284 An Offer You Can’t Rejec

The conversation did not end there. As they conversed, the topic gradually shifted to the stories the Church had spread about Baiyi. Baiyi proceeded to tell the story personally. As he talked, he watched Joseph's expression carefully.

The young man's face was indifferent, revealing neither upset nor relief; he may have just been listening to another typical story. He did not fawn over Baiyi, either. There was just no change to his attitude.

'It still holds true; all sorcerers are proud,' Baiyi said to himself internally.

Finally, Baiyi proceeded to state the true purpose of the meal, albeit in a more convoluted, roundabout way: he would like to have Joseph join his future academy, as one of the instructors, and he promised a hefty payroll of 100 gold coins per month. Although the pay was comparatively lower than Aya's 200 gold coins per month, his offer was still at least twice as much as a common lecturer's allowance.

Plus, there was a difference in status between Aya and Joseph. In that, Baiyi considered Aya family, unlike Joseph, who Baiyi considered a stranger. Thus, he felt the pay gap was justified.

Joseph's expression finally changed upon hearing Baiyi's offer. He was certainly puzzled at the amount being offered. This did not mean that he had never been offered teaching positions at other educational institutions; it was just that the highest they had been willing to pay him was 50 gold coins a month. That was half of what Baiyi was offering!

It was only natural that such a high monthly payment, which was the same as what his father earned in a year, began to ruffle Joseph's heart. In fact, his troubled expression showed that there was a mental tug-o-war going on in his head.

However, it was unfortunate that soon after, Joseph's troubled expression calmed down, which made obvious what his reply was going to be. With determination in his eyes, Joseph replied, "I appreciate your offer, but, please, forgive me for declining it. This is because that promise is one that I will absolutely not break!"

"Are you serious?" Baiyi asked, slightly stunned. He had certainly not expected a young man to reject such a lucrative offer. Baiyi, who felt awed, decided to change his approach. "My students are very adorable, though. In fact, they are all very gorgeous!"

Joseph gave a faint smile, shaking his head sideways. "I'm really honored by your offer, but my students are just as adorable, I believe. Forgive my candidness, Mr. Hope, but I have no doubts that with your fame and the amount you're willing to pay, you can easily find someone more qualified than I am to be a teacher. You really don't need to hold onto me."

The Fifth Walker fell silent. He had a feeling he would not be able to persuade this young lad with 'Have you any idea how valuable this amount of money is to you?' or 'Have you any idea how many would die to get paid this handsomely?'. Baiyi also knew that he would not be able to win Joseph over using motivational speeches about self-love, either.

Hence, he skipped all that nonsense and went straight for the kill. "At my place, I do not forbid you from holding two jobs simultaneously."

Immediately, Joseph fell into silent contemplation.

"I am confident that my offer is very desirable to you, and at the same time, I believe in your steadfast conviction of honoring your promises. Hence, I will allow you to join us formally after you fulfill the promise you made to your grandfather." Eying a struggling Joseph, Baiyi continued, "As for your academy… Forgive my bluntness, but isn't it the end of a school the moment it stops receiving new students?"

Baiyi had gathered this information while the two were chatting. All the Ivy Academy had left with was its name. Its building and land had been mortgaged around ten years ago; and now, they were already taken away. Hence, Joseph was forced to have his classes at his own home. An academy that pitiful could not possibly entice, or draw in, new students.

The reason why Joseph still stubbornly held onto his current position, despite Baiyi's handsome offer, was because he had a promise to honor, and he had to fulfill his duty to his last batch of 30-plus students.

"My institution is still in its preparatory stage, and I'm sure you're no stranger to the lengthy procedure and time needed to formally establish an academy," Baiyi added. "Thus, asking you now to join us formally, before the school is even established, is inappropriate. So why not just take up my job offer as a part-timer? When your current batch of students graduates, you will be free from your obligation and will have fulfilled your promise. At that time, my academy will have just started formally. It's a win-win situation, yes?"

Joseph was understandably persuaded. He could not even come up with any reason to reject Baiyi's offer anymore. Even if the location of his academy was in the southern part of the empire, in Deepwater Town, making the distance to his new workplace pretty far, he still knew that it wasn't going to be a problem. When he obtained his Legendary-level certificate, he would be granted permission to use the Sorcerer Association's transporter formation for free. The only thing he had to do was manage his time properly.

Realistically, it was common for sorcerers to hold multiple jobs in this society. Many worked as teachers at institutions, then they worked as advisers for noble families in their spare time. The Association would also hold many events that served to generate direct revenue for those who are interested. Some sorcerers could even operate an alchemical refinery or something...

In summary, sorcerers were incredibly driven to gain as much money as possible. After all, they were, first and foremost, sorcerers — not school teachers. The materials they needed for their gears and works cost a huge sum of money; hence, how could they not be resourceful?

A sorcerer who had no acumen in earning money could not honestly call themselves a decent sorcerer. Sorcerers who were happy just working as teachers, like Humble Old Joseph here, were a rarity. That was partially the reason why Baiyi valued him enough to offer him a hefty allowance.

In the end, Joseph was moved. He nodded, feeling touched, and held onto Baiyi's hand hard. With a heavy voice, Joseph said, "T-thank you, Mr. Hope. Sincerely, th-th-thank you…"

'At his core, he is still a high-spirited youth borne from a working-class family, after all! Such a useful worker doesn't come in spades, I'm afraid!' Baiyi thought to himself.

Baiyi and Joseph continued to their conversation, and this time, they talked about some academic subjects. Eventually, it was time for them to return home, back to their respective duties. After a quick exchange of addresses, Baiyi promised that he would send Joseph's timetable to his place as soon as possible.

"Best prepare your time now. Your work starts after Grace Day," Baiyi finished.

"Understood, Mr. Principal," Joseph replied obediently.

'Quite a clever boy.' Baiyi grinned internally, waving him goodbye as he left.

Joseph stood in place and watched Baiyi's silhouette disappear into the horizon. It was only then that a smile of genuine relief crossed his face. "What a befitting name for this Great Sage! He really brought hope into my life… I am truly grateful, Mr. Hope..."

Honestly, since that statement carried a little yaoi undertone, it was perhaps fortunate that Baiyi did not hear him say that.

Back at home, the Fifth Walker was greeted with a sight of students assembled in the courtyard as Aya gave a speech.

Moments later, the students were divided into two teams and had to face off against each other. On one side was Mia and Mordred riding on the great kitsune, and at their side stood Laeticia, with the owl perched on her shoulder.

Facing them off was a party led by Tisdale. It had Attie, Nota, and Vidomina, whose hands held the potted sunflower, Sunny.

After that, the two sides started... a game of tug-o-war?

'Fine. The game itself isn't the issue. It's a classic, foundational exercise for team-building as camaraderie and teamwork are forged to ensure success.'

'What I should be asking is— what's with the way you divide teams, Miss Aya?'Is this nepotism? Is Aya your wife, Mr. Hope? Then is it because she's a very pretty girl? ...Haha! I kid.