#011 Preparing for Enrollment – Securing Funds – (2)
*Bang!*
“Whoa, what a flashy sword! The blade looks sharp too. What do you think, Ligret?”
“The balance is off, and the edge is dull. You probably wouldn’t even use it if you had to.”
“Tch, so it’s not really a magic tool; just something for show, huh.”
*Bang!*
“This time it’s a ring. Look at that big jewel! It’s dazzling.”
“Isn’t wearing something like that uncomfortable? Do the rich just not care?”
“Well, I don’t know. How often do you actually need to use your hands for work anyway?”
*Bang!*
“No way, another gold bar? Where are all the decent magic tools?”
“Where should we stash this one?”
“Just shove it over there somewhere.”
Dorf Brams thought to himself.
*‘Am I still feeling the effects of that potion?’*
Potions created through special alchemy or spells are generally useful for healing wounds, but some can induce hallucinations due to their intense potency. After being beaten to a pulp and moving around on a cart for several days, it was no wonder he was in that state.
Having to use a large amount of potion definitely had its repercussions.
Worried he might make a mistake while dazed from hallucinations, Dorf tried to pinch his cheek to snap out of it. Just then, he heard a crisp sound coming from next to him and turned his head.
Johann, the skilled warehouse keeper he was somewhat familiar with from his days as the resident deputy, was slapping his own face, back and forth.
*‘This is strange. I didn’t even drink yesterday; why can’t I wake up?’* he muttered, his face bearing a hint of indescribable madness.
If anyone encountered such a person on a dark night, they would most likely run away without looking back.
Only then did Dorf realize.
*‘Wait, so this hallucination isn’t just mine?’*
A rugged-looking blacksmith, scarred on the face and hands, couldn’t be anything but genuine with such a striking item passed down through his family. Yet, here it lay, sprawled out like it belonged to some secondhand market. Next to it was a wooden box the size of a bathtub, overflowing with an array of dazzling jewels.
Even now, gold bars and coins were flowing incessantly, unable to fit into proper boxes and scattered haphazardly on the ground. Was this really reality?
Having been recruited as a low-ranking member of the Midas Guild at a young age and building a career as a merchant for decades, Dorf instinctively assessed the value of the treasures before him and trembled at the result.
Wasn’t the wealth even increasing right at this moment?!!!
Dorf grabbed one of the dazed servants nearby and shouted, “Get all the mystic stones from the mansion! Hurry!!!”
“Bu-but, Master Dorf. You can’t access warehouses 1 through 3 without the head of the family’s permission. Besides, the head is currently out due to work—”
“Then just go buy some from somewhere else!! No, forget it, I’ll go myself!!!”
#011 Preparing for Enrollment – Securing Funds – (3)
Though his body, having not exercised properly for years, screamed in agony from the exertion, right now, that was a secondary concern for Dorf.
*‘I don’t know what kind of bizarre magic has been used, but if I can replicate what I just did with all the cubes at other branches, or, better yet, if I could apply it to every cube wandering around the market like some unwanted relic right this second!’*
What should I even call this? A goose that lays golden eggs? A millstone that spills salt and gold the moment you crank it?
At least one thing was certain.
The connection to that Chrome Midas boy was akin to a lifeline that would help him soar high once again.
<><><>
The unsealing of the “sealed relic.”
In short, about an hour after starting the cube lottery, I finally spoke up.
“Phew, I think we’re wrapping this up.”
“Huh? There are still plenty of cubes left!”
Ligret noted, looking at the remaining cubical treasures still piled high in the warehouse, despite the decreasing numbers.
“Those ones are of no use. They’re probably a bust.”
“…Is there a way to tell? They all look the same to my eyes.”
Ligret examined two different cubes closely, juggling them as if confirming their weight, but eventually shrugged, unable to find any discernible difference.
It wasn’t really that strange. If distinguishing them was that easy, the cubes wouldn’t be treated as such a nuisance right now.
But before my eyes, I could clearly see the mist-like glow emanating from the cubes.
The precious items shimmered brightly enough to blind me, while the average ones were so dim you wouldn’t notice them unless you looked closely.
“Well, let’s say it’s instinct. Somehow, I just know.”
Though I could have shared this tidbit with Ligret without hesitation, I cautiously skirted around the truth. In a place with ears everywhere, it was better to avoid broadcasting any secrets that might turn into strange rumors.
But still, it was a bountiful harvest.
Surely, the worth of what I had pulled out could rival the annual revenue of a substantial branch of the Midas Guild?
If someone unaware witnessed this outcome, they’d surely wonder why others hadn’t unleashed the seals on their cubes. But I knew better.
Right now, it wasn’t other people who were peculiar; it was just my luck with money that was downright abnormal.
*‘The number of mystic stones I’ve burned through must be worth at least 500 million in my previous life.’*
Of course, what I had drawn in value was more than enough to justify the mystic stones spent.
However, that was because I had precisely picked out the winning ones from the massive pile of cubes. If I had invested mystic stones to open all of them, would I have even recovered my investment?
Moreover, mystic stones were in high demand everywhere, and their market price was inconsistent, making it difficult for anyone to hold such large quantities.
Right now, I was even short on mystic stones to use as keys, which is why Dorf hadn’t purchased them from his own savings.
“By the way, does that black cube mean it’s a dud too?”
I shook my head at Ligret, who was pointing to the two black cubes in the warehouse.
“No, at least one of them should be a winner. It’s just that we don’t have the key.”
#012 The Negotiations – Gaining Advantage – (1)
Unlike the white and gray cubes that could have their seals broken with merely sufficient low-grade mystic stones, the black cubes relied heavily on the quality of mystic stones used.
The high-grade mystic stones required to open a black cube were rare commodities, and those stored in the Midas family’s warehouse could only be utilized with the head of the family’s permission.
*‘Well, it’s just a matter of time anyway.’*
Given the ruckus I had caused, it was nearly inevitable that the head of the family would call upon me once more.
He would have surely realized that I wasn’t just the youngest son he could control at will, but rather someone who could bring tremendous benefits to the entire family.
<><><>
Some time later, after finishing his work and assessing the situation, Vern Midas asked straightforwardly.
“Can we apply what we did to the cubes at other branches?”
I nodded.
“Yes. But there’s no guarantee we’ll get the same kind of profit every time. It’s about selecting the right items among the candidates, not just creating valuable goods out of thin air.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll have the cubes and mystic stones from other branches brought here, and you’ll just need to sort through them.”
Contrary to his usual cold demeanor, he appeared quite excited. After all, the junk that had been piled up like a thorn in his side was about to transform into gold and jewels—who wouldn’t be thrilled?
Thus, I responded,
“So, what do I get out of this?”
Vern frowned.
“It’s a family matter. If you perform well, a reward will surely follow, so don’t be so hasty.”
“Yes, but this is a business dealing between traders, right?”
Family-like company? Transactions among family members should be even more meticulous.
When it comes to deals, there needs to be a give-and-take. Just working for free and receiving whatever is tossed my way isn’t a transaction; that’s exploitation.
Vern stared at me in silence for a while, but when I returned his gaze with a cheeky smile, he soon shook his head.
He realized that opposing me here would do him more harm than good.
“Would thirty percent of the profits be acceptable?”
“If I’m the one doing all the work, isn’t that just zero profit for me? You could easily offer me more.”
“In that case, you can go out on the street and find the cubes and mystic stones yourself.”
Wow, it’s coming to this, huh?
If the negotiations fell apart, we would both lose something, so I decided to take a step back.
“Twenty percent profit is fine. But allow me to keep the items from the black cubes.”
“In that case, there will be no profit sharing.”
“…Twenty percent, but only for three items.”
“Ten percent. Regardless of the cube’s color, you’ll receive five. Additionally, I’ll ensure that the boy, Ligret, gets a comfortable living situation as well.”
This shameless individual really knows how to push my buttons.
Even while cursing the kind of nouveau riche that brings national disgrace, I signed the contract.
Either way, this would secure the funds for my military endeavors.
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