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Chapter 162. The Bumpy Family And Faf's Temptation

"Kukuku, I am... I am myself."

"No one should’ve known until now that the Wave Energy and the Force Stones were connected..."

"Kukuku, that's just how special I am. Feel free to praise me more, will you?"

"Who exactly are you, Faf? You haven't said anything so far, but you seem like a race I've never seen or heard of before."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. At the very least, you're not part of the species lumped in with humans."

"Elves, dwarves, and beastfolk are considered human too, right?"

"Yeah. When we mean humans specifically, we tend to call them 'Humans' though."

"Interesting... So? Are you going to answer?"

"Kukuku. Well, if you spend the night with me, I might whisper it as pillow talk..."

"No! No way, that’s not happening!"

Lalaila jumped to her feet, face bright red, and I felt a bit deflated.

"Do you seriously think I'd go along with that...?"

"Th-That's not it! It's just— No! Absolutely not!"

"Kukuku... If you'd like, all three of us can join? I don't mind either way."

"Wha—!?"

"...Faf. Cut it out."

"Kukuku, but I really don't mind."

"Yeah, yeah."

She might talk if I actually took her up on it, but I’m not about to get involved with someone who looks like a kid.

"Anyway, what Faf's saying makes sense. It’s more believable than thinking I'm the only one who can use Force Magic."

"Yeah... I agree."

"Actually, I noticed during the Goblin Hazard incident— the more I mastered the Wave Energy, the stronger it got."

"Kukuku, that was quite a battle. There’s no better training than real combat."

"Not that I wanted to do it... But yeah, it felt like I really improved in how I used my body and how I channeled the energy."

"No doubt about that."

The dwarf Hagg, a Wave specialist, chimed in. If he's saying it, then it must be true.

"Well, I'm satisfied just knowing that using my aerial tools gives me a slight advantage."

"Um... Faf, is it okay if I include this in my thesis?"

"Kukuku, it's special, so I don't mind. It'll probably take you years to verify anyway. Humans are so troublesome."

"Thank you. And... your name, Faf—"

"Kukuku, you know it already. No need to write it."

As I listened to their conversation, I suddenly remembered something.

"Wait a minute, didn’t Lalaila drop out of school?"

"It’s such an interesting topic, so I figured I’d submit it to the Force Arts University."

"Won't they credit the thesis to someone else instead of you?"

"I’m hoping I can get re-enrolled with it, but even if not, it’s my way of repaying a debt."

"As long as you're okay with it, I guess there’s no problem."

"Yeah."

Since she seemed to be enjoying herself, I had no objections. Must be her researcher spirit.

"Well then, looks like we’ve gotten off track. I need some time to think, so I’ll head to bed. Hagg, Yaralai— I’m counting on you to keep watch."

"No problem. Important duties are best left to us."

"Then let me skip the training too."

"Hmph. That's for your own good, so no."

"Yeah, yeah... Anyway, I'll be in the car. Let me know if anything happens."

"Got it."

Both Hagg and Yaralai, who was standing watch a bit farther off, nodded.

I squeezed into the cramped bed in the camper van and, under the glow of a small light, jotted down my plans in a notebook and worked on strategies using a spreadsheet on my recently repaired laptop.

God, there’s just too much to do...

◆

A week has passed since then. It was an incredibly hectic week.

The main purpose of our activities was preparation. One goal was to revitalize the slums. The other...

In front of me stood a grand white mansion.

Even among the luxurious estates owned by wealthy merchants and nobles, this one had a particularly large and lavish plot. The garden boasted an extravagant display of plants, flaunting the owner's wealth. Even though the region was more lush compared to Pilatus, now known as Tessa, the area was still mostly barren, so maintaining this much greenery was no small feat.

Today's outfit was a white shirt and slacks.

Though the new ethnic clothing gifted by Cherina from Tessa would have been more appropriate, the person I was meeting would better appreciate this attire.

As I approached the gate, the guard gave a bow and opened it for me— seems like yesterday’s setup worked.

After being led inside, the interior was as luxurious as the exterior. Something about the design felt familiar— an eclectic blend of ancient Roman, Asian, and European architectural styles.

From the second-floor landing, someone peeked down into the hall with a smile. But when he saw me, his eyes widened in shock.

When I gave a polite nod and smile, the man's expression softened just slightly.

It was Dodoru Meserla, 30 years old (though he looked 50), the village chief of Hanson.

The mansion was more than three times grander than the one he had back in Hanson. As I slowly climbed the stairs, Dodoru, wearing a wary expression, greeted me.

"So it was you..."

He didn’t sound thrilled.

"I see you're enjoying the clothes I sold you. I'm pleased to hear it."

Dodoru was wearing a differently-colored version of the ethnic outfit Cherina had given me. I’d sold it to him during my stay in Hanson. While I still resented the man, the funds from that sale helped protect Hanson Village, which left me with mixed feelings.

"Hmph... Well, yes."

He was obviously trying to figure out why I was here. Even though he’d seen a sample yesterday, he was as cautious as ever.

"So, I came today to discuss business. Is now a good time?"

"Y-Yeah. About that... The matter from Hanson..."

I responded with a bright smile.

"Let’s put the past behind us. We’re about to strike a big deal— merchants live in the present."

"Yes, yes, of course. Only fools dwell on the past! Come along, then."

As Dodoru hurriedly disappeared into the room ahead, I shot a sharp glance at his back.

It may be in the past for you, but thanks to you, there are still people suffering right now.

I’m sure my gaze was ice-cold.

The room I was led to was overflowing with goods, far more than in the Hanson residence. Swords, spears, shields, golden statues, pots, and vintage plates were crammed everywhere. Stone masks and avant-garde art pieces filled the remaining spaces.

Though Dodoru probably thought it was neatly arranged, the mismatched colors and poor balance made the room utterly tasteless.

Each item was of high quality, but the clutter ruined the effect. Hanson’s simpler room might have looked more refined simply because there was less junk.

Among the extravagant items, one stood out— a piece leaning against the wall, which I had delivered to the mansion the day before.

I’d left it with the guard, saying I’d return today for negotiations. There was a chance they’d just steal it, but my parting comment— “There’s more where that came from”— seemed to have piqued their interest. It was clear from the fact that I’d been granted an audience with Lord Dodoru that greed was driving them.

"So, about what you brought yesterday... Where did you find such a thing?"

"Surely, Dodoru-sama, you're aware of the carriage we used to arrive?"

"Ah... So it was uncovered at the western edge, then."

I remained silent, but Dodoru took my silence as confirmation and nodded.

"Now, how much would you sell it for?"

What a terrible businessman— he left his sharpest aide back in Hanson. This should be easy.

"As you can see, it's a rare item no longer in production... So, I can't let it go cheaply, even to you, Lord Dodoru."

"I understand! But you will sell it to me, right? And I hear this isn’t the only one?"

"Indeed. I was fortunate enough to obtain several."

"Oh... Multiple pieces of something so valuable!"

Dodoru leaned forward, eyes gleaming with greed.

As I smirked internally, my thoughts drifted back to the events of the past week.