A storm was brewing in the College thanks to Isaac's upcoming graduation. The students had 2 years to prove themselves to be better than Isaac. Students who were never expected to graduate before Isaac made a sigh of relief, while students who were expected to graduate in the next 2 or 3 years were stunned. At first, they denied the reality, but they soon changed heart and began to study as if their lives were on the line.
While the College fell into a frenzy for graduation, Isaac was having the best time of his life. If anyone from the College were to see him now, they would surely swear vengeance with blood in their eyes.
"It's a quiet night for once."
Isaac muttered to himself as he looked out the window. The sea, which sat beyond his window, could not be seen through the veil of the night. It was midnight of the new moon, and Isaac was alone for once. Reisha and Kunette refrained from visiting the port, as they noticed that the atmosphere had suddenly become very agitated – even hostile.
"I'm damn lucky to be able to smoke like this."
The room was pitch black and all that could be heard was the gentle lullaby from the crashing waves. Countless stars were arranged like the Milky Way in the sky, like the powder of gems tossed onto black silk. It was enough to get even Isaac emotional.
"Ah, I'd love a drink right now."
Watching the moon and the stars would have been the perfect excuse to get wasted. But with Rivelia on constant vigil in search for any excuse to bring justice on Isaac, bringing in alcohol was something he needed to refrain from.
"On a night like this, you'd at least need some music to go with it."
After throwing away the burnt cigarette out the window, he grabbed the instrument that was on his desk and sat next to the window again. He was starting to get bored of fishing. After a long time considering the options as to what he could waste time with, he decided to learn how to play music.
At first, he wanted to learn something like a saxophone which held the image of masculinity, but this world didn't have any instrument close to that. There was something like a piano, but bringing it over would have been troublesome; he wanted something that was easily portable. He ended up with an instrument that was similar to a violin.
Named the biolen, it had a similar shape and name in general. Even if there was a difference, Isaac would never have noticed since he'd never held a violin in his life.
Finding someone to teach him was an easy task as he made a suitable payment for some of the students in the arts department to teach him. He was planning to learn from the basics up, but there was a problem. Isaac didn't have talent for music. He was in fact, horrendous.
Screech! Screek! Screech!
Isaac played his instrument as if he was the lead of the orchestra, but all that was coming out was a sound similar to the metal scratching a blackboard. He had learnt the basic notes and was playing a children's hymn intended for the newest learners, but the result was a symphony of torture.
Isaac was only satisfied after finishing his encore.
"In a dreamy night with the stars lighting the stage, I stand on the front to play magnificent music! Damn, it feels good. I'd bet if there was a girl here she'd be all over me at this point! That's just too bad!"
After singing out ludicrous praises for himself, he threw the instrument onto his desk and jumped onto his bed. His breaths became shallow and then turned to a snore as he entered a deep sleep.
"This is the first time I've seen such a lunatic in my life."
"Me too. I thought that was just an act of taunt after spotting us. I was moments away from trying to kill him."
One by one, heads began to rise from the sea next to the port and began complaining to each other.
"Is that the so called Isaac I've been hearing lately?"
Tens of people who had gotten up to the port hurried themselves into a neat line.
As soon as the middle-aged man who seemed to be the leader of the group muttered, his second-in-command nodded.
"Yes. That's why these kids who hate physical labour are so motivated for their training."
The middle-aged man scanned the group with an ominous stare. Each person flinched whenever their eyes met with his.
"I had thought that their motivation was because they finally grew up from their immaturity, but it was because of this? I guess despite what you look, you lot still have some pride inside."
"They can make up for the lack of their grades from written exams by performing hands-on training instead."
"I guess I'd feel quite unfair too if I was on the receiving end."
The agents who had lined up seemed to be relieved after hearing this, but it soon turned upside down when the middle-aged man spoke again.
"Since it's come to this, we should use this situation to its fullest."
"How so?"
"What if he actually becomes their sunbae instead of just acting like he's one?"
"Kukuku. That'd be a sight to see. I'm sure they'll be scared shitless."
"Right?"
"But if we did that now, the Campus will rise against it."
"I can imagine that myself. Is there some way to make it happen?"
"We can simply make him join just before his graduation instead of doing it now."
"Oh! A splendid answer!"
The middle aged man seemed to be pleased with his second-in-command, while the students who were lined behind him despaired as to what had happened.
"Hm? Do you feel cheated?"
Of course they felt cheated. Skipping grades in College wasn't something that was obtained simply by being talented. It was only achieved by completing all of the year's task before the year finished.
The College's basic curriculum was designed for 15 years of study. And this wasn't just a leisurely study schedule, but one that would kill an ordinary man. And these geniuses were people who would skip their grades despite the harsh curriculum and graduate in 9 to 12 years on average. Yet Isaac was going to get the same degree after playing around for 5 years.
"They look like they'll commit suicide once we give him 5 stars."
"Huh? Five stars?"
Even the middle aged man seemed surprised, while all the students were shocked as if they'd been struck by lightning.
"He's a five-star since he graduated in 5 years right?"
"Hm, you are correct, but isn't that going too far?"
There was a glimmer of hope in the students' eyes. If the middle-aged man was against it, maybe it would not come to pass.
"What difference would it make anyway, since we split who is Sunbae and Hubae based on which year they graduated."
"You have a point. Fine, proceed as you said."
The look on the students only sunk deeper into depression as the middle aged man nodded in agreement.
"But will Duke Corduroy let this come to pass?"
"Ah, don't worry about it. He'd been receiving requests from those in the field of operations for more recruits. In fact, he'd be delighted to hear about this."
"The problem then is security."
"That's right."
Flinch!
The middle aged man turned to the students with menacing eyes.
"I'm sure you guys already know, but I'm saying this just to make sure so shut up and listen. If this decision is to leak beyond the College, then the Central will remove your existence in its entirety. Not just you but your families and relatives as well. But you know that right?"
All the students quivered at the middle-aged man's blackmail. These students who had been handpicked after multiple screenings within the College saw a glimpse at the truth of this world. Fame and riches were to follow, but it came with heavy responsibility.
The students replied by saluting at the man by placing their right hand on their left chest.
Rivelia's Scheme
As the day reached noon, Isaac realised he no longer needed to perform the tedious chore that was cooking. Isaac thought Rivelia would continue her pestering with whatever excuse she could find, but she had strangely confined herself in the College. Kunette and Reisha found it difficult to come to the port because of the hostility from the students. With the two of them no longer there to bother him for food, Isaac was free to visit the cafeteria instead.
With his hands in his pockets and messy hair, he looked like a typical unemployed man prowling the streets, but those who saw him only frowned at the sight and made no attempt to talk with him.
There were only five student cafeterias in the Campus as a whole which were used by all of the schools, and this made it a perfect place for students from different schools to become acquainted with one another. Even the Campus was quite generous about the lunch time; it was a 3 hour session to give enough time for students to socialize.
Although this lunchtime was a brief respite for the students of the Campus, their biggest complaint was the unified menu. In order to make it as efficient as possible, all five cafeterias had identical menus. It's true that the food cooked in the cafeteria used the finest ingredients, but the rotation of the menus had been identical for so long that it was almost a tradition. And this dull, unchanging way was sure to leave students' palate unsatisfied.
"Hey! It's been a while! What's on the menu today?"
Isaac entered the third student cafeteria which was closest to the port and the moment he stepped in, he had all the attention from the students within. While the boys were surprised to see him since they heard no news about him since the stabbing incident, the girls already began to gather together to make a list of goods to ask to Isaac. The new students stared at him with curiosity, the main protagonist at the centre of all rumours.
"Oh! It's still as fancy as it always has been."
The Cafeteria was a buffet arranged with salads made of tens of different vegetables and dressings, soup, bread, many different types of ham, and cheese. But just as Isaac was about to approach the buffet, a man blocked his path. When Isaac looked up to see what was happening, he saw the man shake his head. He seemed very reluctant, yet something was forcing him to do this.
"I'm sorry but you cannot use the Student Cafeteria."
"Huh?"
There was a small band placed on his arm, indicating that he was part of the Student Council responsible for maintaining the order of the students in the Cafeteria.
"Why can't I use the Cafeteria?"
"Because you're not a student."
"Hm, that's funny. I would have understood it if you told me when I first came to the Campus. But don't you think you're a few years late for that?"
The man sighed. He seemed to experience the struggles of middle management, where one is getting crushed from the top while those below try to push up against him.
"The previous President turned a blind eye, but the current President will do as the rules are stated."
"Wow! Do you really have to do this over food?"
The Council member simply shrugged at Isaac's complaint.
"If you're going to complain, do it to the President. I'm just doing as I'm told. Anyway, those who aren't students are banned from using the Student Cafeteria."
Isaac was wondering why she was so quiet, but this was her plan. Isaac made a small sigh. In the end, all he got from the trip to the Cafeteria was an empty stomach and a tedious list of goods for Isaac to bring to the girls.
Going to the Cafeteria was purely for convenience. Cooking and doing the dishes were just bothersome to him. It was a small prank he could laugh about if this was what that spoiled little girl could do for her revenge. If she didn't personally visit Isaac afterwards that is.
She came to Isaac with a victorious smile and arrogance to match it. That proud girl stood with her hands on her waist and told Isaac if he begged for forgiveness, she might be merciful enough to give him permission to use the Cafeteria. It was the final push to tip Isaac off the edge. To watch that proud and cold face twist in anger like a hissing cat was an opportunity too good to pass.
"Man oh man, I really am an asshole."
Isaac snickered and decided to fall for that spoiled girl's taunt. He was just getting bored of his current life, and a new toy just happened to fall in front of him.
"I'll show you what happens when you play with food."
"Just making an incident won't have enough impact. Is there something else I can do?"
Since she started the fight with food, it'd be in accordance for him to retaliate in kind. And it just so happened to be the Week of Suffering soon.
The Week of Suffering sounds like a time of hardship, and it was true in a way. The Campus stocks up on preserved rations in case of emergencies which may isolate them from the main continent. But these preserved rations are so dry, sticky and disgusting that only those who are about to die from starvation would think of eating it.
These rations had an average lifetime of 2 years, and when they are restocked every year, the rations which had expired were disposed of into the stomachs of the students.
The time it took for all of the expired rations to be consumed was normally a week, and so the students began touting it as the 'Week of Suffering.' Its name was quickly adopted by the Campus and was now listed as such in official documents.
With the Week of Suffering close by, Isaac had little time to think up his plan, but one thing he needed to consider was that this event was stressful for not just Rivelia, but the Campus as a whole.
People can get very agitated when it's related to food, and even the smallest transgression could lead to an outburst. If Isaac made a wrong move, he would become the enemy of the entire Campus, so he needed to move carefully.
"Hm, is there something I can divert their attention with?"
While Isaac pondered with a cigarette in his mouth, Reisha and Kunette barged into his lodge.
"Yahoo! Sunbaenim, we are here! And we're hungry! Give us food!"
Considering the giant bags they'd brought with them, it was obvious they were planning to avoid the Week of Suffering by staying here. The College also needed to participate in this event, but at least in the port, Isaac could make food that was edible for them.
"Huh? Sunbaenim?"
Reisha flinched as Isaac just silently watched the two after they barged into the lodge. Instinctively, she could feel an ominous sensation crawl through her spine. Kunette didn't seem to realise something was wrong, and ran to Isaac to pull on his pants.
"… Isaac, give me honey."
Isaac shook his head coldly at Kunette, who seemed desperate for the honey she'd been missing out on for so long.
"I'm sorry, but there's no honey."
Shock!
Kunette looked at Isaac as if the world was about to end.
"H, honey…. Gone? Really?"
Her voice quivered. Isaac began patting her on the head and replied with unmatched confidence.
"Don't worry. There's no honey now, but soon I'll let you have so much honey you'd get sick of it."
"… Really?"
"That's right! So just hold on for a few more days."
"Yep! Okay."
After nodding furiously, she finally realised Isaac was amidst something after looking him in the eyes and stepped backwards.
"… Isaac, you look evil."
"Kukuku, you just wait."
"C, can I leave no…"
Reisha, who was looking for an opportunity to escape, dropped her head when Isaac's eyes met hers. She didn't know what was going to happen, but she was confident that he was going to use her for whatever plan he was thinking. She wanted to escape, but considering how much Isaac had been taking care of her until now, all she could do was regret visiting him today.
"Did you call, Sunbaenim!"
Krent came like lightning when he heard Isaac was calling him. It didn't matter how much Krent tried, he was going to be Isaac's hubae no matter what. So unlike many in the College, his life was just as unchallenged and leisurely as it always has been.
Just as expected from someone who grew up in a merchant guild, he cared little for status or talent. All that mattered to him was success and results. Krent judged a person based on how successful they were or the potential they have. In that measure, Isaac was a man who deserved much respect.
Isaac was the man who managed to create a market in the Campus where many merchants couldn't even dream about. There had been attempts from the most successful merchants in the past, but they all failed miserably. Some attributed Isaac's achievement to luck or due to the special situation he was in. But not many could use opportunities that was available to them to its fullest; this in itself could also be called talent.
After a puff from his cigarette, Isaac put out the smoke on the ashtray and spoke to Krent in a deep voice.
"Would you like to do business with me?"
Krent could instinctively feel the imminent success within those words.
"Give me your orders, Sunbaenim!"
The supply fleet arrived the day before the 'Week of Suffering' officially began. What was usually a single ship that supplied fresh food to the Campus was instead joined by a fleet of ships at the port. While the docked ships were busy unloading their cargo of emergency rations into the empty warehouses, Isaac was having a small meeting with Gonzales.
"Have you brought all the goods I asked?"
"It was easy enough with Krent's letter of introduction, but what are you planning to use this on?"
Gonzales asked as he remembered the goods Isaac asked for. Most of them were ingredients for food, but the quantity was too much for a single person to eat. Mazelan also seemed to have given a helping hand as there was a second ship which helped transport Isaac's goods. Finally, there were goods which seemed to have some unknown function. Gonzales was worried that Isaac was planning something dangerous.
"Huhuh, you don't need to worry. I'm just playing with someone."
Gonzales understood that this was Isaac's warning. It was clear that trying to snoop around would land him in trouble. All he needed to do was follow orders and receive his due payments .
It was lunchtime. This was possibly the favourite time for students who had just hit their growth spurt, but today, they looked like convicts being led to their execution.
"I heard there's more than usual this year?"
"Apparently. the 5-year rations and 2-year rations expire at the same time this year, so we have double the usual."
"And we can't even dream of eating anything else until that's all gone."
"I'm feeling sick already."
Taste was not a factor that was considered when these rations were at the first stage of development, only its shelf life. Its disgusting taste was so legendary that even the slums of the Empire suffering from mass starvation would refrain from causing riots in fear that the Empire would simply hand out these rations as a solution.
"So what's the start of the menu?"
"I heard it's the brick."
"Ha, it's the worst one from the start."
There were many different types of these rations. There were many attempts to change the disgusting taste since they were first developed, but they all ended in failure. The brick was one of the first-generation rations that has continued to be in service due to its excellent shelf life and ease of transport. Its official name was dried bread, but it was more commonly known as the brick to many.
Dried bread was hard enough to be used as a weapon when cooked properly. Trying to eat it in its original form would only break the teeth, so you are required to use a hammer to break them into pieces and soak them in any kind of liquid, be it water, milk, or tea. Only then was it edible. But the taste was nothing you could smile about.
The students' faces darkened as they approached the Cafeteria, but they soon noticed a large tent put up in front of it. At first, they were curious, but then they were astonished.
"I think it's a little too effective."
The chef's clothes tailored to Kunette synchronised perfectly with her, exponentially increasing her level of cuteness. With a small little chef's hat to top things off, all of the female students were nearly fainting at the mere sight of Kunette.
Meanwhile, Reisha gathered all the attention from the boys with her short skirt exposing her thighs and a shirt which exposed her cleavage to all. The intensity of the stares she received could burn a hole through her shirt.
Kunette was growling at the students as a warning, but she couldn't escape from this place.
For honey was on the line. The North Bear Tribe as a whole was obsessed with honey. Her status within the North Bear Tribe allowed her to receive more honey than most within the tribe. But with all the adults and children competing for a greater share, Kunette never had the opportunity to have enough honey to be satisfied. The honey she ate during her stay at the Campus was more than she had ever had in her entire life. And it was hers alone, with no one else she needed to share with.
In truth, the fact that she managed to get honey from Isaac for free was a miracle of its own. She felt guilty when asking for it childishly. She had made multiple attempts to resist the urges, but every time she regained reason, she was already holding an empty honey pot.
That was the reason why she was persevering through this: to pay back for Isaac for all he's done. Of course, Isaac's promise of more honey also had an effect.
"Students! Come have some sandwiches!"
The students were astonished by Isaac. His bravery of trying to sell food in front of the Student Cafeteria was one thing, but who would even think of buying a plain old sandwich when the Cafeteria provided food using the finest ingredients?
Isaac realised the students haven't caught up yet and muttered as he picked a sandwich for himself.
"This sandwich is a hell of a lot better than those preserved rations."
It finally clicked for the students. That sandwiches they would have scoffed at another time were the most valuable food that was available to them now.
There was a pause. In the midst of the crowd, a stomach growl echoed faintly, which perfectly described the feeling of all students right now. It was noon, and their hunger had exceeded its peak long before. Their urge to eat the sandwich was growing, yet there was no one who would obey it. They all seemed to be deep in thought.
"Hey, do you have some money?"
"Why would I have any? I've given what little I had on me to the Campus' safe when I arrived here."
One of the most useless things to carry in the Campus was money. There was no need for them since everything was supplied by the Campus and the only thing you could do with them was to lose it. Carrying money was bound to cause trouble in the Campus. So all students placed their cash in the Student Council's public safe, resulting in the current situation where no one here had any money on them.
"Is it possible to trade instead?"
"I do have a ring with me, but I'll be disowned by my family if they found out I traded it for a sandwich."
"My father would beat me to death."
"Hm. This is much less of a reaction than I thought."
The number of hesitating students was much higher than expected but Isaac still had a trump card.
"Ha, I'll consider anyone who can resist against this a protagonist."
With a snicker, he called over Kunette and pointed his chin toward the students.
"Kunette. Get in."
"…"
After a small hesitation, Kunette slowly wobbled to a girl closest to the tent with a basket full of sandwich in one hand.
"… Have this."
The girl was stunned by the sight of Kunette handing out the sandwich.
"W, wait…"
She looked desperately around for help, but everyone ignored her plea.
"… You don't want it?"
Kunette stared deep into the girl's eyes. In the final moment, Kunette's slight head tilt was enough for the girl's logical thinking to be consumed by her emotions.
"How could I not? Give me one!"
She took the sandwich while Kunette only stared at her, not asking for payment. After a pause, the girl bit into the sandwich.
"…. Thank you for your patronage."
Kunette bowed, but as she lowered her head, the chef's hat on her head was starting to fall off. Kunette's attempt at readjusting the hat with just one hand while holding the basket in the other was enough to push the rest of the girls into a frenzy.
"Ah, I don't care anymore. I'm getting one now!"
One person was all that was needed for the entire crowd to move, and the basketful of sandwiches was emptied within moments. The others who couldn't get any quickly headed to the tent to receive a sandwich from Reisha.
"What is going on here?!"
The sharp echo made the students realise what they had just done. Their faces began to pale. Rivelia was walking towards Isaac with an expression that seemed to say 'I've got you.'
"Are you blatantly breaking the rules in the open now?"
Isaac glossed over her shout as if it was nothing.
"I'm sorry, but care to enlighten me as to which rule I've broken?"
That was exactly what Rivelia wanted Isaac to say. She couldn't stop herself from smiling.
"Ha! How long did you think you can continue to use that excuse? The new rules of the Campus states that anyone who is not a student trying to make a profit off students of the Campus are punishable by the Student Council. I guess you didn't know about that?!"
"That's the first time I've heard of that rule?"
"Ha! In accordance to protocol, I declared the altercations in the rules yesterday on the news board in the basement of the Student Council building. It's your fault for not seeing it."
"…"
Isaac shut his mouth while the students around him looked at Rivelia dumbfounded. Even the students of the Campus rarely visited the Student Council. Only a few of the students even knew that the news board was in the basement of the Student Council. Actually, the fact that the news board was placed in the basement instead of an open area where all could see was a joke.
"And when did you make this news board?"
"According to the rules that you love so much, the Student Council President can decide on where it can be placed after the rules have been altered."
"Hm, so that's why you came personally to taunt me."
Considering that Isaac would have stayed still if not for Rivelia's visit, she must have made this trap in preparation and was just waiting for Isaac to take the bait.
Students gathered to see the faceoff between Rivelia and Isaac. The headstrong Rivelia versus Isaac the schemer. The face-offs they had were always fun to watch.
"Since you've broken the rules, you must be punished."
"But I never did business here?"
"Ha! Are you trying to deny it now? I never thought you'd be so shameless."
"Who said I was selling food here?"
Isaac never mentioned that he was selling sandwiches until now. He only said come have some.
"So you're saying that you were giving out this food for 'free' with no intention of reaping any profit?"
Rivelia seemed happy that she put Isaac in this spot. Everyone knew Isaac's situation. Yes, it was true that he was doing business with the students, but it wasn't that big of a business. If Isaac bought all of the ingredients and the shipping costs for these sandwiches, it would mean that he used up all of his savings.
While Rivelia smiled triumphantly, Isaac pointed to a corner of the tent. Rivelia's eyes followed his finger and saw a pamphlet.
Supplied by the Rivolden Merchant Guild
"Rivolden Merchant guild? Why is the Rivolden Merchant Guild involved with this?"
Isaac shrugged against Rivelia's questioning.
"Why else? These sandwiches were given to me by them."
"Am I supposed to believe that a merchant guild just gave away their goods without any payment?"
"That's exactly what they did."
"Urk!"
Rivelia's head was in a desperate scramble to find a rule that would go against this. She had memorised the entire rule book despite the lack of time due to her intense training in order to strike back against Isaac. She even made all the required adjustments using her power as the President but there was no rule that had any case regarding the involvement of a merchant guild from the outside.
Such a rule never existed in the first place. For a case like this had never happened, at least until now. There was no rule that went against anyone giving their goods away for free.
All Rivelia could do was stare menacingly at Isaac.
"Of course, the Rivolden Merchant Guild didn't really give these away for free."
While Rivelia was confused by Isaac's statement, Isaac turned to speak to the students.
"'The Rivolden Merchant Guild will do their best to sell the highest of quality goods. It would be nice if you would remember our donation in the future when considering which Merchant Guild you'd like to trade with. We understand if our goods are inferior to those from the other guilds, but know that we will always try our best to help you in your most desperate times,' is what the master of the Rivolden Merchant Guild wanted me to say."
"…"
Isaac had come from a world where marketing thrived in every corner of the world. Knowing that the options were too limited with him alone, Isaac brought Krent in to increase the scale of the incident, just to push his teasing to its limit. The Rivolden Merchant Guild had agreed to pay for all the ingredients, transportation, labor costs, and warehouse rental fees. Isaac only needed to do one thing to pay them back.
Advertise.
The students of the Campus were the future leaders of the Empire. Having their names engraved in their memories was more than enough to bring back the profit. The number of supplies the Empire required for its infrastructure was astronomical. Just contracting one department of many was enough to make many merchant guilds go by with a profit.
The people who determined where and how the goods are procured were the departments' field managers. It is a title which all students of the Campus must go through once they graduate if they wish to become the elites. If they were given two goods with identical functions from different guilds, it was entirely up to the manager's whim on which they chose. But what if the name Rivolden came to their mind during this time? When they provided food at the worst time of the Campus? There wasn't even a need for consideration.
In truth, Krent's father, the master of the Rivolden Merchant Guild was greatly impressed by the letter containing Isaac's plan and promised absolute support.
'Don't you look down on the consumers of capitalism.'
Isaac found Rivelia, who was metally stomping around in a desperate attempt to find a rule which goes against it, adorable.
Isaac laughed and muttered to Kunette.
"Kunette, give that girl one of the sandwiches."
"… Okay."
Kunette followed Isaac's order and walked up to Rivelia with a basket full of sandwiches. Rivelia struggled to keep her face from melting at the sheer adorable nature of Kunette.
"Thank you."
Rivelia had completely forgotten about Isaac at this point and bowed to Kunette in appreciation; Kunette bowed in return. Rivelia just barely managed to hold herself back from hugging Kunette.
"Ahem. I won't make a judgement of this case as there aren't any rules related to this incident, but I will make a formal report to the Committee to discuss this with them."
"Dear me. Then I must ask you for your mercy."
Isaac closed his distance to Rivelia, and Rivelia instinctively stepped backwards. Her well-trained body could feel a sense of danger that was creeping up menacingly.
"Can't you just act like this never happened?"
"T, that's impossible!"
"Don't be so stingy. Keeping up for your studies is hard enough; you should at least reward yourself with some good food."
Isaac wasn't wrong. The Campus did provide delicious and nutritious food for all of their students except during the Week of Suffering.
"Hmph! Impossible! I will never look over this incident, no matter what you try!"
Isaac seemed confident despite her upfront rejection.
"Aren't you curious as to what I might offer you?"
"Ha! Are you trying to bribe me now? Why don't you try it? I'll immediately expel you for attempted bribery! And do you really think there is anything you possess that could satisfy me?"
Rivelia had grown up without ever in want of anything, for she had everything. Not even the Emperor's family would possess something she did not have. No matter what Isaac offered, she was ready to scoff at his futile attempt.
But Isaac's sinister smile came ever closer. And the warning bell within Rivelia was ringing louder than ever.
As her confidence began to shake, Isaac suddenly put his hands under Kunette's armpit and lifted her up in the air.
Kunette's eyes opened wide like that of a rabbit's, and her adorable arms and legs began scrambling midair. Rivelia couldn't stop herself from smiling when she saw that.
"C, cute."
Flinch!
Rivelia quickly closed her mouth once she realised what she had just spoken, only to see Isaac looking into her eyes with a giant grin.
"Kuh! Y, you!"
In the end, even Rivelia was a teenage girl who loved cute things. She was only hiding it under the cold mask she had created because of her pride.
"Cute right? If you just help me out here, I'll give you permission to cuddle Kunette once a day!"
"…"
Cuddle? Cuddle that cloudlike soft and fluffy white fur? Those cute stubby arms and legs? To bury her face in that chubby stomach? Until now, she could only turn her eyes away from Kunette while all the other girls could scream and fawn at Kunette's presence.
There had been a few cases where some students couldn't keep their desires in check and tried to approach Kunette in an attempt to pet her. They all paid a large price. Kunette's cuteness was indeed a dangerous temptation. But a deal to have permission to do so? It was an offer from the devil itself. She knew she had to refuse it, but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth.
"No! Never!"
Kunette struggled as if her life depended on it. Isaac simply whispered a single phrase to Kunette's ear.
"Ten pots of honey. Every. Day."
"…!"
Kunette was very thankful to Isaac with all the honey he had been supplying. She was well aware that his original stock of honey had run dry long ago, and all the honey she was having now were purchased personally by Isaac. The guilt within her had been growing for a long time; and in return, she tried to savour the honey as long as possible, since Isaac could never buy that much honey himself.
That is why Kunette who was extremely against anyone petting her allowed Isaac to be an exception.
She liked it when he pets her. That's why she willingly climbed onto his lap. But that was only for Isaac alone. There was a feeling of betrayal when Isaac willingly allowed someone else to pet her, but ten pots of honey was indeed a reward she could manage with, especially if it was every day.
Her consideration didn't last long. She was prepared to face any barriers and challenges for the beloved honey. Kunette's arms and legs went limp and her head dropped. Isaac handed Kunette to Rivelia like handing her a puppy.
"Now, don't you want to rub your face onto this wonderfully soft fur?"
With the snow white fur shaking in front of her eyes, Rivelia couldn't even mount a proper resistance before falling for the temptation.
Rivelia cuddled Kunette to her heart's content, screaming with joy as she described how soft, warm, and fluffy Kunette's fur was. But soon after she had her fill, her satisfaction was replaced with a depressing sense of disappointment at her own will. She fell on her knees and despaired, and Kunette was kneeling next to her in the same position.
Meanwhile, the female students envied Rivelia who managed to hug Kunette, while the boys envied Kunette for being hugged by Rivelia. But their envy didn't stop them from cleaning the tent of the sandwiches.
"Huhuh, this is a huge success, Sunbaenim."
Krent approached Isaac with a brimming smile.
"It was a last-ditch effort, but I didn't think they would actually go ahead with it."
"It's true that there was quite a debate about this, so we decided to invest only our family's money in this plan. This project aims for profit in a long term scenario rather than an immediate profit, after all."
"Well, I must say that I am in debt to you. I was very close to falling for the trap which she had set."
Isaac's original plan was built around selling the sandwiches at first. If Krent hadn't tipped Isaac off about the changes in the rules, Isaac would have walked into the trap Rivelia had set in advance.
With Krent's input in mind, Isaac had to quickly change his plan. The plan had many holes, but the master of the Rivolden Merchant Guild managed to make a big decision like this in such a short amount of time. Isaac assumed it was expected of a man who ran one of the largest merchant guilds in the Empire.
"But are you sure about keeping it a secret from Kunette?"
Krent muttered to Isaac with worry as he glanced at Kunette, who was still drowning in depression.
"Don't you think ten pots of honey are more than enough?"
"It's true but…"
Even Isaac would not be able to pay for 10 pots of honey every day. So Isaac decided to make another secret deal with the Rivolden Merchant Guild.
It was to use Kunette as the mascot promoting the Rivolden Merchant Guild's goods. It would have been difficult for Isaac, but the merchant guild would have no problem in paying for so much honey. This was a deal made under a contract; there was nothing to be ashamed about. The only questionable part was that Kunette herself didn't know of this fact and that's what Krent was worried about.
"I'm sure she'll be happy to hear that she's earning the honey she's receiving."
Isaac was well aware that Kunette was trying to refrain from asking him to give her honey, despite her urges. Isaac found this to be too cute and couldn't stop himself from feeding her all the honey he had, but Isaac firmly believed that children should be able to eat whenever they want.
"Then why didn't you tell her from the start?"
"Because Kunette is the only thing that could get through to that girl."
If Kunette knew that the Rivolden Merchant Guild was going to supply her all the honey, she would have never allowed herself to be cuddled by Rivelia. In order to stop Rivelia from attempting anything else once her plan failed, she had to get on Isaac's side one way or another and Kunette was the best tool for that. Kunette herself said that Rivelia was a little girl, after looking at her with that All-Seeing Eye of hers. And there were no little girls that didn't like cute things.
At the end of the day, Isaac managed to reap a profit without any costs, so it was the best result he could have hoped for.
The Week of Suffering had passed. Once Rivelia was conquered by Kunette, the plan went without a hitch. The only problem was that because of this incident, the rations took longer to be depleted, making the Week of Suffering last longer than just a week. There were some complaints, but it was on the Rivolden Merchant Guild to deal with them.
Rivelia seemed quite depressed about the fact that she fell to Kunette's charms, but she continued to cuddle her every day without forgetting. Kunette too seemed depressed that she couldn't hold her desire for honey in check, but later on, she became so used to the cuddles that she willingly walked up to Rivelia for the cuddles and then demanded Isaac for the honey, which she rightfully earned.
She later learned the truth about the mascot part and became upset, but Isaac convinced her by listing as much bullshit as possible. Some of his reasoning were how amazing she was, how she wasn't receiving the honey out of pity but earned it instead, that it's a reward for her great work, that there would be no honey if she didn't let Rivelia hug her, that marketing oneself is a blessing in itself, and that she can eat honey whenever she wants now. Kunette's mind was easily appeased with those sly words from Isaac.
"Hiing! Sunbaenim!"
"What are you crying about now?"
During the Week of Suffering, which lasted for a fortnight this time, Isaac could not receive any orders from the students. Expecting a mountain of orders to come, he sent Reisha and Kunette, but they came back crying instead.
"What do we do?!"
"What do you mean what do we do? What, did you lose the list of orders on the way back?"
"No. We didn't get a single order."
"… What?"
Isaac sighed at the impossible words that Reisha let out, and decided that Reisha who was crying wasn't the right person to talk to. He turned his head to Kunette, who didn't even ask for honey anymore and just walked into the kitchen for that honey which she rightfully owned.
"…We had tea with Rivelia."
"You had tea for the entire day?"
Isaac couldn't understand how someone could drink tea for three hours. For someone like him, tea was something you gulped down within seconds. There should have been more than enough time to receive the orders once it was done.
"Rivelia was constantly holding on to us so that none of the other students could get close and give us their requests."
"Hmm, I guess that girl actually likes you guys."
Isaac remembered the merry look Rivelia had when she got a hold on Kunette and smirked. He believed that this wasn't much to worry about.
Another fortnight had passed, and once again, not a single order went through to Reisha and Kunette during that period. This was when Isaac realised how serious this problem was. He thought that she would give up at some point, but she seemed much more patient than he had imagined.
"If you wish to capture the general, first capture his horse. Using one of the principles in the Thirty-Six Strategems, that's rather grand of her."
Once he understood Rivelia's intention, Isaac found it both impressive and adorable. Rivelia managed to figure out Isaac's personality in such a short time.
Isaac thought to himself for a moment He first considered dealing with the issue by going to the Campus and settling things himself, but in all honesty, he found it extremely tedious. It was a nice experience to be surrounded by all the girls of the Campus, but this wasn't the case for Isaac; he wasn't the centre of attention because he was admired by the girls. Their relationship was more like master and servant, so Isaac needed to be very careful with his behaviour. That was the reason why he pushed the business onto Reisha and Kunette.
"Do we have to go again today, Sunbaenim? When it's obvious we'll be held again?"
Reisha asked. Her expression clearly showed that she did not want to go no matter what. She only worked for Isaac because she found doing the business very enjoyable, but when things turned out this way, she was more than ready to drop everything and leave.
"Does she really look like she won't stop?"
"Yeah. How do I say it… She looked like she wanted to see who will give up first."
"That's a problem…"
It's true that they have 3 hours for lunch period, but not a single student in the Campus actually used all that time to have a break. Time management was crucial in keeping up with the curriculum in the Campus. If you fall behind, you are left behind. The College was no exception.
The fact that Rivelia, the greatest of all geniuses and the centre of admiration, was enjoying a tea party was ludicrous. It was clear that this was just a front to harass Isaac in any way possible.
"This is no good…"
This could lead to a drop in Rivelia's grades. For someone like her, it would simply mean that she would fall from the status of the greatest of all the geniuses to just a normal genius, but Isaac wouldn't be able to escape the blame. Just as there were many people who anticipating Rivelia's success, her failure would lead to their ire directed toward Isaac.
"Man. Does she not know her own value? Tsk, I guess I'll teach her myself."
"What are you doing here?"
"Do you really have to do this at the cost of your grades?"
"Hmph! I don't know what you mean."
"You should know that even if it is tedious, I can just receive the orders myself."
"Ha! I guess that would mean I would have to see that despicable face of yours every day."
Isaac could only sigh at Rivelia's attitude as she stood her ground.
"Then are you really going to hold Reisha and Kunette every day?"
"Hmph! I'm simply having a break from my busy schedule."
"To have a tea party every day with Reisha and Kunette until graduation? You should know that it's impossible."
"Why are you saying that it's impossible? As long as you continue to profit against the poor students of the Campus, I will not stop sacrificing myself for these two, who are obviously being used as a tool."
"So you're going to have tea every day?"
"T, that's right."
Once again a chill crawled up her spine. She hesitated, but she quickly put up a front to hide that moment of reluctance.
"All right! Then I will sponsor it with everything I have."
"What?"
"If you're going to have a tea party, then you need to do it right. Screw this disgusting tea leaves. Just name whatever you want. I will get you the most famous and rarest tea leaves within the Empire. And using these cups from the Campus will surely ruin the flavour of the tea. I'll also get you the fanciest tea sets and snacks to go with the tea, so you can enjoy the luxurious tea party every day."
"What is your aim?"
Rivelia began to worry when Isaac seemed so eager to support her actions.
"What aim? I'm simply sponsoring this tea party of yours out of good will."
"I don't need your help."
"You'll quickly tire yourself of these low-quality leaves supplied by the Campus. I'm just trying to help you before that happens."
"Uck…"
What Isaac said was true. Unlike the fancy menus supplied by the cafeteria, the tea was made by boiling bags of low-quality tea leaves in a giant pot. Sometimes it would be too bitter, while other times it was too bland. It wasn't something anyone could enjoy every day.
"Ha, fine. Then I accept your kindness. First, I want the Lublanc Sky, the speciality of the Lublé province. It is a premium tea set where only 20 of them are made every year, but I'm sure you will find a way to bring one here with your amazing talent. Ah! I would also like you to bring every type of tea. Of course, they must all be of the highest quality, not from your run of the mill tea shop. Is that possible?"
"Sounds rather expensive."
It was obvious that she wanted to take this out of Isaac's control. Even the Rivolden Merchant Guild would find it difficult to bring these goods to Rivelia.
Just having the money wasn't enough for these goods. Since they had a limited supply, the buyers had to make reservations years in advance to get them. Some of them held such fame that they didn't accept orders from commoners or lesser nobles because out of pride.
"Are you telling me that you can't do it?"
"Not at all. But I think it will take some time."
"Ha. I didn't expect you to have them straight away either. But you're not going to say that you'll have it after a year or delay it for as long as possible, right?"
"I think ten days should be enough."
"Ha! Can you really supply all of that within ten days? If you can, then I will most definitely have a tea party every single day. It is rare to enjoy such quality tea in such abundance."
"Is that a promise?"
"Of course. I swear upon my name and my family."
"Tsk tsk, you're still so young."
"What was that!"
Rivelia shouted back at Isaac who was clicking his tongue.
"You shouldn't put your name or your family on the line so easily. Especially when you're swearing upon it. It should be done so after meticulous calculation and planning."
"Ha! That's none of your business."
"Well, I think swearing your name is going too far, so I'll pretend I didn't hear it. Let's just call it a promise between us."
"Are you trying to back out now?"
"We will see in ten days."
Rivelia was worried at how relaxed Isaac looked, but at the same time, she was aware of how difficult it is to buy the goods she demanded.
"Hmph! We will see indeed."
"There's Isaac!"
Just that lone shout was enough to gather all the attention of the girls in the cafeteria. Like a swarm of locusts, they came to Isaac and that overwhelming sight was enough to cause Reisha and Kunette to disappear from his sides.
"What is going on?!"
"This is too much!"
"I haven't had proper makeup for the past week!"
"Ha! You think that face of yours would change with just makeup?"
"What!"
"Did I say anything wrong?!"
"You bitch!"
"How dare you call me a bitch!"
All hell broke loose in front of Isaac. There wasn't any physical violence but the verbal abuse and the menacing sneers were more than enough to match its intensity. The girls were competing with each other to get their list of orders through first.
'This is why I didn't want to come.'
Isaac was generally treated as a shopkeeper by the students of the Campus. Because of that, he would sometimes receive outrageous claims or requests. But when it came to dealing with people like Reisha or Rivelia who were well beyond an average student, their unreasonable attitudes changed quite dramatically.
Once enough students had gathered, Isaac coughed and began to speak.
"Now! I will start the auction at this moment."
"Auction?"
Confusion was abounding from what Isaac had said.
"I will limit the number of participants to four people. Since it's annoying to sell the tickets individually, I will give them all to the highest bidder and that person can share with the others. You can participate alone or form a team. But! Those who have participated once cannot participate again for the next two months. This is to allow others to have a chance because of the high demand, so please understand."
"Wait. Doing an auction all of a sudden is one thing, but what is the product you are auctioning? Is it really something that's worth our time?"
Isaac confidently nodded at the girl's question.
"That's right! I am planning to start this in ten days' time, but the auction will happen once a week in bulk because it'd be too difficult to do this every day."
"So what are you selling?"
"It's a ticket for a tea party."
"Haa?"
Many of the girls looked at Isaac as if he was insane. Who would buy a ticket to a tea party when they are struggling to even have time for such an event? What little tea parties that existed were just gatherings for friends and people whom they wish to familiarise with, and even then it usually consisted of a brief session of complaints about their lectures and lecturers and end with words of encouragement to each other.
But there were a few students who realised the opportunity in front of them and quickly made their bids.
"30 Giga!"
"70 Giga!"
"100 Giga!"
The 3 shouts came out at near identical times, and Isaac pointed at the girl who made the highest bid and congratulated her.
"Sold for 100 Giga! The next auction will happen in a fortnight considering the ten-day delay until the first tea party. To those who wish to participate next time, do make the preparations!"
The losers of the auction clicked their tongue in disappointment as the girl who won was hopping about in joy. Many of the students failed to understand why the girl was so happy until the girl's words finally brought them to speed.
"Kyaa! I can drink tea with Lady Rivelia!"
The girls finally remembered why they couldn't make their orders. It was because of the unapproachable Rivelia, who would be accompanied by Reisha and Kunette for a makeshift tea party. A few students who were somewhat confident of their birth and status tried to challenge her, but their attempts crumbled like a piece of paper in front of Rivelia's eyes.
Challenging her was out of option now. But what if you could officially join her in a social gathering, even if it cost money? Considering the time and money spent to help make connections with Rivelia, it wasn't much of a loss at the end of the day.
"Ah! I've also heard that there is a daughter from the Lublé province. Are you here by any chance?"
A girl timidly raised her hand, despite the skepticism inside her head. Lublé province was famous for their potteries, and their craftsmen was widely accepted as the greatest in the entire Empire. Their goods were so well-known that they sold to commoners and donated to the Royal Family.
"I am Chainy von Lublé. Why are you asking?"
"Lady Chainy, Lady Rivelia had been complaining about some problem with the cups in the Campus as of late, and would like to use the Lublanc Sky for her tea party."
"R, really!"
Chainy's eyes sparkled. It's true that they are officially the best, but that also meant there were many who challenged them for that title. Being proud of their status as the best is understandable, but letting the pride take over and being satisfied with the current status was the quickest way to fall from the grace. Only through continuous improvement would allow one to keep the status as the best. Having one's family's craft favoured by Rivelia herself is sure to make a great promotion for their fame and fortune.
"If you are willing to donate the Lublanc Sky to her, I will make a special exception and allow you to join the tea party whenever you want for free."
"I'll do it! I'll contact my family right away!"
No matter how few are made every year, there are always reserves kept by the family for their own use. Even if there aren't any, forming a connection with Rivelia was more than enough to justify the cancellation and refund of one of the orders for the Lublanc Sky.
"Ah, I'm just saying this out of worry, but Lady Rivelia had been complaining that the tea in the Campus isn't easy to get fond of. I'm sure she'll be very glad if you can bring in more suitable tea leaves for the tea party. No matter how expensive the auction will be, I will deduct the price and transport fee of the tea leaves from the highest bidder. Of course, if the tea leaves were more expensive than the auction, it will be free. How about it?"
"…"
There wasn't much to think about at this point. Having Rivelia even remember their names would more than make up the drop on their grades.
"Come again tomorrow! No, tonight! I will contact my family and order the tea leaves right away!"
"My family is from the province of Effrin, one of the three leading provinces when it comes to black tea! I can prepare the tea leaves of the highest quality in an instant!"
"Has she said anything about any other tea sets? My family also boasts of products that never pale in comparison to any others."
"You can't forget snacks to go along with the tea! My uncle is a chef who used to serve desserts for the Royal Family!"
The students began forming groups and debating about which snacks would suit which tea best. Isaac just watched it unfold in silence.
'I can't tell if she's just innocent or simple…'
Isaac muttered to himself as he thought of Rivelia. He never thought of buying those goods with his money in the first place. Rivelia may have ordered those goods to put Isaac in a corner, but this was the Campus. There was bound to be at least one or two people from those famous provinces who are attending this place.
It was clearly obvious that they would bring crates of their family's specialties to gain Rivelia's attention, and even if they weren't able to produce one, they would use their own money to procure any goods that could help gain Rivelia's attention. All Isaac had to do was do what he usually did and just hand over the goods when they arrived from Gonzales' ship.
"I see the money rolling straight into my lap already. I swear, she must be the goose that lays golden eggs."
Rivelia stood alone in the duel arena of the College. Her sword cut the air as she performed her techniques. They had been repeated tens of thousands of times already, and her body now reacted accordingly without a thought.
The sword is honest – unlike the spineless and greedy, who would praise her beauty and her family, who would as if they would sacrifice everything for her. None of it mattered at this moment. She liked the sword which only answered to her efforts, and she liked this time because she could empty her mind and focus on the sword alone.
But this time, rather than joy, there was a wave of unspeakable, unimaginable anger boiling inside her, waiting to be released.
Isaac that bastard!
Just thinking of him enraged her further.
He brought a group of students all of a sudden. The tea party somehow became official amongst the students and she had no way to deny this fact. It was beyond her control. If she were to deny it now, it was now her duty to deal with the disappointment and the insults that would arise from that decision.
Her grip tightened when she imagined Isaac snickering as he counted all the money he made from the auctions. At the same time, she remembered what the girls spoke during the tea party.
"You don't know how much of an honour it is for me to join you here."
'Ha! You are just like the others. People who approach me because of the power my family holds.'
"Did you know you've changed significantly since you've been fighting against Isaac?"
'Changed? Me?'
"When we first saw you, you had this look that made it impossible for us to even think of speaking to you. Back then, we had to build our courage to even look in your direction."
'That's right. Because that's what I intended.'
"Lady Rivelia, you were… very difficult to approach. We respected you but didn't want to know you as a person. You seemed to live in a different world to us."
'I am the sole heir to the title of Duke Pendleton. I must act in a way that matches my status. If it's for the honour of my family, I can gladly throw away friends and acquaintances.'
"But you are now… how to say, still difficult to approach, but you aren't as scary as before."
'Don't make me laugh. You still want me for one reason. To use my family's power for your own profit.'
"In truth, I was planning on dropping out from the Campus. But watching you change helped me gain the courage that I can change as well."
'Don't lie! I'm sick and tired of those empty praises!'
'Man, can't you just accept those praises with a smile? What are you embarrassed about?'
'No!'
Rivelia strongly denied what Isaac's image had said.
Isaac! What she wouldn't do to punch that face of his!
Swish!
The mana that was released from Rivelia's sword cut through the arena. The spectral mana danced in all directions as it cut grooves onto the floor of the arena.
'You really make things difficult for yourself.'
'That's not something you have the right to say!'
As Isaac's image looked pathetically at her with pitying eyes, Rivelia shouted within her mind.
'What do you know?! How dare you look over all I've been through? I have cast away the safety and luxuries that my family provided, and proved my worth with the sword!'
'Is it fun to live like that?'
'It may seem stupid to a lazy man like you. Don't make me laugh! I care not about the look that others give me! I am Rivelia el Pendleton! I will walk my own path!'
Rivelia put all her strength as she swung down at the image of Isaac with her sword.
Slash!
Isaac's image was cut in half, but Rivelia used the momentum to spin around for another strike.
Clang!
Rivelia's sword stopped as it hit something, and Isaac's image shattered like glass. In his place was someone she didn't expect to see.
"M, master?"
"Calm yourself, and look around you."
Rivelia followed her master's words and looked around to realise what had happened around her. The arena looked like it had just been through an intense battle. Students of the College gathered at the edges, watching in astonishment and disbelief at what Rivelia had done.
"To surpass the wall and reach the rank of Master at your age. Huhu, you are indeed the Queen of the Sword."
"…Master? Me?"
Rivelia muttered quietly and looked down at her hand and sword. She would normally feel exhausted after going through that intense swordplay, but strangely, she felt strength overflowing in her. The mana within her seemed to fill her entire body. The world seemed different. Every sense of her body seemed to scream with how sharp they had gotten. She was also hit with an irresistible feeling of sleep.
"Rest my child. When one reaches the rank of Master, their bodies naturally go into a deep slumber to adjust the body into this new strength."
Her master's words immediately shook off any doubt in Rivelia's mind and allowed her to be carried by the slumber. Strangely, it wasn't the accomplishment of reaching the state of a master, or the words of praise from her strict master that brought a smile on her face. It was the anticipation that she could finally see that smug face of Isaac crumble that made her smile.
The popularity of tea party with Rivelia was unmatched, and with it, Isaac was able to sit on a pile of money. But Isaac didn't focus on simply making the most money possible. He gave a 'fair chance' for everyone to attend the auction, giving out tickets to the students of common birth or poor noble background for free. It didn't matter which family they came from; they were almost guaranteed to become his superiors once they graduated, and Isaac believed it would be a good idea to have them as friends if possible. Not only that, the gathering of girls motivated the male students to aim for the tea party in hopes of making some advances in their romantic life, and the auction became so large in scale that what was originally an event to become friends with Rivelia became just another gathering for teenage students to enjoy their youth, which is what a tea party originally should be.
Thanks to that… Rivelia, the untouchable flower also known as the "decoration" of the tea party was able to leave the tea parties without affecting how it operated. This caused a butterfly effect and as the year went by and Isaac was on his last year of Campus, the tea parties began spiralling out of control for Isaac as well.
Without the incentive that is Rivelia in the tea party for the auction, no one was interested in participating in it. Plus they simply began having tea parties of their own to create their own connections while excluding Isaac's influence.
Isaac did feel a little left out, but he didn't dwell on it too much. It just meant his life was back to normal. Rivelia somehow ascended into a Sword Master and received the title of Queen of the Sword, making her name famous across the Empire, but to Isaac that was none of his business. Isaac believed that birds of the same feather flock together, and he didn't see himself to be like Rivelia in any way. Plus what was more important for him was this new information he found, not Rivelia who once again locked herself in College.
"What is up with this neighbourhood?"
Isaac had been gathering as much information as possible to find the most suitable place to live out his days in peace. Most would call it an exile, but it was a matter of perspectives. He found a very strange fact. Something he couldn't simply look over.
First of all, the noble titles being given to government officials were laughable. Their titles were decided by what their purpose and significance their jobs were in the Empire. Just like working in an office, their title changed as they climb up the hierarchy. The reason people climb their ranks is because of one crucial merit. There are many areas within the Empire that are not controlled by nobles who have their own territories, such as free cities, independent cities, Empire-owned cities, etc.
For these areas, the Empire sends one of their officials of suitable rank to manage the area, and as long as they don't do any significant crimes or show corruption, they are titled as the Lord of the area after managing it for thirty years, making them a true noble in a way.
If they become a Lord of the province, they are literally King of that area. They could do whatever they wanted within the given area, like changing laws, taxes and raising armies without oversight.
So, there are occasional wars between Lords of the provinces to increase their land size, since owning more land will lead to them rising in their nobility rank.
But in these wars, they are only allowed to use volunteers or mercenaries as soldiers. Conscriptions or pillaging from the commoners to supplement the armies was illegal. If there is a siege battle, all of the civilians must first be evacuated and the damages caused by the siege battle must be paid by the winners of the battle. There were even more rules, which made their wars quite laughable in Isaac's eyes. These rules made the war more of a sport, and breaking these rules resulted in harsh punishments. This was thanks to the incredibly powerful intelligence network of the Empire called the Central.
Thanks to the existence of the Central, there may be wars between Lords but never a rebellion. Starting a rebellion meant facing the Central first. If they wanted to be assassinated and their family sent to ruin, a rebellion was an excellent way to achieve that goal.
Another fact that was also interesting was that all of the administration in the Empire placed military as its top priority. All citizens of the Empire must train for the military, no matter their birth. Those who find it more to their taste can volunteer to become a professional soldier. And there are three regular military exercises happening every month, six months, and one year with on larger and larger scales, respectively.
Isaac first smirked that humans are the same no matter they go, but soon he realised just how serious this was. The South Korea of old had to prepare for war because of the situation it was in. But what about this world?
There is only 1 nation in this world, and that is the Empire. The Empire cannot possibly have a civil war due to its administration. That meant that the wars between Lords were a form of military field training. This was what kept bugging Isaac in his mind. The Empire had been founded for 300 years, yet this administration never changed.
Just what enemy is the Empire is facing to keep readily trained professional soldiers for the past 300 years?
"Screw it, shit. It's not like I'm going to volunteer for these wars anyway."
Isaac was quite done with wars. He was clearly set on his own goal. No matter the schemes and political intrigues, he was going to find a quiet village to live a peaceful life.
"This is unacceptable!"
Slam!
Corduroy clicked his tongue, displeased that he must change his desk once again, for Rivelia's handprints were carved into the desk once more. Meanwhile, Rivelia still didn't seem satisfied with her rebellious ways and continued to stare at Corduroy.
This anger was quite understandable to not just Rivelia, but all the students of the College. Once she rose to the rank of Master, she put all of her strength into making up for the grades that she had been neglecting for her training. After a great struggle, she miraculously raised her grades enough so that she could keep her promise of not becoming Isaac's Hubae.
Well, they were the same year now but that was good in its own way. Due to the meritocratic nature of the Campus, they must show respect to superiors even if they had graduated in the same year.
But what if that person wasn't just the same year as her, but graduated from the College as well? Even Corduroy thought he would have difficulties in accepting that.
"Answer me!"
If Rivelia didn't get a reasonable answer this moment, she was going to start a strike on a scale that had never been observed, involving not just the students but those who have graduated too. Those who had heard the news in the College were littered across the entire institution, their souls empty. Just what were they trying so hard to beat Isaac for, when he was the same as them now?
"Ahem… it's because of the rules."
"What do you mean rules?!"
"As you know, all of the schools in the Campus had rejected Isaac's enrollment."
"Everyone knows that fact."
"The problem is that all graduates of the Campus must have a school which they are enrolled in. Everyone had forgotten about it because of how mandatory it was."
"Then can't any of the schools in the Campus just accept him in now?"
"But they've already rejected him once. There is only one place which Isaac didn't send an enrolment form, and nor did that place deny Isaac's enrollment."
"And the College is that institution? I thought College was an institution independent from the Campus."
"The College has no reason to deny the enrolment of such a distinguished student that is Isaac."
But he's not a distinguished student!
Rivelia wanted to scream her lungs out. Trying to make up for her grades after her rise as a Master was even harder than the training she had gone through. Graduating from the College in three years was an accomplishment that would shut the mouths of all who ridiculed her back at home, who used her birth as an excuse that she was accepted into the College. Even her parents and their legion of knights had arrived at the Capital to welcome her. It was that much of an honour to everyone.
But Isaac was going to get the same degree after playing around for five years! It was obvious that all of the students would rise against such a decision.
"Even if I were to look over it, I don't have the confidence to convince all the other students. In the worst case scenario, it may become a disaster. How will you deal with that?"
Everything she said was true. Rather than Rivelia, it was the regular students who would feel most dejected from this decision.
Corduroy frowned when Rivelia presented her argument.
"Why would the students rebel against this decision?"
"Why wouldn't they?! It's the College! The very school which all students dream of attending! Isaac is not suited for the name of College and you know it!"
"The College you say? It is true that the title is honourable. And you're saying that Isaac is taking that title without any effort to qualify for it?"
"Yes! That's exactly what I'm trying to say!"
"Ha, if they have a brain, they would pity him rather than be angry like this."
"Pity?"
"Just graduating the Campus is an honour too great for Isaac. But the College? Who do you think will actually accept him as a graduate of the College? Do you truly think those who graduated from the College are successful because they have their names recorded in our roll book?"
"…"
"The College is just a beginning. Why don't you ask any one of our graduates, whether they had it easy back in College or now? Those who graduate from the College may be at a better starting line, but it also means that they receive just as much harassment from others. Those who came from other institutions outside the Campus and College have suffered much because of the fame we hold, how they are underappreciated because of us. They consider surpassing those who graduated from the College to be their most glorious moment. Do you think they will leave Isaac alone?"
"He had been repeating to everyone that he will be an administrator of a village."
"Even better. He will be forgotten to everyone as he rots away. Except things won't turn out so easy for him."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Kainen, who graduated last year, is now working in the Empire's Personnel Office."
"…"
Kainen, Isaac's half-brother and the ideal heir of the Rondart Family, was ranked as a 1st class knight because he couldn't receive the title of the Baron. The Jobs offered to knights and nobles are vastly different. By removing Isaac, who had been a thorn to his side, he could instantly propel himself to even greater titles by starting out as the Baron himself.
"The graduates of the Campus are free to choose their own jobs, but you know that the graduates of the College must work for the Empire for 10 years once they graduate right?"
"Even if Kainen is in the Personnel Office, he wouldn't have the power to choose where a graduate of the College will be transferred to."
"You forget that Kainen's mother is the daughter of Count Milros."
There are many factions within the Empire, and the Milros Family was one of the most powerful factions within the Empire. They had risen to power by using their influence to control the majority of the Personnel Office of the Empire. Most of the higher ranking individuals in the Personnel Office were either related to the Milros Family or were greatly influenced by them. That was why Kainen was working there in the first place.
Kainen and Count Milros would do whatever it takes to send Isaac into a death trap rather than a peaceful rural village.
"Isn't that too harsh of a treatment?"
She wouldn't have felt so bad if Isaac had any sort of talent for himself. Even she was starting to worry about Isaac's life despite all she had been through because of him. Perhaps even those bad times have become fond memories for her.
"Even if it's not Kainen who starts it, Isaac will never get the job in the rural village as he wanted."
"Huh? Why? Wouldn't it be much better if he was forgotten by everyone just like you've said?"
"Later. You will know even if you don't want to. You should just try your best to convince the students and lessen their anger as best as you can."
"Why should I?!"
"Consider it your last work as the President of the Student Council. If you include my explanation for your speech, they may complain but won't rise up against it. They will be happy to know that Isaac will be taking over a job everyone had been avoiding.
If everyone was avoiding the job, that would mean that it is always understaffed. Being forced to transfer to such locations were considered to be an indirect way of demoting someone. The worst case being is that there was no way a College graduate can escape from such a place because of the policy they must follow.
"I'll see what I can do."
"Isaac's graduation is a secret to the Campus."
"You want to minimise the chaos as much as possible."
"I wouldn't like things to get noisy."
"Then I'll take my leave."
"Wait. I will give this for you to make up for the troubles of convincing the students. You may consider it your graduation gift as well."
"What is it?"
Corduroy took out a document from his broken desk and handed it to Rivelia. After skimming through the document, Rivelia's eyes went wide with astonishment.
Once Rivelia left the room, one of the bookshelves on the walls slid to the side and a middle-aged man entered the room. Corduroy looked at the paper he was holding and spoke.
"Is that the last report?"
"Yes. This is the final report on Surveillance target 728 within the Campus."
Corduroy read through the document expressionlessly.
Final report on Surveillance Target 728
Surveillance Level 4
After monitoring the target within the Campus, he is likely to be not a Type 3 but a Type 4 invader. If he is a Type 4, he may have great uses as a personnel or a resource. In order to confirm this conclusion, it had been decided that he must be monitored further in extreme circumstances to observe his retaliation. Also, as he is leaving the Campus, requesting to raise the Surveillance Level to 2.
"Type 4… I guess advertisements and using mascots weren't business techniques that were going to develop so naturally so soon. I can see why they made such a decision."
"Do you have a problem with the report?"
"No. You can go ahead with this. But only raise the Surveillance Level by one. Even if we managed to solve our manpower issue, they are still a group of recruits without a shred of experience."
"But we must have a close observer to follow Level 3 targets."
"You don't need to worry about that."
"Yes, sir."
The middle-aged man disappeared back into the bookshelves, and Corduroy looked out the window. He could see Rivelia giving out her speech as the students gathered around her. After watching the students nod in agreement with her while any who rebelled were quickly intimidated by Rivelia's personal charisma, he muttered to himself bitterly.
"The honour and prestige that comes with the College is something you can only enjoy if you're alive…."
With Isaac's graduation day just around the corner, rumours started to surface within the Campus and the College. Many of the students were sad that this was the end of their comfortable life, as they would now be without Isaac's delivery service. The Committee had already sent the message that there won't be another and should consider themselves lucky, urging the students to focus on their studies instead.
One of the most prominent questions going around the recently popularised tea parties was where Isaac was going after graduation. Everyone was well aware of how keen he was to move to a rural village; his constant prattling of living a peaceful life only made it more evident, but the main topic of the debate was whether there was any place that was willing to take him in.
Graduates of the Campus usually had no problems finding a job, but Isaac was different. While some questioned if Isaac even had a chance at getting a job, others said that the Rivolden Merchant Guild was looking to hire Isaac. There was also a rumour that Mazelan was planning to hire him for the Department of Supplies. The most ludicrous rumour of them all was that Rivelia, who would be graduating as well, was planning to take him to one of the villages in her family's territory.
"Sunbaenim, what are you going to do when you graduate?"
"Play. What else would I do?"
"But you've been doing that here the whole time."
"Do you think playing because you've been told to and playing out of your free will is the same? Not for me."
Reisha tilted her head, confused as to what the difference between the two was.
"Where's Kunette?"
"She went to make her final delivery to the Campus."
"Final delivery? I thought we hadn't taken any more orders since two months ago?"
"Lady Pelige's package had finally arrived."
"Pelige? Ah! The elven honey."
Isaac nodded his head. Pelige was a daughter from the Akas Province, and her family had traditionally been renowned for its beekeeping business. She was also the person who ordered the honey in bulk through Isaac.
Pelige was perhaps one of the people who would miss Isaac the most once he left. She was the only girl in the Campus who managed to befriend Kunette – excluding Rivelia – through their common love for honey, and she had been looking forward to the elven honey which she just barely managed to buy using her family's influence. It seemed it had finally arrived.
"I understand why Mr Gonzales was so relieved today."
"He's been suffering so much until now."
Pelige had promised to share the elven honey with Kunette, and ever since then, Kunette had come to the port waiting for Gonzales. Whenever his ship arrived, Kunette would quickly waddle over asking the question 'Honey? Is it here?' with great excitement and anticipation. However, each time she was rejected, she would stumble back with a sad face and a hunched back, making everyone who was around to witness it feel miserable.
"So that's why she went straight to Pelige without even saying hi to me."
"I'm sure she's the happiest girl in the world right now."
"Seems to me like you want to go there yourself."
"Hehe, it's been a while since I had elven honey too."
"Fine, you can go."
"Really? Kya! Come with us, Sunbaenim."
"I'm fine."
"Eeh! This isn't just regular honey, it's the elven honey!"
"Well, I still don't think it'd be worth the trip at this point. And the more mouths there are, the less your share will be. If you're late, Kunette will finish the pot nice and clean."
Reisha quickly ran out the door when she heard Isaac's words. That desperation was enough to make even Isaac curious as to how delicious this elven honey was, but his laziness won, and there was still much work to be done. Isaac needed to finish packing so that he could leave on graduation day.
"Phew. I guess I did gather a lot of stuff over the years."
His life in the Campus for the past 5 years had done well to increase the number and size of belongings. By the time he was done sorting which to keep and which to throw away, the sun was starting to set.
"Why haven't they come back yet? I was thinking of having a feast to celebrate today with everyone. Are they caught up by that girl again?"
"Hmph! I wonder who that's referring to."
Isaac's mutter was answered with a cold voice. The door slammed open and Rivelia entered emotionlessly. Isaac flinched a little in his mind but greeted Rivelia casually on the outside.
"Hey, it's been a while."
'Stubborn bitch.'
Isaac thought to himself. He didn't think she would really graduate the College in three years. Even geniuses should show some modesty.
"Ha. I guess it won't be long until I don't have to see that smug face of yours."
"Good for you."
Isaac smirked.
"Hmph! I see your disrespectful attitude is the same as always. Don't you think it's about time you changed it?"
"Well, I'll think about it once I graduate."
All this time, he had been treating her as if she was already his Hubae, but things have changed. You could argue that such an attitude should be acceptable to those who graduated together, but not for the College. All students of the College were in direct competition with each other for the race to their graduation, meaning there was little amity with other students. The only commonality would be that they graduated together. Some show of respect was in order, but Isaac wasn't someone to suddenly change his attitude just because the situation changed. And why should he? They were never going to see each other again since they lived in different worlds.
Rivelia sighed at Isaac's behaviour.
But she thought it would have been stranger if Isaac began taking a more submissive stance. This attitude suited him well. But the important part of this visit was that she managed to prepare a counterattack strong enough to see that face of his crumble.
"So what brought you here when we don't have to see each other again after tomorrow?"
"First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your enrollment."
"Haah?"
Isaac was bothered by Rivelia's smile.
"According to the rules of Campus and the College, you must be enrolled into one of the schools when you graduate."
"But there aren't any schools that accepted me."
"There's one left."
"It can't be what I think it is, right?"
Rivelia's smile became brighter and brighter. Her voice was starting to quiver, overwhelmed by the excitement that had built up in her body.
"Congratulations on enrolling into the College. I know you only have today to celebrate, but enjoy it to your fullest."
"Is this how you're going to remove me?"
"This is the decision made by the Committee. In addition, all of the College graduates of this year have agreed to accept you as one of them."
"You've all gone mad."
Isaac couldn't understand it. This decision should have caused an uprising, not an agreement.
Rivelia was very satisfied by the look on Isaac's face, but this was just the beginning. The real blows were yet to come.
"You should be careful when you are transferred to your first job. You managed to get on the bad side of many people, whether on purpose on not."
"Wait, what do you mean 'transfer'?"
"Oh! Didn't you know?"
Rivelia's overreaction seemed sarcastic in every way.
"All graduates of the College must serve the Empire when they graduate and are tasked with working for one of the government facilities for 10 years. It's common knowledge, but I understand you not knowing it since you are below common intelligence. In addition, you are not allowed to give up until the 10-year requirement has been met, the only exceptions being mental breakdown or death. Even if you were to become disabled, the Empire will do their utmost to find a suitable job for you, so you don't have to worry about being unemployed. Ah! Don't tell me you're thinking of getting fired through blatant corruption! If you are guilty of such actions you will receive the harshest of punishments in court, and once you're out of the prison, you are back to making up that 10-year requirement. It'd be your loss in the end."
As Rivelia went on with her speech, Isaac's face crumbled more and more. All of the plans he had made after graduation had evaporated. Rivelia's body was shaking with happiness, which far surpassed the feeling when she rose to become a Sword Master.
Now! This was the final blow, a blow strong enough to perhaps cripple Isaac beyond recovery.
"And this is a present."
"Huh?"
Rivelia handed a document to Isaac who was already preoccupied with trying to find a way out of this. Isaac quickly skimmed over the document and then shouted.
"What is this?! Invoice? What do you mean an invoice?!"
"Oh! You didn't know! It doesn't matter if you're not enrolled in a school, but since you are a student of the College, you are liable to pay for using the lodge due to your special circumstances. It's in the rules, didn't you know?"
"Ha, fine. Let's say I pay the fee. But how can I possibly end up with this ridiculous invoice?"
A 20000 Giga fee. Excluding the money in the safe that Isaac lost to Mazelan, even all his earnings through the deliveries and auctions would barely cover for the fee. He would be left almost penniless if he were to pay it.
"A single night may be small, but if you include the 5 years of residence here on top of food, transport, refurbishing, and all the miscellaneous costs, that is roughly correct."
"Shit! I always thought it was strange they would supply me with all that food for free. But why 5 years? Since I entered the College today, aren't I liable to pay only today's fees?"
"Oh? You're right! Hm, this is an unexpected turn of events."
Once again, a sarcastic surprise was on Rivelia's face.
"You can raise a complaint to the Student Council's Finance Department. It will take ten days for the document to be processed. But you know that you can only do that after you've paid the bill first right? Ah! I'd like to congratulate you again on your graduation tomorrow. Ohohoho!"
The bill must be paid before graduation.
Refusing to pay? Impossible. It's clear they are going to get that money through force if needed. They say they will accept the complaint, but the moment he graduates tomorrow, Isaac will never be able to set foot in Campus again. They've basically removed the time available to make retaliation.
It all started to settle in, he knew he was like a fly caught in a trap.
"How could I possibly have that much money?!"
"Ha. Do you really think I went through this plan without knowing your account details?"
"Where did you get my account book from?"
"Why would I even need that? Kunette and Reisha were more than happy to tell me how the business was whenever I asked them."
I've been had.
Isaac muttered to himself. It was true that Reisha and Kunette knew more about the money he was making than Isaac himself. It would be weird if it wasn't the case, since it was they who ran the operations of the business instead of Isaac. And they wouldn't have hesitated to give the answer to Rivelia without ever questioning as to why…
Isaac quickly glimpsed at Rivelia, an overly excited girl who didn't know what to make out of the emotions inside her. On one hand, Isaac thought whether this was truly something she should be celebrating over, while on the other he was impressed that she managed to find a way to return a decent blow back to him.
"Fine. I admit. You got me on the last day. Heh. Well done."
It pained Isaac that he had lost all his money yet again, but making a fool of himself by causing a commotion was only going to make RIvelia happier. He decided it was much better to accept the harsh reality and act as composed as possible to disappoint her.
Rivelia did seem slightly let down that Isaac didn't react the way she had expected, but was satisfied in knowing that she managed to fight back against Isaac.
"Oohohohohoho!"
As Rivelia's heartfelt laughter echoed into the distance, Isaac grabbed onto one of his smokes, his hands shaking.
"There's no way she managed to think of this scheme on her own."
She may be a genius who graduated from the College in 3 years, but she lacked the skill and the experience to come up with such a scheme. This was a plan made by someone who had already sent many more people into the abyss in the past.
Isaac sat on his chair and looked blankly at the ceiling. The thought that occupied his head was that he couldn't find out the hidden intention behind the Campus' decision. Losing his money did hurt, but he didn't miss it much. Once he left the confined region that was the Campus, he could truly spread his wings to earn the money back.
He could understand the invoice, but enrollment to the College baffled him. Rivelia, who easily became a pawn in someone else's grander plan, looked even more innocent to Isaac now. But Isaac's experience through the harsh world had taught him to always think of the hidden motive behind actions.
Within that short moment, he realised that College was an organisation made of interlinking connections and a force to reckon with in the political scene. Will the graduates of the College truly stand the atrocity of allowing Isaac with them? It would be more similar to throwing dung into a beautiful pond.
Impossible. It was clear they would bully and isolate him in every way. No, considering that the majority of the Committee was made up of College graduates, this process should have ended before it even passed through the meetings. There must have been something to gain from this, or this was done in secret by a select few.
Isaac was convinced it was the latter. If the Committee knew of this, not just the College but the Campus would have risen up against it, and Isaac would have heard the news long beforehand.
"Ha, I guess I wouldn't have been stabbed in the back like this if I knew beforehand."
Isaac muttered bitterly as he habitually took out another smoke to put into his mouth. No matter what he wanted to do, there wasn't enough time. He was graduating when the sun rose tomorrow. Complaining, or applying for refund was only possible if he had time. No, he didn't even need to. He just needed to spread the word that he was enrolled in the College, and the students of the Campus would have done the rest.
"Why did they bring me into the College?"
This was the most unfathomable and most scandalous event that would rile the Empire in its entirety. He couldn't find the reason as to why they would bring him in at the cost of their fame and honour.
"I don't want to become a chess piece in the political world…."
The most plausible explanation was that he was unknowingly caught in a screwed-up game of power struggle between powerful individuals. The political world is where all the strangest and ludicrous events come true. It may be because someone is jealous of the power the College has, or it was a fight between factions within the Campus. There were so many reasons as to why, but not a single lead to finding which one was true.
"This is difficult."
Isaac shook away his headache. As he put out his cigarette on the ashtray, Reisha and Kunette entered the lodge.
"Eheheh, Sunbaenim, we're back."
"…"
Reisha's face was red as if she had drunk alcohol while Kunette seemed like she was having a lucid dream.
"Welcome back."
Reisha and Kunette flinched at the sight that Isaac was waiting for them. Their past experiences have taught that something was up. As they stared at Isaac and raised their guard, Isaac threw the invoice he had received from Rivelia at them.
"Huh? 20000 Giga! Wow! Isn't this your entire savings?"
"That's right. They got me good on the last day."
"But if you complain or send this to the Student Court…"
"How long will that take? I'll be graduating tomorrow. Just accepting the document will take more than three days."
"But why a sudden invoice? You're not enrolled in any of the schools."
"I'm a student of the College now."
Both Reisha and Kunette were astonished by his words.
"Eeh? Really? The College really accepted you?"
"… I knew it."
Kunette seemed to nod as if she had thought of a lead, but the voice was so small that it was drowned out by Reisha's shout.
"Wow! So you really are my Sunbaenim now."
"That's a talk for another time, but what I want to say is that this invoice is about the cost for using this lodge right?"
Isaac took out another smoke as he continued his words.
"But what I find unfair is that I wasn't the only one who used this lodge. As you are well aware, both of you took care of your meals and sleep in this lodge, right? What I want to say is that you two should also be liable to pay for…. You guys!"
All they needed was an opening to escape, and Isaac's search for the matches to light his cigarette was the perfect opportunity. By the time Isaac raised his head, both Reisha and Kunette had disappeared.
As Isaac lit his cigarette to ease the emptiness inside him, Kunette came over to Isaac with a pot of honey in each hand.
After a brief hesitation, Kunette made a deep breath as if she had made a big decision.
"I'll give you one pot."
"Man, you're making me cry."
Isaac said sarcastically. It seemed Kunette was impressed at herself for giving away not just one spoon, but an entire pot away to someone else, and she began eating the honey from one of the pots. Isaac's complicated head seemed to ease when he watched Kunette, whose simple mind only needed honey to be satisfied.
"I guess there's no point in thinking through this now. Since when did I worry about my future?"
Just as Kunette only needs honey, Isaac only needs the Choyu leaves. If someone wants to use him, he will act out their will. But one thing was certain. He will not be thrown away once he had fulfilled his use.
The graduation ceremony of the College processed quietly. In fact, they didn't really have a ceremony in the first place. All graduates had a private meeting with the Headmaster to receive their certificate and the emblem with some words of wisdom from the Headmaster himself.
Isaac was the last in line. All of the students who exited the Headmaster's room glared at Isaac when they passed him, but they all shook their head as they disappeared into the distance.
"You survived well."
"I know. I didn't think you would give the College as a present for fulfilling my duties so well. I'm just asking this but is it possible to drop out now?"
Corduroy looked at Isaac for a brief moment.
"It is impossible for a student of the College to drop out. If you truly wish it, however, I can use my power as the Headmaster to allow it."
"I'm fine. I don't want to die the moment I step foot in Gabelin."
If the condition from the first day still holds, Isaac's records within the Campus would be removed if he were to drop out. That meant he was denying the rights of his nobility. The Rondart Family would react first if that happened and would assassinate him in any way possible to quell inheritance issue.
"Hm, I guess you still want to live at this point."
"I'm just curious. Curious as to why you brought me into the College."
"We had no choice because of the rules."
"Sure, that lady Rivelia sure is innocent enough to believe those words, right?"
"…"
They looked at each other in silence, their stares entangling in the air between them. The brief staring contest was ended by Corduroy, who turned his head away first.
"Ha. You really are a funny one. Take it."
Corduroy handed a small piece of cloth to Isaac.
"This is the emblem representing your graduation from the College. You must always have it above your left chest in plain sight."
The circular piece of cloth had five stars at the top and the place that should have had the symbol representing which subject he mastered was empty. It seemed it was processed with magic and the moment Isaac placed it on his clothes it melded in seamlessly.
"Oh! That's pretty cool."
While Isaac was busy touching the area Corduroy handed a piece of paper within an invisible case.
"This is your certificate of appointment. You are to go to where the document tells you within the due date and perform your duties."
"Let's see. Administrator of the New Port City? What job is this?"
"One of the offices managing the cities. With this position, you only need to report to the mayor."
"Heh? Are you sure you want to give me such a powerful role?"
"You have no idea what New Port City is, do you?"
"Do I have to?"
"Let's just say your brother Kainen personally selected this city for you."
"Well, that's a brief and menacing way to put it."
If Kainen picked the place, there was no way it was a peaceful one. Most likely it was a city so overrun with problems that even government officials would struggle to even survive in that place.
"So are you really not going to tell me?"
"Do you have a question?"
Isaac smirked at Corduroy's blatant evasion of his question.
"Fine. I'll figure it out myself."
"I'll look forward to it."
Isaac left the Headmaster's room with the document in hand. There wasn't anyone in the corridor since he was the last to enter. He felt both free and troubled at the same time.
Just when he turned around the corner, Rivelia showed herself.
"Hm, you don't seem so happy."
"Where have you been appointed to?"
"Me? They're making me the Administrator of the New Port City."
"… I see."
Isaac was curious as to Rivelia's behaviour. She was nodding with a troubled look.
"Your mood seems awfully different from yesterday."
Rivelia looked back at Isaac with a complicated look in her eyes and sighed.
"Don't worry about it. Oh, and about the invoice I gave you, you can forget about it. I think I was going too far. You will need that money when you go to New Port City so hire some mercenaries with it if you can."
"What? I don't have to pay?"
"Yes. I'll look over that matter. Is there a problem?"
"Rather than a problem…"
Isaac's sentence faltered as he looked weirdly at Rivelia. The look in his eyes clearly gave away that he was confused as to why she was doing this. Remembering the events of yesterday would be the perfect time for her arrogance to show as she could finally enjoy her hard-fought victory. He even came to one conclusion, considering if it was that emotional time of the month for her, but that thought was quickly disregarded, as it wasn't his business to think about.
Isaac shrugged and told Rivelia as he walked past her.
"You won't be seeing me around anymore so take care."
Rivelia couldn't even make a reply as she looked back at Isaac with a complicated look.
She remembered what happened last night.
On her way back from visiting Isaac. She was satisfied with seeing Isaac's face crumble. She didn't want to admit it, but she couldn't deny the fact that he helped her in achieving her meteoric rise to becoming a Master, and so she was going to pay him back for that debt.
Using her power as the daughter of Duke Pendleton, she should be able to make this plan go through without interference from Count Milros. Since the Rondart Family is a vassal to the Pendleton Family, sending Isaac to one of the villages as an administrator within her province was entirely possible. Giving Isaac the job he had craved and letting him live out his life in peace was the best gift she could give to him.
She had already contacted her family and found a suitable place for Isaac to live in. She may have taken 20000 Giga from him, but if she explained to him on what situation he's in and told him of how she diverted Kainen's plan as she hands out her appointment, she should at least be able to hear a word of thanks from him.
But the best part of this is that Isaac will be her subordinate and she will have the right to bully him whenever she had the chance as his superior.
"Who is it?!"
The faint smile and the light footsteps she had as she headed back to her dormitory were stopped in a moment. She quickly turned around with a stiff look and looked at the shadow at the corner of the building.
"Pleasure to be of acquaintance."
"Identify yourself."
The middle-aged man who came out from the shadow was someone she had never seen before. She couldn't tell if he was smiling or emotionless. The man bowed respectfully and spoke to her.
"I have come from the Central."
Rivelia frowned at the man's words.
"Central? How could the Central be in the College?"
"That is classified."
The man's reply quickly ruined Rivelia's mood, and she glared back at him. She was considering that he may be someone pretending to be from Central, but only an agent of the Central would have the courage to face against a Master in the open.
"What does the Central want with me? I thought I clearly stated my rejection in joining you?"
The Central may be an organisation with unquestionable authority, but Rivelia had many problems with how the Central performed their missions. She wasn't going to join an organisation that was so abusive and secretive to fulfill its goal. She had already denied their offer to have her join them.
"We are here to give you the message to stop altering Isaac's transfer destination."
Rivelia frowned again at his words.
"I never knew the Central had the sick habit of stalking and spying on a lady's letter."
"We simply received word from the Duke's family."
"Does that mean my father is involved in this?"
"That is classified."
"My father should hold no relation to the Central."
"That is classified."
"Why is the Central so interested in him?"
"That is classified."
Rivelia was starting to get irritated by the man, whose emotionless words repeated like that of a parrot.
"If I were to refuse?"
"You cannot refuse."
"That sounds like a threat to me."
"This is an order from Duke Pendleton."
"My father? Impossible!"
"Why would we lie when you can find out about it tomorrow?"
"…"
"I will be heading off now. Ah, in addition. If you were to tell Isaac that the Central is monitoring him, or give him a hint in any way possible, the Central will have no choice but to eliminate Isaac, regrettably. This… is a threat."
"How dare you!"
Just when Rivelia reacted to his words, the middle-aged man's image faltered like smoke then disappeared.
"What?"
Rivelia quickly looked around but there was nothing she could feel with her senses. Rivelia believed she saw a reason as to why the Central was so confident to face against a Master, having the ability to disappear from a Master's senses at a moment's notice.
"Che!"
Rivelia gripped tightly at her sword.
Was she overconfident of her abilities due to her recent rise to becoming a Master? Was this the reason that Headmaster Corduroy said that Isaac wouldn't get his wish even if it weren't for Kainen?
"Fine. I'll find out the reason myself."
She originally had no intention of joining the Central, but last night's incident had changed her mind. If her father was involved in this, this must be of great importance. She felt sorry for Isaac, but she wanted to know the true face of the Central that could even force her father to move in their favor and prevent her from helping Isaac.
Rivelia was in deep thought as Isaac disappeared into the distance when a man appeared in the corridor. It was the same middle-aged man she saw last night.
"I will say this now. If you join the Central, you will not receive the protection your Family once provided for you. You cannot borrow or use any of its benefits and authority."
"That is of little concern to me. But I'm really curious as to why the Central is so interested in Isaac."
"You will know once you join the Central."
"If this incident was just a plan to make me join the Central, I swear that I will never forgive all those who were involved in this."
Rivelia warned her aggressor. In terms of manpower, Masters are great. The Central would perform the most heinous acts imaginable to make them join their side. But the middle-aged man still seemed indifferent and bowed as he made his reply.
"You will know once you join the Central."
Isaac had finally arrived at his destination. Out of habit, he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it. A great canal ran through the two cities. To the east was Port City with its clean streets and elegant manors. To the west was New Port City where countless warehouses and loading stations lined across the canal. Isaac glimpsed behind to see a tunnel so large that it was akin to a dragon's lair.
"What a fucked-up place."
Just like Isaac's first impression of the city, New Port City was a fucked-up place. The two cities were situated on the edges of the Minolen Mountains, which lay on the boundaries between the middle and southern territories of the Empire. Between the Minolen Mountains and Lake Levonen was a small plain where Port and New Port City existed. The two cities were a prime example of how disgusting human greed could be when pushed to its limits.
Lake Levonen was naturally connected with straits which branched out to the west, east, and south, making it the ideal hub for transport and trade within the Empire. They were the 'Heart of the Empire,' and all goods from the east, west and south travelled through here to reach its destination.
When only Port City existed on this place, a crazy man instigated the populace to support the construction of a new canal. This canal was to be dug through the Minolen Mountains which acted as a barrier to the north, making a direct trade route toward the centre of the Empire. One by one, the people agreed to the idea, and an official plan was soon made along with the funds and manpower to begin the project. This was a project funded purely by the citizens without any support from the Empire's government. Countless noble families and merchant guilds went bankrupt during its construction, and only after fifty years did human greed triumph over nature. That was just 10 years before Isaac arrived here. With a direct connection to the centre of the continent, it proudly proclaimed itself to be one of the greatest cities within the Empire, second only to the Capital. But problems began to emerge after the construction had finished.
The fifty year construction period had forced the workers to settle in a nearby area. Workers who couldn't find a place in the affluent Port City with its rich soil and excellent view had to settle on the western side of the Lake. The place was not suited for a comfortable life with its many swamps, wetlands, branching rivers and hills, but the poor workers gathered here regardless.
The real problem was after the construction was completed. All of the workers had suddenly become unemployed. By this point, many generations of workers had started to call this place home and few wanted to leave this place. While the original workers of the city stayed put, more people from across the Continent came to the city in search of work, resulting in overabundance of labor. Only the landlords and merchants of Port City were happy about this, since this resulted in a sharp decline on the wages.
As unhappiness grew amongst the labourers due to pitiful earnings and difficult work, Port City requested to split the city into two separate economic regions in fear of riot from the workers. This was quickly accepted, and so a hundred thousand citizens were split away and founded the now New Port City.
All of the properties within New Port City were already owned by the landlords who lived in Port City, so all of the hard earned money within New Port City naturally flowed back to Port City. The people of New Port City struggled to earn enough money to survive while Port City was enjoying a golden age. More and more citizens became destitute and soon the slums within New Port City expanded.
At first, mayors who were transferred into New Port City were filled with determination to change this place. But after struggling against its poor conditions and financial issues, they all disappeared. The seat of the Mayor had been empty for many years now.
The growing slums, lack of public order and the absence of ruling authority made it a haven for criminal syndicates to spread their wings. The rough sailors, workers, pubs and brothels were great targets to fund their sinister deeds.
The lack of public order led to an increase in crimes such as murder, robbery, and rape, this led to emigration of what little middle class citizens there were. The empty houses were in turn filled by people of the slums. It was a downward spiral which saw no end, and now New Port City as a whole was a giant slum.
"They chose well. This is a perfect place to get stabbed in the streets if I tried anything rash."
Isaac nodded and stomped on the butt of his cigarette. He remembered the document Mazelan handed to him during his brief visit in Gabelin.
It was the cradle of corruption and crime. With the lack of a mayor or an administrator, it was the criminal syndicates who ran this city. Among the many small and large syndicates that spread across this city, there were five syndicates which truly ruled this city. Isaac couldn't stop himself from laughing when he heard that out of the 5 syndicates, four of them were connected to the four prominent faction leaders of Port City while the last syndicate was the police force of New Port City.
When Isaac questioned why the Empire didn't put at least the police force into custody, Mazelan smiled bitterly and pleaded him to understand that the Empire was overlooking some form of its corruption as the mere presence of the police force helped to stop the crimes from escalating further. But Isaac was ready to bet his life that Mazelan's eyes were smiling, because he found this situation to be interesting.
New Port City followed the Empire's traditional administration strategy and split the city into five regions. The Ceta District was in the centre, the Alpha District in the East, Beta to the West, Zeta in the north and Meta district in the south. The four prominent criminal syndicates have already taken over one of the outlying districts for themselves, happily sucking the citizens dry while the Police Force of New Port City took over the Ceta District in the Centre.
Most of the city was in a complete mess since no proper city planning was made in its construction, but at least the City Hall and the neighbouring regions seemed to have some planning for its construction.
Isaac arrived at the Ceta District and looked at the City Hall. It was a small two-story building which seemed to be in decent shape, at least on the outside.
"It seems better than I expected. I thought it'd be completely run down by now. I guess the people still treat this as a government property."
Isaac got up the stairs to open the doors. The door opened with an irritating creak and Isaac sighed when he looked inside.
"It only looks fine on the outside."
It was akin to an abandoned house inside. Not single furniture was in one piece and a table sat in the middle with one of its legs broken. Bags of rubbish were stacked near the windows, suggesting that people have been secretly throwing their trash in here. Meanwhile spider webs were spread across the entire building like a giant fishing net… Isaac didn't even want to step foot in this place.
Isaac contemplated as to how long it would take to clean this place up. He shrugged and turned around.
"I guess I need some help for this."
The best part about having money is that you can pay people to do something you don't want to do. With this place being a giant slum, there were many people willing to work just for a single loaf of bread.
Isaac got back outside and sat on the steps which lead to the main gate. He shuffled through his bag to look for something to eat and looked around the area.
The City Hall was situated in the plaza which was circular in shape. To the left of the plaza was a building cleaner and fancier than the City Hall. It seemed to be the Police Headquarters, as there was a man in uniform who guarded its entrance. The guard seemed to be staring at Isaac. It was understandable, since in his eyes Isaac was some weirdo who just entered an abandoned building only to come straight out and was now chomping on some food.
"What a perfect place to have those."
Most of the buildings which stood next to the plaza were brothels. Many headstrong police officials would go mad at the sight that the police headquarter stood in the centre of so many brothels.
Isaac looked around the plaza which seemed quite empty, perhaps because it's still daytime. The only hygienic place around seemed to be the Police Headquarters, while the rest of the area seemed to be filled with trash. In every alley there was at least one body lying on the ground, and Isaac couldn't tell if they were just drunkards or corpses.
From beggars watching the barren plaza with their empty eyes to children who rummaged the belongings of those who had passed out in the alleys, the plaza was everything you'd expect from a slum. Considering that this was one of the richer districts in the city, Isaac could only imagine just what the remainder of the city looked like.
"Hm?"
Isaac turned around when he sensed someone was near his side.
A group of starved children with sweat covering their filthy clothes revealed themselves to Isaac. These were the children who were at the bottom of the food chain in this city, those who couldn't even join the others who looted the trash or dead bodies. Their only choice was to rely on the pity of others to extend their miserable life or succumb to starvation and die. A common sight within the slums.
The children sucked on their thumbs as they stared at the bread Isaac was holding. When Isaac finished the entire thing in a single bite, the children simply turned away without a hint of disappointment. For the victims of this cruel world, even disappointment was a luxury they couldn't afford.
"Wait."
Isaac called out to the children and took out another bread from his bag and threw it at them. The bread landed right on the children's feet.
"Hm?"
Isaac couldn't hide his surprise when he saw what the children did. He had seen how people turn into demons when they've suffered the pain of starvation. He had experienced it himself, since he survived from fighting in a company that had been cut off from its supplies. He expected the children to turn into ghouls and fight for a larger share. Isaac didn't intend this out of mean spirit. He just wanted to entice the children to clean the City Hall for him with more bread.
But instead of fighting for the bread, they carefully looked at their surroundings. They picked up the bread, and after bowing at Isaac in gratitude, they started to share the bread with each other. They were careful not to waste any of it, not even its crumbs. Their shares were so small between them that it would make their feeling of starvation worse, but still they shared with each other. The bigger children would give a larger portion to the smaller children, and Isaac was shocked that these children were doing this with a smile on their faces.
"Kuk!"
Isaac let out a small noise. It turned to a snicker, then into a full blown laughter.
"Ahahahah!"
The sight of Isaac laughing out loud had gathered everyone's attention, and the children who received the bread from him were shaking in fear as they just watched what he was going to do next.
"Ahem, excuse me."
The sudden voice stopped Isaac's laughter, and Isaac turned to see where it was coming from. He saw a small middle aged man with a face of a mouse. Even his natural stance seemed to show his grovelling nature. The children's faces went pale at the sight of him and quickly scattered away.
Isaac talked to the man as he watched the children disappear.
"Who are you?"
"Eheh. Do you happen to be Sir Isaac, the newly appointed Administrator?"
"And?"
"Oh! It is good to see you. I am Ratt, vice-captain of New Port City's Police Force."
As he introduced himself, he quickly glimpsed at the left chest of Isaac. He flinched when he saw the emblem representing the College with its golden stars. The College was something he never wanted to encounter, let alone work under. He didn't know why a graduate of the College was appointed to New Port City, but there was no harm in having a good first impression.
Isaac briefly looked at Ratt's face before making a reply.
"I am in a good mood right now."
"Eheh, that's good to hear."
"Yes. It's a very good thing. And because of that, I want to tell you that I know nothi-."
"That's why I'm here. I am here to explain to you how this city is run and also to throw a welcoming party for you, who will be doing his utmost to…"
Isaac stopped Ratt's speech by flicking his finger, telling Ratt to come closer. Ratt was offended by this, but he kept it inside and did as he was told.
"Eheh, is there something you'd lik… Kuk!"
Isaac slammed onto Ratt's nose with his fist like he would with a hammer.
"Aaah! My nose!"
Isaac said to Ratt as he struggled with his bleeding nose.
"I'm going easy on you because I'm in such a good mood. If you cut my words again I will fry your throat with the sludge from the sewers."
"Kuk! What have I done to deserve this?! You're going to have a hard time if this is how you're going to start your career!"
"That's none of your business but I do agree that a welcoming party is necessary. Sadly, I am very lazy and I hate unnecessary things. So we are going to have the party here."
"…What?"
Ratt looked blankly at Isaac as he held on to his bleeding nose.
"Didn't you hear me? We are having a welcoming party. Here. Tonight. Tell everyone who calls themselves the rulers of this city to attend the party. Anyone who fails to attend will be carved into my memories and I will make sure to give them a bad time. Ah! In addition, I prefer my table to be so full of food that it looks as if I haven't even touched it by the time I'm done. Understand?"
"Huh? Yes."
As Ratt scrambled on his feet to send the message, Isaac grabbed onto his shoulder.
"And where do you think you're going?"
"Huh? To send your message of course…"
"Oi, I guess you're as dumb as you look. If you're gone, who am I supposed to use for my chores?"
"I, I will make sure to send some men to serve you."
"But I don't want that?"
"What?"
"I don't want that."
"…"
As night approached, the Ceta District plaza, which was usually populated with customers for the many brothels in the region, was instead occupied by thugs with their threatening appearance. At the plaza in front of the City Hall was a circular table and the bosses of the five criminal syndicates sat around it. On the main street connecting to the plaza were two rows of tables where the subordinates of the bosses sat. Their food, which was transported from Port City, laid in front of them just waiting to be consumed. Yet, no one was able touch it. All they could do was look at the City Hall's doors.
Many eyes could be seen in the gaps of the alleyways who were tempted by the food arranged on the tables, but no one was brave enough to beg the most infamous mobsters in the entire city. They were simply waiting for this party to finish so they could clean up whatever was left behind.
Meanwhile, Ratt was having the worst time of his life. After a string of orders from Isaac, he finally allowed Ratt to bring in his subordinates to clean up the City Hall. But this was quickly followed with Isaac scolding Ratt in front of all his subordinates asking why he wasn't doing any work. Isaac ordered Ratt to join in on the cleaning and as Ratt managed to finish the cleaning duties while keeping his boiling anger in check, he demanded a bed be transported into the City Hall. Isaac spoke with all seriousness that he will kill anyone who comes to wake him up and then locked himself into his room.
Time had passed and the preparation of the welcoming party was over long ago. Even all of the guests have arrived, yet Isaac still didn't seem like he was coming out. Everyone was silently pressuring Ratt to wake Isaac up with their stares.
Just when Ratt was about to break from being stuck between a rock and a hard place, a loud creak echoed and Isaac stumbled out of the City Hall.
"Yawn! That was a good nap. "
Isaac appeared out of the gates with a bushy hair and his eyes still half asleep. He looked around the plaza then got to the table in front of him and poured himself a glass of water while ignoring the others who also sat on the table. His actions were quite insulting to the bosses of the syndicates, and the mood of the entire situation worsened.
"Kyaa! That water tastes nice. Well then, let's see how the food is."
Isaac began feasting on the food that has been well seasoned with many spices, along with a side of bread and soup. The others, however, grit their teeth in anger as their murderous intent rose.
"Huhu. It seems our Administrator is quite peckish. Why don't we have ourselves a meal too?"
An old man with a respectable aura tried to ease the tension in the air as he spoke with a mix of laughter, but the others were still staring at Isaac. After a much-awaited silence, the other five began grabbing for their utensils when Isaac suddenly stopped his feast and looked at the five who sat with him.
"What the fuck are you guys doing?"
The old man replied as if he was ready for this moment.
"I apologise for my late introduction. I am the one in charge of the New Port City's Police…"
"I don't give a fuck about what you are. I'm asking what you are doing now."
"…"
Many who wore police uniforms rose up in protest to Isaac's words. The old man stopped his men from unsheathing their swords with a wave of his hand, and replied to Isaac without a hint of emotion.
"We have gathered to this welcoming party for you. It seemed you were hungry, so we were going to delay our introductions after you've enjoyed the…"
Clang!
Even before the old man finished his words Isaac threw the fork in his hand and spoke as if he's lost all interest on the food in front of him.
"Ah, you just ruined my appetite. Who are you?"
The police officers grit their teeth at Isaac's impudent behaviour. Once again the old man urged his men to be patient and bowed respectfully at Isaac.
"I will introduce myself again. I am Dinozo, Captain of the New Port City's Police Force. This is…"
"I don't give a damn about what you do. You're Dinozo right?"
"That is correct."
"You're a commoner right?"
"That I am."
"Everyone else on this table are also commoners right?"
"… That's right."
"I'm a noble you see."
"…"
"Since when did a noble share the same table with a commoner for a meal? This is why you can't let commoners get everything they want. You keep on giving, and soon enough they want to be above you."
Slam!
A muscular man covered with scars slammed onto the table with his fist even before Isaac was done with his words. He stood up and growled at Isaac.
"I see you've lost your fucking mind! You think that nobility of yours is going to stop a knife from going up your ass?!"
A group of young men who seemed to be his underlings stood up with him and started to make profane insults towards Isaac, worsening the situation.
After watching the man, Isaac turned his head to Dinozo and asked.
"Who's he?"
"He is Foxt, president of the Alpha District's Youth Association."
"What do you mean a 'Youth Association'? He seems more like a fucker who steals money from workers in the name of protection."
Foxt pulled out a knife from his pockets and slammed it on to the table.
"You better watch what you're getting yourself into. You think the title of Administrator is going to protect your life?"
"Wow! I'm so scared. You're going to kill me? Here?"
"Huhu, it won't be my first time."
Isaac looked around to see how others reacted to Foxt's blatant threat. Dinozo seemed as disinterested as ever, while the other three bosses seemed satisfied to watch this through with keen interest. Isaac pulled out a cigarette as he sunk into his chair. Only after he had a puff of his cigarette did he speak.
"Then kill me."
"… Huh?"
"What are you doing? I told you to kill me."
"Ha! Are you trying to bluff? You chose the wrong place for that. This is New Port City! Nobody gives a fuck about who dies here, even if they're a noble!"
"Ah, you talk too much. Why can't you just do as you're told and kill me when I tell you? You sound like you'd boast about how you finally killed me after I die of old age."
"You fucker!"
Unable to hold himself after Isaac's sarcastic tone, Foxt tried to pull out the knife from the table when Isaac suddenly highlighted his left shoulder with an exaggerated movement.
"Oh dear me. There's some dust on my shoulder!"
Foxt's movements stopped when his eyes followed Isaac's hand. The five golden stars. The symbol of College. He would usually scoff at any administrator's orders. But that symbol was the reason not just he, but all of the bosses couldn't ignore this invitation. Even Foxt, a man whose actions speak before his brain, had to hesitate in the name of College.
"Kuuh!"
Foxt's body trembled in anger, but all he could do was stare at him.
There was a reason the respectable College graduates were the symbol of fear to criminals. It was because of the massive invasion of Central at the news of their deaths. Even if the graduates died a peaceful death of old age, the organization would perform a massive investigation. They would question every single person that ever came in contact with the graduate. The joke that the average arrest rate of the Empire rises by 10% whenever a single graduate passed away was based on truth.
"How could we possible disrespect someone from the College, Sir Isaac?"
Foxt could only stand on his spot, unable to do anything. This is when a middle aged man with a cunning appearance rose up to speak instead. When Isaac turned his head, Dinozo quickly introduced the middle aged man.
"He is Soland, President of the Meta District's Development Association."
Isaac turned back to Soland and pointed at Foxt with his chin.
"He looks like he'd do it."
"He only made such a mistake because he's so used to dealing with the rough sailors that work under him. But I have a question I wish to ask."
Isaac smiled at Soland's request, interested as to what he was about to say.
"Shoot."
"There are many people who travel through this city, and they bring much news with them. But among them we heard a strange rumour about some weirdo of the Campus."
"And?"
"From the rumours, it seems that man was cast away from his own family to the Campus. The Campus also didn't want to deal with him and promised to graduate him if he simply stayed for five years. That he did, and the man graduated from the Campus after playing around for five years. Strangely though, the degree that man held wasn't that of Campus, but that of the College."
"Yeah. That's right. That's me."
"Ha! So much for your tough guy act. You're nothing!"
Foxt shouted as if he'd finally found an opening, while Isaac looked back with pity in his eyes.
"So? You think you can kill me now?"
It was not Foxt but Soland who replied to Isaac.
"I believe they sent you here because it'd be too much of a hassle to have you around, and the easiest way to remove you is for you to die during your work. That is what I believe."
Soland's words sent ripples throughout the plaza, and everyone who gathered here began staring at Isaac. It was a conjecture that would scare a man to their deaths, but Isaac simply snickered and applauded Soland.
"You're pretty smart."
"Thank you. But I believe it's something anyone can come down to if they used their head for a second."
"Tsk tsk. Why don't you actually sit down and have a nice, long pondering instead of that? I guess you don't even need to since all the idiots here who can't even read would worship you like god with that shallow thinking of yours."
"…"
"Since this is my first day and because I'm so merciful, I will teach you guys one thing."
"We will listen, for this may be the last time you speak."
Isaac smiled at Soland's cutthroat words and lit another cigarette.
"Instead of trying to kill me, you guys should be protecting me."
"Is that all for your last words?"
Soland stood up and all of his followers rose up with him. Just as expected of their occupation, they all had a weapon in their hand.
Foxt, Soland and all of their followers had got off their chairs but the rest of the men under the other three bosses simply watched the situation unfold.
"Well, it's true that I was trouble in the Campus. But the same applies to you guys. This city is the symbol of crime and corruption, but they're just watching over it because they know from their past attempts of trying to clean up this place, it would simply revert to its ruined state long as the foundation of this city stays the way it is.
"I am honoured to hear that you treat us commoners as equal to your noble status."
"Yeah, embrace that honour. Listen here. There are two fuckers you don't want to exist, but trying to do it personally would only cause more trouble. But hey? Isaac's graduating. What would happen if we threw him into this city with a degree? He'd either die trying to pull the same shit he did in Campus or die complaining of how hard his job is. That's one down. But what if we raise his status and make him a College so we can clean up the situation by getting Central involved in this? That'd be the perfect happy end for everyone. Why, you think I'm wrong?"
"…"
There was logic in Isaac's words. Would Central truly ignore Isaac's death? Impossible. Central would gladly proceed with the plan Isaac had made.
Isaac wondered during his entire trip to New Port City as to why he was given the title of College graduate. Kainen was involved in this, but he had no authority over the College so there must have been someone higher up that pulled the strings. The moment he received details about New Port City, he believed the scenario he told to Soland was the reason that he was sent here. That's exactly what Isaac would do if he was in charge.
While Soland hesitated, Isaac laughed and started his meal again full of confidence.
"That's why you guys need to protect me with your lives on the line. Why? Do you think Central will give up like you guys? There are many people who'd be happy to stab a man to death for the right price in this city, but if that happened, it'd be you guys who are on the losing end. I've got nothing to lose but what about you guys? Can you give up on everything you've achieved? Well, that only matters if you manage to survive."
While silence filled the plaza, Foxt and Soland were contemplating as to what options they had left. Their little stunt ended up hurting them instead. The districts of New Port City were in a fine balance, but each faction was looking for an opportunity to rip each other's throat. If they simply backed down, it'd hurt their reputation, which would result in weakening their influence. But on the other hand, they were afraid of the consequences if they killed Isaac. That's how terrifying Central's presence was.
Even if Central were to approach them with a formally written contract, they wouldn't accept it. Central was notorious for backstabbing and making false promises. There were many rumours in the slums that many of the syndicates that dissolved were actually serving Central. They were all eliminated once they had fulfilled their uses. This started the saying 'Don't see a Central, don't talk to Central and don't listen to Central. If you unintentionally involve yourself with Central, kill yourself to at least save your family.'
"If you understand what I said, then stand there and think about what you're going to do with my life while I have myself a meal."
Isaac was about to start eating again when he paused and looked at the other bosses who also sat on the table with him.
"And why are you lot still sitting on the chair?"
Dinozo was the first to get off his chair and the others who hesitated at first soon followed. They stood in a line opposite to where Isaac sat, while Soland and Foxt unwillingly joined the other three.
While the rest of the people were in complete silence, Isaac alone caused a ruckus in the party complaining of his food. The meat was too tough, the wine was disgusting, and the soup was cold. All of the complaints were directed at Ratt, who failed to run away from this situation.
The people who stood like statues in front of Isaac were perplexed as to what had just happened. This was the first time someone had blackmailed them using their own lives as a bargaining chip, making it very difficult to think of a comeback.
"Burp! That was a nice meal."
Isaac slapped his stomach in satisfaction. He lazily took out another cigarette and finally spoke to Dinozo.
"Introduce the rest."
Dinozo pointed at the bald man with a thick beard to make up for it.
"This is Axlon, President of the Miner's Union in the Zeta District."
Axlon didn't know what to do after the introduction so he gave a small nod to Isaac. It wasn't the most respectful behaviour from him, but Dinozo found no reaction from Isaac. Dinozo moved on and began introducing the only woman on the table wearing a fancy dress that wrapped tightly around her attractive body.
"She is Milena, President of the Woman's Rights Protection in the Beta District."
Unlike Axlon's emotionless greeting, Milena made a charming smile toward Isaac, highlighting her exposed cleavage.
"Hohoho, I am Milena. I am pleased to meet a reliable Administrator such as you."
Isaac decided to accept the pleasing view from Milena and replied.
"As a noble and official Administrator of the Empire, I only remember the names of those who are worthy of my memories. Therefore that idiot who made a ruckus at the start will be Dumbass, and the fucker who tried to act smart will be Smartass. That mute one runs the mines so he'll be Pickaxe. And only a crazy woman would walk around with a dress like that so I'll remember you as Crazy Bitch. That will be your names and I expect each of you you to come immediately when I call you out."
"…"
The four whose names have been changed against their will could feel the anger rise inside. But they must hold on for now. They've already lost the initial conflict and Central, who stood behind him, was too formidable of an obstacle. Instead of making a scene on their own, they needed to follow the orders of their masters in Port City. There, influence and intricate connections with the government may come with an answer.
But even so, they were annoyed that Dinozo wasn't mentioned by Isaac.
"What, you feel wronged? Our Captain of the Police Force is different from you criminals. At least he has a proper title."
That's what Isaac said. All they could do was grit their teeth in anger.
Meanwhile, Dinozo, who remained emotionless throughout the whole ordeal, sighed at their reaction in his heart.
Those idiots couldn't even see Isaac's obvious attempt at creating a rift between them. They were simply too busy thinking about how unfair this treatment is. He was amazed that they even rose to the rank of Boss and led an organisation of their own.
"I hate it when someone bothers me, so send me someone who would serve by my side. Ah. Actually there's no need. I can just keep him instead. He is so fun to tease."
Ratt's face went pale at Isaac's words, but no one here was on his side.
"We wish to hear which direction you wish to lead New Port City, now that you're in charge. That way, we may be able to cooperate with you to our fullest."
Isaac waved his hand with an annoyed face when Dinozo spoke those words.
"You guys have been doing well enough without a mayor or an Administrator until now. Just do as you've always done."
The faces of the five changed slightly to Isaac's words. Since the title of Mayor has been empty, the balance of power and order was in the hands of the Administrator. A single action from him could send the syndicates into chaos. That was the entire reason they either eliminated or enticed the Administrators. But they could only stand baffled when they were told that Isaac didn't want anything to do with it.
"But you have to keep one condition."
Indeed, it was too good to be true. Of course there was one condition.
The five stood trying to think just what Isaac's condition could be. Was it money? Women? Or something else?
"Don't starve the children."
"…"
The five stood in silence to that incomprehensible order. Isaac lit another cigarette and continued.
"I don't care whether you mug or murder your way through this city. But you better feed the children. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. From today onwards, if I ever see a starving child, I will personally go to that district and kill myself. So if you don't want to see Central knocking on your doors, you better do your job well. That's all I'll say, so you can all fuck off."
"…"
The five stood looked at each other contemplating Isaac's words and Dinozo spoke out as the representative.
"Much preparation had been made for this Welcoming Party. Don't you think at least the food should be…"
Isaac flicked his finger and called Ratt to his side.
"Hehe. What seems to be the… Uck!"
Ratt, who quickly answered to Isaac's call, was once again punched in his nose. The swelling had finally started to go down but this just put him back to square one.
"Did you not send my message properly? I prefer my table to be so full of food that it looks as if I haven't even touched it by the time I'm done."
"I, I understood it as you just wanted to prepare as much food as possible…"
"Damn it. I hate it when idiots try to look for a hidden meaning to a straight answer."
"T, then what do we do with all the food…"
"Throw it out."
"What?"
"Throw. It . Out."
"…"
Ratt could only listen for the orders he received from Isaac with his blood dripping down his nose. This extravagant meal had cost him so much to prepare that he needed to get a loan to cover it. Most of the members of the syndicates were also looking forward to this, since the food that was prepared was something they would only see in a fairy tale.
And Isaac was telling them to throw it out.
While Ratt was at loss for words, Dinozo stepped in and spoke in his stead.
"Then we shall head off."
Now wasn't the time to argue about food, but rather to come together and think about how to deal with the walking disaster called Isaac. It seemed everyone else on the table had the same thought and made a quick farewell. The speed at which they disappeared seemed to show that they didn't even want to stay for a second longer. The subordinates under the bosses had no choice but to exit the party with them.
Everyone had left while Ratt was still confused as to what had happened. Suddenly Isaac slapped the back of his head.
"What are you doing?"
"Do you know how expensive this food is?! And where can we possibly throw out all this food?!"
"We can throw them away into their stomachs."
Isaac pointed to the alleyways around the plaza. When Ratt followed Isaac's fingers, he could see the orphans of the slums slowly leaving the alleys, their eyes fixed on the food in front of them.
Report on Surveillance Target 728
Surveillance target 728 has safely arrived at New Port City. Unlike the prediction of his death made by some in the HQ, the target had managed to make all of the bosses of the syndicates submit by using his own life as a threat. (Details are attached to this document.)
We need further monitoring on the reactions from the criminal syndicates and Port City, but according to our observers they predict that target 728 isn't a type 3 or 4 invader, but a man with severe anti-social behaviour who holds little value in his life or that of others.
Therefore, we believe a debate is required regarding the benefits of recruiting the target or proceeding with the plan the target had mentioned himself.
Return
After analysis, proceeding with the plan Target 728 had made himself would lead to great benefits on increasing our influence over Port and New Port City. The HQ is currently split in two on whether to 'eliminate' the target or not. After much debate, everyone as agreed to monitor the situation to find out the true meaning behind the questionable order the Target presented to the syndicate bosses. The Target's actions are to be closely monitored.
The four rulers of New Port City's streets sat together. Usually, these meetings were just battles of pride where they exchanged insults. This meeting, however, was the first time they grimaced and conspired with one another for the same cause.
Dinozo stepped into the room, and everyone's eyes turned to him. Wearing his trademark emotionless face, he sat and poured himself a glass of wine.
Foxt impatiently asked Dinozo.
"What did the masters in Port City say?"
Each syndicate had their own master who looked after them, but the only person that could see them was Dinozo. In truth, it was them who placed Dinozo on the seat of Captain of New Port City's Police Force. His task wasn't just to act as the middleman between the syndicates during times of conflict, but he also worked as a messenger and collector of 'donations' which were sent back to the masters in Port City.
"They told us to solve the problem ourselves. They are having enough trouble with creating their own Merchant Guild, so they don't have the time to look after us."
"Hmph! To think they said all those big words when they got their fucking money!"
"Even they want to refrain from joining with the possibility of Central getting involved. They are quite agitated by the constant interference from the Seven Grand Merchant Guilds for their project. They didn't say this, but I could tell from their eyes that they don't want us to cause any trouble that could make it difficult for them."
"Seems like even those bastards on their high horse fear Central."
"Is there any man who could stand against Central?"
Isaac's face came into their heads, but they quickly removed the thought. The best way to deal with lunatics is to not deal with them in the first place.
"Does that mean I have to feed those damn brats from tomorrow onwards?"
"Yes you do."
Everyone sighed simultaneously at Dinozo's words. They were confused by this sudden turn of events. Everyone here were criminal masterminds who had risen to their power through victories against countless other criminals and syndicates. Murder was just the tip of the iceberg. They've made numerous people cry tears of blood as they stole, kidnapped and ransomed both innocents and enemies alike.
They were the darkest of the alleyway shadows. Their cold-blooded nature had earned fear from everyone who looked at them. But now they were going to run a charity feeding all the orphans on the streets. The homeless and the orphans that live in the city are the ones who make the bottom of the food chain, even in this city full of lowlifes.
"If we do as that man said, the retaliation from our subordinates will be a problem."
Those who lose their reputation lose their heads with it. That is the unspoken rule in the streets. They feared losing their reputation and pride because they too have risen to their seat using the same tactic against their enemies. That is why they've used all measures cruelty to have their vengeance, but they couldn't do anything against Isaac because they will always be on the losing end.
"Then just leave."
"…"
Everyone shut up at Dinozo's words. That was indeed the most definite solution. If you have a problem with your home, you can simply look for a new one. All of them have saved a significant amount of wealth of their own, which would allow them to live a comfortable life no matter where they go. But even this pitiful power they had amassed was something they wanted to protect. Plus, they've made many enemies to get to where they are. The moment they leave their pack, they become vulnerable to whatever comes their way. Without a solution in sight, all they could do was sigh as the night passed.
"Yawn! That's a good sleep."
"Hehe, Good morning Sir Isaac."
Ratt listed off all the curses and insults he knew in his mind as he brought a bucket of water for Isaac to wash his face with. Isaac had refused to reside in a house in New Port City that was prepared for him, opting to stay in the City Hall as his residence.
Even though it was a small 2 story building, it still had everything that was required to function as a government building. But because of Isaac's decision to live here, the entire police force was called over to perform a massive clean-up operation of the house, not leaving a single speck of dust in their wake. Isaac had also brought much furniture transforming this government building into a comfortable house that suited his own needs.
Once Isaac was done washing his head, Ratt quickly handed a towel to him.
"We will prepare your breakfast immediately."
"No need."
"Sorry?"
"I said no need."
Ratt looked at Isaac as if he was seeing a ghost. For the last week, Isaac had been using Ratt as a punching bag if his meal was even a second late. Isaac's physical abuse was focused entirely on Ratt's nose, and at this point, he had given up on fixing it. The nose that had been crushed into his face made his appearance hideous.
But now he said he won't be having breakfast today.
While Ratt wondered what the reason could be, Isaac threw the towel away and walked outside the city hall.
Ratt quickly pursued to question him.
"W, where are you going?"
"I'm getting my breakfast."
"What? If you just ask, I can quickly prepare…"
"It's fine. My body just feels tensed up because I've been only eating and sleeping for the last week. I just want to go for a walk and get some free food on the way."
"W, where are you…"
"Well, I wonder."
Ratt had risen to the rank of vice-captain through his exceptional flattery. He quickly figured out the meaning behind Isaac's words.
"Come to the Police Headquarters. In truth it was our captain who ran this city. Why don't you two have breakfast together and use the time efficiently by discussing how you're going to use the tax money collected in New Port City?"
"Hm, let's go to the Alta District."
"W, we don't know what that stupid brute will do! Just staying with him in the same room would harm your reputation."
"Who says I'm eating with him?"
"Huh? Then with who?"
Alta District was where all of the warehouses were stationed. All of the ships that docked in the ports unloaded their goods here, and the workers were tasked with looking after them. Foxt did have the title of the President of an association, but just as Isaac had described him, his main occupation was seizing the income from workers who were hired in this district.
First of all, all workers were forced to join the association. Foxt's syndicate would do everything they could to prevent non-members from getting any jobs. Once they do join, they were forced to pay a third of their income to the association as a membership fee every day.
On top of squeezing the workers dry with this policy, he also ran a loan shark business and made his workers sit on a mountain of debt, taking back the rest of the workers' income to pay their interest. The workers were forced into slavery at this point.
Any merchants who refused to pay a donation to the association were harassed by refusing to unload or store their goods into the warehouses until they had no choice but to pay up. Anyone who tried to resist in any stage of this process was brutally killed and left on the streets as an example. He was ruling the district through fear and violence.
Don't starve the children.
The order was baffling, but it couldn't be refused. Nobody wants to do it, but they had no choice. So the order was carried out in the most despicable way as possible, and all of the districts carried this order out in their own way.
Foxt was a man whose action spoke before his words. He was never going to put any effort into an order he didn't want to follow. So all he did was make it look like he was following the order to the bare minimum.
"Come and get your meal, maggots!"
With an idiot as their leader, all of their followers naturally became the same kind. Isaac wondered how these brutes could come up with such an intricate ploy for their business, but it turned out they simply took over this business from another syndicate through force and carried on.
At the corner of the docks stood a shanty town where the poorest citizens in the slums resided. Citizens who didn't have the money to live in the smallest of lodges. They were the children and the elderly who couldn't find a place to work.
Clang! The mobster pushed the barrel over, spilling its contents. It was a soup and it was spilled all over the dirty streets. It was made with ingredients that should have been thrown out and boiled with the water from a river. Calling it a soup was too good of a name.
"Che! Pisses me off whenever I see them."
The mobster spat on the ground. He was given this role because he drew the short stick. The children and the elderly crawled out of the alleys and carefully picked up whatever they could from the ground. To the people who starved more often than not, even this filth was a gift from the heavens. They quickly swept the streets clean with shaking hands in fear that the mobster could turn at them at any moment. Once the street was cleaned, the people of the slums disappeared back into the alleys.
Isaac, who had been watching it from the start, scratched his head and walked up to the thugs who were distributing the food.
"Oi."
Che! What do you want? We did as you asked."
When Isaac approached them, the mobster turned the barrel upside down. It was a rebellious act, showing how 'well' he had taken cared of Isaac's order. Isaac simply approached near the man and picked up a rotten apple near his foot. It was left behind since all of the people were too afraid to go near him.
After looking at the muddied rotten apple, Isaac took a bite off it. Even the thugs were surprised at this act. They didn't think he'd actually eat it.
After chewing the filth Isaac spat the thing out of his mouth and called Ratt over with his finger.
"Have you called?"
"It's disgusting."
"Sorry?"
"I said it's disgusting you fuck!"
Slam!
Isaac picked up the wooden ladle and swung it at Ratt.
"Kuuk!"
The ladle shattered to pieces and blood was dripping from Ratt's head.
"I don't care whether you make food out of the trash or make soup with the sewers. It's a special meal and special meals require special ingredients. But if it's a special meal, it should at least taste nice! Am I a fucking retard to you? Huh! Do I have to shove this piece of shit in my mouth as my special?!"
Smack! Smack!
The mobsters' looked in fear as Isaac kicked Ratt's face like a ball. Once he was done stomping on Ratt's head, he turned around with a relieved face.
"Phew! I knew I needed some exercise to loosen up this body. Get up."
Ratt, who was curled up to protect his head, quickly got back on his feet and Isaac turned to see the mobsters again. The mobsters flinched at Isaac's intimidating presence.
"Go bring out proper food and distribute it again. Something I can eat and say 'ah, that was delicious.' Otherwise he will die."
"I don't care if he dies."
Flinch. It seemed the mobster spoke what he was thinking to Isaac out of confusion. Ratt wasn't part of their syndicate. They weren't exactly enemies, but there was no reason for this mobster to do his best to save that man.
Isaac watched the mobster for a moment and smiled as he tapped Ratt with his foot.
"I think he's pretty smart? Trying to make me kill one of his rivals' leaders. Not bad. You better watch out if you survive today. He's going to get big."
Ratt's eyes quickly turned to the mobsters when Isaac spoke those words. He seemed as if he was ready to kill every single one of them. His crippled nose and bloodied face did well to help the intimidation. The look on his face was a mix of anger and sadness, asking why he had to go through this bullshit.
"W, we'll be right back!"
The mobsters quickly scattered, running from Ratt's frightening appearance.
Once the mobsters disappeared, Isaac turned to see Ratt. He was in horrible condition and his hands were curled tightly into a fist, shaking. He seemed ready to kill Isaac at any moment.
"What. Are you mad? You want to kill me?"
"… No sir."
"I think those hands of yours say otherwise."
Ratt tried to open his hands to those words, but the hands didn't even open properly because of how tightly he had been making fists.
Isaac lightly slapped Ratt on his cheeks.
"Don't be so mad. That's just how the world is run. The weak suffer what they must. It's no different from what you do to the citizens of this city. It's just too bad you're the one on the receiving end this time."
"…"
Isaac sat on top of a stack of wooden crates. He placed his chin on his hand with a smoke in his mouth and watched the Grand Canal. The only ships he saw in the old world were cruise ships and fishing boats. But in front of him were giant galleons you would see back in the 17th century. Watching those ships pass him made him remember his memories, of how he memorised the world map by playing Uncharted Waters.
The workers in the port glimpsed at Isaac whenever they walked past him. Rumours about the new administrator's actions had spread throughout the city long ago.
"Hm, the centre of transport and distribution of goods. I guess it isn't a lie considering all the ships that pass through here."
Isaac could count hundreds of ships with a quick look across the canals and Lake Levonen. Not just that, but Lake Levonen and the Minolen Mountains were famous tourist destinations due to their excellent view.
Isaac spun from where he sat, and in front of him was the food distribution which actually had a semblance of organisation now. Ratt was overseeing the entire process, ready to beat down anyone who would cause any commotion. All of the mobsters had no choice but distribute a decent meal to the people of the slums without a fight.
"Man. This isn't what I was expecting. Do they really don't know this simple thing? Or are they just ignoring it?"
Isaac survived incidents where human and beast were separated by a fine line. He had experienced how selfish and hideous humans could become through starvation.
Just as Isaac had ordered, the only people who received the food were children. The weakest individuals within the slums. Isaac had expected that some people to steal food from the children.
He was expecting a commotion between adults who would try to take the food and children who would defend it with their lives. But what happened instead was that they would run to the alleys and shares the food with others, their faces brimming with happiness from this fortune.
"A slum where order is maintained."
Why are the people of the slums shunned? Because they are filthy? Because they are poor?
No. It's because they are ready to kill a man for a drop of a coin. They would turn against someone who helped them for a price. A group of self-centred individuals. And they couldn't even do it right, which was why they ended up in this hell hole.
It was true that people who shared food were the weakest of the slums, the children and the elderly. But wouldn't there be someone who would try to take from those who weaker than them? When they've already reached the lowest of the low?
They are people who are strong against the weak, and weak against the strong. If those people weren't approaching them, it meant there was something else that protected this powerless group.
Isaac looked at the intimidating mobsters. No matter how he saw it, they didn't look like the sort to protect someone. Even the five who ruled the New Port City saw their citizens as a source of money, not something they needed to protect.
Isaac pulled out another cigarette and took a deep puff before he muttered these words.
"There's something even the syndicate bosses don't know about. This really is an interesting place. Well, it's none of my business."
He threw the blunt into the canal and stood up to look at the Port City.
"I guess I should introduce myself to my neighbours now that I've moved here."
It irritated Isaac to see people with elegant clothes walk the clean and organised streets of Port City.
The only path that connected Port City and New Port City was the Sky Bridge that stood on top of the Grand Canal. It stood on top of 5-story buildings on each end, which allowed ships to sail below them. It was a famous scenic overlook within the Empire.
Because of that, there were many people who stood on top of the bridge and enjoyed the view while the sailors in the ships that passed under them waved to the people above.
"I don't know who came up with this idea, but they did a great job."
Isaac was impressed by the look of the bridge when Ratt, who was next to him, came close to talk to Isaac.
"Are you planning to go to Port City?"
"Why? Can't I?"
"It's not a problem for an Administrator but…"
Isaac snickered and slapped the back of Ratt's head when he couldn't finish his sentence.
"What. Don't tell me people of New Port City are banned from visiting Port City."
"That's right."
"What?"
"People of the Port City are free to visit New Port City whenever they want, but the people of New Port City require approval from our Captain along with investigations detailing their reasons and such. Without a proper reason even I, the vice-captain of the police force, can't enter Port City."
Isaac looked at Ratt as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. He frowned and asked a question to Ratt.
"I can guess as to why but let's hear the reason anyway."
Ratt scratched his head as he made his answer.
"Such restrictions weren't in place when the Sky Bridge was first constructed, but you know how difficult it is to live in this place. Many of our citizens slept here but spent the rest of their days in Port City. Just digging through the trash was enough to feed their hunger and begging on the streets would result in more pay than working for a day."
"…"
"Things escalated when crimes such as pickpocketing, shoplifting and violent gang wars started to occur as each gang contested for their own territory within the Port City. Because of that, people of Port City made a petition."
"And the mayor accepted it?"
"The mayor of that time refused it outright, saying restriction of entry cannot happen, but he was suddenly promoted and transferred to the Capital. The succeeding mayor quickly accepted the petition. Many mayors have come and gone since then, but this policy has never been retracted."
Isaac could only laugh at what he'd just heard. New Port City was completely cut off from the rest of the world when looking at its geography. The only way to leave was to pass through the Sky Bridge to Port City and then leave via the transports or to illegally board one of the freight ships that enter the port.
This policy fundamentally stopped everyone who wished to leave this city's cycle of poverty, no matter how determined they were. When there is no hope, people fall deeper into despair. The people of Port City had taken away the last possibility for people of the slums to recover their lives, purely to conserve the beauty of the city and also for their convenience. They were willing to replace their mayor for it too. Well, Isaac could understand where they were coming from. Even he would have gladly accepted such policy if he was a citizen of Port City.
"I swear, humans are the same no matter where they go."
Humans are selfish creatures. Screw welfare. How many times had he seen riots made of people have refused public service buildings from being built their neighbourhood because it would drop the price of their houses? They didn't care as long as it wasn't them who were at loss. They lived with just enough pity and just enough charity. None of them had truly given their lives to help the weak or fix the broken world.
Isaac looked far into the mountains as he entered the building, the guards ignoring Isaac outright. Other than the staff room for the guards, there were only stairs which led to the top of the building. After walking up the bland interior of the building, the wide open view welcomed him.
He stopped halfway across the bridge and lit a cigarette as he watched the Lake. Once he finished it and got through the bridge, a new world opened in front of him, quite different from New Port City. The streets were clean and carriages and automobiles drove through on top of paved roads. Men and women walked the streets wearing the newest fashion.
"How could the world change so much across a single bridge?"
Isaac walked the streets with a hunched back and hands in his pockets. Wearing a plain shirt and pants, he looked like a typical unemployed man prowling the streets for work. His appearance stuck out like a sore thumb and people who looked at Isaac frowned and avoided him as best as they could, treating him like a homeless bum.
"Shall I get something to eat?"
Walking past the many cafes and restaurants made Isaac realise how hungry he was. In truth, he hasn't had a decent meal since breakfast.
After prowling the streets little more in search of a restaurant, he found a restaurant named Montaigne where customers elegantly sipped on their teas and enjoyed their meals on the outdoor terrace.
Isaac sat on one of the tables outside when suddenly all was quiet around him. Soon voices could be heard complaining about Isaac.
"What the? When did they start accepting people like him?"
"Tsk. I've lost my appetite. Manager! Give me the receipt!"
"I guess this place is done for."
Surprised by the sudden commotion, the manager quickly approached and apologised to all of the customers while a group of waiters surrounded the table Isaac sat on.
"How dare a bum like you enter this place? Get out now!"
"Shit, why's it so hard to have a proper meal. Are you sure you can treat your customers like this?"
The waiters didn't even try to hide their mocking laughter.
"Do you even know where this place is? This is a restaurant run by the Egrino Merchant Guild. You could bring all the money you've earned in your entire life and still struggle to pay for a single tea here. How dare you have the audacity to ask for a meal?"
Isaac didn't have a clue as to why they were treating him like this. No matter the clothes he wore, they wouldn't be able to treat him so harshly when the symbol of College was… That's when Isaac realised.
He had forgotten to bring the College Emblem with him when he changed his clothes. Without it, Isaac was nothing special in their eyes.
Isaac sighed as he tried to get off his chair. But he was stopped by a man's shout.
"What is this commotion here?!"
Looking at the direction where the shout came from, an obese man approached arrogantly to Isaac. He was wearing bright and gaudy clothes and on each finger was a ring decorated with a giant gem. He was wearing layers of accessories on his neck. He looked like a typical evil merchant.
"I am…"
"How could there still be a beggar dares that enters my restaurant! What are you doing?! Throw him out immediately!"
With that, Isaac was quickly pulled out of his seat by the waiters. Before Isaac realised what had happened, he was thrown onto the streets. While Isaac sat there baffled, the waiters muttered that they were going to wash their hands as if they had touched something filthy. The fat man grovelled to his customers as he apologised, and the customer applauded him for managing the situation perfectly.
Nobody cared about Isaac. Even the people on the streets refused to look at him as if he didn't exist.
"Ha. Being so completely ignored like this is a new experience."
Isaac got back on his feet and headed back to New Port City.
Ratt was abusing his subordinates when Isaac arrived back at New Port City. For a long time, he had been feeling pathetic about himself for the situation he was in. Isaac simply left him by the bridge and told him to wait like a dog. He couldn't hide his surprise when Isaac came back so soon.
"Huh? You came back so soon?"
"Tell Dumbass and Smartass to come to City Hall."
He left for City Hall, leaving Ratt's suspicious look behind him. He got his College emblem and waited for the two to arrive.
"Man you're a tight-ass. Don't you think I have the right to feed those brats whatever the fuck I want to with my hard earned money?"
Foxt assumed that he was called over because of the previous incident.
Isaac kept his smile on Foxt, whose confidence seemed to say 'try me.'
"If you want to keep your place, then you better feed those kids well. I'm sure there are many people who'd be happy to betray you for your place."
"Who the fuck is going to betray me! I'll fucking tear you to shreds!"
Foxt shouted with all of his strength.
"That's just how your world runs. I heard you got to where you are doing the exact same thing. So what's stopping someone else from doing the same to you? Do you think Dinozo is the representative for all of you because he's a great man? It's because of the authority he holds as the Captain. If you keep talking back, I can always replace you with someone else who is more agreeable. Hm, Ratt might be a good candidate."
Flick!
The moment Isaac finished his words, Foxt's brutal glare focused on Ratt. For Ratt, it wasn't a pleasant place to be in.
"Well, we can talk about it later. I've called you guys over to have a meal with me."
While Foxt's eyes were spinning in confusion at Isaac's words, Soland quickly replied in a sarcastic manner.
"What made you, a man who can't have a meal on the same table with commoners, want to have a meal with us now?"
"Retard. No shit we're going to sit on different tables. I'm the one who gets in trouble if I sit on the same table with you criminals. Got it? I guess you're not as smart as I thought."
"…"
Isaac headed back to Port City, this time with Foxt and Soland as his followers. His destination was obvious. It was the same restaurant that threw him out onto the streets. Isaac received the same reactions from the pedestrians at first when he walked the street with his plain clothes. But when the pedestrians noticed the College emblem on his chest, their eyes nearly popped out of their skulls. They couldn't help but turn their heads as Isaac silently walked past them.
"Wow! Ooh!"
Soland seemed indifferent despite entering this new place. Foxt, on the other hand, was a native of New Port City since birth and had never left the place. He couldn't stop himself from bellowing out in admiration like a typical country bumpkin and drooling in lust when he saw the women of Port City who wore fine clothes and elegant makeup, unlike the prostitutes back in New Port City he was so familiar with.
They were making enough of a scene to cause trouble multiple times over, but because of their intimidating appearance, all of the women screamed and ran away whenever Isaac's crew even looked in their direction. Even the men in Port City could only watch in agony, because the two giants seemed to be servants for the College graduate.
"I didn't know the place you were visiting was Port City."
"What. You got a problem with that?"
"Aren't you planning to make one yourself?"
"Kukuk. All you guys have to do is eat to your heart's content and do what you do best."
"Do what we do best?"
Isaac replied back to Foxt's question in annoyed fashion.
"Bullying those who are weaker than you."
Both Foxt and Soland smiled and nodded to Isaac's answer.
"It's true. That is what we do."
"Huhu. Just give us the word. We'll fuck'em up good."
"We're here."
Once Isaac reappeared into the restaurant, one of the waiters who were at work noticed him and quickly approached with an irritated face.
"How many times do we have to beat you until you realise? Get out no… w…."
The waiter who was quick to make a fist suddenly turned pale. The homeless bum decided to bring his gang with him, but both of his partners seemed too dangerous to approach. One was a giant of a man with a face that had been marinated in violence while the other released a cold, cunning but equally as brutal of an aura. The waiter's instincts were telling him that any rash moves will end up in blood.
While the waiter was stunned, Isaac sat on the same table as before, and next to his table sat Foxt and Soland. Those who sat around them quickly complained to the waiter and the manager.
"He's the same bum from before?"
"It seems he brought his pack with him this time."
"Can't this place do a better job than this?"
"I think I've had enough of this place."
"Disgusting. I'm never coming back here again. I would like a refund."
Some of the customers left in an outrage, but most of the customers kept to their seats despite being annoyed by it.
They looked like a group of mobsters who had just arrived from a rural village. New Port City is the safe haven for many criminals with a bounty on their head. Since the only way to enter New Port City is through Port City, a number of crimes are caused during this migration of criminals from the outside.
"I'm hungry. Bring me your best meal, the most expensive meal and the most plentiful meal you have."
One of the waiters hesitantly wrote down Isaac's orders and headed to the kitchen while another waiter quickly got out of the restaurant to look for the city's police force.
"Oi! Aren't you going to get our orders?!"
Slam!
All of the waiters flinched at Foxt's violent attitude. There was a silent but fierce battle of stares between the waiters, and it seemed the youngest waiter was forced into receiving Foxt's orders. He seemed ready to cry as he approached.
"W, what would you like?"
"The same."
"S, sorry?"
"The same as him!"
"Yes, right away."
The waiter was ready to sprint away from all of this when Soland grabbed onto his arm.
"Oi, am I invisible to you?"
Stab! Stab!
Nobody knew where he got it out from, but Soland was stabbing the table with a knife in his hand. As the white table cloth was turning into a pin cushion, the waiter ended up bursting into tears.
"Waaah! I'm sorry. Please don't hurt me!"
"Shut up, I'll make my order. You better bring it soon. My knife seems eager to taste blood right now. Huhuhu."
Slice. Soland made a small cut on the back of his hand and licked the blood that dripped as he spoke those words. It seemed this was too much for the young waiter, and he fainted on the spot.
"Puhahaha! What the, is this all the Port City has to offer? Bunch of cowards."
While Foxt belittled everyone with his words, other waiters were quick to take the fainted waiter and drag him away as far as possible.
Suddenly, the same obese man who kicked Isaac out of the restaurant barged into the restaurant and shouted at Foxt.
"How dare you! Do you know what you're doing here?! Do you know who I am?!"
"Who's this pig?"
"What! H, how dare you call me a pig! You look like a typical mobster demanding money with your barbarism. There's no money for you! You bastards!"
"Ah, that pig's crying too much. Shut it!"
Foxt threw a cup at the man, unable to bear his squirming voice.
"Ack! I'm dying!"
The man caught the cup with the center of his face and rolled on the floor as he screamed. Foxt laughed at the sorry sight.
"Hey! Don't you think you're too loud? You aren't the only people in here! Watch yourselves and be quiet! And don't disturb the others who are here to enjoy their meals!"
It seemed Foxt's loud laughter was getting to someone's nerves. A woman who was sitting on the outdoor terrace stood up from her chair and complained to Foxt. The companions who were with her seemed to be telling her to stop but the woman stared at Foxt with her hands on her hips.
"Hm?"
Isaac had been watching the ruckus Foxt was making with his chin on his hand when he looked at not the woman who complained to Foxt, but the companions who sat with her.
'I didn't think I'd see them here.'
It seemed obvious that they didn't want to act as if they knew Isaac. So Isaac decided there was no point trying to act friendly now. He called out to Foxt.
"Do as the lady says. Sit down and just enjoy your meal."
Foxt continued to mumble as he got back on his chair. The woman also sat back down, only because of the persistent nagging from her companions which she couldn't understand. However, the woman didn't seem satisfied with this and continued to stare at Foxt in anger.
"The police are here."
Isaac turned his head when Soland said those words. There seemed to be about fifteen officers entering the restaurant.
"I am Rank 3 Knight Robren, leader of Port City's 7th Police Squad. I have arrived because of your call…"
"It's them! Take them away!"
The obese man jumped around the restaurant like a fish on land. Robren seemed unhappy but turned to face where he was pointing, only to be surprised when he saw the faces of Foxt and Soland. He approached them.
"Are you Foxt and Soland of New Port City?"
"Che. Why are you asking?"
"…"
Foxt replied, hesitant in his actions. No matter how strong he may be in the streets, he was but a child to a knight of the police force.
"Hm, I didn't think you'd accept it so quickly. Anyhow, you are under arrest."
"What? What did I even do?!"
"Don't you know there's a bounty on your head in Port City? Blackmail and assault. Also robbery and mugging."
"What bullshit is this! This is the first time I've been to Port City!"
"We'll find out once we do our investigation. But you're coming with us first. If you resist, we will use force."
"I knew it! I knew they were trash from New Port City! This is why I approved the decision to restrict their entry! We can't have trash like them defiling our streets! Him! Check that rat who's acting like this is none of his business too!"
Robren frowned and talked back at the obese man, unsatisfied with the way he had been treated.
"Mr. Oboe. The Police are not your subordinates. Don't try to order us around like one."
"What! Do you even know who is paying for your salaries? Go earn your pay now!"
Robren shook his head, tired of Oboe's rampage. He approached Isaac for questioning.
"I would like to ask for your identification."
"Me?"
"Yes. What is your name?"
Watching Robren's polite behaviour, Isaac smiled, knowing there was still someone with enough decency in this city.
"Isaac Rondart. Administrator of New Port City."
"…"
The power of a respected brand was apparent. As Isaac fixed his slouched posture, the golden stars which represented the College was open for all to see. There was only silence.
Robren, Oboe and even the onlookers nearby couldn't help but doubt their eyes in astonishment. Everyone's eyes were glued on to Isaac's chest.
"T, that's a lie! He never had that before! I know! He's impersonating! That crazy man's impersonating the College!"
Oboe shouted, refusing to believe this is true.
"You watch your mouth, Mr. Oboe. Everyone knows how serious of a crime it is to impersonate an official from the College."
Oboe profusely shook his head, the fat on his cheeks flapping with each motion.
"They may be too stupid to realise; it's typical trash from New Port City! Look, that emblem has stars but there's no symbol representing his subject! Like the trash he is, he probably overheard that the College uses golden stars for its emblems, but not the full details!"
People finally realised Isaac only had stars on his emblem once Oboe pointed out that fact. Because of their soaring reputation, most people were quick to assume someone was from the College once they saw the golden stars. The only people who cared about the symbol of the emblem were those involved with the College.
Many started to believe Isaac truly was impersonating the College, but Isaac seemed relaxed throughout all this. He took out a cigarette and Soland was quick to light it for him.
"Look, look! He's smoking a choyu leaf because he's getting nervous! How could a man from the College smoke choyu leaves intended for treating lung disease! It wouldn't make sense at all!"
The more Oboe made his point, the shakier Robren felt about this situation. He had heard that the new Administrator of New Port City was a graduate of the College, but Robren didn't know his appearance.
There was no way to find out about it now, and sending someone to check would take too long. Even when he had just arrived, this place had already gathered a large amount of attention, but the moment the College's name was shouted into the air, a giant crowd had gathered to watch.
Robren struggled to find a solution. If he truly is the Administrator, then this would turn into an incident where a rank 3 knight arrested a rank 1 knight who is an Administrator of a city without any charges.
"What are you standing around for?! Take him away now! Does it really take that long to figure out when he's sitting there with the trash from New Port City? This is why I hate incompetent people like you. I bet my entire fortune that he isn't from the College!'
"Fine! I'll take that bet!"
"Huh?"
Isaac instantly replied to Oboe as if he'd been waiting for this moment. Isaac just wanted to see the man squirm later, but instead, he had given Isaac an unexpected opportunity.
"He just said he'd bet his entire fortune that I'm not from the College. You all heard it right?"
Soland was quick to catch on and started to support Isaac.
"We heard it loud and clear. Impersonating someone from the College is a serious crime, but insulting and denying a man from the College is just as severe. The fact that he confirmed to everyone that you aren't from the College is a clear indication that he is denying the College as a whole. Losing his entire fortune to save his life would be too light of a punishment."
"You heard it too right?"
Robren shakily nodded to Isaac's question. It was impossible to not hear it when Oboe said it so loud.
"W, wait! I didn't mean it that way! I was…"
"You said you'd bet your entire fortune. Am I wrong?"
"W, well…"
"According to the Empire's court laws, betting a man's entire fortune means that man is confident to enough to put his entire life's achievements on the line. Alternatively, it can be a vow or an oath."
As Soland started to explain the specifics of the law, Oboe's face began to pale while onlookers simply nodded in agreement to Soland's words.
"N-no. I mean… Yes! I meant that I'd bet my fortune if you can prove that you are from the College at this moment! I, I mean, sir. Of course, you are from the College, Sir Isaac. But you know how things go. I'm a simple man who can only believe what he sees, eheheh."
The change in Oboe's behaviour was instant. While most people frowned at how quickly Oboe turned from an abusive to a pathetic man, Foxt and Soland were rather impressed at this change.
"Whew. It's been a while since I've seen a spineless man like him. Not many people could act like that in front of so many people."
PR Note: Foxt who is speaking in the above line of dialogue actually whistles in awe, but it is difficult to put this in word form. For a direct auditory experience, check out this link.
"Yes, it has been a while for me too, to see a man who would sell his family for profit."
Oboe's face turned red with embarrassment by their insults, but saving his fortune was more important that this brief feeling of shame.
Isaac seemed to agree with Oboe and nodded along.
"You have a point. Everyone was going to figure it out in time so this bet wouldn't go through if it isn't at this moment. Yes, you are right. So how long are you two going to ignore me?"
Isaac turned and everyone's eyes turned with him.
"M, me?"
The woman who complained so confidently to Foxt shrugged with a hint of fear as everyone's stares were upon her.
"Tsk, we should have run away sooner…"
"You're right. We got mixed in to this unnecessarily."
Philip and Eliza smiled bitterly and sighed. Thanks to Isaac's advice, Eliza successfully captured Philip's devotion and they proceeded to become lovers, later becoming husband and wife. They had come to Port City for their honeymoon, but Eliza's younger sister had been following them around like a sore thumb. They visited this restaurant for its renown in New Port City but couldn't help but be stunned when they saw Isaac.
They had heard that Isaac was transferred to New Port City as Administrator, but didn't actually think they would see each other. They were relieved to see Isaac kicked out of this place for unknown reasons, but they knew Isaac too well and wanted to leave this place before he came back to cause a scene. Regrettably, Eliza's sister was too slow to notice this, and because of her stubbornness, they stayed.
And lo and behold, Isaac came back with mobsters behind him. They did their best to hide as Isaac caused a commotion, but Eliza's sister ended up making the situation worse, making sure Isaac would see them. They were making a sigh of relief when Isaac didn't act like he knew them, but the situation had changed so suddenly.
"I'm sorry to ask but may I ask for your identifications?"
Robren politely asked and Eliza reluctantly stood up and introduced herself.
"I am Eliza de Rogenic. This is my husband Philip de Rogenic. I swear upon my family's name that Isaac Rondart's status as Administrator is true."
Unlike the people from College, who were required to show their emblems in public, Campus graduates were free to hide or show it. Eliza and Philip wanted to have a quiet trip so they had been hiding it, but their emblem was always with them in person.
When Eliza and Philip flashed their hands over their left chest, the silver stars representing their status as Campus graduates appeared.
Oooh!
Onlookers moaned in astonishment at this sudden twist, while Oboe collapsed onto the floor with his face turning white like paper.
"It's been a while. And congratulations on your successful endeavour."
The two couldn't help from trying to avoid eye contact with Isaac's brimming smile. Eliza's weakness was that she was given advice from him to seduce Philip, while Philip's weakness was that he bought the engagement ring for Eliza through credit only to not pay him back at all.
"Well, for your wedding gift I will forget your names in my memories. It was so nice of you two to help me like this."
"T, this is a lie! It's a conspiracy! You two must have plotted against me!"
Eliza's face turned fierce at Oboe's last act of resistance.
"May I take that as a personal insult to my family from you?"
"Ack."
Oboe dropped his head in face of Eliza's cold stare.
"Sister, is he really from the College? Last I heard, he was still in the Campus."
Eliza's sister didn't like the constricted quality of life Campus presented, so she was schooled in a private establishment close to her mansion. She had heard many times about Isaac whenever her sister came back home during the holidays. She never thought she'd meet him and asked as she looked in surprise.
"If you only look at the result, he is a graduate of the College."
Isaac shrugged as Philip and Eliza's complicated looks focused on him.
"Then we shall head out."
"Once again, congratulations on your marriage. If you have time left over, why not visit New Port City too? Once you have a thorough tour around the worst slums the Empire has to offer, you may start to think more about the poor in your own province too."
Eliza and Philip smiled bitterly to Isaacs words as they left, dragging her sister along who was persistently asking to see how this will end.
"Please! Sir Isaac, I am sorry. Have mercy!"
Oboe grabbed onto Isaac's pants as he cried. Isaac was happy to nod at Oboe's action.
"Alright. I'll do as you ask."
"Really? Thank you! Thank you!"
Isaac patted Oboe on his shoulder as he continuously thanked Isaac, slamming his head onto the ground. But this was just a ruse to take Oboe's hands off his pants. Once his legs were free, he spoke.
"Oi, Smartass."
"Yes, Administrator."
"You run a loan shark business too right?"
"If you mean debt collection, yes."
"Same shit, different smell. Show this man how disgusting New Port City trash can be. Since he's asking for mercy, leave enough for him to survive."
Soland was quick to understand Isaac and smiled at Oboe.
"I'm sorry to say this will be my first time leaving money behind for this kind of job. I'm more used to taking everything they have. But I'll try my best."
"W, what's the meaning of this? Sir Isaac! Sir Isaac!"
"Who do you think you're approaching?!"
As Oboe crawled over to Isaac, Foxt kicked him away. It was a constant loop of Oboe who cried out for Isaac and Foxt making him roll on the floor.
Isaac allowed Oboe's cries to go straight through his ears and sat back down in his table.
"So why hasn't my meal arrived yet? Do you know just how long ago I've made my orders? I'm the owner of this place now! Do you all want to get fired?"
"W, we'll be with you shortly!"
Finally, the waiters, who were simply watching from afar, came back to reality when Isaac shouted and quickly went back to their work. Many onlookers couldn't believe Isaac was going to have a meal after all the trouble he had just made.
"Ahem, excuse me."
"What is it?"
With the situation nearing its end, Robren approached Isaac.
'Mr Oboe is younger brother of Egrino Merchant Guild's master. The Egrino Guild is one of major Merchant Guilds within Port City."
"Doesn't matter. I'm not stupid enough to actually think I can take everything just my words. His fortune is worth nothing to me."
"I, if you say so…"
Robren was at first trying to explain to Isaac just as a precaution, but Isaac didn't seem to care so he didn't think this will turn into a problem. He spoke his next reason.
"This is a problem regarding our line of work. Foxt is a wanted criminal in Port City and I have the duty to arrest him."
"Go ahead."
"What?"
"You said he's wanted right? Criminals should be arrested."
"Wasn't he your follower?"
"Huh? Do you really think a rank 1 knight and an Administrator of the Empire would have a criminal as his follower? Does that make sense to you?"
"It doesn't…"
Robren stopped himself from saying 'but it sounds plausible for you'.
"Since you're taking someone to jail, why don't you take the fatty making a commotion in this business away too."
"Yes sir."
With a wave of Robren's hand, the policemen approached Foxt and Oboe to arrest them.
"H, huh? Let go! Why are you arresting me? Oi, Administrator! Oi!"
"Tsk tsk. You can tell he's a criminal just by the way he speaks."
"Why are you only arresting me!? What about Soland? He's wanted too!"
Foxt decided to take Soland with him, unable to bear the fact he was going to be the only one on the losing end. With the fire now spreading to him, Soland urgently looked at Isaac and Robren approached them.
"I will be arresting him too."
"Hm? Why?"
Isaac tilted his head, as if he couldn't fathom why he was being asked.
"Soland is also a wanted criminal in Port City."
"But he's not Soland. Do you really think a rank 1 knight and an administrator of the Empire would have a criminal as his follower? He's just a lookalike."
"…"
"His name's Smartass. Oi, what's your name?"
"… My name is Smartass."
Isaac took his time to enjoy his meal, finishing it off by sipping the last drop of his tea. He lit a cigarette and got off his seat.
"I'm done eating. Let's head back."
"Are you not going to the City Hall?"
Soland asked Isaac. He had thought the original purpose of this visit was to see the Mayor and Administrator of Port City. Isaac smirked as he replied.
"It's fine. I think I've done my part for the greeting."
There was no point in meeting a puppet Mayor. None of the City Hall's officials had come to visit Isaac despite the amount of time he had spent sitting here. Isaac deduced that the Mayor was too busy appeasing and following orders from those who truly ran the city.
His original purpose was to test the waters by annoying someone in the city, but thanks to the fatass, Isaac was able to send an unexpected but proper greeting. With this, his enemies from both outside and within wouldn't try to bother him for a while.
"Are you really going to abandon Foxt like this?"
Soland carefully asked the question, watching his tone as he spoke.
"I never had talent of throwing away something I never had."
"Then what will you do with Foxt's territory?"
"Well, I haven't given it a thought."
"If you leave his seat empty, the power vacuum is sure to bring bloodshed in the district."
"Hm, that would be an annoyance. Who would be suitable to run the place? How about Ratt?"
"There would be bitter outcry from other syndicates if it's the Vice-Captain of the police force, despite your recommendation."
Isaac glimpsed at Soland when he made his reply. He could clearly see the greed possessing Soland's eyes.
"What, you want it?"
"If you leave it to me, I won't leave you disappointed."
Soland bowed and Isaac patted Soland's shoulders with a smile.
"You'll get sick if you eat too much."
"I'll try to watch myself."
Soland tried to hide his disappointment as he replied. They were the only people who knew of Foxt's arrest. If he moved his subordinates the moment he arrived back at New Port City, he would be able to take over Foxt's entire district before anyone else. He considered going through with that plan at first, but Isaac's presence deterred him.
This was the first time he had seen someone from Campus. The Campus had been placed on a pedestal in his mind all his life. He even dreamt of entering it when he was a child, like a child dreaming of a fairy tale. But Isaac must have done something in that special place for the two who came from Campus to run away the moment they saw him. They were afraid of Isaac, and Soland didn't know why.
At first, he considered Isaac to be only a nuisance, but now he was afraid that he would turn out just like Foxt if he were to act in any way that earned his disapproval.
"Ah! Dumbass also ran a loan shark business, right?"
"Financing is one of the main business projects for all the organisations."
"I guess loan sharking could be called a type of financing."
Isaac nodded by twisting the logic in his head and then turned to meet Soland with a beaming smile.
"Sometimes, you can run into a stroke of luck in your life. Right?"
"…"
"You too. You never thought you'd have the chance to take over an entire district like this, right? People call it a stroke of luck."
"Yes, it was truly unexpected."
Soland carefully chose his answer for Isaac, trying to figure out the meanings behind Isaac's words.
"When you have a lucky day, it makes you really happy. Right?"
"Yes."
"Of course. You could pick up a coin on the street, or get help from a stranger. Maybe a shop you just visited happened to run an event which you are the winner. You could take over an enemy syndicate as a whole, or the contract and the account book which records all the debt that had been breaking your back could suddenly disappear somehow because the man behind it is now behind bars, making you free of all responsibilities. Events like these can really spice up your life."
"…"
"Huh? You're rather silent? I guess making a man from another district butt in to their problem wouldn't be fair for Dumbass right? I guess finding a subordinate of his that actually listens to me would be the fairer choice right?"
"I guess you have to have some good luck in your life to spice things up."
"Right?"
*Isaac's promotion
Once a month, there is a meeting where the highest officials of the Empire gather to discuss their actions and policies. The fact that the candidates in line for the Commissioner position managed to join this fierce battle of power, factional infighting, and creations of connections guaranteed a successful rise in power. Many young officials who craved power dreamt of attending this meeting just once in their life.
"How could you spout such nonsense?!"
Slam! Mazelan pounded the table as he violently stood up from his seat. No one in the meeting seemed disturbed however, possibly because not only was he royalty, he had proven his worth to act such way through his magnificent accomplishments he made as the future Commissioner of Department of Supplies.
"Ha, I don't understand why the Department of Supplies is rejecting it."
Mazelan looked as if he was ready to bite into Kainen's face, along with his cheesy attitude.
"I can say the same to you! Why is the Personnel Office getting involved in this?"
Kainen shook his head to Mazelan's rebuttal.
"I believe it is completely in our jurisdiction. As you know, New Port City has always been on the list as one of Empire's worst cities. The Personnel Office's duty is to send an appropriate person to an appropriate location in need. Yes, it's embarrassing to admit, but our department have always failed to select the ideal candidate to change New Port City's situation. Ever since it had been founded."
"…"
"That is why we looked to College for help: to recommend someone that could change New Port City. It was not us who picked Isaac, but the College that recommended him to us."
"How shameless of you."
"Shameless, you say? It has been nearly a year since Isaac had been the Administrator of New Port City. I'm sure he has adjusted well to his new environment. All we want from the College's recommendation is one thing: to revolutionise New Port City and drop its unemployment and crime rate, which it had been leading in throughout the entire Empire."
"That's what I don't understand! If he fails, he will be summoned back to his manor for a period of reflection? How can we believe those blatant lies when we clearly know the situation your family is in!"
"Dear me, I believe your trust is misplaced. Your faith should be in that Hubae you are so proud of, not us. Isn't that right, Sunbaenim?"
Kainen and Mazelan's glares met midair. While everyone looked to each other, unable to make a move in this fierce atmosphere, a middle aged man raised his hand to halt the fight between the two.
"Stop. It seems everyone is troubled. A fight between the Department of Supplies and Personnel Office… Are you two trying to make a new tradition?"
Mazelan and Kainen turned their eyes away from each other. That man was Brolen. Not only was he the eldest in this meeting, but he was their Sunbae and the next Commissioner of Department of Finance, and he had already taken over all of the responsibilities of Commissioner in his stead.
"We shall end our meeting here. Well done, everyone. I want the Department of Supplies and Personnel Office to stay here. The rest of you may leave."
Everyone else seemed happy to hear those words from Brolen, and only three people remained in this meeting room. Brolen tapped his finger on the table as he pondered. Soon, he fixed his posture and began to speak.
"I approve of the Personnel Office's proposal."
Kainen made a bright smile when Brolen took his side.
"But!"
Brolen stopped Mazelan from trying to make a stand.
"Since he was assigned the duty with the honour of College behind him, he must make an accomplishment that matches its fame. There are many Sunbaenims who are enraged that a man who isn't worthy bears the name of the College. If Isaac can truly change New Port City, it may change their opinion as well."
'But I'm doing this because it's impossible.'
Mazelan thought to himself as he tried to think of a way to come back. But this was a proposal that came so suddenly in this meeting, and there wasn't enough time to think of a plan.
"But because this is such a difficult mission, he deserves the authority and reward matching it. At this moment, I declare New Port City to be a special financial district and give its Administrator, Isaac Rondart, the authority identical to that of a Lord's."
"W, what?!"
Brolen's declaration put not just Kainen but also Mazelan in shock. They looked at him as if questioning his sanity. A Lord had the same authority as a King of his territory, which meant that he could change the province's laws as long as there weren't any rebellions. This was why people strove so hard to become a Lord themselves.
But what would happen if Isaac held the same authority? Already, Mazelan could think of Isaac sending the city into utter chaos with a sinister smile.
"But we will limit the time period to three years, and if he cannot reduce the unemployment or crime rate to below 1% or raise the average earnings of his citizens to the Empire's average, we will take away his status as a College graduate, along with its honour."
Kainen's head was in utter chaos, scrambling to calculate if this was good or not.
"In addition! If he were to succeed, we will officially proclaim Isaac to be the official heir of Rondart family and make him the Lord of Baron Rondart's province."
"That is beyond your jurisdiction!"
Kainen stood up against Brolen's words. This entire façade was to take over the Rondart Province for himself, and giving Isaac himself the possibility of taking it over wasn't something he was going to stand.
"Beyond my jurisdiction, you say? The court officials of Empire have already accepted Isaac Rondart to be the official heir. Do you really think I am oblivious to the fact that the reason why he hasn't inherited his claim is because of Count Milros constantly lobbying us? Isn't that what's truly beyond jurisdiction?"
"…"
"I warn you now. If you try to use the Empire's authority for your petty family feud, I will carve into your bones what it truly means to abuse the Empire's authority. Are you rejecting this proposal in fear that Isaac could change New Port City in three years? Then I must invalidate your proclamation as a whole."
"We will accept."
Kainen dropped his head as he backed off, and now it was Mazelan who was in Brolen's eyes.
"You too. Are you already trying to make your own faction and connections? I understand you are trying to protect your friend, but don't mix business with pleasure."
"I understand."
"You two may leave."
Kainen and Mazelan bowed to Brolen as they left. Once they left, a man emerged from the shadows. It was the same man who brought Rivelia into Central.
"Do you think it's possible to change New Port City in three years?"
"Who knows."
"Even Central will find that difficult."
"It matters not. We've suffered too much when the last Gate opened, and we have no room to care about each individual Surveillance Target. There's bound to be a response if he has that much power and time. Send some agents for close monitoring of the situation."
"Yes sir. But what shall we do with Kainen?"
"Does he still not know?"
"Yes. We've kept him in the dark, since he was related by blood with the target."
"I think it'll be fine now. Since the day for Gate's reopening is near, send him in along with the rest. Once he learns the truth, he will quiet down."
"Yes sir."
Isaac's daily life was always the same. All he did was wake up, eat, smoke, waste his time with menial chores, eat, smoke, read, eat, smoke, drink and sleep. A very dull and peaceful life.
And while Isaac enjoyed himself in the life he sought for, New Port City began to change. The biggest change was the return of children's laughter in the city.
For the children who suffered endless starvation and abuse, laughter was but a luxury. But thanks to Isaac's order, they were able to have a full stomach every day without the need to scavenge or beg. They no longer had to do dangerous and dirty jobs for a piece of bread. There was nothing they needed to do to survive. With so much time left in their hands, the only natural thing to do was gather and play.
The sight of children playing in the streets changed the adults too. At first, they would get mad at the children for making too much noise, but now they would nonchalantly tell them to play safe as they walked past.
Among the ten thousand citizens who live in New Port City, around 30% of them are syndicate criminals and their families, while the remaining 70% were exploited by the syndicates. They were the workers, orphans and the abandoned elderly.
The few ruled over the many through repression and violence, but to work as their slaves was the workers' destiny. They had neither the strength nor the will to resist against them.
There was no place to run even if they wanted to. If you somehow managed to earn enough money to leave this place, the money you hold will make you the prime target for criminals. The only thing left in your possession would be your cold dead body after they are done with their work. Even if you somehow left the city, finding a reliable workplace was difficult. Even that became impossible when Port City started restricting the entry for the bridge, which was the sole escape route. Leading an honest life would leave them empty handed. So the environment naturally shifted to criminal ways.
The children were influenced by their environment; those who lost all hope crumbled under depression as they grew older, abusing their children and letting themselves be consumed by alcohol and drugs.
But this negative cycle started to crack. The life is still difficult, but now the city provided for their biggest expense: feeding the children.
It was run by the syndicates, but everyone knew who truly made this to happen. Just the fact that they could earn money through honest life was enough to give the people hope. This change was limited to specific areas in New Port City, but the fact that such a change occurred was a big deal.
There were few who weren't happy to see these changes. When Foxt was arrested, other syndicates quickly moved in to fight for the district.
They have declared that the owner of the streets have changed, defeated the remnant of Foxt's syndicate, and offered a considerable sum to Port City's master who looked after Foxt to gain his approval. Reorganising the syndicate with the newly acquired land also took time. In total, it took 6 months for the syndicates to finish this reorganisation. And it was in these 6 months which the leaders of the syndicates were oblivious to the changes that were happening in their own districts. By the time they realised the gravity of the situation, it was too late.
Within the VIP room of New Port City's finest brothel, the Rose Garden, Milena, Axlon, Soland and Dinozo drank their wine with a serious look on their faces.
"Do you guys have your donations for this month?"
Everyone frowned and shook their faces. Axlon slammed onto the table, unable to withhold his anger.
"Shit! Ever since the new Administrator came, everything's going horribly!"
"Do you think this was all according to his plan?"
Milena spoke her biggest concern, but Soland shook his head.
"I know that man is great when making decisions in the heat of the moment, but he doesn't have the brains to come up with a plan like this."
"But isn't he from the College?"
"Ha! Do you think I haven't investigated his past? I'd bet my entire… Ahem. Anyhow, there's no way that'd be true!"
Soland confidently spoke out, but Milena muttered on, still suspicious of what was going on.
"But we've become a joke now."
"If the Administrator truly planned all this, then he truly is greatest of all geniuses."
Milena sarcastically retorted to Dinozo's words.
"That's what they usually say about the College. Genius among geniuses."
Everyone fell into a deep thought after Milena's words. They didn't want to admit it, but what she said was true. Other than the order to feed the children, the Administrator had never intervened.
Once, one of the police officers ended up fighting Foxt's captains during his arrest. The fight ended up with the death of the criminal, which was a problem since he needed a court hearing first. But Isaac simply frowned at the situation because of the noise it made and told them to clean up the mess they made. However, the situation had spiralled out of control for everyone.
Everything was good when they happily shared Foxt's territory. It meant more land and more people to exploit. But what they first believed was the golden egg turned out to be one giant pile of turd.
The first detriment was financing, which was a core part of all the syndicates.
Isaac had ordered the destruction and exemption of all the debts Foxt's syndicate owned. The other leaders happily agreed, since they believed that the account would be full in no time, and sharing Foxt's account book was bound to end up in conflict no matter how they shared it.
But the people who were exempt never came back to borrow money again. There were a few hopeless individuals who were too addicted on alcohol, drugs, and women, but they numbered only a third of the original.
When they investigated why, they found out that the cause was they themselves. The New Port City was designed so that all of the money citizens used would naturally flow back to the syndicates one way or another. All of the restaurants, shops, grocery stores, pubs and medical centres were under the syndicates' influence.
When the syndicates began providing free food to the children, the people of the slums were relieved of their greatest expense: food. Because of that, their financial crisis began to loosen up, and they could finally see the state of their surroundings. They were able to give pocket money to their children to clean the streets for them.
With money on the line, children eagerly cleaned the streets, in contrast to before, when they either ignored or only acted the part. New Port City's streets started to become cleaner. Now that the streets were clean, the people themselves looked dirty. With plenty of water around them, cleaning themselves wasn't a problem.
This was only happening in Foxt's territory now, but the words of these changes spread throughout the city. The problem was that the rest of the city was hoping for Isaac to do the same for them. The hope that they could have a new start once their crushing debts were removed was threatening every syndicate.
And they couldn't laugh at the sick joke that they were the cause of all this. If this was the only problem, they could make by somehow. But there was another problem slowly strangling the syndicate.
The cost of feeding the children was starting to add up to too much. It was originally made with ingredients that should have been thrown out, fitting for the orphans of the slums. But because of Isaac's occasional patrol, they had no choice but to improve the quality of their food.
No matter how deep they are in criminal lives, the members of the syndicates also have family and children. As the quality of food increased, the syndicate members started adding their children into the line. Since the food is now eaten by their children too, the quality of food started to rise with it. Now, telling their men to lower the quality or only allow orphans to eat was bound to cause a rebellion. In the worst case, they would be replaced.
"My back is starting to break feeding children I've never had."
Milena complained emotionally. Milena's main focus was the brothels, and the majority of her members were women. It seemed their maternal instinct kicked in for their food, and they provided the highest quality of food for the children in the entire city. It also meant an increase in costs.
"What about me?! I'm struggling to meet my daily quotas!"
Mining was a difficult and dangerous job. Using children meant that they could make small thin tunnels at the cost of single piece of bread. Even if these tunnels caved in, there were plenty more children who could take their place. Axlon had been abusing the children for his mining. But now that the children always had a full stomach, no one volunteered to work in the mines. Even if they were paid properly, no one wanted to work in a place with such a high mortality rate and guaranteed for lung disease after few years.
Axlon had no choice but to hire proper miners, but making tunnels large enough to allow adults through exponentially increased the time and money needed to make a profit. It was now difficult to expect levels of output similar to the days before.
"I am also spending all of my earnings from my district to cover the losses from newly acquired territory."
Since the city's police couldn't blatantly take over the syndicate's job, they decided to split the district into three, and the police would get a share. Soland received the biggest share, since it was he who negotiated with Isaac to allow other syndicates to take over. He had been regretting this decision ever since. Foxt's main source of income was slave labour, binding his workers through unrecoverable debts. Since the interest rate was higher than what the workers could earn in a day, the workers were in hopeless situations of endless labour. But suddenly, all of that had disappeared.
The workers were paid the minimum wage dictated by the Empire's law, but the only other source of income from the port was the fee for using the warehouses by merchants. Sadly, the fees were almost non-existent since the price was set by their masters in Port City for their ships. So most of the wages were paid from Soland's own savings.
Plus he also needed to feed the children in the Alta District, doubling the cost. The only way to get his earnings back was to increase the number of people in debt, but no one was foolish enough to walk back into that death trap. There were a few cases that did borrow money to cover the hospital fees due to injuries or sickness, but the increase was marginal.
They couldn't stop someone from paying back their debts, and the relationships between the mobsters and the labourers were complicated. Many were friends or families with each other, so trying to increase the hospital fees could lead to rebellion from within. Soland couldn't find a way to counter this and believed that he will continue to be in the red for a long time.
Dinozo also complained along with the others, his face crumbling.
"I am also in a difficult position."
Since Foxt's district was to be overseen by the police force, they had to select someone to take that role, and the only suitable candidate was Ratt. Ratt was glad that he could finally escape the grasp from Isaac, but the problem started afterwards.
Instead of finding someone else to be his servant, Isaac started to force anyone he could see in the streets to do his chores instead. The plaza, which was once the most populated are in the city, became a ghost town at night in fear that they may end up becoming Isaac's dog for the day.
With no people visiting the plaza, the brothels situated in the area had to vacate, and the police force had to cover the losses themselves.
"And my costs for feeding the children are increasing too."
As the brothels left, the homeless and the orphans quickly took the empty buildings for their own. Other syndicates also saw this as an opportunity to evict the orphans in their own territory into those empty houses, forcing them onto Dinozo's land.
The three coughed as they looked into the distance, and Dinozo could only send them a cold stare.
"But it seems there is a way to deal with this Administrator if we hold out a little longer."
"How can we do that? One wrong move and it won't be just our heads on the floor. Even they in Port City won't be able to escape unscathed."
"The only way we know of dealing with a problem is making an incident to turn people into meat bags or sink them into the bottom of the lake. But our masters' methods in Port City aren't as crude as ours."
"So we are asking what that method is!"
"They'll let the law take care of him."
"… What?"
Ratt left his house for another productive day. With the sudden arrest of Foxt, Ratt was sent to administer the divided region. He was finally starting to think that his title as Vice-Captain was leading him to a better life, but what made him the happiest was that he finally escaped Isaac.
Even those who tried to challenge him for his title could only squirm and watch from the side. It was uncomfortable that he couldn't see the true reason behind Isaac's approval, but the fact he wasn't at the side was enough to satisfy Ratt.
"Eh… I am expecting peak performance from all of you!"
The first thing Ratt did everyday was to make a speech in front of all the workers as he stood on top of a stand made of empty crates. Ratt did everything he could to make his pointless speech as grand as possible. Watching his audience listen attentively out of fear had brought pleasure to Ratt's mind.
'Kuh! This is why I can't stop this!'
"As you know! I have given an opportunity to you unlike many who are forced to beg in the streets. So you should always have a feeling of…"
"Iyaho!"
"Iyaho as you …. Huh? Who dares to interrupt my speech?"
Ratt shouted, angered by the fact he fumbled his speech. His audience only looked confused, while Ratt was eagerly scanning the area to find the culprit. His eyes screamed with the fury with which how he would put that person in jail for a month. Suddenly, the same shout came from behind him.
"These damn sailors…"
Ratt thought it was the sailors who interrupted his speech as they sailed behind him. Ratt quickly turned to look for the culprit.
"You bastards! Who is it?! I'll make sure you are put into jail! Come out!"
As Ratt watched the ships leisurely float by the canal, he suddenly noticed the miracle of a person standing on water.
"W, what?"
"Dear me! How come someone stand on water!"
"Is that a girl?"
Even the workers gathered next to Ratt out of curiosity, and couldn't stop chattering to each other at what they are witnessing.
"Ah! Hello!"
Ratt's dumbfounded eyes met with the girl's, and the girl greeted Ratt with a bright smile and a wave of her hand. Ratt also waved back instinctively and mumbled to himself as he saw the girl go further into the distance on top of a small raft.
"A, an elf?"
Suddenly, the girl turned around and began coming closer.
"H, huh?"
Ratt's eyes turned wide when he saw the girl kick off her raft and jump high into the air. Everyone's eyes were with her, and soon she started to drop.
"Uwaaa!"
Ratt staggered backwards as he saw the girl plummet down onto the ground like a cannonball. He made an embarrassing appearance as he rolled off his makeshift stand, but everyone else was too focused on the beauty of this girl who had suddenly appeared. Ratt also watched the elven beauty in awe when he remembered the legend he had heard from his senior as a recruit.
It was the legend of a curious elven girl who visited human world. She knew very little about human culture, which caused a minor incident. The police threatened and shouted at the innocent girl, groping the girl's body as part of an 'investigation.' The legend ends with gifts sent from the elven girl for overlooking over the situation with just a warning!
Ratt's face quickly warped into a sinister grin.
"How dare you try to assault an officer of Empire's Police? You are under arrest according to Empire's law!"
The girl tilted her head at Ratt's voice filled with ulterior motives. She smiled, and stretched out her hands.
"Yes! Arrest me!"
Isaac was spending his day just as he always had, reading a book as he sat on a cushioned chair in front of the City Hall. This time, however, there seemed to be a commotion on the streets which disrupted his focus. He raised his head to see what was causing it.
Isaac saw Ratt leading a girl toward the Police Headquarters situated at the plaza. Ratt stood well inside the girl's personal space, his hands skimming over her breasts and ass as he dragged her behind. Isaac breathed his cigarette deeply and muttered to himself.
"I didn't know people of this city are so creative when it comes to suicide."
"Huh? What are you standing around for? Move it!"
When the girl stopped moving after spotting Isaac, Ratt slapped the girl's ass as hard as he could. While Ratt savoured the soft yet firm sensation he felt on his hand, the girl shouted toward Isaac.
"Sunbaenim, can I hit him?"
"He's not my subordinate."
Ratt saw the two exchange words to each other and a thought crossed his mind. The girl knew Isaac. Ratt's face went pale like paper, but before he could get himself together, he noticed the rope he held in his hand loosened. When he turned, he saw the girl smiling at him, her hands holding the shredded rope that once shackled her.
"Do you know what a bloody pancake is?"
Reisha pummelled Ratt so hard that even the onlookers could feel the impact of her blows as they watched. Only when both her hands were painted red with blood did Reisha walk toward Isaac with a bright smile, dragging Ratt's motionless body behind her.
"Yo! It's been a while."
Isaac greeted Reisha casually with a limp wave. Reisha's shoulder drooped at the sight of such effortless greeting.
"Sigh, I see you're the same as always, Sunbaenim. It's been so long since we've seen each other, yet you greet me like you don't even care."
Isaac noticed that continuing this conversation was only going to get worse, so he quickly changed the subject to Ratt.
"Why did you bring him here?"
"Huh? Then what do I do?"
"Throw him out."
"Umm, my mum told me I shouldn't litter…."
Isaac spoke without a hint of emotion towards Reisha, who didn't know what to do.
"Then bury him."
"Should I?"
Reisha's search for a suitable spot to bury him forced Ratt's survival instinct to kick in. He quickly begged to Reisha, his voice whistling through his broken teeth.
"Keek… Help me."
"He's saying 'help me.'"
"Isn't killing him better? I don't think he'll have any regrets after touching an elf's ass."
"Would it? But taking care of the aftermath is annoying, so I'll just make him follow me as my personal punching bag."
"Go ahead."
With Isaac's apathetic nod, Reisha threw Ratt into the air with just one hand. Ratt's body landed on the ground, but his body rolled further into the distance thanks to force of Reisha's throw. Once Ratt's twitching body came to a halt, the police officers who watched from the side quickly took him away to somewhere else.
"So, how did he wrong you for you to get arrested?"
"Hehe. You see, there was a story that was passed down in our tribe, so I wanted to test if it was true."
"A test?"
"There was a book named 'Varying Human Reactions When Acting Innocent and Clueless' written by an elf who travelled the human cities. It was a chronicle of the author's adventure. There was one chapter which detailed how the police officers groped the author when a small incident occurred."
"Do elves have a different law when it comes to sexual harassment? The author just went with that?"
"The author acted like a clueless elf who thought this was just a standard procedure."
"I mean, there's a limit to acting. Sure, you are different races, but letting a man have his way on a woman…"
"Huh? But the author was male? He later paid him back in kind by giving them a cursed artifact as a gift."
"So in order to see if they'd really harass, you got arrested?"
"Yes."
Isaac smirked. Despite not seeing her for so long, it seemed her special personality was still the same.
"So why are you here? Have you graduated already?"
"It's the holidays. Mazelan Sunbaenim asked me to visit you on the way back to my tribe to send you a message."
"Hm, is it already that time?"
It did seem the days were starting to get colder. Perhaps it will be winter soon.
"Why did he send you when he could just send a letter? Is it classified information?"
"I don't know?"
"I thought you came to give me a message?"
"I knew it. I guess you really are living under a rock just like Mazelan Sunbaenim told me."
Isaac just watched Reisha as she sighed, still oblivious as to what she meant. Reisha realised how seriously behind Isaac was on recent events and made a fuss as she spoke.
"Do you really not know? The Empire as a whole is in a huge ruckus because of the newest invention, the Communicator!"
"Communicator?"
Isaac asked her to elaborate, trying to confirm if the object in his mind was what Reisha meant.
"Yes! Communicator! You can talk to someone as if they're next to you no matter how far away they are! All of the professors and lecturers praised it, saying its creation will revolutionise the world! Even Campus brought one in and made a policy where students could speak to their families once a month!"
Isaac went into deep thought as he let Reisha's words exit out of his other ear. The more he listened, the more it sounded like telephone in its earliest version – one that was yet to be available for all households.
"I also had a go with it after hearing my family got one installed at home too. I found it amazing that I could talk to my mum face to face despite how…"
"Huh? Wait. You can see each other's faces?"
"Yes. What's wrong?"
Reisha looked at Isaac, wondering if anything she said was that strange. Isaac quickly waved his hand, motioning Reisha to continue, and Reisha eagerly chattered on.
'What the? Is that even possible?'
Isaac wasn't aware of its full details, but he had the general knowledge of history of telephones. From Morse Code – back when it wasn't even possible to send a word through a line – it developed into public phones, then cell phones, and finally video calls. This series of improvements took 200 years of constant inventions and development.
Yet this world somehow bypassed such development and leaped straight into wireless video calls in one go, globalising its trend along the way? Even magic wouldn't allow such illogical conclusion.
'I swear, this world gets stranger by the moment.'
"So Sunbaenim, what will you do about Kunette?"
"What's wrong with her?"
"She's really really mad."
"Mad? At who? Me?"
"Of course it's you! She couldn't eat honey ever since you graduated!"
"Why? Rivolden Merchant Guild must have held up their end of the bargain! They should be able to send ten pots of…. They couldn't send it even if they wanted to."
Isaac realised his mistake. Even the Rivolden Merchant Guild had no way to bring their goods to Campus if Isaac wasn't there. Isaac had constantly nagged Gonzales about that fact, yet he managed to forget how it would also affect him. Basically, he ran away from Kunette after irresponsibly making a promise he couldn't keep. It was Isaac's fault since he failed to make any proper plans to deal with this problem.
"How mad is she?"
"It was really, really bad at first. I think she suffered withdrawal symptoms when she couldn't eat the honey she'd had every day, and she absolutely demolished the lodge you used to live in."
"Hmph."
Isaac moaned, picturing the carnage in his head.
"Most of her anger is gone and the target of that anger has also changed, but she's still very upset."
"What do you mean the target's changed?"
"We decided to use this Communicator once it was installed, so we called our homes."
"You told me that before."
"It seemed the Rivolden Merchant Guild simply stocked the honey they couldn't send into their warehouse until warriors of Northern Bear Tribe assaulted the guild, angered by the fact that they used Kunette as a tool for their business."
"I can imagine the chaos."
"That's right! But when the guild showed the stacks of honey they had, the warriors simply left after emptying the warehouse. They also told the guild to send all honey to them instead."
"To the tribe itself?"
"Yes."
"I imagine there isn't any left?"
"You've seen how much the Northern Bears love honey."
Reisha's replies were enough to give Isaac a headache. Kunette earned that honey by allowing Rivelia to cuddle her at the cost of her pride. It was obvious that she would be outraged if that honey disappeared.
"Is she going home now?"
"As soon as the holiday started. She said she'll come here afterwards. Kukuk, good luck on dealing with her."
Isaac wrapped his hands around his head. Even Isaac would feel guilty if those shiny puppy eyes of hers were filled with hatred as she looked at him – worse if there were teardrops in the corners of her eyes.
"How much is an elven honey?"
Reisha seemed as if expecting this request from Isaac. She arrogantly pushed out her chest as she showed off.
"Ohohoho. You do need my help right? Elven honey can't be bought no matter how much money you have, but if you ask really nicely… I might help you out."
"Yes, please. Get me some of it."
"Umm, this isn't what I wanted…"
Reisha had a complicated look when Isaac nodded to her words without hesitation. It seemed she wanted to see Isaac struggle against his pride, hesitating on whether to ask for help or not. She was probably hoping for Isaac to beg on his knees once he finished weighing his pride and his life against each other.
"So, when are you going back? Shall I find a ticket for a ferry?"
"I didn't come on a ship."
"Then?"
"All I needed was a raft to come here, just like in Campus."
"You came all the way from the capital surfing on af raft?"
"Yes. That Grand Canal is really nice you know? The water flows steadily, so it's really easy for me to pick up the speed there."
Reisha continued to speak of her adventures, of how she overtook all the ships that sailed the canal. Isaac listened to her story for some time and then stood up to head for Port City.
"I get it now, so you should go home."
"Huh? Why! I was planning to play here for a while!"
"Then play here for a few days. Then, go home and get me that honey. Don't come back if you don't have it with you."
"Wow! Are you threatening me now?"
"No, I'm asking you for help."
"Hm. Well! Since you're asking me for help, I guess I can't just leave you alone!"
Isaac sighed deeply. Just changing one word was enough to outwit Reisha's simple mind. She was now boasting about how there's nothing to worry about since she's here to help. Isaac decided to give a little piece of advice to Reisha – a heartfelt one at that.
"You should never sign a contract for someone else's sake."
"Huh? How did you know? That's one of the absolute laws for elves, to never pledge for someone else, not even for a family."
"…"
Reisha disappeared the moment they arrived at Port City, saying she'd go around for a look.
Isaac wasn't worried, since she's very used to going about on her own. Even if she causes an incident, there's nothing to worry about. This was Port City, not New Port City.
Isaac wandered the streets, not knowing where these communicators were set up. But finding out where wasn't a problem. Everyone on the streets was busy talking about this revolutionary invention.
"Hm, I guess it's still treated as entertainment by most people."
The communicators were placed in Port City's main plaza, which was so full of people that Isaac didn't even need to search where it could be. Those who have already used it were boasting to the crowd that surrounded them, who were listening attentively about the experience. There was a long queue to use the communicator.
The queue seemed too long to wait for, and Isaac turned around without a doubt in his mind.
"This one of the useful times to have the power of authority."
Communicators were revolutionary tools that could change the paradigm of the generation. Considering the Empire's history and their personality, Isaac was sure that these communicators were already installed in many of its government buildings for efficiency. It hadn't been long since it was invented, but unlike New Port City, Port City was probably number one candidate when it came to installation of this equipment.
"What a difference."
Compared to New Port City's City Hall, which was more akin to a residence, Port City's City Hall seemed more like a giant manor for a high ranking noble. Being a prosperous city meant there was more funds the city government could use, and since most people who visited the city hall were people from high society, the city had to decorate its hall like that of a noble's residence.
Just as Isaac had expected, Port City's City Hall had some Communicators installed. But what he didn't expect was that the city was also operating all the calls with a switchboard.
"This is the telephone device's most modern version, yet it's operated with the most rudimentary system. What kind of a technological gap is this?"
Isaac smiled bitterly as he watched the operators frantically moved the crystal balls in every direction. You could see how new this technology this was by watching all the mistakes these operators made with their lack of experience.
"How did you get here? This area is restricted for city's personnel only."
A man who seemed to be the overseer of the communicator room approached Isaac with hostility until he realised the College Emblem on Isaac's chest. His face stiffened, and Isaac had to repeat what he said to the reception down at ground floor.
"I'm Administrator of New Port City. I need to use them for an official matter. Is there one available?"
"There is one but… Do you even know a place that it can connect to?"
He was tensed up because of the College emblem at first, but Isaac's history had been revealed to its finest detail to everyone. Even he, a man well below Isaac's rank, looked down on Isaac.
Many of the higher ups in the Empire stilled preferred to use the old way. To them, communicators were just devices they'd use out of curiosity. When they were first installed, they frequently visited this place to talk to their friends and acquaintances, but it seemed their curiosity had been sated and hadn't shown their faces for some time now.
But to the regular employees of the offices, this device, which significantly shortened their work time, was both a blessing and a curse. The operators may take some time because it is their first time working, but even so, the employees of the offices celebrated how much time had been saved thanks to this device. However, it also meant that they were given more work to complete because of their increased efficiency, and most didn't know whether they should be happy or sad about this fact. This was the situation the communicator service was in, yet some backwater administrator from New Port City decided to visit when they were at their busiest hour. The overseer assumed that the official matter was just an excuse, and the real reason he came was to sate his curiosity.
Since communicators in the city hall was for official use, there was no fee. The overseer also assumed that the administrator came here to save money since public communicators came at a steep price, so there was no reason for him to show any manners to Isaac.
But the College is the College. Out of reluctance, the overseer led Isaac to a communicator which was placed in a corner instead of a private communicator room.
"All of the private communicator rooms are currently in use. This is the only one available now, if that's okay with you. You can tell the operator where you wish to connect."
Many in the room whispered to each other when they saw the rumoured Administrator from New Port City. Of course, none of their words were very nice things to hear.
'A monitor is it?'
Isaac looked at the booth he was placed. It was akin to a sight you'd see from a PC café, with just a monitor that sat in front of him. Isaac ordered his operator.
"To Gabelin's Department of Supplies."
"Sorry?"
"Connect me to Gabelin's Department of Supplies."
"Ha. Understood."
All of the operators in the room who were eavesdropping looked as if they understood everything. There is only one reason for an Administrator to contact the Department of Supplies: to receive more supplies. But no amount of crying from an Administrator of New Port City would connect him to the higher-ups, and he could imagine Isaac getting a scolding for not connecting to Levonen Province Department of Supplies first.
The operator moved the switchboard without a shred of sincerity. It seemed there was still confidentiality in these devices, and only voices could be heard while the screen remained black.
-This is Count Grobelin's Exchange. How may I help you?
"Grobelin? I thought I asked for Gabelin?"
-We'll connect you to them.
-Hello. This is Gabelin's Department of Finance Exchange. How may I help you?
"Department of Finance? I want the Department of Supplies…"
-We'll send you back. Please connect from the previous exchange.
-This is Count Grobelin's Exchange. How may I help you?
Is this some customer service bullshit…
Isaac sighed at how quickly these operators learnt how to make someone feel miserable by transferring the caller in an infinite loop.
"I told you to connect to Gabelin's Department of Supplies."
Isaac tried to put it as nicely as possible as he thought to himself that he'd been through this kind of thing back in the past. But the operator talked back to Isaac instead.
-Hey. Why do you keep connecting to us? We're busy as it is already without you making it worse! We'll send you back again. You do it one more time and I'll report you!
"…"
While Isaac sat dumbfounded by the operator's reaction, it seemed the operator from the other side forgot to finish the call. Everyone could hear the conversation the operators were making.
-What is it?
-I don't know. It's that idiot who asked me to connect to Gabelin's Department of Supplies.
-Why is he asking for that here?
-I know right?
-If it's Gabelin… Isn't that the Department's headquarters? He'd get a straight connection if he asked for Department of Supplies Headquarters. Maybe he's purposely saying Gabelin to get misunderstood as Grobelin for another purpose.
-What are you saying?
-I'm saying that maybe that man has feelings for you.
-Ha! Don't make me laugh. He sounded like a typical Rank 3 knight stationed in some rural village! I have standards you know! You remember this too! The moment you get in a relationship with a man like that, it will be the end of your life!
-But the call came from Port City?
-Really? Ha! I bet he's still at the bottom of the caste. The most that man will achieve is a title of Administrator of some backwater village. Do you really want to have the title of 'village chief's wife'?
All of the operators could hear the conversation between the two operators, and they could only keep themselves from bursting in laughter.
-Aaah! Why am I, a woman who has both beauty and intelligence and currently enrolled in Campus having to spend the golden opportunity of holidays doing this? Shouldn't men line up to meet someone with my status?
-Are you really asking that? It's because you didn't have enough points to graduate, and the professors are willing to make up the difference if you did this job.
-Is there a rich man with a short life? I'm confident that I could drop out from Campus if it's to serve someone for a month.
-With your skills?
-What about my skills, you bitch!
Isaac pulled out a cigarette as he was forced to listen to their conversation. He was stuck here as long as they didn't finish the call and transferred him back to the previous exchange.
All of the operators in the room were twitching in pain as their stomach cramped from trying to stifle their laughter. Even the overseer was quietly snickering, but he finally made a move since the entire exchange room was now paralysed by this event.
"Hey! Who are you?! Do you think the public network is for your petty talk?!"
-Kyaaa!
Finally, they realised the connection was still on. With a scream the operator from Grobelin closed the call. After a moment of silence, Isaac massaged his head as he made his call.
"Gabelin, no connect me to Department of Supplies Headquarter."
"Yes."
Isaac looked at his operator who was still laughing at what had happened. Now that he thought about it, that man definitely did it on purpose.
Do I fuck him up or not?
It was during this time the connection got through straight to where Isaac wanted.
-Hello. This is Amy from the Department of Supplies Headquarter Exchange. How may I help you?
As expected of the Empire's main government facilities. Unlike the other calls Isaac made, the screen showed not just her voice but her face as well. Amy, the operator of the department, was beautiful enough to be an object of desire for the men around her.
"Hm. Where do I connect from here?"
Isaac realised that he only knew Mazelan Sunbae was working in Department of Supplies, but not his title or which cabinet he worked in. In truth, he didn't even make an effort to find out. The only thing he had to ask for was the name Mazelan, but there was no way it would be that easy.
"Hm. Do you know any of the higher ups with the name Mazelan?"
-Mazelan was it? I'll have a look.
It seemed she was well trained for her job. Despite Isaac's unexpected request, Amy still kept a smile on her face and looked through her records. After a few searches, she replied with a troubled look.
-I'm sorry but I couldn't find anyone who is currently working in Department of Supplies under the name of Mazelan.
Everyone who was overhearing this call snickered at Amy's reply. It annoyed Isaac but his priority was finding Mazelan. After a quick moment, he recalled Mazelan's official name.
"Then how about Marvelia Zelion Lankast Hugh Gabelin. Does that name ring a bell?"
Amy's face stiffened at the mention of that name. So did all the other operators in Isaac's room. It was as if time had stopped within these walls. All of the operators looked to each other to check if what they had just heard was true.
There was only one reason for a person to carry the name Gabelin.
That name was reserved for royalty.
Just speaking the name in public is considered ill-mannered, and even the highest ranking officials speak the name sparingly. Yet that name was blurted out from an Administrator of the worst city in the Empire.
While everyone was frozen in place, Isaac silently urged Amy to hurry up. Amy simply looked back at Isaac in disbelief. There was no need for her to search for him.
-Are you talking about Vice Commissioner Marvelia?
"Vice Commissioner? He's already promoted that far? I guess having a nice family backing you up can get you somewhere no matter how much you play. Anyway, connect me to him."
But it's not just a family!
Everyone in the room screamed toward Isaac in their minds. The room was at a halt for all work; the Communicators were ringing with all the calls that had not been received. But there was no time to receive them. Just making a noise in this situation could send them into trouble.
Amy's face was still tensed up as she attempted to connect to Vice Commissioner. She carefully spoke back to Isaac.
-Um, Vice Commissioner has asked you to wait because he's currently in a meeting."
"Wait? That's annoying…"
You crazy bastard!
Once again everyone shouted in unison in their minds. It is expected for the subordinate to wait if the superior demands it. This would be the same for a run-of-the-mill Vice Commissioner from another department, let alone a royalty! Yet he was complaining that it was annoying!
"Well, you can still send him a message right?"
-Uh, yes. What would your message be?
"Tell him that he better pay back for the time when he forced the cheque on to me after playing in New Port City's pubs and brothels."
The atmosphere in the room dropped cold, matching the winter's wind in the cold northern lands.
