Chapter 56
We were looking around the factory when suddenly goblins appeared. Worried they might barge inside, we hurried to lock all the doors. We held out inside, but eventually we thought we needed something to fight back with.”
“And what you found was that stone?”
“That’s right. I figured just scaring them off would be enough. I never imagined the goblin would disappear after getting hit by the stone.”
“That was reckless. What if the goblins got even angrier and became violent?”
“I didn’t think that far. Looking back now, it was a bit terrifying.”
But CEO Jang didn’t look scared in the slightest.
Wearing a cheerful grin, he spoke.
“Feel free to look around a bit more. I’ll go tidy up the factory.”
After he disappeared, we slowly examined the interior of the factory.
In one corner, there was a large pile of pitch-black stones.
Grand Duke Ruphélen picked one up and explained it to me.
“This mineral is called Tym. It’s a crucial material for making the nib of a contract quill. Judging by the looks of it, these are leftovers from refining.”
“He used the scraps to throw at goblins?”
“Exactly. Refined Tym costs a fortune—he wouldn’t dare throw that. And he wouldn’t leave valuable raw material lying around either.”
Once again, I was struck by how wealthy the Grand Duke was.
“So you can just casually buy those expensive contract quills made with Tym?”
“Do you want one? Just say the word. I can buy as many as you like. Or should I just buy the entire factory and give it to you?”
“What am I even supposed to say to that? Forget it.”
I inspected the mineral closely.
If this could deal a real blow to goblins, maybe it was similar to the magical light beams I used. After fighting pirates, my control over the light had improved, yet ironically, I still didn’t know the source of my power.
Maybe this mineral could be a clue?
I stared at it hard, but I couldn’t find anything similar to my power. It didn’t resemble Gary’s claws either.
“Gary, what do you think?”
“Hm, I don’t know either.”
Gary peeked out from the bag—because he didn’t like strangers—and responded before retreating again.
I shook my head.
“No idea. Everything feels suspicious, but nothing is clearly wrong.”
“Suspicious? What exactly?”
“Don’t you think this situation is strange? Goblins suddenly attacking a quill factory, a random stone thrown, and the goblin disappearing after being hit. Too many coincidences.”
I lowered my voice, glancing around.
But the Grand Duke only looked confused.
“If you leave goblins alone, they multiply. Probably the workers tried to fight them first. When it didn’t work, they ran inside, and the goblins chased them here.”
“And how do you explain that mineral?”
“Your magical light works on goblins, and so do a dragon hatchling’s claws. So it isn’t strange if there are other substances that can do the same.”
We couldn’t agree.
I knew why he was stubborn. Even Victor, the merchant guild leader, had acknowledged that ‘Pen-Sing Factory is a reputable business.’
Meaning, on the surface, it looked completely clean.
But arguing wouldn’t solve anything.
“All right, let’s do this,” I whispered to the Grand Duke as CEO Jang was tidying things in the distance.
“I’ll ask him directly if he knows Karun. But I don’t want to sour relations on our first meeting. I need to raise his favorability first.”
“Why bother? Jang and I already know each other. I’m a major customer here. Just let me ask him.”
Recently, whenever I tried to do anything, he would object. He didn’t want me in danger—yes, I understood—but I couldn’t hide behind him forever.
I was a max-level hero who wanted to act independently!
“At this rate, you’ll try to spoon-feed me too. No, I need to take the lead.”
Plus, I had the instincts of the original author of this world.
In the original story, this company barely mattered, but here it’s booming. Of course I’m suspicious.
So I had to ask Jang myself.
I called loudly as he approached.
“Oh! CEO Jang! Are you done?”
Step one of my charm strategy: compliment him!
“We took a good look, and your business expertise really shines through in this factory. It’s amazing.”
Just moments ago, I had looked annoyed, and now I was praising him. His smile widened instantly.
“Oh my, so the modern-built factory truly impressed you. Thank you for noticing my efforts.”
Praise really does make whales dance.
Good. Step two: flood him with money!
“I realized how outstanding the contract quills are. I’d like to buy them in bulk. Say, casually… one hundred?”
“One hundred at once?”
“I’ll pay in full up front, of course.”
(With the Grand Duke’s money, obviously. A zero-interest, indefinite loan for strategic purposes.)
His complaints echoed faintly in my memory, but I ignored them.
“Goodness! A new VIP customer on top of the Grand Duke! Always welcome.”
“That means I get some say in Pen-Sing Factory business now, right?”
“But of course.”
CEO Jang looked ready to dance.
Step three: propose collaboration!
“How about a joint project? ‘The Hero and Pen-Sing Factory Together—Goblin Extermination Campaign.’”
“You want to hunt goblins with us?”
“I use magical light, and Pen-Sing has Tym. The Empire will love seeing us fight together. Pen-Sing’s value will skyrocket.”
“That would benefit us greatly…”
As expected, greed flashed in his eyes. After checking the surroundings, he lowered his voice.
“Since you’re going this far… you must want something.”
“Sharp as always.”
“In business, nothing’s free. If I receive something, I should give something back. So—what is it you want?”
Perfect.
I went straight to the point.
“I’ll be direct. Do you know Karun Davis of the Tian Kingdom?”
“Karun?”
He frowned slightly in confusion.
“Never heard the name. Who is that?”
Just as expected—he pretended he didn’t know Karun.
“Karun is signing exploitative contracts with mages under the Pen-Sing name. You didn’t know?”
I raised my voice slightly. Jang glanced around nervously.
“Shh! Exploitative? There are ears everywhere.”
“He’s using the Pen-Sing name. Surely you aren’t unaware?”
“Don’t ask like you’re interrogating me. I truly don’t know this person.”
“And yet you’re the CEO? Sounds like you don’t have much control over your own company.”
Hearing my sarcastic tone, his face darkened instantly.
