Volume 4 Chapter 20 Money Game
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”So, the annual rent for the mansion will be 200 gold coins. You’ll pay that, right?”
Shea-Shea, tapping a stack of papers, looked so serious, it was hard to believe she was just 16.
”Hey, Shea. I’ve always treated you well since you were a kid. Can you cut me a break on the price?”
Mr. Laken still hadn’t fully grasped that the tables had turned. To him, Shea-Shea had once been just a lowly guild worker, but now she was in charge.
”I don’t think you understand my position, Mr. Laken. I’m Saburou’s fiancée, you know. I have full control over all the assets you gave up.”
Mr. Laken shrank back under Shea-Shea’s sharp gaze. She was quick to change gears when it came to relationships… she could be pretty cold. Once she decided she didn’t like you, she’d cut you down with harsh words, and that terrified him.
This all started a few days ago. To come up with the 30,000 gold coins──300 million gold──for a quest reward, Mr. Laken had no choice but to sell the mansion. He called in a merchant from the capital to get an estimate.
Mr. Laken had expected the mansion to be worth about 500 million gold, but the merchant’s estimate came to only 200 million. Even if Mr. Laken sold his position as village head and guild branch manager, 300 million would still be out of reach. He was left with no choice but to put himself and his family into debt slavery to make up the difference.
He couldn’t go that far just to get the money, so he was about to refuse the quest reward altogether when, surprisingly, Shea-Shea stepped in to offer advice.
Thanks to Shea-Shea’s suggestion, we decided that in exchange for the 300 million gold, Mr. Laken’s entire estate would be given to us in kind. This way, his family wouldn’t fall into slavery.
I don’t really need a mansion, but if I sell it to a merchant, they’ll just lowball me, and I’d lose out. They say the position of village head would sell easily, but if I sell it to the wrong person, it could cause trouble for the villagers. Shea-Shea suggested I rent the mansion, position, and job to Mr. Laken for a fee.
This way, Mr. Laken and the others can continue living their lives as usual. It’s also nice for me to get regular rent payments.
”Don’t misunderstand, this is the master’s kindness. It’s a huge favor. If you try to repay it with harm, or cause any weird trouble for the village, I’ll sell the mansion right away.”
Just a short chat with Shea-Shea, and Mr. Laken’s attitude became so humble, almost pitiful. I’m shocked she has such a talent. Actually, I probably should be more like this myself, huh.
* * *
Just as I was about to leave the mansion, I bumped into Ani-Ani. Looks like she’s feeling better, but she’s glaring at me with a fiery stare.
”I’m disappointed in you, greedy Hero, useless Hero. Stop picking on Grandpa!”
Looks like Ani-Ani’s holding a grudge after what happened. I’m at a loss for words when it comes to her, but Shea-Shea steps forward, almost like she’s protecting me.
”Don’t bother trying to understand. Kids like her should just throw a tantrum and be done with it.”
”What’s your problem? You’re just Shea, who do you think you are?”
”Your selfishness was tolerated because you were the granddaughter of someone with power. Realize your position has changed, or there will be no second chances.”
The air between them is tense… this is getting scary. I’m really tempted to sneak away from here. If it comes down to strength, Ani-Ani would probably win, but I don’t think anyone can beat Shea-Shea in a verbal fight.
”You didn’t help out of kindness. If I had to put up with you acting all high and mighty, I’d rather be dead!”
A sharp slap. Shea-Shea just slapped Ani-Ani across the face.
”You’re acting like a child. Do you want to trample on the feelings of everyone who cares about you—Sir Hero, your family, the whole village—who risked everything to save you?”
Trouble is, if this turns physical, Ani-Ani’s got the upper hand. But then she bursts into tears like a kid.
Well, she *is* still a kid, I guess.
”I *know* that! But don’t bully Grandpa and the others! I’ll do anything—be Hero’s fiancée, his slave, whatever—just don’t take our home!”
”Selling you as a slave would fetch maybe 20 gold coins—a drop in the bucket. And don’t think for a second I’d let you cozy up to my husband. As his fiancée, I won’t allow it.”
”Like I’d ask *you* for help, anyway.”
”I’m in charge of managing you all, by my husband’s order. And *I* say no.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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