Chapter 149

Chapter 149

It was a shocking offer.

The sponsorship offer from a Pandean resident came as a shock, not just to Seol, the transferee, but also to Chameli and Filia, who sat beside him.

My sponsor?

Precisely.

Earl Brispin glanced at Chameli and Filila, causing them to immediately rise to their feet.

"It doesn't seem appropriate for us to listen in on this, so we'll wait outside.

Thank you.

After a quick second, only Seol and Earl Brispin were left in the room.

Why is he trying to become my sponsor?

Earl Brispin's unexpected offer left Seol confused and taken aback.

Earl Brispin, catching this, continued speaking.

"Do not fret. There is no malice behind my request, as you might fear, akin to the actions of a fallen noble.

- Is this some prank? LOL

- How did he know haha

- Are we sure this isnt illegal?

Seol gave a clean answer.

"This is the first time I've heard of a Pandean resident sponsoring a transferee. I'm just worried about how this could negatively affect each other.

The times are changing.

......

"Do not assume that Pandeans are foolish. Just as there are transferees who are unhappy with the current societal system, there are also nobles who remain vigilant against transferees as a whole."

...You are correct.

"Ever so slowly the rift between them is growing. Friction among us resembles dried leaves, stacking higher and higher in the world with a single ember capable of igniting it all."

- What the fuck is he talking about?

- Basically, friction is growing between them.

- Ah.

Earl Brispin calmly continued.

"Of course, the likelihood of something happening immediately is extremely low. Nonetheless, I am concerned for the future. If you were to accept my sponsorship, I would not impose any restrictions on you. The only thing I would offer is to relieve you of any troublesome matters while you are in Nevenia."

Hm

"You may have concerns that I would attempt to utilize you as a political tool, but I can assure you that this is absolutely not the case."

- Its all for your best interests (mine*)

- You wont lose anything from this (you will*)

- I must be cheating you out of something (yup)

These conditions were quite good.

I doubt anyone would try to pick a fight with me while I have the earls sponsorship.

Who would dare to mess with someone whos not only strong, but also has the backings of an earl?

However, these kinds of trades always had a catch. A condition that could come to bite Seol in the back at a later date.

Seol carefully opened his mouth.

Earl Brispin then what do you want from me?

The answer that Seol received was also unexpected.

"What I require from you at this moment... I'm uncertain. Nothing comes to mind at present."

...What?

"As I mentioned earlier, this is an investment for the future. All I ask is that you lend me your ear when I find myself in an urgent situation down the road. That would suffice."

Does this also mean you wont make any unreasonable requests?

I cannot promise that. I could make an unreasonable request to you. However, I will not coerce you into doing so.

Hm

"And if you do choose to accept that unreasonable request, I promise to provide you with a suitable reward for your assistance."

Seol couldnt quite see into Earl Brispins mind, but this conversation did jog his memory about recent news he'd heard concerning events unfolding throughout Nevenia.

There have been fights between transferees and the existing leaders Is Earl Brispin trying to prepare for that?

If things took a turn for the worse, a conflict could erupt between the Nevenian monarchy and the transferees, the emerging new power, potentially leading to extensive and devastating bloodshed.

Seol surmised that Earl Brispin was devising a contingency plan, anticipating the possibility of such a problem arising.

"We could even document this if you find it hard to trust me. Although your freedom to travel might limit your assistance to me, rest assured, I will still provide valuable support to you. Do you have any plans to leave the kingdom?"

"I might, but it wont be anytime soon."

"Then this deal would be even more advantageous for you."

[[Earl Brispin has offered to become your sponsor. How do you respond?]

1. I dislike you, Brispin.

2. Okay.

3. I was hoping for an even closer relationship.

4. Are there any other rewards that you could offer me?

]

Seol thought to himself for a second before nodding to Earl Brispin.

[Faction Formed: You have established a friendly relationship with Earl Brispin.]

[Rumors about you are growing louder among the populace.]

[Rumors about you are spreading throughout Illia.]

I still cant forget that night.

There really is such a thing as a hero!

Tch Everyones calling him a hero when he barely did anything

Hes just Earl Brispins puppet in the end.

Seol scoffed after reading some of the rumors on his interface.

"What's wrong?" asked Chameli, who was by Seol's side.

As Seol slowly made his way toward the cabin, the door suddenly slammed open, breaking off its hinges, and a lively old man emerged with a thunderous voice.

Snap!

Fucking hell Who the hell is making so much noise this early in the morning? Are you thieves?

......

- His personality is a bit foul before you get to know him. So be careful.

The old man stared directly at Seol.

And who the fuck is this? Who sent you? You dont look like an idiot whod get lost in the forest

- Woah, its a homeless person.

- Technically, he does have a home

- Do you think hell bite your hand off if you try to hand the letter to him?

- Maybe hell beat you up with the letter instead

Seol quickly pulled out the letter of recommendation before the old man could slam the door on his face.

Are you Frannan?

I am. So?

Here, I have a letter of recommendation.

Slap!

The old man swatted the letter away.

Fuck off! Anyone with half a brain would've told you that giving me a recommendation letter like this wouldn't have done jack shit."

- Before you go, purchase some alcohol that costs at least 10 gold coins. He enjoys his drink, so don't be too surprised if he's a bit unsteady on his feet.

Creak

Seol pulled out a crate from the wagon.

If youre trying to buy me off with gold mm sniff sniff this is?

Click

The crate was filled with expensive alcohol.

Ive brought some liquor to celebrate the occasion.

Frannans expression changed instantly.

So, where were you guys from? Its a bit chilly outside, so please, come in.

Frannan immediately called for his servant.

Oi, hurry up and light the fireplace.

Yes, sir.

As Seol, Chameli, and a few pilgrims stepped into Frannans house, it began to fill up rather swiftly.

Even if its a bit cold inside, please understand. I prefer the cold.

"That's perfectly fine."

Now, why dont we read that recommendation letter?

Even though Frannan had swatted the recommendation letter into the air earlier, it somehow found its way back into his hands, being read. Near the halfway point of the letter, his face stiffened. He tossed it aside and turned his gaze toward Seol.

Take it out.

Huh?

The item. Bring it out.

Seol carefully placed Agony on the table.

Click.

Agony, once again, was loudly causing a commotion.

[Hehehehe! Geezer, I like your mana! If you kill everyone in front of you, Ill give you more power!]

What atrocity is this?

This is Agony, the spirit inside the sword.

...Can you make it shut up?

Unfortunately, the only way is to scare it

I see. However, it is a shame.

Hm?

Thunk!

Frannan popped open one of the bottles of alcohol that Seol had brought and began gulping it down.

"Kyah I've never seen anyone survive after handling a demonic spiritYou little! Take that firewood out right away. Are you trying to burn me alive? Our guests are about to leave, so help them on their way."

Huh? Ah yes, sir.

Has Earl Brispin finally lost his mind? I cant believe he sent me this crazy

- He's rather impatient, so he'll try to resolve the situation as swiftly as he can. Do your best to handle it.

Seol remained seated, responding to Frannan without standing up.

I can handle Agony, I promise.

Like I said, everyone who attempted to use demonic spirits all ended up

Slide

Seol showed Frannan his hand.

More specifically, the rings on his hand, the rewards that Seol acquired from clearing the Labyrinth of Penance.

...dead. Huh?

- But despite all that, once he accepts your request, he is dependable. He might not look like much, but he was quite famous even just a few years ago. After all, he was

Frannan turned to yell at his servant once more.

What are you doing standing around over there? Light some firewood.

......

- an Aspect Magician, individuals who practically serve as the right-hand men for the 12 tower masters of Zodiac.

Achoo!

Frannan yelled at his servant once more after sneezing.

And fix the damned door too! Our guests are getting cold!