“You lack refinement! It’s not efficient!”
Professor Horace clicked his tongue as he examined Pastel’s contraband goods.
“Cloth? Spices? Ha ha!”
Huh-oh.
What could possibly be wrong with this contraband?
“I would like to hear your insights, Professor!”
Pastel’s eyes sparkled.
Horace spoke with the face of a sage upholding the Ivory Tower.
“The items do not reflect the latest trends in contraband! Trading based on past trends is such a huge loss!”
The latest trends in contraband!
Pastel’s mouth dropped open.
This man is a current contraband expert who can mercilessly criticize an old demon’s knowledge trapped in a basement.
“Hmm.”
Horace tapped the box lightly.
“The finest cloth cannot be produced in the Demon Realm, so there is definitely demand. But that’s old news. The Demon Realm can now produce cloth of that lesser quality. Hence, much of the demand that needed to grow alongside the progress of the Demon Realm has been diluted. The prices have remained stagnant since the old days.”
Pastel’s eyes sparkled. Although she hadn’t listened in class until now, she focused on learning like a model student.
“So, while there’s still money to be made, there’s no merit in trading cloth when better items are available, right?”
Horace snapped his fingers.
“Excellent student!”
Hehe.
Pastel, the model student.
“The spices are somewhat better. The Demon Realm still can’t keep up with its own production. But just like with the cloth, there’s no need to handle spices with higher profit margins.”
Ooooh.
“So then?”
“What should we sell?”
Horace smiled warmly at the model student.
“Processed gems, of course.”
Processed gems?
Eh.
Gems come from the Demon Realm’s mines in the first place, right? What does it mean to sell that to the Demon Realm?
Pastel was confused.
A super ultra current contraband expert couldn’t be wrong, right? Has my brain become incapable of receiving knowledge after not studying?
“I don’t quite understand.”
Horace sent a gentle look her way.
“You must already know, being the top note-taker. But your virtuous mind refuses to misuse knowledge.”
Oing.
Is that so? I already know, but my good heart is preventing me from following through?
Huh-oh, that sounds right. The smart me surely can understand. It’s undoubtedly my virtuous heart that’s refusing to misuse it.
“Gem processing can’t be done in the Demon Realm. It’s legally prohibited. There are some exceptions, but all gems produced are unprocessed.”
Now that I think about it, all the gems I received through contraband were indeed unprocessed. Usually, I entrust them to companies and indulge in processed gems afterward.
“The demand for processed gems has exploded as the Demon Realm has progressed. However, the trading procedures for processed gems are cumbersome, and the supply from Sky Island can’t keep up. Our job is to fill that vast demand.”
Processed gems can fetch prices similar to gold per volume. How much profit would remain if we traded those?
Pastel gulped.
“If we trade processed gems, how much will our profits increase compared to trading cloth and spices?”
“The profit from the gems themselves is larger than before, and the distribution process of exchanging them for cloth or spices will also be eliminated, reducing expenses. We need to calculate the exact figures, though.”
Two fingers spread out.
“Roughly 20%.”
Whaaa.
Pastel’s mouth dropped open.
Just by changing the item, profits increased by 20%.
And that’s compounded with each contraband trade?
Huh-oh.
Is this the touch of a current contraband expert?
She smacked the demon sword at her waist.
Demon Lord! Demon Lord! Please, learn quickly! Hurry and learn to help the starving children!
“Don’t teach that kid anything strange.”
Uwaaa, non-demonic advice.
Professor Horace chuckled softly at the surprised girl.
Then he looked slightly uneasy.
“But teaching you makes me feel like a bad adult. Is it really okay?”
“This guy has some conscience after all.”
Pastel’s eyes widened.
“Wait, are you saying your conscience is bothering you, Professor?”
“Ahem.”
Horace averted his gaze.
How could this be?
“Professor Horace, or should I say seniors! No need to suffer!”
Pastel felt like a doctor who couldn’t save a patient.
“Contraband is about filling a desperate need! It’s about delivering necessary goods to those in urgent situations! It’s just and virtuous! No need to feel troubled!”
“What are you saying?”
Horace widened his eyes.
“You, no, junior! How can you have such a true thought?!”
The professor’s hand pressed against his chest.
“Ah! The discomfort in my heart is clearing up! The more I think about it, the more I like this thought! Yes, yes! We were benevolent deliverymen providing necessary items to those in desperate need! Indeed!”
“Why is this guy approving this again?”
The professor looked at her with fiery eyes.
“Indeed, you are the top note-taker! I’ve learned from you! How could you have such a true thought? Share your insights!”
Pastel, having rescued someone on the brink of moral distress, felt proud.
She displayed the dignity of the top note-taker!
With her hands on her hips, she confidently explained.
“This is an undeniable truth! Even at this moment, there are many people in need. If we feel guilty, we can’t save those in desperation! We must uphold righteousness against a cold world! Only we can do this!”
“Child Craft?”
Horace pressed his hand to his chest, moved.
“I confess honestly. I’ve had sleepless nights during my contraband dealings.”
“Seniors?!”
Impossible.
I slept like a baby!
I was so ashamed of drooling that I flipped my pillow over without the Demon Lord noticing!
Horace looked pained.
“As a professor, is it acceptable for me to be like this? Is taking advantage of a trend truly right? Should I forsake morality and honor for mere money? Ah!”
“I know well.”
“But upon hearing your words, it feels like that worry is dissipating! Yes, yes! We are delivering necessary items to those in desperate need! We are upheld by nobility!”
“No.”
“That’s right! Yes!”
Pastel leaped with joy.
It’s the first time she’s met someone who resonates with her like this!
“Seniors! Seniors!”
She raised one hand high.
“Oh!”
Horace moved one hand as well.
“High five~!”
Their palms clapped together!
Yay.
Soon, they had a sincere conversation.
“So, you’re delivering to the Demon Realm Stock Company? Paying a 20% fee?”
Holding a coffee cup, Pastel wore a business expression. Gem powder added.
Across the table, Horace set down the wine glass he was drinking.
“Since it’s safe and requires no extra effort. As a professor, it’s hard to engage in too noticeable activities.”
“I can help, seniors.”
Pastel boasted lightly.
“I’ve established ties with a crime organization in Blue Wave. The contract is already settled, so if we visit, we can trade immediately without the 20% fee.”
“Oh ho. You have quite the initiative! Indeed, Craft!”
It’s a first-year mentioning crime organizations, and the professor expressed amazement without doubt or verification.
“If you can do that, I’ll set up a processing company for the gems! As a professor, I have painstakingly built my trust with the firm over time, and they offer excellent quality at a great price! They’re a robust supplier that doesn’t ask for usage specifics!”
“Sounds great.”
Pastel replied nonchalantly and took another sip of her coffee. The bitter liquid coated her mouth.
Eww, so bitter.
Totally bitter.
Disgusting.
Though she felt a comment that wasn’t very nonchalant filled her head, she immediately brushed it aside.
Business, business.
Horace looked regretful.
“However, I won’t be able to count on your help for this contraband deal.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve already scheduled with the Demon Realm Stock Company, so it’s hard to break that.”
“Oh, in that case, there’s nothing we can do. How about we trade as per schedule, and after that, you can come find me in Blue Wave? I can prepare everything in advance.”
“Sounds good! Thank you! I’ll visit right away!”
They wrapped up their verbal contract.
They relaxed and chatted casually.
Horace stuffed a cheese biscuit into his mouth.
“During your time at school, are there any troubles? Even though you are part of the student council, there are things only a professor can assist with.”
“Troubles?”
After finishing business, Pastel discarded her coffee and brought milk, now looking upset.
“Of course there are! I accidentally forgot my semester report!”
Eeeek.
“I wanted to evolve from the top note-taker to the research head, but that has become completely impossible!”
Everyone will think Pastel is an idiot.
“Ah!”
Horace lamented.
“A smart person like you missing out on the research head position! That can’t happen!”
“Exactly! Exactly!”
Pastel was so smart.
She strongly agreed.
“Junior!”
Horace patted his chest.
“Just trust this senior! Who am I?”
Uhh?
“You’re Professor Horace?”
“And the top person responsible for the semester report!”
Uhhh?
“Just trust this senior!”
Horace smiled.
“I’ll solve that concern cleanly!”
Oiiing.
#
After parting with the professor, Pastel arrived at Blue Wave.
Walking down the street, she read the letter. It mentioned that the organization had expanded and moved its base.
“I think we can see it around the corner.”
“Isn’t that building a bit too big? It doesn’t look like a crime organization’s hideout.”
As she looked around, someone rushed over.
It was a familiar man with a scar on his lips.
The kind man who had guided her to the organization last time!
“Craft! This way, hurry.”
The man spoke politely this time.
“Nice to see you! Wow wow!”
Pastel greeted cheerfully, her high-pitched voice echoing in the street.
The man turned pale and put a finger to his lips.
“Shh! Shh! Follow quietly.”
Huh?
Oh right!
In a secret organization, you must follow quietly!
Oh yeah.
She followed the man, feeling excited.
Thump, thump.
However, upon reaching a small hidden building, she heard news different from what she anticipated.
“What? An invasion?”
“We overextended ourselves while expanding. We’ve hired mercenaries of Semi-Knight rank from a rival organization.”
“Oh!”
Semi-Knight?
“Ask if they are truly Semi-Knight.”
Upon asking, it seemed they were not entirely of that rank.
“A semi-knight blocked by a wall. Many seek strong opponents to break through that wall, and most of them die.”
“The mercenaries are occupying our building and are just waiting. They’re looking forward to facing Craft, who slaughtered thirty people.”
The organization member spoke calmly.
“We’ll handle this matter, so please return for today. The trade goods can be handled by the Demon Realm Stock Company.”
“Wait a moment. Let me think about this. Could you please give me some space?”
Pastel sent the organization member away and drew her demon sword.
“Demon Lord, Demon Lord. What is a Semi-Knight?”
“As one trains martial arts, one’s status rises. Nature aligns and order follows. The world flows around people.”
Huh?
“Can they split mountains and slice the sky with a single sword strike?”
“That’s a tale from a fairy tale. Do not confuse it with reality.”
Eh.
Even with the Demon King around, this shouldn’t be the case?
What does that mean?
“Please explain intuitively.”
“One can cut through steel with a wooden sword. But a single bullet could kill you.”
Huh-oh.
That’s very intuitive.
“The difference between one who has broken through the wall of mastery and one who is stuck is vast. The mercenary is among the latter, so he’s probably not that strong. But he is still a dangerous foe.”
Uwaaa.
A mercenary just short of cutting steel with a wooden sword.
“You don’t need to fight recklessly. They aren’t an opponent you can surely defeat. You might die without even a chance to act.”
Uwaaa.
“They’re right. Just leave today. If they take action, it’s their responsibility.”
The gentle voice echoed.
“You have a bright future. You’ll reach the Semi-Knight rank and even surpass the Knight rank. Don’t court danger. Time is on your side.”
Pastel held the demon sword tightly to her chest.
“But I don’t want to!”
She tried her best to suppress her fear and survival instinct.
“Demon Lord, Demon Lord. Didn’t you say something similar on the way here?”
“I did.”
“But in the end, I saved the professor.”
“That was not your choice.”
Pastel shook her head.
“The outcome I accepted. And how was it? It was fun.”
Pastel was trembling despite her words. She forced her shaky legs to move. Each step sounded slow.
Therefore.
“I want to keep having fun.”
Because that’s what I want to do.
“You could die.”
“That’s wrong.”
The girl shook her head.
“When it’s like this, you should be cheering me on.”
The demon was briefly silent.
Then it spoke softly.
“You can do it.”
The girl felt her fear dissipate.
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