William hasn't slept much lately

His partner Mary, who is an apprentice magic assassin, had chosen to flee from Festand after the death of their superior, Kane. To do that would mean the organization would find and eliminate her. But she seem to prefer being hunted by them than the enigmatic Johann Brown

Yes. That man is also the reason why he didn't get much sleep

The higher-ups should have known about him right now. Johann Brown never interfere with their business, always seeming to take a stance as an outsider. Yet the moment they made a move against him, his retaliation comes with brutality. Proof of that is the lieutenant who is a high ranking officer from Festand being killed 

His body is discovered right where he has been hiding

There were no signs of struggling. Kane, who can take out a battalion of guards by himself was struck down in one blow. It was as if he is a mere ant who get in the way of a giant

That made him understood Johann's warning. They didn't stand a chance in the first place

"Ah...why did we have to get involved with such a monster?" The old man mutter derisively.

At least things are better now. His organization is cautious. As long as they perceive a reasonable threat, the person would be swiftly be killed with overwhelming force. It's this ruthlessness that has helped evade the eye of the law for the last decade

It was no longer his responsibility to take care of Johann Brown

Thinking like that, William's mood get better

It is the start of a new day for him. He open his store to continue his duty as an undercover shopkeeper in the capital. 

The peaceful sight of Elysium's street in the morning instill a sense of peace within the old man. The past month has been tense for him. With the events that happened, he desperately need a break from reality. The man is determined to one day escape Festand and lead a leisure life of his own

"Good morning! Is the shop open?"

He look at the smiling face of Brown from the window

The old man's dream of peace shattered 

 

---

 

It's been a long time since I'm here.

When I first come to the capital, this is the place I visit to unlock my magic. The old shopkeeper here, whose name is William, has guided me on the fundamentals of Mana and how to control them

He was very responsible to a clueless guy like me. That's why I felt indebted toward him

I carried the Devil's Ivy in my hand as I entered the store. The plant, which has the [Adaptive] skill, has been growing at a rapid pace ever since yesterday. I cut off about 60% of its body so I can bring it outside

"It's been a long time since we last saw each other" I set the plant on the counter and turned toward William. Somehow, his gaze toward me seems to be a bit fearful

"...What do you want?"

"I'm free this weekend, so I have the idea to visit my favorite shop" Looking at his restless face, I offer a bright smile "Yesterday, I have a good sleep. Maybe that's why I didn't feel so tired in the morning"

"What about you, William? Have you been sleeping well?"

"..."

What a poor man. Nobody seem to care about senior citizens, so it must have been a shock for old people when others ask about their well being. It was the same case for elders in my past life

I hum and began browsing through the books in his store. After some time, I picked out guides on beginner fire magic

The books were placed on the counter. I paid my money and thanked him for his service. Normally that would be the end of it, but as he was about to leave in an oddly hasty manner, I called him back

"You've helped me alot. I wouldn't be here if it isn't for you" 

By unlocking my magic, he allow me to learn Mana enhancement, which in turn speed up my memorization speed and alllow me to ace the exam. Without his service, I would have failed the exam

"As a sign of gratitude, please accept this plant" Saying so, I picked up the pot and offer it to him

Old people are hard to please. You wouldn't want to give them money, as they'd think you are looking down on them. You also can't offer mere sincerities, since it will paint you as a soulless miser

A memorable gift is the best choice. Luckily, the Devil's Ivy which was imbued with my magic is there. I heard people at this age tends to get so lonely they'll talk to anything. Taking care of a plant will help William's day be less repetitive

What a thoughtful person I am

 

---

 

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you"

William's eyes trembled across from him. Images of Kane's decapitated corpse flashed through his mind. Johann's words seem to trigger his instinct. A clear message that the reason he hasn't died is because he didn't make a move against the man

Before he could reply, Johann gestured toward the Devil's Ivy on the counter

"As a sign of gratitude, please accept this plant"

"This is..." William looked at it with a terrified expression. To the normal person, a plant wouldn't be something to be wary of. But it is a plant that the man known as Johann is offering him. 

Devil's ivy is but a name for a common household flora. Yet, in front of him, it appears like a gift from the Devil himself

"I name it Aureum. Isn't it such a cutie?" Johann caress it like it is a living thing. The more he listened to him, the dread in the shopkeeper's heart grow as he imagine what sort of abomination the plant would turn out to be

"You want me to- to take care of it?"

"Not necessarily. I just think having this will be beneficial to you" He smile "Plants are like babies, you see. They're so volatile, but such joys can be experienced in watching them grow you can't help but feel like a parent. Do you want it?"

There can be no refusal. If he wants to live, no, to survive, he can only accept this responsibility. William clench his eyes shut as visage of Kane's corpse once again assault his mind

With shaky hands, he reached out and put the Devil's Ivy on the shelf at the front

"I will...raise this plant like my child, sir. Thank you for your trust in me"

The Devil smiled and bid him farewell

 

---

 

They say nothing can match the euphoria of a good deed finished

I'm sure William will come to appreciate the plant. With the fast growing enhancement, he will be busy tending to it day and night. Such close bonds will help him to be less lonely

Actually, there's another reason why I visit him today.

I was planning to build a casual relationship. After all, the old man's shop is pretty famous in the town, with numerous customers coming everyday. Having the shopkeeper on my list of friend will significantly help with future purchase. I'm sure the gift he received will increase his appreciation toward me

"Besides that, I got some books on fire magic"

Fire and ice are the most common Affinity among mages. Along with the two mythical Affinities I have, the former is also something I can do. Naturally, I intend to learn about all three.

Admit it, casting fireballs and burning everything around you with magic is what every boys once dreamed of

When I arrive back at the inn, I notice someone standing in front of the entrance

It was Lockley and a young girl. The girl look about 17, wearing a black blue dress with a white bloude underneath. Her long black hair swayed in the wind, earning the gaze of many passersby who was intrigued by her beautiful face

As I drew by, her sapphire eyes turn to look at me. 

....

"Mr Brown. How are you doing?" Lockley offered a greeting. I shook his hand

"I'm fine. If memory serves right, there's still two days left before the exam scores are announced. Why are you here?" I tilt my head. The butler seem to me the type who follow discipline very well. If he is here, there must be a reason

"The conversation we have at the exam hall was simply remarkable. Forgive me for this display of unprofessionalism, but I've taken a liking to you. That's why I found a student in need of teaching" Saying so, he gestured to the girl. She gave a small curtsy in acknowledgement

It's a mere gesture, but the way her knees bent exudes a sense of elegance

"Her name is...Ria Astel. She's the second daughter to a small baron family. The baron himself is very concerned with her education. He only wants the best instructors that can be bought with money"

I listened attentively. From what he next mention, Ria is a gifted child with many talents, and her father wants to hire an instructor. She was homeschooled, but her private tutor is bedridden from illness so they had to search for a replacement

"We tried sending a message beforehand, but it seem you were absent. It isn't our intention to disturb you on your day off" Lockley apologized profusely "For your information, it was the baron who proposed to have you teach her. We knew it would inconvenience you, so we'd prepared some recompensation in advance"

Pulled out from his pocket is a heavy pouch full of gold. As it was displayed to me, the pouch produce a dull jingling sound

I stare at it in a daze

"Of course, such a small amount wouldn't be enough to please you. Here is the down payment for teaching lady Astel"

An even bigger pouch of gold land in front of me. No, at this point it could be called a small sack. Looking at it, I estimate there is enough money to buy a small house in the capital

"How long is the teaching period?"

"Indefinite. For every month you tutor the young miss, the same amount will be paid"

"Which subject do I teach?"

"It is entirely up to you. Lady Astel is talented in many academic fields, but I'm sure she is still open to learning"

Even an idiot would be suspicious at the contract, which seems too generous toward one side. It wasn't like I was born yesterday without the ability to judge. However, the money that could be reaped from this one request can't be ignored

The event that lead to the destruction of Elysium is two years away. If I can get my hands on a large amount of money, wouldn't I be able to move to another Kingdom? The prospect of a peaceful life is too good to be true

There is always a catch to every deal. No matter how profitable. No matter how little risk

"It isn't a daily occurance that somebody got the chance to work for a noble. Even scholars from famous academies would jump at the opportunity. You can get funding and sponsorship depends on your performance"

"I can't give you an answer yet" I replied firmly, stopping his words "I'll let you know my decision in two days"

Lockley seems to want to reply. However, the baron's daughter raised a hand, effectively silencing him.

"Thank you, mr Brown. I look forward to hearing from you"

Seemingly understanding my intention, the two of them bid farewell

 

---

 

She look back at the man going inside

"I do not understand the purpose for this arrangement, your Highness"

Walking besides her, Lockley spoke his concern

"To disguise as a mere baron's daughter is unnecessary...there are no reasons to be degrading yourself like this" Of course, he has a duty to keep her safe. Any threats or lack of security can potentially lead to a national crisis of unprecedented scale

He was disheartened to see the Princess disregard his advice with a wave of her hand

"People often say you have to go low to catch a big fish" Ria smiled "Festand can't know of my business here. Once my identity is exposed, they would seize the narrowest chance to escape"

"That's why I will get close to Johann Brown under the guise of a noble girl. The more he let his guard down, the more information I can find" The girl frown "Although he doesn't seem that excited with the money... I guess it wasn't enough"

Johann Brown. The only thing the intelligence agency can find is his birth place and former occupation. A highschool teacher who works at a rural area, before moving to the capital of the Kingdom. Why? Nobody knows

It has only been a month since he found his residence. How could a man, in that short amount of time, make contact with Festand and get a lead on them without being killed? It was something even her information network couldn't do

For now, she'll let him be