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Chapter 31.2: It Was Warm in the City That Year (5)

“If he stays longer and is well-treated, there might be a chance to receive more prophecies. It’s a calculation on our part. Such opportunities are rare.”

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“Hmm. Is a prophecy that significant?”

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“A good prophecy can change the fate of a whole guild.”

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Even if uncertain, everyone sought prophecies about the future. Thanks to his prophecies, Suetlg had become an advisor to the Duke.

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“Let’s leave Suetlg’s story at that and talk about you, Sir Johan.”

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“That would be appreciated.”

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“Sir Johan, we have a guess as to why you came to the guild.”

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“!”

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Had his shallow intent of making a stable income been seen through?Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

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‘Isn’t this too harsh a rebuke?’

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“Ambition is not bad in itself. And if it’s ambition in someone qualified, it’s actually a virtue. Someone like Sir Johan certainly deserves to serve a worthy lord and receive his own fief.”

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“. . .So you’ve seen through me.”

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Caught off guard, Johan decided to play along.

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Being seen as an ambitious knight aiming for a territory seemed better than being thought of as someone just trying to make a quick buck.

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And honestly, the latter seemed too petty.

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“We guessed right, then. Please forgive us for speaking so frankly. As merchants, we like to understand each other’s true intentions.”

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“Ah, yes.”

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“Sir, would you mind or feel reluctant to fight under our flag?”

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“Not at all, I wouldn’t mind in the slightest.”

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“Hmm. . .”

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Iaon hummed in satisfaction. As Eldans had observed, Johan was indeed a knight worth joining hands with.

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His first impression had been favorable.

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Even as a knight, Johan had shown her respect. A younger knight might have acted arrogantly, trusting solely in his status.

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“Is there a scheme within the guild?”

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“Scheme? The guild is transparent. They grasp what’s profitable and let go of what’s not. The issue is with you. Aren’t you from the Empire?”

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“Yes.”

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“The Katana Merchant Guild is anti-Emperor. A couple of times may go unnoticed, but continually associating with them might label you or your family as anti-Emperor. Be cautious and think big.”

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“Um. . . I’m fully prepared for what I’m doing.”

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“. . .Is that so?”

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“Yes.”

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“Then let’s continue our game.”

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“. . . . . .”

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Suetlg, feeling embarrassed, said no more. An awkward silence followed. Johan spoke to lighten the mood.

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“This mansion is a really nice place.”

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Skilled servants, beautifully decorated courtyards and rooms, and the meals served at every meal were just a bonus. Seeing the treatment Suetlg received made Johan envy the life of a wizard.

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“It was once a noble’s residence.”

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“Oh, whose was it?”

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“Who remembers such details? Besides, I dislike this mansion. I can’t hear the sound of the river. . . The only thing I like here is this pet.”

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Suetlg tried to pet Karamaf, but the wolf shrank away, displeased.

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“But isn’t the name a bit unlucky?”

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“Well, a bit of a sinister name keeps the enemies at bay, doesn’t it?”

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“That’s true.”

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While they were chatting, a messenger arrived at the mansion with urgent news. Panting, he drank a glass of water and delivered his message.

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“The expedition has failed. Johan-nim, the branch manager is looking for you.”

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“The prophecy has come true.”

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Suetlg commented nonchalantly. Unknown to Suetlg, Johan was looking at him with an impressed yet irreverent gaze.