Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Eighteen

Business the Zaire Way

ZAIRE LEVI's POINT OF VIEW

I expected that Froso or commonly known as Duke Franklin Bernard, owns part of the land in Griselda and has been traveling in the northern part of the kingdom to look for the sword magic of arcane level, which he bought it from me, after successfully acquitting the first level of the said magic, he's been discreetly looking for Z — me, he's been looking for me in search of the second level of the sword magic.

Amba left after I told him another mission.

While walking to Mom's room, Kate Bluerose, I felt the connection with my familiars on Luxes.

"Yes?"

"Forgive me, Mistress. It's just that... Alarkson—"

"No." I cut whatever Vana wanted to say. I know already what she wants to say, or more like what Alarkson wants her to say to me. Just like usual, the answer is no.

"I understand, Mistress. Please excuse me."

The connection went off. I shake my head, seriously, Alarkson and Kiera the two of them are so silly and stubborn it's hard to believe they're legendary beings.

Reaching my destination, I knock on the door softly. "Mom, it's me." I announced.

"Come in.." the soft answer of Mom. I slowly turn the knob on and entered her room, her room this time is smaller compared to her room in the main mansion. "Jozine, my child!" She greeted me then hugs me softly. "I'm relieved to see you safe."

"Me too, Mom. I was so worried when I found out about what happened."

She ushered me to sit and handed me a cup of tea. Erm, hesitantly, I took it then sips a little. I am not a fan of tea. Period.

"Elise also wants to thank you for saving her family."

Mom softly nodded her head.

She really is kind, the epitome of a kind and elegant person. I heard from Amba that while Felicia and Clarence the numbskull flee for their pathetic lives taking their personal maidservant, Mom brought along the servants she can, on their way they encountered Elise's family trying to run away and did not have a second thought of bringing them with her, sadly, she wasn't able to save all of the servants. Good thing the coachman was with them, I'm relieved to hear them safe and I'm sure so is Elise.

"By the way, Mom, I heard you weren't allowed to step out of the mansion. Who ordered that?" I ask even though I've heard it already from Amba, the little rat told me a lot of important information all through the days I wasn't present. Good thing he returned mid-way that day, if not I would still be a wandering mess.

Mom shakes her head and just smiled. She's just as angelic as Jozine, keeps smiling to keep their problems to themselves so that they won't burden others.

"Mom,"

"Be at ease, Jozine. Your sister and mother were worried about me that's—"

"They're not. Please stop trying to defend them, Mom. I know those two's true colors more than anyone else."

"Jozine,"

"Mom, tell me... never mind." I wanted to ask her if she's being held against her will in this mansion and in the previous one all because of me, because of Jozine, I badly want to know the reason why.

After spending time talking to her, I left her room but not before casting a protective spell on her.

Mom is an ordinary human, I don't want to take chances this time, the spell will help me send help once activated. Her safety is one of my promise to Jozine and I don't intend on breaking that promise, maybe break Clarence's face I can do.

Gah, that b***h really pisses me off!

Blake is in a separate room I arranged especially for him, across is Eufema's while Elise insisted on staying in the maid's quarters or the servant's quarters.

Just as I promised, I went to the Hunters Association, it did not take me so much time and although the city is big, I did not lose my way simply because a lot of commoners here knows the location of the Hunters Association.

"How ridiculous you are, a commoner like you, a hunter, wishes to buy a weapon made by a three-starred artificer? Get over yourself!"

Turning in that voice's direction, I saw a familiar face being pushed outside a rich-looking shop.

Armani's Weaponry

"I... I have money—"

"Regardless. Don't dirty my family's shop!" The lady shouted, "LEAVE!" She added.

The f**k?

Why the hell do you own a weaponry shop if you're just going to drive away your customers? Stupid mot—erm, stupid.

"But I have money!" Liam, one of the hunters with Odalf, I seem to recall he can Helga, no, was it Helda? Yeah Helda, he and Helda are siblings while the other girl with them is their cousin.

The lady just eyed Liam with disgust then entered the shop.

"Lady please—"

"Don't waste your time. She's gone." I said, Liam turned to me, surprised. I wave my hand at him. "Yo, you look pitiful kneeling on the ground."

Liam's eyes widen then he stood up while dusting his clothes off. "Miss... Jozine..." Oh, he remembers me, good thing I remembered his name, I think I'm getting better?

"Hi. I'm on my way to the Association, you want to come along?" I casually offered.

Liam hesitantly nodded his head.

Just like that, I've dragged him with me to the Association. He's looking down all the time looking dejected.

"Why are you so depressed?"

Liam glances at me before answering. "I just want to buy myself a new weapon. I've always wanted the spear they sell made by a known artificer but—"

"Why force them if they don't want to sell it? Trust me, you'll buy a better weapon. It's not like that shop is the only weapon shop around here." I said.

"It's not about the shop, it's about the weapon. That artificer only sells his created weapon in that shop and nowhere else."

I see. I did not say anything else, I have nothing else to say. He looks hell-bent on buying that spear made by that artificer so I don't think whatever I say will reach this man's ear. He's a stubborn mule.

"We're here." He announced.

Right in front of us is a three-story building, it looked like a mansion or a residential house on the outside, one that resembles that of medieval European architecture.

Written in front in Magian letters is 'Hunters Association' with a small emblem. A lot of people are going in and out, reminds of how stuff malls are on a daily basis.

"Let's go, Miss." Liam gestured for me to follow him.

The Hunters Association building contains the first floor which has the reception, a bulletin board on the wall, and sets of tables on the right corner where some of the hunters are.

"That wall contains quests for us, some are dungeon raid, escorting of merchants, and hunting. We have different requests every day that's why it all piled up since not all hunters are fearless of death like our party." Liam informed pointing at the bulletin, I mean quest board. He's right, it's piled up indeed that it looks like there are five to ten papers beneath another. "That over there is the cafeteria, sadly we don't have enough money to provide for all the hunters that's why the majority of the hunters bring their own food. Let's go this way."

He ushered me in front of the reception which has three windows each having its own clerk.

Registrar, Quest Acceptance, and finally the Reward, it goes from left to right.

"Hi, I want to talk to hunter Odalf." Liam said.

The clerk smiled. "Hunter Liam, you were part of hunter Odalf's party, right?" Liam nodded his head shyly. I guess Odald's pretty famous around here huh. "The hunter is currently on the second-floor resting. You may go."

Liam thanked the clerk before gesturing for me to follow him on the second floor.

"The second floor contains rooms that hunters who don't have a house or have no place to stay can rent temporarily. We pay five silvers for every stay and it helps with the association's budget here in Griselda. The third floor is the Head's office, his private room and meeting room, the current head of Hunters Association Griselda branch is Sir. Vicar Garrat, he's one of the founders of the association from the capital."

Liam continued to give me needed information of what I need to know about the association, basically, the association has five founders, all of them are commoners who have strong magic power from the capital, ever since the appearance of portals years ago the small organization they started became a big association now known as the Hunters Association, unfortunately, although it was recognized by the king for its "noble efforts", the noble families and Konseho, this world's magic council, started to pressure the organization in a way that made the association unable to collect sufficient funds to support its hunters and their needs, hunters which are given the responsibility to face-off monsters and beasts first-hand.

This being the case, the agreement between Konseho and Hunters Association entails that the magic council will provide weapons, armors, and magic items for the association's hunters while in return, the association will need to give-back half of its profits including the bodies of the monsters of beasts that they capture, in special cases, even the magic cores are taken by the Konseho, which I honestly and obviously f*****g unfair especially because their so-called weapons, armors, and magic items are s**t.

My god, just who made their shitty weapons? Armors that doesn't look reliable at all and magic item that... my, utter s**t.

The association was scammed.

"You are finally here Lady Jozine! Welcome, welcome!" Odalf said as soon as he gets out of his room, he looks really excited it's making me wonder why. It's just me.

"Let's go to the Head's office." He said gesturing for me to follow him while Liam had to say goodbye because of his job,  impromptu guiding me, is done. I thanked him before he left, I have a feeling that he will go back to that shop.

The Head, a man around his fifties with gray hair sitting on his table with a strict expression welcomed us.

I honestly don't know why I need to talk directly and personally to the Head of the association when all I honestly want to do is to register as a new hunter. This... should I take this as a special treatment?

"You are Jozine Vesaurius?" The association's Head asks staring daggers at my face.

Okay, he does look intimidating, using celestial eyes, an ability Aya recently told me which enables me to see someone's magic energy and magic base, I can clearly see how strong this man is. His magic base is color gold while his magic energy level is Distinguished. Damn, he's powerful!

"I am," I answered staring back.

When I look at him he gives off a military officer's, or maybe a politician's vibe if we were back on Earth, it's really intimidating but it's not that intimidating that it can choke someone just by his eyes alone.

It's intimidating enough to know that he is someone intimidating.

"You want to be a hunter?" He asks still looking at me, I nodded my head again. The Head looks at me from head to toe. "You're a noble, why do you want to be one?"

Why do I want to be a hunter? Of course, I can't really tell him the real reason but I also can't give him a too casual answer.

"As far as I'm concerned you accept anyone who wants to be a hunter regardless of their social standing. I want to be a hunter because I believe that a hunter is a very important job in this kingdom." I answered, "Well if you're worried that I'm bluffing or I don't take this job seriously then don't worry too much. I don't give a s**t what other nobles say about me." I added.

Aside from the fact that rumors will spread in Griselda pertaining to a magic-less once prodigy becoming a hunter, this will increase someone's confidence.

I mean Clarence's confidence because she recently awakened her magic, apparently, based on Amba's news, my numbskull of a sister thinks she's the best in the entire universe because of that.

She has become more entitled than she was that it's actually hilarious.

"You..." The Head sounded surprised. I don't know why though, even Odalf looks shocked. About what exactly? "Very well. Odalf, help her register as a hunter and let her join your party." He said.

Odalf who looks more than delighted enthusiastically nodded his head I don't know how many times, thanked the Vicar and hurriedly left, leaving me alone.

Isn't he an amazing party leader leaving his party member alone?

I bow my head, "Thank you for letting me join." I thank turning on my heels to leave when the Head spoke.

"You know how troublesome your life will become once you join this association. The nobles will criticize you for joining an association solely focused on the commoners and by the commoners."

I smirked without looking back. Heck, I'm not bothered even in the slightest way, if anything, it's actually fun! I can be on Felicia's nerve for a very, very long time.

This is exciting!

"I told you, I don't care about them. Joining this association which aims to protect the people is fun, I'm having fun even before I start so please rest easy. Thank you again, association head."

Now, I badly want to have a camera to capture just how hideous Felicia's angered face will be when once she hears the news.

~

"This way please..."

Without saying anything but only a nod, I followed the butler as he guided us towards Duke Franklin's personal office.

"Your guest has arrived, Duke Franklin." Announced the butler outside the closed double door.

"Let them in."

On cue, the butler opened the door, slightly bowed, and gesture for us to enter. I nod my head as thanks and entered with Blake behind me.

"You are... Z?" Duke Franklin also known as the merchant Froso asks unsure.

"No. I am her master." I answered.

I watch as Duke Franklin, although hesitant, politely gestured for me to sit in front of his table, Blake with his dragon-themed black mask stood behind me unwilling to sit or be anywhere else.

"How may I call you... Sir?" The Duke politely asks.

Sir... I guess he thinks I'm a man since my face is hidden behind a black mask without eyes, mouth, or nose, just a plain black mask covering my entire face. This magical black mask from Luxes also has the ability to change someone's voice when worn that's why my voice sounded different, it turned deeper and animatic but from the people who can hear me, they too will be unsure what exactly is my gender.

"Call me Istorya." I answered curtly.

Duke Franklin nods his head. "Yes, yes, Istorya, would you like to have some tea?"

I shake my head. f**k it, I hate tea.

"I see. Since I know Z is straightforward I suppose you as her master is just as well. I'd like to buy the second part of the sword magic I bought from her."

I smirk. He learned huh.

"I understand, however, I warn you it will not be as cheap as Z offered to you before. She was foolish to trade the Sword Magic of  Arcane level for some magic cores. I on the other hand know better, do you dare, Duke Franklin?"

Duke Franklin's determined expression did not falter, instead, he nodded his head.

I guess he knows how valuable this sword magic, the higher the level of this magic, the more complicated it is thus the more valuable it is.

"I am willing."

I nodded my head. "I million gold coins." His eyes widen, I smirked again. "No more, no less."

"...one million... gold..."

"Yes, Duke Franklin. One. Million. Gold. Coins." I emphasized. "We both know how strong your family will become once this second level is mastered, furthermore, I have the complete and detailed information of steps to be done, and no one but me has this information."

Duke Franklin nodded his head slowly, I caught his Adam's apples rising and falling indicating a gulp.

I did not say anything but just waited for him to decide. Yeah, I know, one million gold coins, shocking but just like I told him, compared to how their family will be one million gold coins is nothing.

"Let me give you another offer, Duke Franklin." He raised his head to look at me. "Five million gold coins, for the last level of this magic. Sword Transformation."

The Duke's eyes widen, out of surprise he stood up. Just like before, I guess he tends to stand up when he's shocked.

"Third...step?" He asks. "I will take it!" He exclaimed.

Of course, you will.

"Please stay here for a little while we settle the gold coins." He said as he hurried to leave.

Once alone in the room, I chuckle then turned to Blake. "W earned five million gold coins."

I don't know if Blake is too surprised to move to answer or he just doesn't care, he simply nodded his head.

We waited for almost an hour when Duke Franklin returned with five middle-sized treasure chests, behind him is his butler and other two workers.

The Duke ordered them to place the chests in front of me.

"You can check if the amount is correct." The Duke advised.

I shake my head. I don't want to look stupid counting millions of gold coins. Na-uh. "I trust that the Duke will not deceive me." With a gesture of my hand, the chests all disappeared.

I took one of the storage rings on Luxes which is about the size of the mansion's master's bedroom to keep these golds instead of keeping it on Luxes, if Kiera did not warn me that aside from meat, Alarkson also eats gold, I would have lost five million coins. Phew, good thing I was warned.

I placed another storage ring on the table in front of Duke Franklin. "Inside is the scrolls containing what we talked about. Drop a hint of your blood and inject your magic energy on it so you will be able to have access to it."

Duke Franklin nodded his head with a satisfied smile and did what I told him, just like I said, he was able to freely use the storage ring and release the scrolls.

Completely satisfied he repeatedly thanked me as if I gave it to him for free, well, I did gave him a discount though.

"By the way, you know the Marquis of this city, right Duke Franklin?"

"Yes! The Bellmore and Bernard family are close friends. Do tell me if you need help and I'm more than willing to assist you!" He answered enthusiastically. Does he want to be on my good side? Does he know I have good things with me? This man is not so simple as he tries to be, although he acts so simply, the calculative look on his eyes when he looks at me can't be mistaken.

That's how a businessman looks when he realizes he struck a good deal not only at present but in the future as well.

My, Duke Franklin is a cunning man too.

"I would appreciate it if you can introduce me to the Marquis, I'd like to buy land from him."

Duke Franklin's forehead creases, "Land?"

I nodded my head. "Yes. I would like to open an auction house." I said and stood up, "I'll be waiting for your good news, Duke Franklin." I added the turned around.

"Wait, young master, how will I contact you?" He asks.

Right, he doesn't know that there's a rat keeping eyes on him and I can't possibly tell him that. 

"Don't worry. I have my ways. I'll see you soon, Duke."

"Wait, young master. Please take this." He handed me a brown envelope which I gladly take. "Our family will hold a small gathering of nobles for my son's success in breaking through, I would really appreciate your presence on that day."

Oooh, party huh.

"I see. Then I shall consider it, see you soon, Duke Franklin."

After bidding goodbye, Blake and I returned to the inn to change our clothes. This has been a busy and long day, nonetheless, I earned pretty well. Now, should I return back to the mansion? Aww, maybe Felicia misses me right now.

DUKE FRANKLIN BERNARD's POINT OF VIEW

"My Lord, can we trust that man?" My butler asks as soon as our guests left.

"Trust is but a big word, between business transactions such as these it's a matter of whether one will be useful or not." I answered.

I said that yet I cannot shake off this feeling that, that man along with his disciple named Z, that little girl cannot be messed with.

Having a storage ring is common among nobles, however, the space of the storage ring has regardless of how expensive it is, is small, it's the size of a regular bedroom, but Istorya's storage ring has bigger space, not only that, the ring needs to be contracted, a type of storage ring that can only be made by a seven to a nine-starred artificer. Yet, that man has two of them. 

Even the black cloak and black mask he wore are not simple, the man itself is not simple, he has no magic energy and even magic base yet his presence is something that even I cannot ignore. It's unnerving how that man who seems to have no magic carries such a presence and such a powerful servant behind him.

Just who is the person behind that mask?

I shake my head and ordered for my butler to prepare the carriage, I should do what was ask of e, I'd rather be allied with that person than become his enemy, I have this hunch that he pays grace with grace and vengeance with vengeance, I believe that such type of people should be kept on your side as an ally than an enemy.

ZAIRE LEVI's POINT OF VIEW

"What is the rumor going around?! You joined that commoners' association?!" That, ladies and gentlemen, is what greeted me as soon as I enter the mansion.

Isn't Felicia a doting and loving mother? As soon as I entered she exclaimed in my ear. Amazing. I woke up because of her golden voice, her voice so golden I wanna plug her throat with pipe to shut her up.

I turned to her and smiled. "Yes I did, mother. I feel like I have to do something to help this world become a better and safe place to live in and I believed that the association provides me that, aside from that I do believe that regardless of not having magic, one shall not cowardly run away from thy responsibility that is why this noble cause I seek shall be fulfilled by actions alone." I answered with a small smile, I made sure to say that proudly.

Just like how Miss Universe contestants answered.

"Have you really lost your mind because you lost your magic?!" She exclaimed in anger while looking so frustrated. Ah, how satisfying, the way her beautiful face crumpled into an ugly one is so nice! 

I feigned a hurt expression. "Mother please, stop reminding me of that. I know Clarence is so much better than I am in your eyes, especially now that she awakened her magic but please, consider my feelings!" I exclaimed with a fake hurt tone and expression, a little tear falling then run away to my room. "Uwaaaaa~"

Welcome to Zaire's acting 101 where your s**t acting turns to s**t-no-more! Register now!

Pfft! 

I said that to add to Clarence's overflowing confidence, damn, when she was watching me all sad and dejected she looks so satisfied, once she heard me complimenting her, her expression turned even more delighted.

I want to gag, seriously. Does she not notice her confidence is like a drum of water overflowing that it has turned the land into mud? 

"Lala, Master! I'm baaack~"

I look at my feet, there Amba is. I pick him up and asked about his mission I recently gave.

"The man related to your sister is now back, my lady. He is an aristocrat of high standing and is invited by Duke Franklin's son to join the party seven days from now."

Oh my gosh, what's this? Is luck my best friend? Is luck and I inseparable? Why is everything going on my side? 

...and I love it so f*****g much!

I devilish smirk formed on my lips. Ay, Clarence and Lothario Dexter, are you ready for my little revenge? I hope you are! 

Muwahahahaha~