The Power of Money (2)
Giovanni, the Gold Star, was a man whose mere movements rippled through the world economy. Not only did he possess immense wealth, but the merchant guild he led had branches scattered across the globe, dealing in every conceivable commodity. Its influence was inevitable.
One of the key items handled by Giovanni's guild was Etherium, the essential ore for magitech products sourced exclusively from the Empire. They took on the distribution in place of the Empire, which had strained relations with other nations, supplying Etherium worldwide. People criticized this arrangement, noting that the Empire—frequent aggressor against its neighbors—could rake in profits from Etherium sales largely thanks to Giovanni's guild.
But Giovanni was a merchant through and through. Merchants always seized opportunities that profited them, as long as they didn't severely damage trust. Sure, monopolizing Etherium distribution might draw some harsh words or tarnish his reputation slightly, but the profits were beyond imagination. And for Giovanni, reputation or honor mattered little. As long as he maintained the bare minimum trust required for business, that was enough.
Giovanni had no intention of halting Etherium trades, nor would he in the future.
Like this, Giovanni fixated on nothing frivolous beyond trust. He valued only tangible assets with real worth. So, ironically, when asked what held the most value to him, the answer was people.
People couldn't be traded legally, but that was easily explained. While people themselves weren't commodities, their talents were. Hiring a powerhouse as a bodyguard, for instance, meant buying their martial prowess. Talents had concrete value.
And talent wasn't limited to combat strength. Cooking, accounting, studying, farming, mechanics, academic research—everyone shone in their own domain. Giovanni sought out these exceptional talents, bought them, and put them to work for him and his guild. He knew better than anyone that their labor fueled the guild's growth.
That was why he showered astronomical sums on various academies. Those who'd already set their paths firmly wouldn't be swayed by his offers. But unpolished gems without fixed futures? Talents that rivaled or surpassed the establishment? Those, Giovanni could claim.
He sponsored event prizes at academies to plant his name positively in students' minds. Then, spotting promising gems before graduation, he'd approach early, scout them, and secure their service to the guild post-graduation. That was his vision.
Giovanni exploited any talent beneficial to his guild, regardless of type—even if morally dubious. As long as it was exceptional, he coveted all talents equally.
But being human, he naturally had a favorite. A talent brighter than any he'd witnessed in his life. If pressed for his most desired, there was only one.
"Sword Star, long time no see!"
"...Gold Star?"
Hakodate Karin. A transmigrator graced only with the blessing of eternal youth, lacking the high spirit affinity typical of her kind. Yet with just a single sword, she'd reached the pinnacle rivaling the mighty Dragon Star.
Frankly, if Karin worked for him, Giovanni would hand over his guild and all his wealth. Not for the woman herself, but for her irreplaceable talent.
Of course, he found her beauty surpassing any other, but it wasn't unique. The world brimmed with beauties. Her talent, however, was heaven-sent. A marvel unlikely to reappear for centuries. The most beautiful, wondrous—and coveted—talent. He'd sacrifice anything for it.
Others might disagree, but Giovanni saw it that way. Still, he knew it was unattainable. Karin despised being bound to anyone, even by money. Unless the world turned upside down, she'd never yield to his temptations.
That unattainability only heightened its value, so Giovanni concealed his desires. He glanced at the gathered Karin, Shania, and Ahajaka before approaching.
"Done with your seclusion?"
"Explain why you're here first."
"The Gold Star agreed to host the latter part of the exchange event, so he's here for that," Shania explained, then asked curiously, "But hasn't the exchange event ended yet?"
"Just the wrap-up left. I planned to finish it myself, but this took priority."
Giovanni continued, "When else would I get to meet the Sword Star?"
The implication hung: what if she secluded herself again like last time?
"...I won't be secluding myself again for a while."
"Really? That's unexpected."
"You'd have seen if you'd hosted the event."
Karin added, "My disciple was there."
"...Disciple?"
He'd heard from Eleonora already, but Giovanni feigned ignorance for fun.
"You've taken a disciple?"
Playing along seemed more entertaining. At his surprised reaction, Karin explained.
"Yes. Among Terastial Academy's student reps, there was a Seong Hyun-jin?"
"Right, that kid was impressive. Shone brightest among the raw talents at this exchange event."
"He's my disciple."
Karin replied proudly, yet suspiciously. "With your information network, you expect me to believe you didn't know?"
Giovanni neither confirmed nor denied, merely lifting the corner of his mouth behind the mask. Karin, sensing something, glared before speaking.
"Don't pretend you didn't know."
"Busted, huh?"
Giovanni chuckled lightly. Karin sighed at his shamelessness.
"So, what do you want?"
"To see you, of course."
His voice dripped with nostalgic warmth, like old friends reuniting, nearly fooling Shania and Ahajaka about their bond. Karin, catching on, sighed again.
"...Gold Star, I've told you countless times: I have no intention of serving any employer."
"I know, I know. Not asking now."
Giovanni knew it was futile. Coming to see the Sword Star was just to keep ties intact delicately. And to lay groundwork for a new proposal.
"I know better than anyone you hate belonging to any person or group."
"Then why—"
"I'm not talking about you."
"...?"
Karin eyed him questioningly. Giovanni smiled beneath his mask and made his pitch.
"Your disciple. I want to buy him."
#
Seong Hyun-jin, fresh off his effortless victory in the comprehensive sparring, wore a refreshed smile. Stretching his limbs felt great after so long, and he savored dominating strong opponents.
Feels lighter wielding the sword since coming to the academy.
As Karin said, experience mattered as much as physical growth. Accumulated battles made swordplay less taxing on his body. Since enrolling, experience piled up, honing his body instinctively.
"Not bad."
"What?"
With the exchange event wrapping up, Serena Eldark naturally overheard his mutter and tilted her head.
"Ah, just feels lighter swinging the sword."
Serena tilted again at his words, then raised her hand to measure from her crown to his head.
"Doesn't seem taller."
"...I grew a bit?"
He had, just under a centimeter—barely noticeable.
"And it's not obvious anyway. I'm half-elf."
"But what do you mean lighter?"
"Guess it's the experience buildup."
Serena nodded in realization.
"Makes sense, after all those ordeals..."
Hyun-jin grinned lightly and asked, "So, how was I?"
Praise could make even whales dance, and he didn't mind hearing it. Not his usual style to ask outright, but this was his girlfriend. A little coquetry should be fine, he thought.
Her response packed more punch than expected.
Serena's lips curved softly.
And then.
"My baby was the coolest."
"...!"
Beyond his hopes. As she beamed, a mildly shocked Hyun-jin blinked silently. Meeting his gaze, Serena quietly closed her mouth, eyes locked.
The host's voice announcing the event's end droned on, unheard by them.
Serena's eyes wavered first. His affection poured wordlessly, making her shy. She looked away; Hyun-jin chuckled softly.
"I win the staring contest, so grant my wish."
"...Huh? Staring contest?"
He laughed at her fluster, but she took the wish part seriously.
Does he want something?
She pondered briefly, then played along.
"...Okay."
"What?"
"I'll grant it."
"Huh? For real?"
"Yeah. I lost the staring contest."
"Well, yeah, but..."
Meant as a joke, her earnest reply flustered him. Seeing it, Serena smiled with her eyes.
"Think it over before you say."
"Uh, yeah..."
Then Amanda addressed all participants.
"Exchange event ended splendidly—let's grab some fancy food! The headmaster said celebrate your win with whatever you want!"
"Really?"
"Sounds good."
"Heard Celestial Academy's inner city has tons of great spots."
From Lebion's excitement, students buzzed positively. Hyun-jin perked up at the food prospect—until someone interrupted.
"A moment, please."
Not a participant. A golden-masked man had appeared before Terastial's reps.
That's... the Gold Star.
Everyone recognized him; rep leader Amanda looked flustered.
"Gold Star, to what do we owe—"
"Business here."
"Uh..., may I ask what? We were all heading out together."
"Not everyone. Others, carry on. I want time with one person."
His tone implied no time for others, but none challenged it. Everyone knew Giovanni's time outvalued theirs; he moved world economies.
Rich folks are picky, huh.
Didn't seem so with the host. Hyun-jin noted the public-private divide and listened.
"Who..."
"You there."
Giovanni's finger pointed; all eyes followed.
"Spare a moment?"
It pointed straight at Seong Hyun-jin.