Chapter 256: Benefactor(3)
Chapter 256: Benefactor(3)
To an outsider, the sight of a commoner asking a noble to give him a tour might have seemed strange. It could easily be perceived as rude, or enough to make one wonder if the man had lost his mind.
But that was only on the surface. Though our exchange was brief, it was laden with subtext.
By offering my hand, I had signaled that I knew exactly who Musk was. Had I been ignorant, my only response would have been a confused, "And you are?"
It’s easiest to think of it as a meeting between business partners. Musk had mistaken my father for Xenon, but since I was his son, he likely assumed I was in on the secret as well.
It was a gamble with higher risks than it appeared. However, the potential return was significant enough that Musk had been the one to approach me first.
Above all, Musk had built a steady foundation of trust by maintaining the confidentiality surrounding the Xenon Chronicle until the very end. It had reached a point where it would be difficult for me to find another partner as reliable as him.
Musk likely knew this, which gave him the courage to speak up. I wasn't sure exactly what he thought of the Xenon Chronicle, but it didn't seem to be at the level of 'worship.'
...Actually, no. It was probably a different kind of worship. After all, the Xenon Chronicle was pouring out more money than he could ever hope to earn in a lifetime.
Regardless, between the trust we had built and the mutual benefits we shared, social status was no longer an issue. I would be hard-pressed to find someone like Musk, and Musk would find it impossible to find another masterpiece like the Xenon Chronicle.
A business relationship where both parties benefit without overstepping boundaries—that was the perfect description for us.
"I can give you a tour, but to be honest, I don't know our territory that well myself. I'm an Academy student, so I haven't been back home for very long."
"Ho-ho-ho. That is quite alright. To be honest, the tour was just an excuse; I simply wished to chat."
The request for a tour was merely a formality; the true goal was conversation. This was my first time meeting Musk in person, and though Musk might have met my father, this was his first time meeting me.
For now, the priority was to spend time getting to know each other through small talk as we wandered through the territory.
"By the way, are you feeling alright? I heard you were ambushed by demon worshippers..."
"Haha. I am fine now. I always carry emergency potions with me, just in case."
Judging by his hearty laughter, he seemed to be telling the truth. In a way, Musk was both a beneficiary and a victim of the situation.
However, a stout merchant often possesses great shrewdness. As soon as he heard my question, Musk tilted his head and asked tentatively.
"But, if I may ask, how did you know about that? I am certain I sent the letter to..."
He trailed off, wary of eavesdroppers, but his meaning was clear. He had sent the letter to the mansion; how did I, who was supposed to be at the Academy, know about it?
As mentioned before, Musk mistook my father for the author of the Xenon Chronicle. Since my father had brought the first manuscript to the publisher himself and used messengers thereafter, it was a natural misunderstanding.
There was no harm in letting him continue to believe that, but Musk was one of the few people I could trust. Furthermore, even if he mistook me for my father's proxy, revealing the truth wouldn't cause any issues.
Instead of answering, I simply gave him a slight smile. Musk’s eyes widened at my multi-layered grin, and then he burst into a boisterous laugh.
"Ho-ho-ho. So that's how it was. That is quite a surprise."
"What is so surprising? That I'm too young?"
"That as well, but I did not expect you to be so open about it. May I take this as a sign that you trust me that much?"
I responded with only a smile to his question, which was half-jest and half-earnest. According to Lina, Musk was someone who had made minor mistakes and had even been caught for tax evasion.
That actually made him more trustworthy. In my experience, a person is most reliable when they are moderately upright and moderately corrupt.
Those who are too pure are often stubborn and unyielding, making it hard to build a rapport, while those who are too corrupt will betray you as easily as they breathe.
Furthermore, Musk had been pressured by the nobles of Albenheim, who were instigated by the Senate, yet he had kept his mouth shut until the end.
That decision likely stemmed from the realization that he shouldn't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
Conversely, as long as I continued to produce those golden eggs, Musk would never have a reason to betray me.
"...Ho-ho."
Musk rubbed the tip of his nose, looking a bit sheepish when I remained silent and only smiled. From his reaction, it seemed he really had meant it as a joke.
Before the atmosphere turned awkward, I pivoted to another question. The most pressing matter was his publishing house.
Even if the manuscript for the Xenon Chronicle was finished, it would mean nothing if the publisher wasn't operational.
"By the way, when will the company finish its relocation?"
"I apologize, but it may take some time. The building itself is nearly finished thanks to the help of the Order, but the employees are still in the middle of preparing."
"Then, how long until business can resume smoothly?"
"It will likely take about two weeks, to be safe. We aren't just moving the office; we're relocating the residences of all our employees as well. Honestly, it would have taken much longer if the Order hadn't assisted us."
As one might expect, the publishing house was originally located in the Capital. The distance between the Capital and our territory wasn't particularly long.
However, this world lacked trains, let alone automobiles. This meant that every heavy piece of luggage had to be moved solely by carts and wagons.
Because of this, very few people ever moved their residences. Most stayed settled in one region for their entire lives, rarely venturing out unless they were adventurers.
Considering the era, Musk's decision was quite radical. Fortunately, the distance was short, but the expenses must have been astronomical. He had shouldered that burden for the sake of his employees.
"The expenses must have been significant. Are you doing alright?"
"Compared to what we have earned so far, it is a mere drop in the bucket."
"..."
His answer made my concerned question feel foolish. I suppose compared to the wealth the Xenon Chronicle had generated, it really was just a drop in the bucket.
Seeing my embarrassed expression, Musk let out his signature belly laugh. Speaking of money, I found myself curious about just how much the Xenon Chronicle had earned.
Not for Musk, but for me. Fearing I might be tracked, I had left my share with the publishing house until now.
After Leort and Lina partially discovered my identity and the hiatus crisis occurred, I had been moving the funds with their cooperation, but I still didn't know the exact details.
I had started the Xenon Chronicle as a hobby, not for the purpose of making money. One thing was certain, though: I could live a life of leisure forever.
Even if not the exact amount, I wanted to hear a metaphorical estimate. I wondered how many copies of a book that had spread worldwide had actually been sold.
"If you don't mind, may I ask you something?"
"Ask anything."
"How much have you made?"
Perhaps it was too blunt a question for a merchant. Musk flinched at my query, and an awkward smile played on his lips.
Since it was the Xenon Chronicle, the profits must be staggering. But seeing him hesitate, there was clearly something more to it.
I wondered what it was as I waited patiently for his answer.
Eventually, Musk cleared his throat and spoke quietly.
"That is... a difficult question to answer."
"What makes it difficult?"
"The pie is so massive it won't even fit in a mouth; how could one possibly take a single bite?"
"Ah."
I nodded in understanding. In other words, the scale was so vast that it was difficult even to calculate.
But was this man really a commoner? His metaphors were as elegant and fitting as any high-ranking noble's.
Perhaps his eloquence had naturally improved from dealing with people and deflecting pressure from the nobility. That seemed the most likely explanation.
Regardless, I now knew that the profits from the Xenon Chronicle were unimaginably immense. It made sense, given the book was spreading not just through the Empire, but across the entire world.
"Ah. Just in case you are worried, the profits are being delivered exactly as agreed, so you need not fret."
Musk reassured me, perhaps thinking his previous metaphor had raised unnecessary suspicion. I looked at him with a neutral expression.
I had heard about this from Lina as well. She said that while he might evade taxes, he never skimped on the profits sent to our family.
He was meticulous about money bound by 'contracts,' yet strangely corrupt when it came to annoying things like taxes. In fact, seeing as he only had to pay a fine, his tax evasion was more like a clever legal loophole.
I found him likable in many ways. He possessed the perfect virtues of a merchant and wasn't foolish enough to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs.
With so much money being made, he could have skimmed a little off the top without anyone noticing. I wouldn't have even minded if he took a few crumbs from that 'pie' he mentioned.
"That's interesting. I wouldn't have noticed if you'd taken a few crumbs."
"Haha."
When I asked with a hint of curiosity, Musk laughed once more.
He then put his hands behind his back, assumed a rather dignified posture, and cleared his throat. He looked so full of bravado that I almost let out a chuckle.
"I apologize, but while I love making money, cheating a contractor is against the merchant's code. One must maintain their principles."
"And yet, such a man evades taxes..."
"Ahem. That was merely a legal maneuver. You can see that for yourself, since I am standing here perfectly fine, can't you?"
That alone told me what kind of person he was, but his following words revealed even more.
"And if one is to take a cut, it must be done through legitimate defense."
"And what is this 'legitimate method'?"
"A contract, of course."
I was glad this man wasn't a noble. If he were, more than a few people would have been stripped bare by him.
Still, he was someone who wouldn't play games with a contract when dealing with a partner who brought in guaranteed wealth. He likely avoided such risks because they could ultimately harm him as well.
It was certain he would have been successful even without the Xenon Chronicle. Above all, the fact that he had held onto the Xenon Chronicle until the end was a testament to his skill.
Dealing with people is often the most exhausting part of any endeavor, and meeting Musk, who had acted as a perfect shield in the middle, was a stroke of great luck.
"I'm lucky to have met you, Mr. Musk, out of so many people."
"The luck is all mine."
"Is there anything you desire?"
I showed Musk my goodwill. The fact that he had been targeted by demon worshippers and had spent a fortune to move to our territory was all because of the Xenon Chronicle.
As the author, I felt a bit apologetic and was willing to grant a small request. It was only right to do something for someone who had built such a relationship of trust.
However, Musk seemed to have a different idea. He shook his head and answered politely.
"I appreciate the offer, but I must decline. Things are quite sufficient as they are."
"Hmm... I see. If you ever need anything, feel free to ask at any time."
Perhaps someone listening to our conversation might have grown suspicious. But once they learned the identities of Musk and myself, those doubts would vanish.
Musk was the publisher who had contracted the Xenon Chronicle, and I was the second son of the family where that publisher was set to relocate.
Since this was a meeting between the second son of a noble house and a publisher, rather than the author of the Xenon Chronicle and his publisher, there was no room for deeper suspicion.
"Today has been a truly productive time. Thank you for granting my request."
"I should be the one saying that. I'll say it again: I'm very glad to have met you, Mr. Musk."
"Haha. You flatter me. I hardly know what to do with myself."
After sharing various stories, the time eventually came for us to part ways.
I had to continue my inspection of the territory, and Musk had to check on the status of his company and employees.
Still, we had both gained what we wanted, so there was no loss. If anything, it was a gain for me, as I had come to know Musk's character much better.
"By the way, Mr. Isaac, do you happen to have someone you've promised your future to?"
"Yes. I do."
Not just one person, but several, I kept that part to myself.
Musk let out a sigh, looking genuinely disappointed.
"That is a shame. I was thinking of introducing you to my daughter."
"I appreciate the thought. But if that were to happen, it would be quite troublesome for me in many ways..."
If I added any more, I might be beaten to death by my fiancées. I swallowed that thought as well.
Seeing my firm stance, Musk immediately gave up and nodded.
Still, they say daughters usually take after their fathers; I hoped she didn't look exactly like him. I was staring at him intently while thinking that.
"Ho-ho-ho. Unlike me, my daughter is graceful and beautiful."
How did he know? Was it that obvious on my face?
As I touched my face in embarrassment, Musk let out a faint chuckle and rummaged through his coat. He pulled out a small piece of paper and showed it to me.
I immediately recognized the paper as a photograph. One might ask why there were photographs in this era, but they were magic items invented in Albenheim.
Since elves value 'tradition' and 'records,' cameras had been invented long ago. The only problem was that they were obscenely expensive.
Setting that aside, I looked at the people standing together in the photo.
Musk, the head of the family, sat in the center, flanked by two women and two men. It appeared the men were his sons, and the women were his wife and daughter...
Wait. Is this even possible?
I looked back and forth between the person in the photo and the Musk standing before me. The woman presumed to be his daughter was certainly a beauty by my standards, but what was more shocking was Musk himself.
The Musk in the photo (presumably) had a sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and thick, impressive eyebrows. Now, look at him.
The features were still there, but the layers of fat had completely buried them. Was it really possible for a person to change this much just by gaining weight?
As if reading my thoughts, Musk let out his signature laugh and spoke.
"I've put on some weight recently, but I was quite famous for my good looks once. That is when I met my wife."
"Ah... I see. I'm very sorry, but do you have any intention of going back to how you were then?"
"Even back then, I was so popular that my wife was constantly worried. Imagine how it would be now. I have to keep the weight on to keep the suitors away."
"..."
It sounded like bragging, but looking at the person in the photo, it clearly wasn't. Furthermore, now that he had become overnight-rich through the Xenon Chronicle, many people would surely be flocking to him.
I felt a bit dumbfounded as I handed the photo back to Musk. Musk tucked the photo carefully back into his coat and offered me a piece of advice—or rather, a warning.
"So, you must be careful as well, Mr. Isaac. The moment you turn your eyes toward a woman other than your fiancée, the consequences will be calculated not by double, but by the square."
"..."
"And a fiancée's tears are calculated as a debt that can never be repaid. Please keep that in mind."
It was a pointed, quintessentially merchant-like piece of advice.
At least I haven't accumulated any debt yet.
Thanks to him, I felt a renewed resolve to treat Mari even better.