Chapter: 99
“Are you saying Jacal dislikes you?”
Not wanting to waste the necklace, I decided to chat with Arthur to figure out what was going on.
Since he was one of the few people who actually knows Jacal, I thought he might be able to shed some light.
“I have no idea what he’s thinking. We haven’t talked since we went into the dungeon together. It’s tough to approach him when he’s so obviously avoiding me.”
Expecting a bit more, I was met only with Arthur’s shrug.
Ever since our last match, Jacal had been distancing himself from Arthur.
“Others probably feel the same way. That guy seems to be burying himself more and more in his room.”
What’s with that?
He wasn’t like this before entering the dungeon.
Did he develop a trauma after the close call we had?
But then again, why does he hate me?
I saved his life, after all.
What’s the issue here?
Ahh, I seriously don’t get it.
What could have triggered Jacal’s inferiority complex?
Is it me? Have I become the new benchmark for him?
There was only Arthur who’s more talented than Jacal. Did another irregular showing up shatter his spirit?
Besides that, there are no other variables, but then why would he refuse the necklace?
In the game, even if he was jealous because the protagonist was excelling, he still accepted the necklace!
All I have right now is a headache and zero clues.
I thought things might change as days passed, so I tried talking to Jacal again, but the result was the same.
He clearly disliked me, and even mentioning Zyle’s necklace made him tense up.
As a result, Jacal simply ignored whatever I tried to discuss.
I went through the trouble of getting the necklace, and now it might as well be trash!
Unless you’re part of the Burrow family, this thing has no value.
To be more specific, it only holds meaning if Jacal possesses it.
I went bartering information with Alsetin just to get this one item, but I never imagined it’d turn out to be worthless.
At least the silver lining is that I can pin the blame on Alsetin since he made the mistake.
Sitting in the spot where Alsetin usually sits, I looked up and saw him with his head bowed.
“Alsetin. Do you know why I’m here?”
“Of course, you do. You’re here to chew me out for being a lousy information peddler. Ah, I see. You’re too stupid to know how to get things right, huh?”
Alsetin’s shoulders trembled, but he couldn’t retort.
This was undoubtedly his screw-up.
Let’s be real—I wouldn’t have had the necklace without his help.
All he did was get chased by the Newman family and end up losing the item.
The only reason I have it is because of my own efforts!
“I’m fine to end our partnership here.”
“I don’t want to keep chatting with a useless information peddler like you. You’re just too incompetent.”
Our original deal was that I’d provide information, and he’d get me the necklace.
But if Alsetin is stripped of his part in getting the necklace, my reason for dealing with him disappears.
If the information I have isn’t what Alsetin wants, he wouldn’t bother clinging onto me.
He’d simply take the payment.
However, the intel I possess is invaluable to Alsetin.
He would probably want to threaten me to get it.
If I weren’t from the Changbaek family, things could’ve gotten messy.
But, alas, I’m out of his reach.
“So, let me ask you. What can you offer me?”
“What’s the deal? Why should I have to do business with a loser like you? You’re supposed to be an information peddler, so can’t you at least manage that?”
It reminded me of the countless times I’ve tossed that line around in past RPGs.
For someone trying to buy an item, it’s scary, anxiety-inducing, and causes your head to heat up—yet, for someone selling, it’s a different story.
If the item catches their fancy, they make the trade; if not, they simply leave.
Naturally, this approach can sour relations, but right now, I’m fine with it.
After all, I’m expecting to get the Crow’s Seal soon.
Once that happens, I can easily replace anything Alsetin can do with what the Newman family offers.
I’m indifferent to whether Alsetin likes or dislikes me.
At this point, I couldn’t care less.
If his presence is a bonus, then great; if not, I’m fine too.
“Do you have any requests?”
“Why are you asking me? I’m not your mom, do I have to tell you everything? Let me put it this way: if you come crying like a baby, I might consider it. Go on, give it a shot. Sounds fun, right?”
“…No, I’ll think about it myself.”
I was worried he might actually call me Mom, but I’m relieved he didn’t.
Still, if he casually asks for something decent, he might bring me something completely useless, so I should set some guidelines.
After all, anything halfway decent can be snagged through the Newman family, so I should ask for something they can’t get.
What pops into my mind is definitely…
“I want information related to the Church of the Lord.”
“Nope. I’m not feeling comfortable leaving it to a useless information peddler, so I’ll narrow it down. I want info on the Church of the Lord.”
“What kind of information exactly?”
“I hope it’s of such value that’ll make my mouth open up.”
“I’m generously offering you this while I still consider you a pathetic, useless intel broker. Bring back something that’ll make my mouth move. I doubt a useless peddler can pull that off, though.”
The Newman family struggles to obtain any information related to the Church.
They’ve had countless clashes with the Church as they ventured into the underworld.
If they only figured out my curse on Agra by seeing my necklace, how could they possibly have any connections to an information network?
However, Alsetin is slightly different.
He may be someone from the underworld, but he hasn’t exactly burned bridges with the Church.
“That’s… no, got it. I’ll do my best.”
Alsetin seemed ready to say something but ended up shutting his mouth.
He likely knows that he wouldn’t give a proper answer regardless.
Don’t worry. If you dig around enough, you’ll eventually figure out what kind of info I’m after.
I’m convinced the Paybi will endure, but who knows? It could waver in the meantime.
That’s when I’d like to offer some help from the sidelines.
While doing so, I could naturally boost my favorability.
If I could take Paybi into our party as a healer, that would be a flawless plan.
I’ve already secured a tank for the frontline and a damage dealer for the rear; now I just need to find a healer, and anyone can fill the last spot.
Smiling contentedly at the sight of Alsetin bowing his head, I heard a knock on the door.
“Lady Alrn, Alsetin, may I bother you for a moment?”
At that question, Alsetin shot me a look.
Was he asking if he could let the person in?
I nodded in indication that it was fine, and Alsetin called his subordinate.
“Come in.”
Alsetin’s subordinate hesitantly walked in, glancing at me in the center and then bowing his head before Alsetin.
“Excuse me.”
“What’s going on, you useless small fry?”
“We’ve got news from the Newman family. They’ve managed to obtain the healing potion.”
Already? That was fast.
I’d thought it would take at least a few more days.
It seems like Kurz Newman pulled out all stops to treat his son.
So soon, he’ll come to fulfill the pact and hand me the Crow’s Seal.
Hmm. What should I ask for first, I wonder?
With so much I want to request, I was happily contemplating when Alsetin’s subordinate continued softly.
“The Newman family has requested that you visit them for the sake of their son’s treatment.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Really?”
The moment I heard those words, everything clicked into place.
They intentionally put that clause in there.
So I’d have to go personally and give Agra’s curse.
[Didn’t expect them to call for you first.]
“Right?”
Even if I go to the Newman family, will anything be different?
I highly doubt it.
Even if I go, Kurz Newman wouldn’t touch me.
What would change if I added one more curse on Agra?
Ah, of course, that petty bastard will just hate me more.
But that isn’t an issue.
I’d already made a nemesis out of Agra the moment I became Ganshu’s apostle.
Just look at how much havoc has exploded every time I set foot in a dungeon.
There’s no way I’m getting so much grief just for casting a curse once.
At this rate, we’d need to wipe out all of Agra’s curses across the continent.
If this had happened while I was playing the Soul Academy game, I would’ve reported a bug in no time.
Compared to the minimal penalties, the benefits I gain are far greater.
If I report that I’ve lifted Agra’s curse to the Church, my reputation should go up.
I’d be easier to win favor with among the Church affiliates.
Plus, the necklace’s function will amplify.
Who knows, maybe our pathetic God will give me a gift.
From past experience, every time I mess with Agra, the useless God would applaud and grant me something in return.
Even if I’ve got to visit the Newman family, the only loss would be a bit of my time.
But, even then, with a quick teleport, it’ll be nothing.
I’m not sure what their intentions are, but who cares?
Even without being called, I was already thinking of going, so they’ve just handed me a reason to do so.
I should actually be thanking them.
“So when should I go?”
“How long are you planning to stay with that quirky family?”
“They’d like you to come as soon as possible.”
Hmmm, is that so?
Let’s see.
Since it’s still early weekend afternoon, I think I can fit a trip to the Newman family without losing any time.
“I’m heading over now.”
“I’ll go now. Get ready, you useless info broker.”
Well then, let’s go provoke Agra once more!
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