” [Guildmaster 3]
Sweat began to run down Matthew’s forehead as the questions were thrown at him one after another. As the questions poured relentlessly, Zest’s voice diffused the situation.
“Now, now, everyone. Let’s not all talk at the same time, or else Matthew will never be able to speak. Now then, Matthew. Mind telling us everything one by one?” [Zest]
“O-Of course!” [Matthew]
It was because Zest wanted to know how the slimes could reap a profit that he called Matthew here.
Matthew understood that, so he decided to try and trick Zest and the others as he spoke of Ryouma’s laundromat as if he was well-informed, twisting the story to suit his own conveniences.
“Actually, the slimes he’s using is a new variant. His slimes have a special trait that can dissolve the filth off clothes without dissolving the clothes along with it.”
“Special trait, huh?” [Guild Master 1]
“It’s not because of some sort of training?” [Guild Master 2]
“Where do you catch that sort of slime?” [Guild Master 3]
“If what you’re saying is true, then why aren’t there any rumors?” [Guild Master 4]
The people in the room stared harder at Matthew.
“Actually, that slave demon practitioner is still only a child, and since he’s a bit of a problem child, I’m actually at a loss at what to do with him.” [Matthew]
“…Continue.” [Zest]
“Ever since that boy has registered, he hasn’t done a single job. And under the protection of someone who discovered the slime, he kept the information, and monopolized it. Then he used the slime to make a killing with his laundromat. With all the profit he’s made, he just plays around nowadays.
I’ve sent him teachers (Ruffians) to help him change his lifestyle, but my feelings couldn’t reach him at all. And instead he hired body guards with the money he has made to send away all of the men I’ve sent to him.” [Matthew]
“You’re saying Gimuru’s guild can’t even discipline a kid?” [Guildmaster 1]
“Aren’t you just being lazy?” [Guildmaster 2]
Matthew was showered with criticism, but Zest only put a stop to it as he spoke.
“…I think I understand the situation. There are all sorts of people in the world. And amongst these, there are many that can’t be reached no matter how much effort one puts. I suppose that boy is like that. Still… being a guildmaster this isn’t something that can be ignored… Looks like you’ve walked into a disaster, huh, Matthew?" [Zest]
“Thank you, Zest-sama.” [Matthew]
When Zest spoke those words, the people criticizing Matthew stopped talking.