Chapter 17
To make stainless steel that does not rust, the required metals were nickel and chromium.
And in the mines of the Kalibor territory, both ores—yellow ore and dark iron ore—were being produced.
If Yujin could successfully make a deal,
then making stainless steel would not be difficult.
But—
‘The head of the family, Targon Kalibor, is a difficult person…’
Targon was strict and stubborn.
And Yujin’s position in the Magnus family was very weak.
On top of that, even Cassian and Laisha had been kicked out without proper discussion.
So Yujin was very worried.
But—
“I’m truly happy to meet such a promising young man! I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time! Welcome!”
Targon welcomed him warmly—far beyond expectations.
‘Am I seeing things?’
Even Edgar doubted his eyes.
“Th-thank you…”
Yujin was also surprised.
‘If anyone is promising, it should be those two… not me.’
But—
“You’re very handsome as well. As expected of Isaac Magnus’s son. Among his children, you’re the best-looking!”
“Ah… thank you…”
“You deserve to hear that!”
It seemed Targon had definitely heard something about him.
Yujin asked carefully:
“May I ask… have you investigated me before?”
“I didn’t investigate, but I know about your background.”
“…I see.”
That didn’t sound like empty words.
“Then… who told you about me?”
“Robak told me.”
“Ah…”
Now it made sense.
Robak was Ivrin Kalibor’s teacher.
“Thanks to your help, my daughter achieved something great.”
So he was a parent who cared deeply about his child.
“That’s too much praise. It’s because Ivrin is talented.”
“No. You did something no one in the Magic Tower could do.”
“My daughter doesn’t listen to anyone, but thanks to you, she achieved something meaningful.”
‘…Even someone like him worries about his child.’
Yujin felt something strange.
Then—
“I also heard about your talent. They say you have what it takes to inherit the Magnus family.”
“Haha…”
“I wanted to invite you someday, so this is perfect. Welcome, Yujin Magnus.”
“Thank you.”
This was not why Yujin came,
but it was still a good situation.
At least he wasn’t rejected.
Then—
“So, why did you come? I hope it’s something more meaningful than those two.”
Targon’s eyes became serious.
Yujin felt the pressure.
‘…I have no choice.’
“…I came because I want to trade for some materials from your mines. I want to create something new.”
“Oh?”
His gaze turned sharp.
‘He became cold…’
Maybe he was the type who separates gratitude and business.
“…I know your ores are high quality. I’m willing to pay the price—”
“That’s disappointing to hear.”
“…Yes?”
“Helping a promising young man is a joy. I can’t charge you too much. I’ll give you a special discount.”
“…Thank you…”
Yujin was stunned.
‘Our young master has amazing connections…’
Edgar was impressed.
***
“Alright. Let’s agree on this.”
The deal was completed.
“Thank you, Lord Targon.”
“I’ll go prepare the documents. Please wait.”
Targon left.
“…Phew.”
Yujin sighed in relief.
“The terms are very good,” Edgar said.
“Is it enough?”
“Yes.”
They got high-quality materials at a lower price.
It was a great deal.
Soon, Targon returned.
“Sign here.”
Yujin checked carefully and signed.
“Your materials will be sent soon.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you leaving now?”
“Yes.”
Targon looked a bit disappointed.
“I welcomed you, but we only talked about business…”
Yujin quickly changed his tone:
“I’d like to learn more about this territory.”
“As an alchemist, I’m interested in such high-quality minerals.”
“And I’d like to learn from your experience.”
Targon smiled.
“Haha… there’s nothing special…”
But he clearly liked it.
“Special things don’t fade with time. That’s true wisdom.”
“Right! You really are different from other young people.”
“Then spend some time with this old man.”
“It’s an honor!”
***
At the same time—
“We can’t just give up,” said Laisha.
Cassian and Laisha secretly returned.
They bribed a guard to enter.
“That half-commoner must have been kicked out by now.”
“Yes. Now is the perfect timing.”
But—
“You’re truly impressive for your age!”
They froze.
“…What was that?”
They moved closer.
And saw—
Targon warmly patting Yujin’s shoulder.
“I wish my son were even half like you.”
“…What?”
They were shocked.
‘Does he have some hidden backing?’
Then—
“Why are you here?”
The head servant appeared.
“You were already dismissed. Please leave.”
“But we are Magnus—”
“That doesn’t matter.”
They were thrown out again.
***
Meanwhile—
Yujin toured a museum inside the castle.
“Our family wasn’t always in mining.”
They used to farm.
But the land was poor.
So they turned to mining.
Now they were rich.
But—
“Many people sacrificed their lives.”
Targon showed a wall of names.
“These are those who died in the mines.”
“…I see.”
Mining was dangerous, just like in Yujin’s past life.
“I try to reduce accidents now.”
That explained his strict personality.
“Many lives depend on this.”
“I understand.”
“Then show results, not just effort.”
“I will.”
They talked more.
Then—
“This is where we display our minerals.”
There were many different ores.
“Feel free to look around.”
“Thank you.”
Yujin looked around.
‘There really are many minerals…’
Then—
‘…What is this?’
One ore had no name.
It was gray-black, metallic, layered—
similar to graphite.
“May I ask about this?”
“It was recently discovered. It has no name yet.”
But Yujin knew.
‘Molybdenite.’
It contained molybdenum.
A very valuable metal.
It could improve alloys—
even stainless steel.
‘With this… I can make 316 stainless steel.’
Better than 304.
Stronger.
More resistant—even to seawater.
Which meant—
‘Victory in this competition is mine.’
He had found the ultimate advantage.
