Chapter 194 — A Secret That Leaked Ever So Slightly

1

Artifact.

Not only was it a precious item, but it also had rarity value.

When the Harry Family heard from the Academy Chairman, they had one suspicion.

First, did the Chairman have his own power base?

Second, was there a newly discovered dungeon or research facility near the academy?

Their investigation showed neither was the case.

So they sent a letter to the Chairman.

They demanded the detailed truth and the artifact’s source.

Honestly, it was surprising.

‘I never expected my daughter to be involved in this.’

“I heard the circumstances from the Chairman. The Harry Family lives by its credibility. Therefore, we can keep your small secret.”

“It seems you already know the situation.”

“I’m simply amazed.”

The Harry Family’s credibility.

This too was content that wasn’t in the original story.

In the original, the Chairman handled the artifacts independently through his own routes from start to finish.

Would this change be safe?

And could it bring us benefits?

Manus maintained his expression while looking at Roderick.

He pulled out a contract document.

“Here is a magically binding contract. It’s a kind of… constraint used by merchant families.”

“I assume it binds both parties.”

“Yes, though in this transaction, the Harry Family must take the subordinate position.”

Manus nodded.

Reading the contract, it was filled with favorable conditions to their side, almost to the point of being unfair.

Not questioning the artifact’s source.

Always offering fair prices.

And even being available to help whenever needed.

Manus grew curious.

He glanced to the side, wondering about their true intentions for coming here in person, and saw both Kael and Melanie were absorbed in examining the contract.

“May I ask why you’re willing to help so actively?”

“For a merchant, the most important virtues are trust and foresight. Looking at the members, I couldn’t help but be interested. Flois, Harrison, and Caesar…”

“You must think it’s worth investing in.”

Roderick nodded deeply.

Having such families gathered in one place was equivalent to being able to move a small country.

Even as young heirs, they surely understood the power of these great families.

He was curious about why they had gathered.

This gathering might cause massive ripples in the future.

And since his daughter was part of the group, he had sufficient justification.

“Indeed. Ah, I heard from the Chairman that you wish to keep certain things hidden. You needn’t worry about that.”

“How long will the contract remain in effect?”

“Until this matter is completely finished. What do you think?”

Manus turned to look at Kael.

She was carefully examining the contract while resting her chin on her hand.

Having finished reviewing it, she turned to Manus and gave a sign of approval.

“It’s a good contract. The conditions are excellent… and we can receive plenty of help.”

“Of course. You’ll have the support of the largest merchant group in the East. We can procure any materials you need.”

“I like it too.”

Kael added.

Under Roderick’s guidance, Manus signed.

Kael’s name was written next to his.

[Contract established.]

[This is a soul contract. Severe penalties will apply if broken.]

[The direction of the world line has changed.]

The notification messages appeared.

This was quite thorough indeed.

When Manus looked at Roderick, he gave a warm smile.

Then he looked at him, Kael, and his daughter Melanie as he spoke.

“Please take good care of my inadequate Melanie. She’s been shy since childhood, so I’ve always worried about her.”

“Melanie is a precious colleague.”

“That’s right. She’s been a great help.”

When Kael smiled at Melanie, she shyly lowered her head.

Seeing this, Roderick laughed heartily.

“That’s a relief then. The merchant group will visit regularly. We’ll bring various consumables, so please look forward to it.”

“We’ll be expecting it.”

It was a satisfactory deal.

Roderick asked what they would do now.

Manus looked at Kael and said.

“We’re planning to go sightseeing in the city.”

“Oh, a date? Then I shouldn’t interfere. Have a good time.”

“Thank you.”

Roderick looked at Melanie and said.

“Daughter, you and I have things to do.”

“Yes, Father.”

The business was done.

They now had an official sponsor, and it was the East’s finest merchant group at that.

It would be easier to procure necessary items for the club.

For instance, health and mana potions.

Actually, everything else could be made with materials from the tower.

It would be better if they could craft basic armor as well.

Before leaving, Roderick asked Manus.

“Then, what would you like for our first trade?”

“…We need a good shield, armor, and sword.”

“Weapons and armor… I understand. I’ll personally make sure to prepare them. It was a pleasure meeting today.”

“Likewise, it was a meaningful meeting.”

Manus left with Kael.

Roderick watched their departing figures before turning to his daughter.

Melanie.

A mage raised in the Harry Family, and a child with somewhat lacking business sense.

But she had proudly proven her worth.

Connections with the Caesar family.

Not to mention relationships with other major noble families.

She had essentially presented countless possibilities to the Harry Family.

“Melanie. I’m glad to see you doing well.”

“Hehe, thank you.”

“I won’t stop you from doing things your way. Just don’t get involved in anything dangerous. Understand?”

“…Yes.”

Melanie felt a twinge of guilt at those words.

Speaking of dangerous things… wasn’t she already running around in more dangerous places than anyone?

She couldn’t bring herself to tell her father the truth.

He was someone who always scolded her but cherished her deeply.

He was also someone who would do quite a lot for her sake.

That’s why she wanted to keep these things hidden even more.

“You can gain a lot from these relationships. Spread your branches a bit more.”

“Yes. I’m confident about that.”

“Haha, I thought you were just slow-witted, but I need to reassess.”

Melanie felt a surge of pride.

It seemed what she was doing, and what she would do in the future, wouldn’t be in vain.

So she asked.

“Father… you promised to support me no matter what I do, right?”

“That’s right. I did.”

“Then please watch over me.”

She would definitely become the greatest spirit mage and bring honor to the family.

Her smile deepened.

2

Kael and Manus went out to the streets.

Now it was just the two of them.

Kael looked at Manus’s profile.

Then she recalled Anais’s words.

[Just do anything. Creating delicious and fun memories isn’t that difficult.]

That’s what Anais had said.

Whatever catches your eye.

Whatever seems fun.

Creating memories together is what’s important.

‘How does she know such things so well?’

But that wasn’t important.

Kael stuck close to Manus’s side.

A fresh yet gentle fragrance wafted over.

“Senior, where should we go?”

“Well. I heard there’s a good restaurant nearby, let’s eat first.”

“Sounds good.”

Kael walked alongside Manus with a bright smile.

Then, she brought up the topic of the minion coming in June.

“June. Will we be able to handle it?”

“Let’s put that aside for now.”

“Pardon?”

“We came to have fun, so we should play to our heart’s content.”

Manus smiled at her.

Kael stared blankly at his warm smile.

She never expected to hear such words from him.

After all, he had always focused solely on climbing the tower.

Seeing her curious gaze, Manus spoke up.

He too was just an ordinary young man who enjoyed having fun.

Though he had been unwillingly drawn into this mission to prevent catastrophe, who doesn’t like to enjoy themselves?

“Aren’t you scared, Senior? I’m… sometimes afraid. What if we fail?”

“I’m not without fear either. But a room that’s always tightly closed fills with dust and bad odors. I think our hearts are the same.”

“So… you’re saying we need to air them out sometimes?”

Manus nodded.

A life that’s always strained eventually breaks down.

It was the same when he had a job.

Even he, who didn’t have severe mood swings, had needed to relieve stress.

Students in their sensitive years would feel it even more intensely.

Fortunately, Kael understood his meaning well.

Afterward, the two of them strolled the streets, taking in the city’s scenery.

“Welcome~”

“Oh, Academy students! Please come in.”

When they entered the place rumored to be a good restaurant, the atmosphere was different from a pub.

Perhaps because it was famous among students, they could see some academy classmates scattered about.

Ignoring the attention they drew, Manus and Kael took seats in the back.

Seated, Manus wondered what he should say.

Not being good at casual conversation, these situations were always awkward for him.

Fortunately, Kael seemed satisfied just being together, wearing a bright smile.

“How are your classes? Are you keeping up well?”

“Yes. There’s nothing too difficult… I just need to be careful in the league.”

“They didn’t allow parties between same class students, right?”

“That’s right. Pearson, Anais… Melanie too, they’re all quite tricky to face as opponents.”

This could actually be a good thing.

Friendly competition clearly helps improve skills.

Now that they had established their identities, they would steadily walk their paths.

“Competing with each other will speed up growth. Work hard so you don’t fall behind.”

“Yes. By the way… will the Family Head really look at my magic?”

Kael recalled what happened at the previous banquet.

The Caesar Family Head.

That great mage said he would examine her magic.

It was probably about the House of Light.

“He will. It’s an excellent opportunity, so learn as much as you can.”

“Yes. What about you, Senior?”

“I have a busy schedule during the break. I need to attend the academic conference… and visit the Buckley Family too.”

Kael nodded readily.

As they chatted about various things, their ordered food arrived.

Thin, wide pancakes, juicy steak with crispy bacon.

Various vegetables sautéed in wine.

Indeed, it deserved its reputation as a good restaurant.

The plating was satisfactory.

How about the taste?

“Mmm… it’s definitely better than the academy cafeteria.”

“Indeed.”

Manus found it quite to his taste as well.

Kael too was stuffing her cheeks full like a hamster.

Finding it quite adorable, Manus smiled gently.

Then he suddenly thought.

When everything was over someday, he’d like to have leisurely meals like this and maybe go on a trip.

Though he didn’t know when that day would come, time was flowing.

When they turn twenty and properly graduate from the academy, would this long story be over?

‘Anyway, we need to restore normalcy quickly.’

It was a world where even living normally was difficult.

They needed to clear away the extraordinary and quickly end this story.

For now, it was time to enjoy this rare moment of rest.

–TL Notes–
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