Chapter 198: I’m Going to Save the World
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 198: I’m Going to Save the World
Man, I’m broke.
Helping Akito was the right move, but I think I did it half out of spite.
Sure, I’m the one who copied the recipe, but honestly, would Akito have made that much money even if he’d come up with it himself? At most, he would’ve just sold a few potions whenever he ran low on cash.
But the situation at the Magic Research Club was just too damn annoying. Shiori was working her heart out like some tragic young breadwinner, while her so-called brother was busy getting laid in broad daylight.
Half of why I helped was just because I was pissed at Akito.
Maybe I shouldn't have made that promise to Hera… At times like this, I really miss the money coming in from Barbat.
No, don’t regret it.
I called it a reinvestment, but I’m no saint; I didn’t help without getting anything in return. I put a clause in the contract giving Yggdrasil priority for reservations at the Bathhouse Ruins, and more importantly, I can now train my proficiency to my heart's content—something I could only do in Barbat.
The Ashes of Pasa, double-baked over a sacred flame until crispy, aren't allowed to be taken outside, but I’m the owner of Barbat now.
Wait, no. Hera is the owner, and I’m Hera’s owner.
Since I’m set to receive the ashes and the incense burner as a set, I don’t have to worry about the girls' proficiency anymore. Even if their levels or specs are lacking, they’ll be able to crush everything with raw skill proficiency.
I also decided to provide incense burners to Greyhound, which will be a huge help later on.
This alone is a massive gain, so let’s not ask for anything more from Barbat. You have to know when to stop being greedy.
But… I’m seriously on the verge of bankruptcy. Isn’t there anywhere I can make a quick buck?
I thought about selling the equipment I’ve gathered, but I need to give those to the girls. I can’t sell the future.
I’ll sell the recipe next month… and after stopping by the Shrine, maybe I should do another world tour of the casinos?
But my assets have grown so much, and with the expenses for the hospital, the lab, and the foundation, even casino winnings can hardly be called a "fortune" anymore.
As expected, the best thing in times like this is to siphoning off some of the government’s easy money.
In my past life, it wasn't hard to do if you treated people to some hostess bars and did a bit of networking, but the government here is the opposite—they’re constantly keeping their eyes peeled for any way to squeeze money out of us, so I’d rather not poke that nest.
The government… the government… Ah.
If you want to squeeze money out of the government, you have to scratch where it itches.
Without hesitation, I headed for the principal’s office.
“I don’t believe you have an appointment. What are you doing here?”
“I came to see my pretty secretary noona~”
That’s weird. When Akito used this line in the game, she got flustered and blushed. Why is she scowling at me like I’m a piece of filth? Especially since we’ve slept together so many times.
Katrina gives me a look that says she’ll strangle me if I don’t get lost right now.
“I came to see Professor Erin.”
“Without an appointment?”
“Aw, come on. Why do we need appointments between us? That’s hurtful.”
“If you have no business here, would you please leave?”
“No, I really did come to see her. I’ll just sit here quietly and wait, so just let her know.”
As I sat down primly on a nearby sofa, Katrina glared at me with disapproval before entering the principal’s office. She came back out shortly after and clicked her tongue at me.
See? I told you Professor Erin dotes on me.
“It’s been a while, Yeon-woo. I heard about what happened in Barbat. You went through a lot. Have a seat. Just let me finish organizing this, and I’ll be with you in a moment.”
When I walked in, Erin gave me a bright smile and told me to sit. As I took my seat, I watched her busily tidying up her desk.
Every time she leaned over, her heavy, massive breasts swayed, straining against her clothes, and she inadvertently showed off her slender waist and sexy legs.
“I’m sorry, things have been a bit hectic lately because of the Barbat situation. But thanks to you resolving it so well, we’ve received a lot of help.”
Of course she’s busy. No matter how much I stubbornly drove away the vultures, I couldn't stop Yggdrasil—the organization I belong to—from getting a foot in the door at Barbat. Our government only backed off because Yggdrasil was involved; if they’d had their way, wouldn't Barbat be a war zone by now?
Erin led the conversation with great friendliness, saying she wanted to hear about what happened in Barbat directly from me, even though she’d already seen the reports.
Right, I have plenty to say to you.
Just then, Katrina walked in with tea and the cola I’d requested before she entered.
“I was quite shocked when I heard Yeon-woo had been arrested for sacrilege.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re not that kind of person, Yeon-woo. I was certain it was a misunderstanding.”
Erin smiled at me with eyes full of trust.
“So that’s why you just sat back and did nothing.”
When I smiled back at her, Erin flinched. Katrina, who was setting the cola down in front of me, also froze, and a heavy silence fell over the principal’s office.
“I’m sorry. I was afraid that if I acted recklessly, they might do something to you.”
“Hey, I’m not the type to get upset over something like that. I get it. But, while I can let other things slide, I don’t forgive being stabbed in the back.”
“… …”
I have Hera completely under my thumb; did you really think I wouldn't hear about the conversations that went on behind the scenes?
I heard everything—why this was planned, and the process behind it. You gave them permission to frame me? You told them to do whatever they wanted? I’m so grateful you had so much faith in me.
* * *
“But, while I can let other things slide, I don’t forgive being stabbed in the back.”
At Yeon-woo’s cold smile, Erin sighed inwardly, knowing this moment had come.
It wasn't that she hadn't thought about helping him. He was a student of Yggdrasil, and more importantly, Yeon-woo was a subject of special management. Even if it meant turning the entirety of Barbat into an enemy, Yggdrasil and the government would have protected him.
However.
Yeon-woo’s abilities had far exceeded expectations. Who could have predicted that a mere student, even one under special management, would swallow Barbat whole?
The plan had been to seize power, clear Yeon-woo’s name at the appropriate time, and ensure he received proper compensation. Even Hera probably hadn't expected that compensation to be Barbat itself.
The board had been flipped before Erin could even use the measures she’d prepared to help him, and Barbat had fallen into Yeon-woo’s hands in an instant.
‘He hates me now…’
The innocent young man who used to steal glances at her chest was nowhere to be found. Though he didn't show his emotions, his cold, hollow eyes looked at her as if she were an enemy.
Erin gave a bitter smile and adjusted her posture.
“I’m sorry. Saying it was because I believed in you… probably sounds like an excuse, doesn't it?”
“Yes, it sounds like an excuse.”
At Yeon-woo’s bright, cheerful smile, Erin felt a pang in her heart. A report she’d read about him flashed through her mind—that he didn't care about fame or power, but he never forgave anyone who crossed him and would always find a way to pay them back.
It was a report she’d sent to warn the government to be careful, yet she, the one reporting it, had made the mistake herself.
She wasn't afraid of what an angry Yeon-woo might do. It was just that she had kicked away the trust they’d built, and seeing the affectionate gaze he once held for her turn so cold made her heart ache.
“I have much I want to say, but I’m sure anything I say now will just sound like an excuse.”
“… …”
“So, how about I do something for you, Yeon-woo, so that I might earn your forgiveness?”
“What are you planning to do for me?”
Seeing Yeon-woo respond as if he’d been waiting for that, Erin fell into thought.
Looking at his attitude just now, it didn't seem like he intended to hold her accountable. He wanted something else, and he was pretending to be angry to achieve that goal.
However, that was merely a prediction of how it "seemed," not a certainty, so Erin spoke cautiously.
“How could I, the one who did wrong, make a proposal? I’ll do whatever you want, Yeon-woo.”
“Anything?”
“Yes, anything.”
Erin saw Yeon-woo’s gaze drop momentarily. She wasn't the only one who saw it; Katrina’s expression turned fierce.
Whether it was instinctive or not, he had definitely looked at her breasts. To harbor lust even in a situation like this… it was typical of a hot-blooded young man, yet unlike the person who had swallowed Barbat.
Erin gave a small laugh and crossed her arms. Her arms pushed up her large breasts, and Yeon-woo’s gaze dropped again before snapping back up in surprise.
His expression had softened a bit, as if he’d forgotten to stay angry.
A man who seemed easy, yet was anything but. Looking at the man whose true depths were a mystery, Erin waited for him to speak.
“Ahem, cough… Ah—so, anyway.”
“Yes, tell me anything. If it’s you, Yeon-woo, I’ll gladly welcome it.”
“… …”
Erin was startled by her own words, which had come out sounding almost seductive. Given the situation, how could she be so shameless with this young man…
Though she maintained a relaxed smile, Erin’s heart pounded with embarrassment. Yeon-woo looked at her, shook his head vigorously as if to clear it, and finally spoke.
“I want to resolve the Asen Industrial Zone in City C.”
“The Industrial Zone? You mean…”
“Yes, exactly what you’re thinking. The Zone that hasn't been cleared for five years.”
The Mage’s Grave.
It was a Zone so famous it had earned its own nickname. The Asen Industrial Zone was an area the government had invested in as the center of the magic industry, and it had once boasted massive production.
However, a Zone appeared that couldn't be cleared no matter how many mages were sent in, and the industrial zone was currently out of operation.
At first, they tried to save what they could of the industrial zone even if they had to give up on the Zone itself, but the point where the Zone appeared was where the core facilities were located. Unless it was cleared, production dropped below 50%.
Clearing a Zone wasn't just about magic skill, like being one of the 12 Zodiacs. With veteran Zone specialists dying left and right, they couldn't afford to throw the 12 Zodiacs into the mix, and so the Asen Industrial Zone was being forgotten.
“Do you know what kind of Zone that is?”
“Yes, I’ve investigated it personally, and I can clear it.”
“… …”
It was a Zone everyone feared, yet Yeon-woo spoke with absolute confidence. If it had been anyone else… no, if it had been before he swallowed Barbat, Erin would have refused, saying it was impossible.
But he had proven his ability. In a situation where he was framed, he had flipped the board and taken control of Barbat, a place the whole world coveted. He hadn't just defeated a strong monster or a powerful mage; he had achieved victory against a massive entity—a nation.
She didn't know how he could clear it, but he spoke with such confidence. He wasn't trying to sacrifice himself to save someone, so he wasn't planning to throw his life away. He was someone who didn't act recklessly in unfavorable situations and had a high capacity for crisis avoidance.
Knowing Yeon-woo’s personality well, Erin hesitated before asking.
“Why… why do you suddenly want to save Asen?”
At Erin’s question, Yeon-woo hesitated for a moment as if it were difficult to answer, then gave an awkward laugh.
“Because I’m broke.”
“… Pardon?”
“I need a large sum of cash, and the government would pay handsomely for the Asen Industrial Zone, wouldn't they?”
“… … Well… I suppose they would…?”
He wasn't the type to be greedy for money. Or rather, he couldn't be, given the businesses and assets Erin already knew he possessed.
“I have two favors to ask of you, Professor. Granting me permission, and squeezing as much money as possible out of the government.”
“Is the money you’re getting from Barbat not enough?”
“Oh, come on~ you know as well as I do. I have to give that money back.”
Yeon-woo smiled back, countering that he knew she was investigating him.
Erin sighed, having only asked because the situation was so absurd, though it only made her feel more uneasy.
“What are you planning to do with all that money? You’re already rich.”
At Erin’s words, Yeon-woo shrugged and smiled.
“Because I’m planning to save the world.”
How much of it was a joke, and how much was the truth?
Erin couldn't understand him, but Yeon-woo’s face was incredibly serious.