Chapter 52
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 52
“Conditions…?”
Lize asked cautiously, her voice trembling slightly at my proposal.
“That’s right. This is a contract. In exchange for my help, you’ll work for me. Care to hear the terms?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Lize nodded. She wasn’t in a position to be picky, and there was no harm in simply listening.
With her consent, I laid out my requirements.
“First, from now on, you will be my exclusive appraiser.”
“Huh? Does that mean I can’t take other clients?”
“Didn’t you say you lost all your regulars? I don’t see the problem.”
“Even so, that’s…”
Lize hesitated, likely interpreting my words as a demand to sever all other professional ties. I offered a compromise; this was my original intention anyway.
“It seems you find that difficult to accept. Then how about this: you will prioritize my requests above all others. Is that acceptable?”
This time, Lize agreed without a second thought.
“Yes, I understand!”
“Good.”
In truth, I could appraise artifacts myself. I knew the effects of in-game items like the back of my hand, and if all else failed, I could use the system to analyze them. The important thing was securing the first right of refusal for any item Lize handled in the future.
“Next. In addition to appraising artifacts, I want you to begin trading magic devices in earnest.”
“M-Me? Trade magic devices?”
“Yes. You’ve already been moving one or two a month through your contacts, haven’t you? I’m talking about expanding that business seriously.”
Lize had started as a simple appraiser, but she was destined to expand into trading. Eventually, she would grow into a ‘special merchant’ dealing in rare and unique artifacts. Originally, the protagonist was supposed to help her achieve this, but now I was taking on that role—albeit a bit ahead of schedule.
Though she currently ran a shabby stall in a back alley, Lize would one day be reborn as a magic device merchant who ruled the underworld.
The owner of a special shop that dominates the underworld.
For Roen, an alchemist specializing in enhancing and enchanting artifacts, she was an indispensable talent. Through her, I would be able to acquire the artifacts and items I wanted easily and at a steep discount.
“With your talent, you’re bound to succeed. You might even build your own organization within the underworld.”
“I’m not hoping for that much…”
“Whether you hope for it or not, it will happen one day.”
That was the fate of a named character like Lize. When I spoke with such conviction, Lize nodded as if she finally understood the scale of my vision.
“I understand. I’ll give it a try. So, how will you be helping me, Roen-nim?” Lize asked, her eyes sparkling with a mix of anxiety and hope.
This was a contract, after all. It wasn’t just about Lize working for me; I had to provide the foundation.
I reached into my coat, pulled out two artifacts, and set them on the table.
Click.
“First, take this Ring of Sara and the Necklace of Svelun. Sell them and use the proceeds as capital for your business.”
Both were luxury items I had no use for, but they would fetch a staggering price. Together, they were worth about 200 million Krone. As an appraiser, Lize recognized their value instantly, her eyes widening in shock. Even without her regulars, she’d find a buyer for items of this caliber if she tried.
“And use this until the sale goes through. It should cover your interest payments, protection fees, and living expenses for now. I’ll also send you regular support funds on top of this.”
I slid a check for 30 million Krone across the counter. It was a painful expense given my current lack of liquid funds, but it was an investment that would return dozens, even hundreds of times over in the future.
“What do you say? Will you accept?”
Seeing me offer such a massive sum so readily, Lize frantically waved her hands in refusal.
“I-I… I can’t accept this much money!”
I pressured her, bringing up the harsh reality of her situation.
“You can’t? Are you planning to spend the rest of your life running from debt collectors? You’ll be worrying about tomorrow before today is even over.”
I gestured around the cramped, dingy stall and narrowed my eyes.
She was safe today because of me, but there was no telling what tomorrow would bring. There was no guarantee the Red Hound Gang wouldn't return with more men to seek revenge. The only logical move was to pack up and move the shop or flee.
In this situation, accepting my offer was her only lifeline.
“An opportunity like this doesn’t come often, Lize. Think again.”
“…”
Under my gaze, Lize bit her lower lip. Most people would have snatched the money in a heartbeat. No one refuses a rope lowered to them when they’re dangling off a cliff.
And yet.
“I still can’t. I’m sorry. I’ll figure out my own problems somehow.”
After a long silence, she politely declined. It seemed her conscience wouldn't allow her to accept any more help after I had already saved her life.
If that was how it was going to be, I had to play my last card.
“Then consider it repayment for the favor I did for you earlier. Is it still a no?”
“Yes. I’ll repay you for saving me in some other way, Roen-nim. I’ll find a way.”
Lize replied resolutely, her silver eyes shining with a stubborn light. Even when I tried to use her debt of gratitude against her, she didn't budge.
I looked at the girl and chuckled to myself. It was stubborn, foolish pride.
But her reaction actually reassured me. Even in a world without the protagonist, she hadn’t changed one bit.
“How foolish. Truly foolish,” I said, my voice softening into a form of praise. “Whoever your master was, they must have had a hard time raising you.”
“That’s… so mean.”
I gave her a wry smile. “But I like that about you. You were raised well.”
“…Huh?”
In truth, I already suspected Lize wouldn’t accept the handout. It was a small test—I wanted to see if the Lize of this world had been corrupted by her circumstances. But she was exactly as I remembered her, passing the test with flying colors.
I could have guessed as much just by seeing her persevere alone until things got this bad. A lesser person would have either submitted to the Red Hound Gang or abandoned her master’s legacy and fled.
Whether you called it integrity or the foolishness to kick away a golden opportunity, it was her defining trait.
Anyway.
Since she refused to be given a fish, I would have to teach her how to catch one. Unlike the students protected within the walls of the Academy, young Lize had to survive on her own in this concrete jungle. You could call it meddling, but it was a necessary step.
“Alright, Lize. You are now my first external recruit.”
“?”
I had many acquaintances and allies within the academy, like Ciel, but Lize was the first companion I had made on the outside. It was a monumental occasion.
With a sense of excitement, I beckoned to her. “Follow me.”
“Wh-Where are we going?”
“I’m taking you to get a job.”
“A job? Where?”
To Lize’s innocent question, I replied with a smirk.
“The Panopticon.”
The massive organization that ruled this underworld.
“!”
As her eyes widened in horror, I added one last thing.
“Think of it as a major corporation.”
*
The bustling streets of the underground city were choked with people.
Leaving the alley, I strode down the main thoroughfare with Lize in tow, parting the dense crowd. Lize, unaccustomed to the chaos, kept looking around as if she were in a foreign land.
As we continued, a massive government building made of fine marble came into view. Standing out with a stark, imposing presence among the crumbling ruins of the underground city, this was the western branch of the Panopticon. In the game, it served as one of the primary warp points.
Its appearance was exactly as I remembered.
“W-We’re really here.”
Lize trembled, hiding behind my back. She was clearly intimidated by the building’s oppressive grandeur. In modern terms, the Panopticon was no different from a global mafia syndicate; for a commoner like Lize, walking in here was like entering a lion’s den.
“R-Roen-nim, it’s not too late. Let’s go back. Please?”
I spoke firmly as she tugged at my sleeve. “Quiet. Just stay close. You won’t be in any danger as long as you’re with me.”
“…I give up.”
With a resigned Lize following behind, I climbed the stairs. Two guards in front of the main entrance immediately crossed their weapons to block our path.
“State your business.”
Instead of answering, I scanned the guards from head to toe.
They held large halberds and wore black armor that covered them completely. On their breastplates was the symbol of the Panopticon: the ‘Red All-Seeing Eye,’ a reminder that no corner of the underground city was beyond their reach.
A quick look at their gear gave me a rough estimate of their strength. They didn't possess any magic-resistant artifacts, and their equipment was standard-issue.
I can definitely take them.
My plan was simple: take down these two guards and force their superior to show themselves. It would be impossible to meet the head of the western branch through conventional channels, so I had to cause a scene.
Of course, if I revealed my identity now, I could probably get inside easily, but…
That wouldn't leave a strong enough impression. I needed a psychological advantage. Permission and acknowledgment were two entirely different things.
Having organized my thoughts, I looked at the guards and spoke provocatively.
“I’m here to see your master.”
“State your business more clearly, kid.”
I sneered. “I don’t waste my breath on underlings. Go and fetch your superior.”
“…”
Hostility flared in the guards' eyes at my arrogant tone.
Just as I’d hoped.