Chapter 109
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Expanding Artifact Paradise
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Melissa scanned through the tasks Leon had handled while she was away, her face twisting in disbelief.
"He acts like a complete slacker, but he gets the job done."
Leon had always been like that. Even as a kid, he had this oddly childish side, yet his perspective on the world was subtly different from everyone else's.
As if he'd heard about these things once or twice before—or even experienced them himself.
Of course, that aside, he seemed pretty immature when it came to dealing with people. But even leaving that out, Leon was a fairly capable big brother.
Though she couldn't forgive him for erecting that ridiculous statue based on his bullshit philosophy that "it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission."
Considering the teleport gate had now appeared—the essential transport route for mine development—Cascadia was poised for explosive growth from here on out.
It wasn't for nothing that nobles said grabbing a good mine could turn you into an overnight millionaire.
"Here's the business proposal. Can I be blunt?"
"It's a bit shady, but go ahead."
Aurora set down the stack of documents with a sly grin.
That smile had drawn a ton of male attention back in their academy days. But once they realized her merchant instincts, they all backed off quick.
She was from a noble house, or so she'd heard, but Melissa knew nothing about her actual family background.
"I've been around since I got here, checking things out. There's so much potential. Straight up—give me full authority."
"Cut the crap."
"Fine, delegate some of it at least? I don't know about the rest, but I'll revive the local commerce for sure."
"What's in it for you?"
"A cut of the profits."
Melissa burst out laughing at the bold request. Aurora grinned back just as brightly, but Melissa immediately grabbed the inkwell from her hand, ready to hurl it.
"Eek! You brute with nothing but muscle!"
"If you're gonna spout that nonsense, get out, you lunatic!"
They screeched at each other like maniacs, but neither went for the kill.
That was just how their friendship worked—they trusted each other completely.
Melissa believed in Aurora's business savvy as a merchant, and Aurora trusted Melissa's own sharp eye.
Of course, as friends, a little roughhousing was just playful teasing.
"At least act like you've got some dignity now that you're a countess, you idiot."
"Hey! I'm a countess now. This ain't some academy student council buddy thing. Hey!"
The teenage brawl between girls who'd tossed aside any pretense of countess or merchant guild leader dignity didn't last long.
Aurora didn't stand a chance physically against Melissa.
"Urk... you brute with nothing but muscle."
"Try saying that after seeing who we feed and house at our place."
"Your big bro's got that monstrous strength, and he's a guy—it's just biology, right?"
"Nah. Even Leon can't take her anymore."
Melissa glanced outside as she said it, and Aurora followed her gaze out the window.
"Oh my god..."
There was Luna's back, one hand gripping Leon by the collar and hoisting him up effortlessly.
"Who... what the hell is that woman?"
"Beats me. But she's definitely not your average... person."
Melissa had nearly said "angel" but swerved at the last second.
"Anyway, let's talk business. You're busy too, right?"
"Yeah. This is the top priority proposal."
What she handed over were documents about Artifact Paradise.
"Straight up—it's too much for me."
"What?"
"Too damn popular. We only released about thirty units. You think nobles obsessed with status, honor, and showing off are gonna sit still for that?"
"..."
Demand was exploding with no supply in sight. Sure, fakes and knockoffs were popping up, but since even the Mage Tower couldn't replicate them, those were just worthless shells—pure hallucinations.
"I get Leon's intentions, and I've agreed to stick to them, so I'm not pushing. But like I said, without more stock, fake artifacts are gonna cause a huge mess."
"I'll respect Leon's choice on this. I hear you, but I'm not forcing him into anything."
Aurora nodded at Melissa's firm response.
"Got it. If that's your call, I won't push."
As Aurora backed off, Melissa eyed her suspiciously.
"What scheme are you cooking up now?"
"Who do you take me for, some villain twirling a mustache?"
"Aren't you?"
"Guilty."
Melissa was speechless at the brazen admission.
"Fine, let's move on to the rest. You're not gonna make me do all this extra work for nothing, right?"
Aurora was genuinely helpful, cutting out a lot of the tedious stuff too.
"Alright. Let's see what you've got."
In the end, Melissa decided to compromise on reasonable terms.
Luna's strength had grown far beyond before.
Previously, there'd been some openings you could see. Even after I'd reinforced my power output to Sword Master levels—strength no ordinary Sword Master could match—Luna's raw power left even me stunned.
And that wasn't all. The thick, intense aura emanating from her felt even stronger now.
More precisely, her presence had intensified.
Were all angels like that?
No way. The angel-type enemies I'd faced in Labyrinthos didn't give off this vibe.
Though, since regular angels had fallen and been sealed, she was probably outside the norm anyway.
It must've changed when she finally opened those eyes she hated so much.
I had a feeling this was the chance to push past the Sword Master wall a bit more—or break through to 7th Circle.
I was sprawled in the shade at one edge of the count's training grounds, gathering my internal aura, when it happened.
"You look pleased."
I spoke without opening my eyes, addressing the one approaching me.
"Oh? That obvious?"
"Must've squeezed a lot out of Melissa."
"To be precise, just one thing. Her defenses were ironclad."
Should she praise Melissa for holding firm, or Aurora for breaking through that stingy sister's walls?
"What'd you get?"
Melissa usually handled that stuff herself.
"Trading rights to your next project."
I bolted upright at that.
"I haven't even thought of a next project."
"Melissa says draft one up now."
Understanding her implication, I acted on my idea immediately.
I pulled two artifacts from my pocket.
One: Let there be light.
The other: A smoke bomb made with resin.
Truth be told, I preferred the first one.
Ting!!
No sooner had I activated them than I chucked both artifacts through the window of Melissa's office.
"Wha... what the hell?!"
Baaaaang!!!
A massive flash, boom, and smoke erupted.
"Cough... cough cough! Leon, you bastard!!"
Melissa's furious roar followed, but I just shrugged.
"Where you headed?"
"No next project in mind."
"Meaning?"
"What can I do? If Melissa wants it, I'll cough up more stock. Let's discuss from a merchant's perspective."
"Excellent choice."
We'd only released thirty Artifact Paradise units so far, but with more on the way, discussions were essential.
How much stock? What quality level?
And pricing?
The Paradise artifacts varied slightly: early versions versus the latest Mk-2 I'd produced, performance-wise.
The talks got pretty heated.
Aurora laid the groundwork for whatever benefited her most, and I scrutinized for any issues.
The result?
"Young Master Leon, you play it cool, but you're meticulously thorough."
"Just doing what I was taught."
"Ugh, this means I've got a mountain of work now."
"Your guild stands to make a fortune, though."
"Damn right. You sure about revealing yourself as the creator?"
More work meant more profit opportunities. Aurora looked satisfied.
I nodded to her follow-up question.
"Guess it's time to build some social clout."
I couldn't rely on others for protection forever.
The initial batch—the biggest headache—had sold without issue and built some name value. Now was the time to wield it as my shield.
"From the next batch, Cascadia crest on every artifact, then. Oh, and any interest in premium options?"
"Premium?"
"Custom engravings per buyer. Barely costs extra production-wise, but it turns them into luxury items—doubles the price easy."
She never missed a revenue stream.
"Quality guarantee's non-negotiable, of course. We'll categorize, go custom-order with decorative add-ons. Our guild's got artisans specialized in engraving."
"Just hand over the finished products, huh?"
"Bonus features would be ideal. I'll brainstorm details with them and get back to you."
Not a bad pitch. How did the continent's Thirteen Great Houses like Lavren get famous? Branding like this.
"Oh, right."
She turned back to look at me.
"When Melissa filed for leave from the academy after her father's death notice, she went with a short-term leave. Unlike me."
"How do you know that, Miss Aurora?"
"I was in student council with her. The president notified me. Melissa knows, but... she'll probably avoid going back."
I nodded at her words.
"What's your real angle?"
"The student council president asked me to convince her to reenroll. Melissa's a top student—president and professors adore her."
Of course. A merchant to the bone like her wouldn't bring it up otherwise.
Melissa had dropped everything and rushed home upon her father's death notice. Time had flown since, so her leave was nearing its end.
She'd get auto-expelled if she didn't return.
She'd claim she didn't care, but...
I wanted her to at least graduate from the academy.
Sure, a countess leaving her territory long-term wasn't ideal, and her reasons were valid, but...
If it won't happen, make it happen.
Just install small teleport gates in her dorm and here. Easy.