Proselytizing (3): A Foolish Genius
After that, Jane formed a pact with Lize. The terms were straightforward enough. She would receive investment funds from me and deliver results in return. But the real kicker was the amount.
The original contract had been for 10,000 silver coins, but the renewed one was far higher.
"Uh, u-um, one million silver coins?! Did I hear that wrong?!"
"No. You heard right."
"H-How could you invest that much in me of all people...!"
It's because if she went over to the demons' side, she'd probably build something beyond a nuke—a full-on nuclear missile. In Soul World, things mercifully stopped at mechanical prosthetics, but if she'd advanced further, it would've been game over with no hope in sight. Hell, even replicating that formula to make a battery was an incredible feat. She's definitely a genius who transcends the era.
"Thank you! From now on, I'll be your loyal slave—no, Lord Sivar's devoted slave!"
"It's fine. I don't need that."
"No, I insist! I'll become your slave of my own free will! Use me however you like!"
This woman's spouting some seriously dangerous stuff. Anyone overhearing would totally misunderstand. It's on par with one of Luna's foot-in-mouth moments. Good thing the only listener is Lize.
"How about becoming a faithful follower of Chaos instead of Sivar, my brother-in-faith? You serve Chaos as well, after all."
"Of course! I believe all of this is thanks to Lord Chaos!"
"?"
What fresh nonsense is this? I trusted Jane because I knew the future. But here's the part I overlooked—and Jane spelled it right out.
"Lord Sivar trusted me when I had nothing! It must be Chaos guiding us. Right?"
"...?"
"Nothing else explains it. It's a bond forged by Chaos himself!"
No. Her thought process was so baffling I couldn't even respond. Chaos has screwed me over plenty but never actually helped. Problem is, I can't reveal why I invested in her.
If Luna were here, she'd get my situation. Kinda miss her right now.
Faith rises!
This god's screwing with me again. A hollow laugh escaped at the message floating before my eyes. A believer—a devout one at that—had appeared, so it must be thrilled. Plus, it's like a guaranteed lottery win. Jackpot without even scratching the ticket.
"Excellent attitude, Sister Jane. But Lord Chaos favors those who prove themselves, so you'll need to work even harder."
"Of course! I'll slave away like a dog to produce results!"
Lize proselytizing fervently, Jane following suit. Pure chaos—fittingly enough. Lucky for me, Chaos's followers are just these two. Any more, and I'd be in trouble.
What if Luna...?
Given her even wilder mouth, it's not impossible. But since she hasn't been chosen yet, there must be another reason. If even Luna started worshipping Chaos, my head would explode. First things first: muzzle that mouth.
"Saintess, what does Lord Chaos desire? Prayers? Offerings?"
"He values your growth above all, Sister Jane. Proof? Brother Sivar invested boldly, didn't he?"
"Ooh! Indeed!"
Just stop talking. She's twisting it positively on her own; no point adding more.
After that, we drew up the pact and contract on paper. Surprisingly, the document burst into flames once sealed. According to Lize, only she can summon it back. Pure fantasy logic, so Jane and I just shrugged it off.
"Looking forward to working with you, Sister Jane."
"Yes! Take care, Saintess and Lord Sivar! I'll be hard at work here!"
"Not changing workshops?"
I gave her that much money; sticking with the old place feels off. Jane winced at my question, scratching her head sheepishly.
"Well... I paid five months' rent upfront... it'd be a waste."
"......"
Five months is 500 silver—50,000 won in modern terms. Just invested a million, and her pauper habits kick in. Artisans don't need fancy tools, though; Jane's skill would shine anywhere.
"What an unexpected boon today. Truly wonderful."
After parting with Jane, Lize beamed. Her usual smile was gentle, but this one radiated genuine joy—proof of her sincere faith in Chaos. That's why she's the saintess.
"While we're at it, why not seek others in the academy blessed by Chaos? What do you think, Brother Sivar?"
"Do what you want."
Honestly, whatever. Jane was a shock, but finding more believers just means handing proselytizing off to Lize. None of my business.
At most, my faith goes up. Big deal.
I headed back to the dorms, figuring the next week would be packed with classes and training.
"May the world brim with chaos."
"......"
I ignored Lize's chilling murmur beside me. As if there'd be more around me.
The next day, classes began. Nothing major—just warnings that finals were approaching, so prepare thoroughly; expect more self-training until then, etc.
Finals got me curious about my treatment.
"Student Sivar will take the exam in a 'special manner.' No unfairness like last time, so don't worry."
Malboro answered my question like that. Last time, Delphoi's scheming ruined it, but not this round. The professors coordinated for the best solution; I'd just sit tight. Points? Couldn't care less. Bigger priorities.
Scholarships? Steady stock profits made them irrelevant.
"Ugh, gotta max points this time. Lost too much on stocks."
"Who told you to go all-in? Diversify—that's basic."
Antonio lamented his stock losses; Grace jabbed back. His greed did him in. I know the future, but even I diversify like she said.
"You don't need to worry about money. You're nobility—a duke's daughter, even."
"...Pardon me, but not all nobles are wealthy."
Grace flinched, forcing a smile. No intent to mock, but mentioning her house probably stung. She hates her family—especially post-Delphoi. Guarding me shows she ignores their reputation entirely.
"Besides, some things matter more than money. But money's ruined countless lives. Keep that in mind."
"Yeah, yeah, got it."
That's why he keeps losing on stocks—tuning out her advice. Lend him cash later, or tip hot stocks. That'll suffice.
"By the way, sis, how's the magic stone mine?"
Luna, who'd been quiet, asked Kara. Kara, who'd been pinching my cheek or twirling my hair, paused.
"Magic stone mine? Oh, that? Going fine. Why?"
"Thinking of investing more stocks."
"Mess that up, and regs might bite. Ask Sivar instead of me."
Do they see me as some octopus oracle? But she had a point; no retort. Plus, Luna knows my secret—solid insurance.
"Sivar, what stocks would you pick?"
"None right now."
Tatar stocks maxed out; others lack punch. Sea trade's decent but too random.
Damn pirates.
They raid whenever. Even Santia's steamships aren't safe. They worship Gulrak like fanatics—Tatar-style. One storm, and ships flip; fanaticism makes sense.
"So when should I invest?"
"Later."
"Can you tell me when 'later' is?"
"......"
Has tasting money driven her nuts? I stared at Luna's relentless probing. Keep pushing, and suspicions rise—why ask here?
"Ah, never mind. Tell me later when we're alone."
"......"
That damn mouth again. Mood soured; I glanced around. Kara chuckled wryly—here we go—Grace scowled, displeased.
"...Luna? Sivar's my guard right now. He stays by me weekdays, so please refrain."
"It's fine. We meet weekends anyway."
"......"
Missing Lize in the middle there, Luna. Grace's glare sharpened; Luna oblivious. Even Yeonju beside Grace flinched.
"Uh... how about lunch first?"
Yeonju piped up cautiously in the awkward air, desperate to escape. Acting or genuine? I leaned acting.
"Sure. I'm starving anyway."
"Catch you later."
Antonio bailed; the rest followed suit.
No wonder it's all girls without me.
Elvin might've helped, but he's busy—family stuff, probably engagement drama by now.
"...Huh? Who's that guy?"
On the way to the cafeteria, Kara wondered aloud. We all turned—and reacted similarly.
"...No way that's the saintess?"
"Hair matches, but the body's off..."
"Forget that—what's she even doing?"
Silver hair's rare—points to one person. Huge axe in hand? Obvious. Bust smaller, but the combo screams from afar.
What the hell's she doing there?
Lize wandered with Ragnarok in grip, thrusting it at passersby. Touch it—spark. She bowed apologies; they hurried off awkwardly.
"...Hm? Ah! Brother Sivar!"
Spotting us, Lize approached brightly. Axe in hand, vibe unsettling. Saintess or not, strangers would've called her crazy.
"...What're you doing?"
I eyed her face, chest, Ragnarok. Face and axe unchanged; chest bigger than yesterday.
"Searching for Chaos's blessed. Tough going."
"......"
Don't tell me Jane's case sparked this. Absurd; words failed.
Wait—how'd she find me?
Luna's slip-up, probably. Nothing else fits. Meanwhile, Lize scanned us, eyes locking on Grace. Hesitant voice:
"Pardon, but may I have your name?"
"G-G-race of House Berche... A pleasure, Saintess."
Grace recovered, greeting politely. Poised.
Lize nodded, smiling warmly, offering Ragnarok. Could seem threatening, but her vibe softened it.
"The one Brother Sivar saved. Care to touch the axe?"
"Uh... yes?"
"Just place your hand."
Treating a magic talking axe like a litmus test. Hector'd rage—or Gulrak. Weapon's purpose flipped.
What if she gets hurt? I pondered intervening—
Tap.
"L-Like this?"
"Eh?"
"Huh?"
But she was fine. Grace touched it—no issue. Lize, equally shocked, shoved it fully. Grace struggled with both hands—frail strength—but held it.
"Wh-Why me...?"
"Ahh...!"
Lize lit up in ecstasy.
"The world overflows with chaos...!"
"......"
Why? She's the least chaotic—noble, realistic despite inner innocence.
Faith rises!
What the actual hell?
