“……Huh, is this my sixth one?”
Late evening, Dwight wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking a bit worn out after finishing his sixth magic circle of the day. Yoon Si-woo, who was watching, exclaimed in admiration.
“Wow… You really filled in everything you said you would. If only there were more mages like you, Dwight, this construction would have wrapped up in no time.”
“Even without that, the remaining work will be finished within a week. The Dolos family poured in a lot of capital, as if they were determined. Honestly, it’s impressive, not me. In a large-scale construction like this, even if you exclude the labor costs for the mages installing the magic circles, the amount spent on materials alone must have been enormous.”
“Is it really that expensive? The only thing that looks a bit special is that board etched with the magic circle.”
Yoon Si-woo tilted his head, questioning Dwight, who seemed to deflect praise towards the Dolos family while glancing at the mysterious board inscribed with the magic circle. It was obvious that a large-scale project would cost quite a bit, but could it really be that much?
Considering the Dolos family was one of the wealthiest in the city, an ordinary amount wouldn’t bring much burden, would it?
However, Dwight shook his head in disbelief, retrieved his phone, searched for something, and showed Yoon Si-woo the screen.
“Magic circles are notoriously expensive. Just that board you mentioned costs this much.”
“Oh, that’s quite pricey… Wait, does that mean…?”
“Right. Just the material costs for this construction alone… it should be around this much.”
“…Whaaaat?! Really?”
The overwhelming display of zeros on the screen left even Yoon Si-woo, who could be considered relatively wealthy, astounded.
The cost of materials for just one construction was that high? If you think about the total construction costs, it’s enough to bankrupt an ordinary company in one go…
“So, the Dolos family is covering all that cost? Are they okay finances-wise?”
“Well, not entirely. I heard they spoke with the Central Committee, so other families or wealthy individuals probably chipped in as well. Still, since Dolos was the one pushing for it, they must have taken on at least half. Even for the Dolos family, which has many large projects, this one must have caused quite a financial bleed.”
“…Even if they thought it was necessary, they really took the initiative.”
“That’s why they call it a prestigious family. Huh, honestly, I don’t particularly like that this construction started so hastily.”
“Huh? You don’t like it? What’s up with that?”
As they conversed, Yoon Si-woo tilted his head, curious about Dwight’s sudden dissatisfaction with the rushed progress.
Dwight then showed a slightly complex expression and spoke.
“If they had only delayed this a little longer to give me time to adjust the magic circles, we could have significantly reduced that burden. To be honest, I think the magic circles are severely lacking. There are many areas we could improve both in terms of cost and the side effects currently present in the magic circles. But Dolos insisted that it be done as soon as possible, saying it’s fine—”
“Even if they insisted, it’s something that needed to be done quickly.”
Yoon Si-woo turned his gaze toward the unexpected voice that had interjected into their conversation and, without realizing it, flinched.
It was none other than Diakonos Dolos, the leader of the Dolos family, the subject of their discussion.
With his unique robust physique exuding an unusual aura, Dwight looked intrigued and asked,
“What brings you here, Diakonos?”
“Isn’t it our family overseeing this construction? I came to check if everything was going smoothly. Besides, I heard you came out today and provided great assistance with the construction. From consulting on the magic circles to helping Neinhart, you’ve been a huge help. I’m always grateful.”
“It’s nothing. It was just my duty.”
“…Hmm, I didn’t know you felt that way. It seems you had grievances about this construction.”
Seeing Diakonos mumble in a low voice while looking at Dwight, Yoon Si-woo felt a bit uneasy.
The Dolos family, especially the head of the family, held nearly unquestionable power in the city.
Being caught voicing dissatisfaction about what the family was doing, even if it wasn’t in a bad context, felt a bit risky.
Yet, unlike Yoon Si-woo’s concern, Dwight boldly spoke his mind without hesitation.
“It was lacking, and that’s that. The mere fact that we provided inadequate magic circles is a matter of pride for Neinhart. If I had been given time, I would have worked through the night to refine the magic circles, but I didn’t as it was due to the Dolos’s earnest request.”
“…I see.”
And then, as he fixed his sharp gaze on Dwight, Diakonos suddenly bowed his head and apologized.
“Regarding that, I should apologize. I’m sorry.”
It was known that Dolos family members, born with a blessed physique, do not bow down to anyone.
And that Diakonos, known for being extremely stubborn, bowed his head in apology, caught even Dwight, who was usually unfazed, off guard.
“Please don’t. I wasn’t asking for an apology.”
“No, issues of pride do matter. If someone suffers because of our family’s business, it’s right for me to apologize. That’s my belief.”
“It’s really fine. After all, it’s the Dolos family that hasn’t incurred financial damage because of it.”
“Damages… I don’t consider it a loss at all.”
Diakonos, who had been bowing for a while, slowly straightened up and spoke to Dwight.
“I know what you’re trying to say. Given time, you would create a magic circle that would significantly reduce costs. But here’s the thing. What if that delay allowed last month’s witch to invade the boundary area with those powers again? What if another victim ends up like that girl? Who would bear responsibility then?”
“That would be…”
“That would fall on the shoulders of adults. The responsibility of the families leading this city, and above all, that includes Dolos. Therefore, it’s our role to prepare measures to prevent that as quickly as possible. The cost is of little importance. If it’s a necessary expense for something that must be done. How could spending money on what you believe to be right ever be a loss? Moreover, it’s essentially just spending money earned from doing something for the people, back for the people. For Dolos, money has always been a mere means, never an end.”
With an expression just like his usual stern demeanor, Diakonos stated this.
And then, unexpectedly, he bowed his head towards Yoon Si-woo and apologized.
“In reality, it’s heroes like you who have suffered losses because of us. I’m sorry.”
“W-what? Suddenly?”
“Because we hastily started construction, there are side effects that we couldn’t adjust in the magic circles. Once the construction is finished, the magic circles will block the transference gateways for a while, so it’ll be tough to return to the city until synchronization is complete. I genuinely regret that you will have to spend your valuable holiday on duty.”
Not being able to spend holidays with Scarlet was undoubtedly disappointing, but Yoon Si-woo shook his head with delight in response to Diakonos’ words.
“It’s alright. It’s just part of my duties.”
“Is that so? I always appreciate your dedication and efforts.”
Diakonos slightly bowed his head in respect toward Yoon Si-woo, then turned to both Dwight and Yoon Si-woo.
“By the way, I think I’ve kept you two for too long in conversation. You must be exhausted from your work, so go rest. And Dwight, make sure to receive your overdue payment for today’s work. I’ve heard that you’ve refused payment in the past, but if you do that again, I’ll consider it a challenge to Dolos.”
“I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do as a candidate for a hero, so I can’t accept pay…”
“Just work deserves pay. That’s also my belief. I will take my leave, knowing you’ll accept it.”
Even though it was late, Diakonos hurriedly walked away, as if he still had places to go. Yoon Si-woo and Dwight watched him for a while as he departed.
Once his figure disappeared, Yoon Si-woo let out a wry chuckle and murmured.
“…Seriously, he’s amazing in so many ways.”
“Yeah. That’s what true nobility looks like.”
Dwight’s muttering made Yoon Si-woo nod in agreement.
Although there were mixed feelings given that Scarlet had a tough experience, he was not the least bit resentful about receiving such a staggering compensation, and he had heard that he had already forgiven her.
Now, all that remained for Yoon Si-woo was to feel pure respect for the man.
Every single word he had spoken felt like truth.
Even as the head of a prestigious family, his genuine concern for the people made him a true hero.
One day, when he becomes an adult, he thought earnestly.
He would take full responsibility for his actions and bow to anyone if he believed he was in the wrong.
Yet he would never bend on his beliefs, aspiring to be a man as admirable as him.
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