The Tristar family’s office.
Reflecting the family’s distinctive traits, the office, favored by the family’s leader, is adorned with more mystical tools than decorations and filled with more spellbooks than scholarly volumes.
Only those permitted entry are the family head, a select few servants responsible for upkeep, and guests personally invited by the family’s leader.
Considering that most guests are received in the parlor and led to gatherings in the hall, receiving an invitation to this office alone signifies that one is an esteemed guest of the Tristar family.
And, in my assessment, this was indeed a matter of significance.
“Then, Your Highness, let’s discuss the compensation.”
“Hmm. Let’s proceed.”
“Firstly, the compensation is…”
“No, I’d like you to hear my proposal first.”
“Yes? Understood.”
Discussing finances is of utmost importance, isn’t it?
The pleasure of negotiating compensation when I hold the advantage is quite delightful. There’s more to gain than anticipated, and much that I desire. Let’s activate the skill. Now.
“[Let’s begin discussing the compensation.]”
***
Count Glass Tristar sensed a shift in the prince’s demeanor right in front of him.
With just a word. The moment he mentioned starting the compensation discussion, the young man before him seemed imposing.
Like the gravity one feels when meeting His Majesty the Emperor. Such a commanding presence at such a young age?
“Well, what I can offer you is…”
“As I mentioned, I’ll make a proposal.”
“…Ah, I apologize, Your Highness.”
One must not be impolite. Let’s begin with exploration. And it may just be a feeling, perhaps intimidated by the lineage of the imperial family. Count Glass Tristar cautiously met Wolfram’s gaze, and then…
“My accomplishments and acts of bravery have already proven themselves, haven’t they?”
“Yes, indeed.”
Count Glass found himself involuntarily averting his eyes.
Indeed, he had proven himself. This young man, Wolfram von Roengreen, employed an unknown method to deal with monsters. This method spread rapidly, allowing the Tristar family to manage the slimes that had infested their mines.
Not just the mines near this family. This mysterious method would spread to all the mines owned by the family. In other words, he had initiated a revolution in the mining industry. If this issue had not been resolved, the family would have suffered greatly, burdening the daughters who would carry the family’s legacy.
However, this young man, chosen as Aila’s partner, appeared casually and resolved the situation as if he were unaware of the significance of his actions.
Count Glass Tristar decided to present an opportunity.
“Before we proceed, I must express my deep gratitude. You have done us a tremendous service.”
To express gratitude here is a common tactic of humble merchants. How could a debtor praise and thank a creditor? If Count Glass Tristar had received such gratitude, he would have certainly found fault and demanded a larger payment. However, Wolfram simply smiled lightly and brushed it off.
“Don’t mention it. It wasn’t that big of a deal. I handled it easily with a bit of knowledge.”
“Is that so?”
The conversation was not yet concluded. He realized that solving the slime problem was “never a big deal” to him. With this solution alone, he could gain control of any other mine around.
For instance, if he intentionally introduced slimes into mines and then purchased those affected mines at a discounted rate, using this method to resolve the issue, he could amass a fortune annually… Essentially, a transformative change would sweep through the mining industry.
“I have no interest in small, immediate gains.”
“Oh…!”
As if reprimanding Count Glass for his wicked thoughts, Wolfram spoke in a restrained tone.
“Count Glass Tristar, I’d like to offer you an opportunity.”
At the mention of an opportunity, he felt his heart quicken. Words filled with enchantment. An offer too enticing to resist.
“An opportunity, you say?”
“I’m not interested in merely discussing material compensation for this matter.”
“My perspective is limited, and I don’t fully grasp it. May I hear your true intentions?”
“I take pride in turning even the smallest business dreams into reality with my own efforts.”
“You’re right. I’ve already been impressed several times by what I’ve heard from Aila.”
“I’m confident that I can achieve it with my intellect, but at times, regrettably, without the necessary material support, it remains unrealized.”
“By that, you mean…”
“Wouldn’t you like to witness how much we can change the world by providing the things I desire from your side?”
“Ah…”
In an instant, his heart nearly stopped. And then, just before it could, it started beating several times harder.
“On the stage where the world transforms, there’s a place for you, Count.”
“Oh, ohh, ohhhhh…!”
A single sentence was sufficient. It’s not just about profit and loss, not about sharing earnings, but about wanting to embark on a journey toward the future. That’s what this young man was conveying.
Like a creature securing a spot on the ark. Count Glass’s eyes trembled endlessly, like a believer testifying to their faith.
“The things I will create in the future will change Jephryn, the Empire, and ultimately usher in a new world.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“Will you stand by my side?”
Count Glass didn’t respond in words. Nothing is lighter than the words of a merchant. He simply knelt on one knee, placed his left hand over his heart, and extended his right hand to the young man.
A truly noble gesture, symbolizing the offering of his heart.
***
I had done it. Count Glass’s action was the stance of loyalty that honorable noble men would adopt!
“Rise. I am still far from deserving your loyalty.”
“Yes, yes. Understood, Your Highness.”
This was, in fact, the result of blending the original work and reality to the best of my comprehension.
Perhaps it could be said that I inferred the most plausible action by combining the original work with reality.
For instance, in the original work, Aila Tristar torments Kelters until Act 2, but in Act 3, her actions change. She suddenly starts gathering talent, embezzling, and eventually goes on a rampage, threatening Eve with a knife and committing the grave offense of ‘hostility toward the student council president,’ leading to her being subdued by Regina Ciel and Kelters and expelled from school.
But the Tristar family’s finances were more resilient than expected. The starting point for Aila’s downfall was likely this mining incident. There was no detailed explanation in the game, but this could be assumed.
Especially when Spica was recruited as an ally in the game. Her basic equipment was less impressive compared to other first-year students, which reinforces this assumption.
In simple terms, a problem arose in Aila’s family. Aila believed only talent could solve it, and as a result, the Aila faction was formed, falling out of favor with Eve, leading to a clash with Regina, and ultimately, Aila’s submission.
And the Tristar family was left in ruins. It can be inferred that Spica also managed to enroll but was in dire financial straits.
But I don’t want to witness that.
Aila, Spica, and even Count Glass, they’re all genuinely good people, aren’t they? So…
“First and foremost, what I desire is a mutual exchange.”
“…Exchange, you say?”
“Yes. From the Tristar family, I want valuable ores or materials, not money.”
“Hmm. When you mention valuable ores, how far down the tier are you thinking?”
“Starting from tier 9 common stones, and if possible, up to the renowned tier 1 Chilwang ore.”
“Goodness! But isn’t Chilwang ore something that only exists in legends?”
“That’s just an expression. What I’m essentially seeking are rights. The right to have the first bid on the minerals extracted by the Tristar family.”
“…The right to bid?”
“Yes. I’ll pay in currency. Additionally, I’ll handle the monsters in the mines and share information about prototype items crafted from the minerals obtained from the Tristar family.”
“…That’s an overwhelmingly advantageous offer for us. We’re in agreement.”
I nodded subtly, and inwardly, I celebrated.
Done.
It worked.
Even if I were to receive payment now, it would be at most several billions of Rin. That’s the absolute maximum.
But the items that appear very late in the game can’t be bought for just several billions. That’s why I wanted the materials, and I got them. I’ve secured the support of the Tristar family, who boasts the finest mining business in the west.
To think I could gain so much from defeating just a few thousand slimes; this world is exceptionally kind to me.
Apparently, selling the dream played a significant role.
Aila symbolizes rebellion, Spica represents revolution, and the Count stands for reform… It seems like I spoke as if I had such grand ambitions, and that not investing now would result in a loss—it worked quite effectively.
Of course, I have to pay for the bidding rights, but that in itself is a significant gain.
No matter how much money you have, there are things you can’t buy.
Thinking this, I nodded my head, and Count Tristar made an unusual remark.
“However, this is a legitimate transaction. It’s hard to see it as obtaining a ticket to join His Highness’s dream.”
“…Is that so?”
What, there’s nothing more to receive, but you’re offering more?
Well, it’s difficult to refuse when an elder makes an offer. I’ll gratefully accept.
Let’s see. What shall I receive?
The thing most lacking in my convenience store right now is…
Ah, there it is.
“Do you also provide metal shaping and processing services? I also need a mage with magic and golem crafting skills.”
“I will recruit them immediately. But what will you use them for?”
“For the dream.”
“Your command.”
***
For about the next week, excluding the one time I returned to Jephryn to pick up some goods, I stayed with the Tristar family.
Of course, it wasn’t a break; I considered what was most necessary for the convenience store right now and spent quite some time working on it.
“Well, from now on, it seems better to modify existing items rather than crafting new steel plates.”
“My, how did you come up with such an idea… Is it possible? Well, my soul yearns to make it possible.”
“Excellent. I’ve seen the future that His Highness envisions. Our Mechanics Union and the Golem School’s mages would definitely like to seize this opportunity.”
“However, creating it is one thing, but it requires a mage with exceptional magical manipulation skills to operate it…”
“Oh, I see. That’s a plan… Goodness. I am amazed by His Highness Wolfram’s foresight.”
And so, everyone’s dreams converged into one.
It was the creation of a two-carriage train, a dual-carriage magical automatic carriage!
***
When Aila saw my carriage, she widened her eyes and inquired.
“So, you built this? With that precious golem core…?”
“Mm. Yes, that’s correct.”
“Do you know that golem cores are now impossible to manufacture? Each one would fetch billions at an auction… The imperial family uses them all, rotating them for the protection of the great mages.”
“…”
No,
Really?
“… Hm. I’m aware.”
My royal bloodline saved me from uttering a curse. Thank you, royal bloodline!
No, wait. Don’t be swayed by mere billions, Wolfram. You must not waver. Don’t regret your choice.
“Well, anyway, it’s what’s most needed for my convenience store right now. The issue with my store is its location. Running a regular service twice a day should attract more customers.”
“But it’s still a golem core…”
“It’s alright. This is my goal.”
“Oh, Wolfram’s dream… Hehe. Yes, you must have this kind of determination.”
The golem core.
I used the one obtained by defeating a golem in the ruins of the Act 1 Scene 4 Eastern Forest as an engine, directly inscribing the moving magic formula onto the carriage.
Naturally, the driving method is through magic control, and this is extremely challenging.
That’s why I hired Patrasch as the driver.
“…Am I really going to drive this? Master? Are you serious?”
“For four days a week while I operate the convenience store. Drive three times a day regularly, and you can have two days off. It’s a contract until I graduate.”
“I will follow and comply, my master.”
Patrasch, dressed in a suit with the embossed W.R logo and an engineer’s hat, nodded his head.
Good. I’ve found a driver.
“Wolfram. May I ride it? May I be the first to ride?”
“Go ahead.”
Aila seemed the most delighted about this creation, bouncing around like a child, and I nodded.
And so, a week passed.
The results of operating the convenience store service were genuinely astounding.
Even Patrasch was astonished by the outcome, giving me a significant look.
“Master.”
“…”
“No new customers came. The usual black obsidian lady. The laborer. The assassin. Three Chicks… Oh, and the descendant with magical talent.”
“…”
“Is this the result you anticipated?”
“…”
“Master. Tomorrow is a day off. Are you aware?”
“…I am.”
“Wow, it’s empty? Wolfram, then I’ll take the regular service one more time! Wolfram! Is that okay?!”
“…Go ahead.”
“Yay! Thank you, Wolfram! Patrasch, let’s go!”
“…”
The number of customers didn’t increase. Aila, Nephti, Rudika, Mille-feuille, even Eve praised it.
But why…?
“Mm. Master.”
“…What is it?”
“I think people won’t ride in a carriage driven by an unknown wolf unless they’re out of their minds.”
“…Ah.”
“Just so you know, the contract is already set until the end of next year. Don’t break the contract with the fairies.”
“I know.”
“Keke… Tomorrow is a day off. I should go out and enjoy a bit. Then I’m off to drive the regular service. Work hard.”
The laughter that Patrasch let out as he passed by weighed on my heart.
It was a bitterly cold spring.
The Tristar family’s office.
Reflecting the family’s distinctive traits, the office, favored by the family’s leader, is adorned with more mystical tools than decorations and filled with more spellbooks than scholarly volumes.
Only those permitted entry are the family head, a select few servants responsible for upkeep, and guests personally invited by the family’s leader.
Considering that most guests are received in the parlor and led to gatherings in the hall, receiving an invitation to this office alone signifies that one is an esteemed guest of the Tristar family.
And, in my assessment, this was indeed a matter of significance.
“Then, Your Highness, let’s discuss the compensation.”
“Hmm. Let’s proceed.”
“Firstly, the compensation is…”
“No, I’d like you to hear my proposal first.”
“Yes? Understood.”
Discussing finances is of utmost importance, isn’t it?
The pleasure of negotiating compensation when I hold the advantage is quite delightful. There’s more to gain than anticipated, and much that I desire. Let’s activate the skill. Now.
“[Let’s begin discussing the compensation.]”
***
Count Glass Tristar sensed a shift in the prince’s demeanor right in front of him.
With just a word. The moment he mentioned starting the compensation discussion, the young man before him seemed imposing.
Like the gravity one feels when meeting His Majesty the Emperor. Such a commanding presence at such a young age?
“Well, what I can offer you is…”
“As I mentioned, I’ll make a proposal.”
“…Ah, I apologize, Your Highness.”
One must not be impolite. Let’s begin with exploration. And it may just be a feeling, perhaps intimidated by the lineage of the imperial family. Count Glass Tristar cautiously met Wolfram’s gaze, and then…
“My accomplishments and acts of bravery have already proven themselves, haven’t they?”
“Yes, indeed.”
Count Glass found himself involuntarily averting his eyes.
Indeed, he had proven himself. This young man, Wolfram von Roengreen, employed an unknown method to deal with monsters. This method spread rapidly, allowing the Tristar family to manage the slimes that had infested their mines.
Not just the mines near this family. This mysterious method would spread to all the mines owned by the family. In other words, he had initiated a revolution in the mining industry. If this issue had not been resolved, the family would have suffered greatly, burdening the daughters who would carry the family’s legacy.
However, this young man, chosen as Aila’s partner, appeared casually and resolved the situation as if he were unaware of the significance of his actions.
Count Glass Tristar decided to present an opportunity.
“Before we proceed, I must express my deep gratitude. You have done us a tremendous service.”
To express gratitude here is a common tactic of humble merchants. How could a debtor praise and thank a creditor? If Count Glass Tristar had received such gratitude, he would have certainly found fault and demanded a larger payment. However, Wolfram simply smiled lightly and brushed it off.
“Don’t mention it. It wasn’t that big of a deal. I handled it easily with a bit of knowledge.”
“Is that so?”
The conversation was not yet concluded. He realized that solving the slime problem was “never a big deal” to him. With this solution alone, he could gain control of any other mine around.
For instance, if he intentionally introduced slimes into mines and then purchased those affected mines at a discounted rate, using this method to resolve the issue, he could amass a fortune annually… Essentially, a transformative change would sweep through the mining industry.
“I have no interest in small, immediate gains.”
“Oh…!”
As if reprimanding Count Glass for his wicked thoughts, Wolfram spoke in a restrained tone.
“Count Glass Tristar, I’d like to offer you an opportunity.”
At the mention of an opportunity, he felt his heart quicken. Words filled with enchantment. An offer too enticing to resist.
“An opportunity, you say?”
“I’m not interested in merely discussing material compensation for this matter.”
“My perspective is limited, and I don’t fully grasp it. May I hear your true intentions?”
“I take pride in turning even the smallest business dreams into reality with my own efforts.”
“You’re right. I’ve already been impressed several times by what I’ve heard from Aila.”
“I’m confident that I can achieve it with my intellect, but at times, regrettably, without the necessary material support, it remains unrealized.”
“By that, you mean…”
“Wouldn’t you like to witness how much we can change the world by providing the things I desire from your side?”
“Ah…”
In an instant, his heart nearly stopped. And then, just before it could, it started beating several times harder.
“On the stage where the world transforms, there’s a place for you, Count.”
“Oh, ohh, ohhhhh…!”
A single sentence was sufficient. It’s not just about profit and loss, not about sharing earnings, but about wanting to embark on a journey toward the future. That’s what this young man was conveying.
Like a creature securing a spot on the ark. Count Glass’s eyes trembled endlessly, like a believer testifying to their faith.
“The things I will create in the future will change Jephryn, the Empire, and ultimately usher in a new world.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“Will you stand by my side?”
Count Glass didn’t respond in words. Nothing is lighter than the words of a merchant. He simply knelt on one knee, placed his left hand over his heart, and extended his right hand to the young man.
A truly noble gesture, symbolizing the offering of his heart.
***
I had done it. Count Glass’s action was the stance of loyalty that honorable noble men would adopt!
“Rise. I am still far from deserving your loyalty.”
“Yes, yes. Understood, Your Highness.”
This was, in fact, the result of blending the original work and reality to the best of my comprehension.
Perhaps it could be said that I inferred the most plausible action by combining the original work with reality.
For instance, in the original work, Aila Tristar torments Kelters until Act 2, but in Act 3, her actions change. She suddenly starts gathering talent, embezzling, and eventually goes on a rampage, threatening Eve with a knife and committing the grave offense of ‘hostility toward the student council president,’ leading to her being subdued by Regina Ciel and Kelters and expelled from school.
But the Tristar family’s finances were more resilient than expected. The starting point for Aila’s downfall was likely this mining incident. There was no detailed explanation in the game, but this could be assumed.
Especially when Spica was recruited as an ally in the game. Her basic equipment was less impressive compared to other first-year students, which reinforces this assumption.
In simple terms, a problem arose in Aila’s family. Aila believed only talent could solve it, and as a result, the Aila faction was formed, falling out of favor with Eve, leading to a clash with Regina, and ultimately, Aila’s submission.
And the Tristar family was left in ruins. It can be inferred that Spica also managed to enroll but was in dire financial straits.
But I don’t want to witness that.
Aila, Spica, and even Count Glass, they’re all genuinely good people, aren’t they? So…
“First and foremost, what I desire is a mutual exchange.”
“…Exchange, you say?”
“Yes. From the Tristar family, I want valuable ores or materials, not money.”
“Hmm. When you mention valuable ores, how far down the tier are you thinking?”
“Starting from tier 9 common stones, and if possible, up to the renowned tier 1 Chilwang ore.”
“Goodness! But isn’t Chilwang ore something that only exists in legends?”
“That’s just an expression. What I’m essentially seeking are rights. The right to have the first bid on the minerals extracted by the Tristar family.”
“…The right to bid?”
“Yes. I’ll pay in currency. Additionally, I’ll handle the monsters in the mines and share information about prototype items crafted from the minerals obtained from the Tristar family.”
“…That’s an overwhelmingly advantageous offer for us. We’re in agreement.”
I nodded subtly, and inwardly, I celebrated.
Done.
It worked.
Even if I were to receive payment now, it would be at most several billions of Rin. That’s the absolute maximum.
But the items that appear very late in the game can’t be bought for just several billions. That’s why I wanted the materials, and I got them. I’ve secured the support of the Tristar family, who boasts the finest mining business in the west.
To think I could gain so much from defeating just a few thousand slimes; this world is exceptionally kind to me.
Apparently, selling the dream played a significant role.
Aila symbolizes rebellion, Spica represents revolution, and the Count stands for reform… It seems like I spoke as if I had such grand ambitions, and that not investing now would result in a loss—it worked quite effectively.
Of course, I have to pay for the bidding rights, but that in itself is a significant gain.
No matter how much money you have, there are things you can’t buy.
Thinking this, I nodded my head, and Count Tristar made an unusual remark.
“However, this is a legitimate transaction. It’s hard to see it as obtaining a ticket to join His Highness’s dream.”
“…Is that so?”
What, there’s nothing more to receive, but you’re offering more?
Well, it’s difficult to refuse when an elder makes an offer. I’ll gratefully accept.
Let’s see. What shall I receive?
The thing most lacking in my convenience store right now is…
Ah, there it is.
“Do you also provide metal shaping and processing services? I also need a mage with magic and golem crafting skills.”
“I will recruit them immediately. But what will you use them for?”
“For the dream.”
“Your command.”
***
For about the next week, excluding the one time I returned to Jephryn to pick up some goods, I stayed with the Tristar family.
Of course, it wasn’t a break; I considered what was most necessary for the convenience store right now and spent quite some time working on it.
“Well, from now on, it seems better to modify existing items rather than crafting new steel plates.”
“My, how did you come up with such an idea… Is it possible? Well, my soul yearns to make it possible.”
“Excellent. I’ve seen the future that His Highness envisions. Our Mechanics Union and the Golem School’s mages would definitely like to seize this opportunity.”
“However, creating it is one thing, but it requires a mage with exceptional magical manipulation skills to operate it…”
“Oh, I see. That’s a plan… Goodness. I am amazed by His Highness Wolfram’s foresight.”
And so, everyone’s dreams converged into one.
It was the creation of a two-carriage train, a dual-carriage magical automatic carriage!
***
When Aila saw my carriage, she widened her eyes and inquired.
“So, you built this? With that precious golem core…?”
“Mm. Yes, that’s correct.”
“Do you know that golem cores are now impossible to manufacture? Each one would fetch billions at an auction… The imperial family uses them all, rotating them for the protection of the great mages.”
“…”
No,
Really?
“… Hm. I’m aware.”
My royal bloodline saved me from uttering a curse. Thank you, royal bloodline!
No, wait. Don’t be swayed by mere billions, Wolfram. You must not waver. Don’t regret your choice.
“Well, anyway, it’s what’s most needed for my convenience store right now. The issue with my store is its location. Running a regular service twice a day should attract more customers.”
“But it’s still a golem core…”
“It’s alright. This is my goal.”
“Oh, Wolfram’s dream… Hehe. Yes, you must have this kind of determination.”
The golem core.
I used the one obtained by defeating a golem in the ruins of the Act 1 Scene 4 Eastern Forest as an engine, directly inscribing the moving magic formula onto the carriage.
Naturally, the driving method is through magic control, and this is extremely challenging.
That’s why I hired Patrasch as the driver.
“…Am I really going to drive this? Master? Are you serious?”
“For four days a week while I operate the convenience store. Drive three times a day regularly, and you can have two days off. It’s a contract until I graduate.”
“I will follow and comply, my master.”
Patrasch, dressed in a suit with the embossed W.R logo and an engineer’s hat, nodded his head.
Good. I’ve found a driver.
“Wolfram. May I ride it? May I be the first to ride?”
“Go ahead.”
Aila seemed the most delighted about this creation, bouncing around like a child, and I nodded.
And so, a week passed.
The results of operating the convenience store service were genuinely astounding.
Even Patrasch was astonished by the outcome, giving me a significant look.
“Master.”
“…”
“No new customers came. The usual black obsidian lady. The laborer. The assassin. Three Chicks… Oh, and the descendant with magical talent.”
“…”
“Is this the result you anticipated?”
“…”
“Master. Tomorrow is a day off. Are you aware?”
“…I am.”
“Wow, it’s empty? Wolfram, then I’ll take the regular service one more time! Wolfram! Is that okay?!”
“…Go ahead.”
“Yay! Thank you, Wolfram! Patrasch, let’s go!”
“…”
The number of customers didn’t increase. Aila, Nephti, Rudika, Mille-feuille, even Eve praised it.
But why…?
“Mm. Master.”
“…What is it?”
“I think people won’t ride in a carriage driven by an unknown wolf unless they’re out of their minds.”
“…Ah.”
“Just so you know, the contract is already set until the end of next year. Don’t break the contract with the fairies.”
“I know.”
“Keke… Tomorrow is a day off. I should go out and enjoy a bit. Then I’m off to drive the regular service. Work hard.”
The laughter that Patrasch let out as he passed by weighed on my heart.
It was a bitterly cold spring.
