Chapter 69

“Strategic partner… Not bad at all. In fact, I rather like it.”

“Huh…”

I turned my gaze away from Aaron who was muttering to himself, examining his hand under the light after our handshake, even though I didn’t recall any strange residue on my own hands.

No matter how sloppy or formal the deal was, if the parties involved were satisfied, wasn’t that enough? I’ll cautiously assert that… though it seems he’s experiencing a bit too much joy, I have no intention of digging into the workings of his mind, so I’ll let it slide.

All that’s left now is to escape before something else goes wrong.

A quick thank you to the clinic doctor whose services I briefly borrowed, and then I’m leaving this city for good.

“Hmm? Where are you rushing off to?”

“Well… didn’t I say? I’ve got business in Neo Haven.”

There shouldn’t be any particular reason left for him to hold me back.

Miraculously, we somehow reached a compromise, even though being a lone wanderer like me lingering too long in the heart of a corporation wouldn’t do anyone good.

At least now that covering my existence from others has become more advantageous for Aaron, I believe he’ll keep his mouth shut without me needing to ask. But even considering that, there’s still…

“How can I let you go without reviewing, or even properly calculating, the compensation for the bereaved families?”

“Ah? But that’s….”

Why bring up the implicit lie we had agreed to leave untouched?

The discussion raised by such a measly and trivial criticism, a tactic clearly used to bother me, turned out to be far more enticing than expected.

“Your sister, Miss Ana, worked here for six years at least, and her performance was always top-notch. She was an exemplary police officer and citizen. … She passed away while striving to prevent a tragic accident. Surely, a generous compensation package is within my discretion.”

“…”

I barely managed to stop myself from nodding at the suggestion. I knew it was dangerous flattery, yet I almost fell for it.

I’m extremely grateful for the unexpected additional income, especially now when I lack a fixed job.

Nevertheless, even though it’s a one-time financial aid, accepting it without understanding fully seems risky for future complications.

“Though your excessive kindness is heartwarming, I don’t intend to simply take the money…”

“For instance, using it as capital to start a new organization aimed at achieving your goals, perhaps…”

“Aha…”

I hadn’t planned to ask more than merely turning a blind eye to some issues between me and Paradise. Is he thinking of solidifying our relationship with a more formal support right from the start? Or is it just the typical generosity of a wealthy household’s steward towards money-solvable problems?

“Well, how about it? Blank checks from Paradise don’t come around often.”

“Hmm…”

But this talk of an organization… I have no idea what kind of misunderstanding it stems from.

It’s true that I’ve always struggled with credits, but when faced with the devil’s lure of eliminating all financial difficulties, I’m lost for words. To be honest, ever since I’ve decided to spend nothing on an implant upgrade, there are no urgent expenses.

And maintaining a comfortable life and my personal safety isn’t much of a challenge either, so there’s no need to take on such debts early.

…Wait a moment, debt?

“…100 million credits.”

“100 million credits, is it?”

Despite his rather strange expression, I ignored it and reiterated firmly.

“Neither more nor less, 100 million will do.”

“…”

The brief silence was followed by a much longer laughter.

“Hahahaha!! Interesting… You were trying out a random big number, weren’t you? It’s fine to shake off frugality and grow together, but it’s equally important to recognize your own worth objectively.”

…Does this guy think I’m some sort of fool or refugee?

Seriously, when it comes to late-game top-tier special equipment or modified vehicles, the costs can go into the billions. If he thinks I lack worldly knowledge, I must say, I’m sorely disappointed.

And I’m also well aware that hackers can make money in countless ways if they wanted to… though that’s not my intention.

“Who says my worth is 100 million? Sorry, I’ve a life debt to pay first.”

Let him mock me all he wants.

My ties with Aaron have been conclusively settled. Once this is done, I’ll finally be able to live as a free individual without any lingering debts or vengeance to repay.

“Hmm… is this about the colleague who woke up with you from cold sleep?”

“…I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

…Apparently, people who think and suspect too much often fall into their own traps.

But even while ending things with vague, cloud-catching words.

Aaron meticulously handled the compensation issue in a blameless, clean manner and bid me farewell with proper decorum.

“I was merely curious about the person you hold so dearly. Besides, the fact that such a paltry amount left such a memory… makes me rather envious.”

“Well….”

Whether to call that a farewell or a future threat, I don’t know just yet, but in any case, I successfully slipped out from the clutches of the monster known as Aaron Drayfuscus in Paradise.

There’s one thing though, am I not distracted by the temptation of 100 million credits?

…No, it must be due to his unsettling promise of contacting me whenever I need help.

I’d better go spend these troubling credits right away.

And just to be clear, I received this as a legitimate compensation so don’t assume I’ll automatically take on dirty jobs for this. Really!

★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★

“Ah…”

Even as the office door slowly closed, Aaron’s eyes didn’t leave Anastasia, and he kept watching via cameras until she left the building.

The regret overflowed at his lips—losing a glowing light in his grasp as it disappeared into the city.

He wanted to talk more, exchange more ideologies, and see the picture she holds within, but unfortunately, the closing time had arrived, so he let his strategic partner go.

Though reluctant, this was the end. Focusing too much on personal desires might hinder the grand achievement.

Besides, an extremely important guest whom even Aaron couldn’t ignore could appear at that door any moment.

“Mis- Mister Drayfuscus…? Here are three servings of breakfast, brought promptly as soon as they were prepared!”

A pitiful, mournful cry echoed from the doorway.

The source of the sound was an employee who had just arrived, holding a large tray with three servings of food with one hand.

Though the arm holding the tray remained steady, the employee’s face and body shook continuously with nervousness. However, Aaron didn’t criticize the trembling worker.

“Thank you very much. Please place it on the table and feel free to leave.”

“Yes…!”

Nearly on the verge of tears, the employee hastily returned to prepare meals for the executives.

Naturally, the woman leaning casually and uncomfortably alongside the employee in the door was also allowed entry.

“Tch… these days, the younger generation lacks respect, making it hard to have fun, you know.”

“Maybe… the awareness and respect maintained by everyone are results of the societal gaps Chairman has implemented?”

With a heavy thud,

The strikingly polished-looking woman, speaking in an earthy accent and behaving like an unruly overlord, laid herself down on the couch without removing her shoes.

The clear boot tracks on the couch and the constant tossing of her arm made the serving staff uneasy.

But the woman, who enjoyed the employee’s rigid reaction earlier, paid no heed as she lazily yawned while responding to her ever-dependable subordinate.

“Hmph… social levels and statuses… Only when they’re properly divided does one see those who rebel against the order and leap over the gap.”

From the distorted structure of Harvest Planet to the strict hierarchy maintained by the company, even the globally entrenched citizenship ranks.

One of the monstrosities forced upon the billions of survivors by her philosophy and ideals… after staring blankly at the room’s scenery and noticing there were no shadows from her usual android group, she finally remembered the purpose of her visit.

“So! Where is that unruly kid you coolly froze out? I really wanted to meet them.”

“Ahh, that hacker…”

As he drew out his words, he ran through various excuses in his mind.

The cleanest way would be to report Anastasia as an unremarkable individual to suppress the Chairman’s intense interest. However, people don’t always make the right decisions.

Managing the slight upward pull of his lips and the twisting of his face, Aaron Drayfuscus completed his usual suspicious expression and turned his body.

The slightly disheveled hair was brushed back, and with only half the respect due to his king, teacher, and long-time master, he delivered his red lie.

“My apologies, Chairman. My abilities fell short, and I couldn’t properly invite that lady to this dining session.”

“…Well, isn’t that something.”

Displeasure at her wasted visit was short-lived. The Chairman began to bother the retreating server, demanding to join the newly vacant dining spot instead.

And Aaron, having pulled off an outrageous act of defiance, lifted a cup of fragrant coffee, with its rich aroma of beans and soft milk, from the tray with a faint smile.