Chapter 10

Chapter 10 He would not bother to throw bait like this just to deceive someone who had nothing but debt. This one must be undoubtedly mad. And there was nothing more foolish than engaging in lengthy conversations with a madman. But still. How much do you plan to invest? Because there was always a chance, however slight. With the thought of preparing for the unexpected, Philip tossed the question nonchalantly. Perhaps a rich young master cant handle his excessive wealth and splurges foolishly. Understanding it was a pitiful hope, Philip couldnt help but cling on to it. After all, in his desperate state, he couldnt afford to ignore even a rotten lifeline. How much debt do you have? And what about your plans for the next venture? To Philips surprise, the madmans answer had some logic to it. A faint hope began to rise in Philips heart. Would you really invest in a trading company that has already failed once? Well, its fine. I believe in Mr. Philips talent. I want to invest and see. When have you ever seen me Yet despite his constant ranting, the madmans gaze never wavered. Such consistent reactions were not characteristic of a madman. Putting aside his prejudices, Philip felt a sense of familiarity in the intense gaze of the young man before him. The eyes of someone missed. Father It was the gaze of a person confident in their judgement, someone who knew exactly the path they must take and had the belief to walk it to the end. It was then that Philip allowed the hope he had been forcibly ignoring to raise its head again. Are you serious about investing? His heart fluttered. It was like seeing a ray of light in a pool of despair, as his slim hope grew stronger. Yes. How much would you need to pay off your debts and make a fresh start? Ill support you fully. Just as these sweet words made Philips mood soar. Tap. An insignificant noise caused him to reflexively turn his head. Dust fell off from the self-proclaimed investors armor, revealing an emblem. The moment Philip saw the emblem, the enthusiasm bubbling inside him turned ice cold in an instant. Of course, it figures. The bitter feeling was all the more miserable because of the high expectations he had held. Ill meet your conditions as best as I can. Just let me know. All excitement had faded when he came face-to-face with the swindlers grinning face. Ha, really Such a despicable young lad. I was about to let you off lightly, thinking I misunderstood something. Cold words naturally spilled out. What? What did he say? Logan was taken aback. Everything was going well when suddenly he couldnt conceal his bewilderment from Philips abrupt words. You. If youre going to scam someone, at least prepare properly. Like those bastards who scammed me before. What? Philips dramatically changed expression was met with an unexpected retort. Ha It seemed he was spitefully picking a fight with someone who might have saved him. Had he not known the boys future, he wouldve thought of him as a fool. No, even with that knowledge, it seemed like an act of utter stupidity. You, what are you saying? Youre not an investor, are you? What? Is this guy crazy? Why the sudden change? Having failed once in business, is he now like a mad dog eager to bite anyone? These questions and more were reflected in Philips eyes as he answered with a snort. You havent been in Kail long enough to even shake the dirt off your shoes. And you come straight to the merchants district to talk about investing? You know who I am? Philip pointed to his shoes, which, just as he claimed, still had some dirt on them. That finger soon pointed to Logans chest. Plus, Ive memorized every noble family crest in this country. That crest on your armor is from the MacLaine baronial house of the Southwest. So whats the problem? Dear noble-man-cum-swindler? Though the claims were untrue, Philip felt a pang in his chest as he seemed to know what would come next. The MacLaine house is a family of leeches living off their in-laws. And theyre talking about investing? A family that cant even pay off their own debts? Ugh 500,000 Seems like odd math to me. How can someone in 250,000 debt claim a personal value of another 250,000? Unless you mean a negative 250,000. Struck out of nowhere by a forcible fact, Philip felt a deep blow to his heart. Urgh. Its its that Fine. Ill add another 50,000 for your pride. So, how about 300,000 total? Wha? No, what did you say? Three, three hundred thousand? Would you rather not? As Logans words grew more brief, Philip seemed too shocked to even notice. Then shall we leave it as is? Utterly bewildered by the unexpected sum, Philip collapsed at that one sentence. 300,000 gold! Yes! Absolutely yes! To Philip, it was as if salvation had unexpectedly arrived in response to a casual remark. There was no reason for him to refuse. Shall we make a contract right now? Excuse me? Logan nonchalantly put down his travelers sack as if it were nothing significant. Thud. The sack sounded unusually heavy, echoing weightily in Philips chest. A golden glow peeked out from the opened top, revealing a bag full of gold coins. The money Logan had withdrawn earlier that day from the Coppers Kail branch. Any merchant would go mad at the sight of that pile of gold. Thankfully, it seems I have enough for the upfront payment. Philip thought he saw a halo around the smiling owner of the backpack. What is this man? An angel? Feeling somewhat detached from reality, Philip remained speechless for a while. It, this, for real? Gazing at the gold coin sack as if in a dream, Philip soon held Logans hand with tears welling up in his eyes. Th-thank you. I really, truly thank you. I considered resigning myself to a life of slavery And now I find myself kneeling Ah, I already was, indeed. Sinking to the floor was one thing, but now his posture resembled a worshiper praying to a god, an admittedly overwhelming sight. So, why do you wish to employ me, to go to such monetary lengths? Didnt I say? I believe in potential for the future. Do you really think so? That I may bloom late and help increase your wealth? No, it must happen. For my own purpose, it must. Logans determined gaze seemed to move Philip once again. Nobody has ever shown me such trust. Not even my late father did so much Overcome with emotion, Philip took a moment to compose himself while Logan looked on with a faint smile. Lets go make that contract. Where to? We cant write a contract here, can we? Really? Regardless of where the contract is written, what does it matter? Logan took the befuddled Philip to one of the rare magic shops in Kail. * * * There. Contract complete! As a drop of blood from Philips finger fell onto the contract, the bluish mana inscribed upon it glowed brightly, ensnaring his body. It was an expensive magical contract worth 10,000 gold. From now on, if Philip intentionally committed an act harmful to Logan, he would experience soul-rending agony. Unless he wanted to suffer, hed need to awaken his own Force to become a superior knight or pay a wizard of at least the 4th circle hundreds of times the sum to lift the curse. In essence, the contract exchanged Philips life for 300,000 gold, a contract for all intents and purposes akin to buying a slave. Thus, it was understandable that Philips face soured, despite just moments ago being filled with emotion. A scum, using an exorbitant contract worth the price of 30 slaves just to make one slave out of me. And with 300,000 gold on top of that? Philips continued grumbling fell on seemingly deaf ears, as Logans face was brimming with smiles. How else would we trust each other at first meeting? If you invest a fortune, there ought to be a guarantee. Though Logan spoke casually, Philip was clearly agitated but sighed in acquiescence. Better than being dragged off by those other scoundrels. Being treated similarly to a slave was better than being officially branded and treated as one. That was what he told himself to feel better, but his spirits irresistibly dampened due to the previously high expectations. As Philips gloom was starting to set in again, Logan casually remarked. We can always get rid of the contract once we build mutual trust. So, lets do our best from here on. A vague promise, without any specified period or conditions. Yet, that simple statement was enough to kindle a small flame in Philips dead-looking eyes.