Chapter 82

We head towards Clarissa’s house, riding in a sleek, black limousine.

The driver exhibits proficient driving skills.

Passing by the main roads and residential areas, the vehicle moves into the outskirts of Sunrise Street. Through the window, I can see an elegant, white mansion.

Surrounded by bushes, it evokes the feeling of a European aristocrat’s vacation home.

The car stops at the entrance, and the driver gets out first to open our doors.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Our gratitude to you.”

“Thank you for driving us.”

“You’re most welcome. Enjoy your time, all three of you.”

With those courteous words, the driver re-enters the vehicle.

A maid dressed in black and white waits quietly by the large gate. Lowering her head, she greets Clarissa.

“Welcome back, Miss.”

“It’s been a while, Hilda.”

They exchange brief pleasantries.

Hilda bows to us again.

“Welcome, Miss Clarissa’s friends.”

“Oh, hello.”

“Hello.”

Nisia greets her and bows her head, and I follow suit.

Hilda resumes her posture a second later.

With a neutral face and long ears, identical to Clarissa’s, the maid reveals she is of the Elf race.

Her maid attire features a combination of white and black, long skirt, but her brownish skin stands out—something I’ve never seen before, even in AOE.

Wow, a Dark Elf!

Elves and Dark Elves often appear as two sides of the same coin.

“…? Is there something you wish to say?”

Did I stare too much? Hilda questions me.

“Oh, no. Sorry.”

She shakes her head at my hastened reply.

“There’s no need to apologize. Now, all of you, please follow me inside.”

Hilda opens a smaller iron gate beside the main entrance and walks ahead.

Clarissa follows her, and Nisia, carrying me on her back, follows as well.

Through the spacious mansion, we greet staff along the way until we reach an ornate door.

“The Master is inside, but He’s entertaining guests—”

“Hilda? Does that mean—”

A voice sounds from within the room.

A racket occurs, and the door swings open.

An elderly Elf with white combed-back hair and long ears walks out.

Though his clothing is even more luxurious, his general appearance remains identical to what I saw at the academy the day before.

“Did our little one arrive?”

A warm greeting.

Clarissa’s face turns beet red.

Approaching Harpandel, she whispers something to him, but her embarrassment causes her voice to carry over to us.

“Grandfather…! I already told you not to call me that in front of other people!”

“One doesn’t need to be shy. It’s just affection—”

“GRANDFATHER!!”

Another loud outburst, finally settling Harpandel down.

“I understand, I understand. Don’t get so upset. Rather, would you all like to enter?”

He heads back inside with those words.

Sighing, Clarissa follows him, and Nisia carrying me trails behind them.

The expansive mansion is filled with many servants. We continue through the corridors until we see an extravagant door.

“The Master is within—although He has a guest with Him…”

“Hilda? Then…”

A familiar voice sounds from inside the room.

“Uh?”

The voice belongs to someone whose elegance is undeniable and has been heard only occasionally—definitely her.

“Ms. Recess?”

“Indeed, it’s been a while.”

Recess, the owner and designer of Diamant Cors, and one of the representatives of the Fangju Commercial Guild.

Her fan snaps closed, revealing her face.

Her stern expression carries a faint smile, and her green piercing gaze exudes charisma.

“I heard you went to the academy, looks like you’re enjoying school.”

“Oh, yes.”

“Still, it’s disappointing. You never came by, even once, despite so many great conversations we could have had.”

Recess’s comment strikes my conscience.

“Ahaha, well…,”

“It’s fine, you must have had your own reasons.”

Recess shows that maturity while responding.

I was reluctant to visit due to both the lack of urgent financial needs and my discomfort in cross-dressing, but nonetheless, my absence remained a fault of mine. Quietly, I nod my head.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“It’s nothing.”

“What’s this? Do you two know each other?”

Harpandel inquires with interest.

“One day ago, our paths crossed lightly.”

“I see.”

His reply is brief, but it seems he understands within it as he nods his head.

“Then everyone, please sit. Ah, would she like to join the conversation?”

His question draws the attention of Nisia and Clarissa towards me.

“Yes, it’s fine. I would even prefer her to listen along.”

“Hmm?”

An intrigued response from Harpandel.

Did my unexpected calmness work? His fox-like eyes glint.

“I heard you wanted to meet me…may I ask why?”

“Yes.”

“May I inquire the reason?”

“I would like to seek your investment, Mr. Harpandel.”

“Investment?”

Harpandel raises an eyebrow.

“Not borrowing, but an investment?”

“Because it’s unlikely I’d be able to pay it back easily if I borrowed.”

“…”

Sensing a non-ordinary matter, Harpandel’s tone lowers slightly.

“If you can’t pay it back easily, why do you need such an amount?”

“I need to purchase something.”

“Hmm…?”

My response seemed unexpected. Recess, who had been silently listening, unfolds her fan again.

From that moment, the relaxed atmosphere vanishes, and the two powerhouses responsible for Fangju’s economy face me in their true forms.

With composed and cold gazes, they inspect me.

“Looking at you, doesn’t seem like you’re indulging in luxury. Interesting.”

“But shouldn’t you have no financial issues while attending the academy?”

Recess’s question prompts a nod from me.

“It’s unrelated to academy matters.”

“Please continue.”

“I need food—preserving well, with balanced calories and nutrition, in very large quantities.”

“Food?”

Unexpected answer loosens Harpandel’s sternness.

His eyes scan me up and down.

“…It doesn’t seem like that small frame requires such an amount?”

A playful hint in his question.

“Of course not, not for me, obviously.”

Up to that point, I speak in a serious tone, and look directly at the two.

“I need food for the people we rescued from the colony city.”

“…”

Upon hearing “colony city,” Harpandel and Recess’ expressions change.

A mix of surprise and solemnity.

Apparently, being in their positions, they already know what happens there.

“Did you really rescue people from the colony city?”

“Yes. But isn’t it already taken over by the Aliens?”

“I’ll explain shortly. Just, it’s extremely confidential, understood?”

Their heads nod slowly in agreement.

After confirming, I proceed to explain recent events to them.

A short but concise explanation focusing on the key points.

After hearing everything, Harpandel gazes at me.

“I’ve listened to what you have to say.”

“Yes.”

“Yet why are you bringing up investment with me? Wouldn’t it be easier just to seek help from Fangju?”

On the surface, it seems like a simple question. However, the meaning behind it runs deeper.

Why have you approached me, and why make this proposal to me?

That makes what comes next crucial.

“Because Fangju isn’t trustworthy.”

“Please go on.”

“Yes, the Earth Reclamation Corps is already doing poorly, so its image is bad enough, and their provisions are insufficient, right?”

“I see you know that.”

Harpandel nods his head.

“Alright, I understand why you aren’t seeking help from Fangju. But why exactly me?”

“Because I can trust you, Mr. Harpandel.”

“Hmm? What makes you think so?”

“Simple.”

After pausing a moment, I continue.

“You versus the Fangju government trying to accuse me of a crime I didn’t commit—and the grandfather of someone who loves children. Which one is more trustworthy?”

A hint of levity in my serious tone draws a soft smile to Harpandel’s lips.

“You’ve got me there. Alright, I understand that. But why an investment?”

“Because helping me now would yield no benefits for you. This request is asking you to invest not in who I am now, but in who I can become.”

“Hmm….”

Harpandel’s eyes gleam with interest.

“Intriguing, stepping up to take responsibility?”

“If necessary, certainly.”

“You make sense. But why go through all this? Realistically speaking, they’re complete strangers to you, right?”

A valid objection from Harpandel.

Hence, I reveal my true feelings.

“It’s not just sympathy; it’s necessity that’s driving me to act.”

There’s some truth to that claim.

To be honest, knowing what’s to come after Act 2 and sitting still while the conscience pricks, I couldn’t. Moreover, with each realization that this world isn’t just a mere game, I have no wish to make unnecessary sacrifices.

“…You aren’t very skilled at lying, huh.”

A stern response.

“But for that very reason, I like you more. Why hide your good heart?”

“Because some things can’t be achieved with good intentions alone, and I’m here to conduct a deal.”

“…”

Harpandel bursts into laughter.

“Ah, so this isn’t an impulsive action. In all the years I’ve lived, few have intrigued me as you do.”

Chuckling in jovial amusement.

“…You’ve matured even more, I see.”

Upon saying that, Recess folds her fan.

A soft curve softens her previously rigid expression.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, trust me on this one.”

“Agreed. Except for one detail.”

“What’s that?”

“Which is, Mr. Ed, the part about me not finding you fascinating.”

“Eh?”

Grandma…

Could he have some weird, unknown preferences…?!

My slight flinch and slight backward movement causes his eyes to narrow.

“…Whatever strange thoughts are going through your mind, rest assured, it’s nothing of that nature.”

“Is it? Sounds like…”

After all that has been shown, it still feels pretty odd.

“Indeed. So, enough with those looks.”

“Yes…”

Nonetheless, since it’s a request, I comply and return my gaze to its original direction.

“Then, what was it?”

“Have you forgotten what happened that evening? That’s somewhat disappointing…”

“That evening…?”

Umm, what’s he talking about?

Surely, the only time we met was the previous day at the Academy? Oh, wait…

“Grandfather?”

A tentative word.

Hearing it, Harpandel immediately approaches me and sits me on his wrist before hoisting me up.

“Yes! Just trust Grandpa, Ed!!”

He breaks into loud laughter.

“No, that’s definitely strange!”

…