Chapter 148

“If you thought of me in that way, it seems like you’ve completely misunderstood.” Lennok expressed with a disapproving expression.

“I haven’t had many incidents like this while working. To begin with, I don’t move much unless there’s a request.”

Originally, he had never been inclined to become embroiled in such affairs.

The recent events were nothing more than a series of coincidences that unfolded at the auction house.

His choice to pursue freelance work that allowed for meticulous risk assessment and strategic planning was not a matter of chance.

Throughout his time with Dyke and the agents, while the process might have carried inherent risks, the core of his work revolved around meticulously planned operations.

Handling unexpected incidents was not something that aligned with Lennok’s preferences.

However, upon hearing Lennok’s response, Sebastian shook his head in disagreement.

“On the contrary, you’ll encounter more of such situations.”

“What?”

“You jumped into this game with some purpose, didn’t you? There’s something you want, and the chances are extremely low that you’re the only one wanting it. Rather, you’ll face countless competitors, just like now.”

“..........”

“Ordinary freelancers simply choose the projects they want and work as laborers. But you’re not just a freelancer anymore, are you?”

Sebastian’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“You’re now working for an item you want, not just money. You’ve become not only a freelancer but also a client.”

His tone was casual, as though it were a minor detail, but Lennok couldn’t deny the truth in his words.

Upon reflection, even in the current situation, Lennok had become a client, entrusting Sebastian with a task.

Working with Jenny and relying on a broker might have seemed natural, but Sebastian viewed it from a different perspective.

“You’re not wrong.”

“You seem conflicted; shall we continue the conversation about the job?”

Sebastian glanced at Lennok’s face and smoothly shifted the conversation.F0lloww new chapters at nov/(e)l/bin/(.)com

Jenny shared this keen insight; these brokers were remarkably perceptive.

“Anyway, speaking more about Vincent Mayblack, the trade business he runs isn’t exactly an above-board operation. It’s practically unknown among civilians, and even the atmosphere between departments within the company is said to be hostile. It’s not uncommon for people in this city to operate like this.”

As he spoke, he poured fresh wine into his glass and swirled it gently.

His gaze remained fixed on the swirling wine, but his sharp eyes indicated he hadn’t lost his focus.

“He maximizes business profits while walking a fine line between legality and illegality. He probably strictly divides tasks among departments, keeping them ignorant of each other’s activities.”

“Is the trading business that murky?”

“Of course. If you dig deep, there’s no end. Issues at customs, taxes and inspections on goods, fees extracted by various agencies, fighting off thieves who covet treasures... there are more than one or two things that run smoothly when maintaining shady connections.”

Especially in a world teeming with superhumans, Sebastian chuckled grimly.

It was clear that from the moment he considered the auction house, Sebastian had the upper hand in this line of work compared to Jenny.

Perhaps due to his dealings with the wealthy, businessmen, and those who had amassed considerable wealth, his network and information resources were formidable.

Unlike Jenny, who had connections in various obscure fields, he was a broker who specialized in clients from a specific sector. However, that specialization afforded him certain advantages.

The keyword “elderly gentleman who won the artifact at the Teyna auction house” alone was enough for Sebastian to swiftly uncover a person’s background, a fact that even surprised Lennok.

“Well, these pieces of information are just a fraction of what I’ve researched. I’ll organize it in an easy-to-understand format and send it to you within three days.”

“How much do I need to pay you for this?”

While he had previously secured Sebastian’s assistance for a request when time was more abundant, Lennok now felt the urgency of obtaining information from Sebastian to locate Irina Pheffield.

If a fair commission was offered, so be it, but it would be preferable if he could settle this with monetary compensation...

As Lennok contemplated, Sebastian, who had placed the file down, interjected, his hands moving deftly.

“Speaking of which, there’s something I’d like to say.”

“What is it?”

“About this job. Can I join in too?”

Lennok unlocked his phone, located Aris’s contact, and exited Sebastian’s office.

******

“.....Evan.”

Late in the afternoon at Rabatenon University.

Lennok was engrossed in reading a book at the back of the classroom when he heard his name called.

The blue-haired student at the desk in front of him turned around and addressed him.

“I told you to call me assistant professor.”

“It doesn’t matter, does it?”

“We’re in the middle of a class.”

“......”

Priscilla didn’t reply and simply pouted.

In the lecture hall, nearly a hundred students were focused on Aris’s lecture, but the students around Lennok were stealing glances at him.

Aris was an excellent lecturer who made her classes both practical and engaging, but today, she seemed to be struggling to hold the students’ attention. She likely refrained from pointing it out due to the earlier commotion.

Understanding the cause, Lennok silently sighed.

As expected, Priscilla took the opportunity during a short break in the lecture to initiate a conversation with Lennok.

“Quick, show it one more time.”

“......”

“Everyone’s watching anyway. Just show it once and it’ll be fine.”

Priscilla wasn’t the only one; many other students had their eyes on Lennok with eager expressions.

It seemed like Priscilla had taken the lead in requesting this moment.

“....Just once.”

If he were on a part-time job, he wouldn’t entertain such absurd requests, but Lennok was, after all, an assistant professor at Rabatenon University.

Managing his reputation among students was also part of the job.

Crack...!!

A small electric spark crackled from Lennok’s hand, revealing a tiny elemental spirit hovering between his palms.

“How adorable!”

“I didn’t know elementals were so lively!”

“So pretty....!!”

Both female and male students were captivated, unable to take their eyes off Davi’s graceful movements.

Lennok felt the entire classroom’s attention focused on him for a moment but decided it was best to dispel the attention during the break.

He gave a command to Davi and placed it on top of his head.

Thump Thump!

Davi, who had seated itself on Lennok’s head, created quite an impression.

“Aaah!”

“Oh, It climbed up!”

“Me, me too...! Just once!”

“Wait! Let us look a bit longer!!”

Davi, bathed in envious glances, spoke proudly.

[Being worshiped by humans doesn’t feel so bad.]

“......”

Perhaps it was developing an unusual philosophy.