IBPEMLC 13

Chapter 13

Since my guild was newly established, if we faced opposition before even properly starting, things could get very difficult in the future.

They might try to lure away the artisans I had marked… or worse, eliminate everyone around me to prevent me from doing anything.

It might sound extreme, but after working with the dark guild, I knew all too well how dirty this world could be, whether I liked it or not.

“Don’t worry about security. Even among the miners, we specifically chose those who are discreet, so we were a little short-handed.”

Experienced as always. He understood without needing me to explain. I had to observe and learn a lot from him.

I turned the next page. This time, it was the list of employed artisans.

“Most of the artisans you mentioned, CoCo, were being exploited.”

“Of course…”

I sighed in pity. It was good for me, but it was sad that they hadn’t seen the light for so long.

“They had their self-esteem completely destroyed so they couldn’t do anything on their own.”

Even if they worked hard on crafting the jewels, their efforts were dismissed and criticized, while someone else took credit and profited from their work.

In this field, which operated largely under an apprenticeship system, the circle was so small that displeasing a superior or master would inevitably lead to bad rumors.

Since tasks could be taken away or withheld, apprentices did what their masters instructed, trying not to incur their wrath.

It made my teeth grind just knowing there were people who would claim others’ labor as their own.

These were people who clearly had basic skills—otherwise, they wouldn’t be teaching—but they let jealousy blind them and committed acts like this.

People like that were utterly incomprehensible and utterly despicable.

“So I exposed their misdeeds and gave a long speech explaining that my master wouldn’t do the same. I even showed the contract before bringing them over. I explained the exclusive contract thoroughly. I helped them carefully review the contract and collected all the signatures.”

“You really went through a lot.”

I thanked Bai repeatedly. He had gone far beyond what I expected, guiding everything carefully.

At this point, I wondered if I should just hand the whole business over to Bai.

I looked over the list of artisans again. Most of the ones I had named were now employed.

“Bai, do you think their crafting skills are good?”

“Of course. They have good design sense, and their cutting skills are excellent. Considering they practically crafted the jewels themselves instead of their masters, their skills are guaranteed.”

Indeed, if someone could steal an apprentice’s work and pass it off as their own, it meant the apprentice had remarkable talent.

I worried that maybe my judgment was off, but luckily Bai had a keen eye.

“Are they all frustrated?”

“Of course. Anyone would be angry in that situation.”

“They’d want revenge, right?”

Bai smiled knowingly, as if he’d already anticipated my question.

“Do you have a plan?”

“I can let them take revenge.”

“In what way?”

“The first jewel will attract attention simply by being discovered. But the craftsmanship will also be noticed.”

I planned to use that. Once the first jewel was discovered, it would debut as spectacularly as possible.

Even if it caused losses, it had to leave a lasting impression of our guild in people’s minds.

“In fact, after the jewel is discovered and the design is complete, we plan to hold a very luxurious, high-end auction.”

“An auction?”

“Yes. That jewel will be expensive, and many nobles value expensive things. Even without our intervention, they will bid high.”

The price would probably skyrocket. Some presentation was necessary, but I was confident.

Bai didn’t object, thinking a jewel that glowed in two colors was certainly valuable enough for auction.

“I think it’s good to introduce the artisans who crafted the jewel, letting them explain it themselves.”

Who better to explain the advantages and strengths of the jewel than the creator themselves?

“That’s definitely smart! If explained properly, it will prove they’re not just amateurs, the price will rise, and their reputation will grow as well.”

More than that, imagining the apprentices’ rivals gritting their teeth in envy already made me feel full, even without eating.

Revenge is thrilling! Paying back as much as they’ve suffered—more than anything!

I bit my lip, pretending to be serious.

“So, please tell them to prepare in advance.”

Bai nodded willingly, as if he knew exactly what I meant.

“I’m already excited. Whenever one of your ideas comes up, CoCo, it gives me a thrill.”

“I’ll have to live up to that expectation.”

“You’re doing well, so don’t worry.”

If Bai said that much, then I must be doing pretty well.

Hood pulled low, I entered the Meiko tavern. Inside, the stench of alcohol was suffocating.

At the counter, I lifted my hood slightly. A brown wig hid my white hair.

Ron looked at my face and pointed to the basement without expression.

“Go down.”

“Thank you.”

Descending, a large space appeared. This was Sanhu’s office, a member of the dark guild.

I didn’t know much about Sanhu’s rank or role in the guild, only that he provided information for a fee.

“Oh, you’re here?”

Even though I’d given a false name, Sanhu had never called me that. Usually it was “Hey, kid” or something similar.

“Hello, Sanhu.”

He pulled a cigarette from his mouth and blew smoke directly at me. I coughed lightly. He didn’t care and replied sullenly.

“Sorry, but I’m not feeling very ‘hello’ today.”

“…Excuse me?”

I blinked innocently, pretending to be startled. I had anticipated Sanhu’s reaction.

“Phew.”

He inhaled deeply from his cigarette again and exhaled. The smoke stung my eyes.

He always enjoyed tormenting me, even knowing it hurt.

I wanted to punch him.

Sanhu waved his hand dismissively.

“Why have you been so unreliable lately? Most of the information your master gives is wrong.”

Normally, it had been fairly accurate, but lately, it was often incorrect. Sanhu’s patience was wearing thin.

I pretended to be flustered, stammering.

“Wha-what? That… can’t be…”

I was proud of my own performance as my pupils’ pupils, my eyes shaking with intensity. Sanhu fell for it.

“This can’t continue. We don’t do business that causes losses.”

“I-I’m sorry…”

“Tell your master: if this information is wrong again, we won’t accept it.”

With a shocked face, I silently handed him the note containing the real estate information.

“Go now. This is your last chance.”

“Yes…”

Pouting, I left the basement. Before exiting, I heard Sanhu’s voice full of regret.

“Any news on the one with the ‘Eye of God’?”

“Only rumors. No one’s actually seen him.”

“Tsk, that guy should come to us. Better than that idiot.”

I laughed inwardly at how unlucky they were. The “Eye of God” was avoiding them, idiots.

Walking along, I cursed them silently.

After I left, Sanhu stopped laughing and looked at the note I’d given. He clicked his tongue in disappointment.

“I thought I could make a fortune by spreading fake rumors about the ‘Eye of God’ because he had a keen eye, but…”

Lately, things had been unreliable. Even if he was a noble who overheard things, the information was often wrong now.

His credibility had dropped sharply. If this failed, he wouldn’t continue dealing with the kid.

Luckily, the land wasn’t very expensive, so no huge losses. If unnecessary, I could be cut off—so it didn’t matter.

“Anyway, I need to find that ‘Eye of God’ guy.”

If he could be drawn in, making money would be easy. But there was no clue as to his whereabouts.

“The lands…”

I tried tracing the owners of the lands that had been hits thanks to the “Eye of God,” but whoever left the money would leave a note with the land location and disappear. No one had seen their face.

Even the handwriting was unavailable. They memorized the locations and had the notes destroyed.

Still, his fame had value, even without the real Eye of God.

If only the kid’s master pretended to be the Eye of God, it would be perfect.

Sanhu clicked his tongue in regret.

“It’s disappointing. I thought maybe it was the kid’s master, but seeing how it is, it isn’t. Disappointing.”

Unlike the Eye of God, these lands increased in value, but most were mediocre.

“Sanhu, you need to take your next customer.”

“Ah, right. Send them in.”

It’s better to let go of what’s impossible.

A few days later.

Sanhu made up his mind. The information CoCo gave last time was terrible. Using her anymore would damage his reputation.

He should have anticipated this when he used a child as the agent while he stayed in the background.

Today was the day the kid would deliver information. Sure enough, she came timidly with a note.

Sanhu immediately issued a ban when CoCo approached. He had no time to waste on her.

“Go tell your master that we’re done trading!”

CoCo widened her eyes on purpose and clung to him.

“Wha-what? Sanhu, wait a moment!”

Sanhu signaled the burly man behind her to grab CoCo lightly over the shoulder.

“Kyaa! Wait, Sanhu! If you stop trading, my master will punish me! Please, just this once…!”

“Your problems are none of my concern. This is why nobles shouldn’t be lenient.”

“Please, Sanhu!”

“What are you doing, not dragging her out!”

“Sanhu!”

CoCo screamed, reaching out, but Sanhu cut her off firmly.

“Don’t even think about contacting me again! Even if you come here, you won’t see me. Our business is over. Come here again, and your life won’t be spared.”

Hearing such a breakup-like statement, CoCo almost laughed but tilted her head to hide it.

Sanhu thought she was frightened and sneered.

He threw her out like a ragdoll, and she tumbled once on the hard ground.

“Oww…”

Why throw me like that…?

Tears pricked CoCo’s eyes. He slammed the door as if to warn the burly man not to approach.

CoCo tried to stand, but her ankle throbbed, and she stumbled.

[CoCo!]

“Shh.”

Using the wall for support, she limped into an alley.

Finally in a deserted spot, she exhaled in relief.

“Finally done. Dark guild escape complete!”