“What do you want in exchange?” Broken asked, his curiosity piqued.
Marlene flashed a knowing smile. “I know you might find it interesting,” she said confidently. “How about we become friends? All I’m asking for is your friendship. If you’re up for it, I can help you try to form a contract with the demon beast.”
“You’re saying we become friends, and you’ll give me all this access?” he queried.
Marlene paused before nodding. “Yes,” she confirmed. “I’m one of the Champions of Gluttony, so I have the power to help you with the Demon Beast. If you agree to be my friend, I can assist you. Simple, right?”
Broken paused, weighing the potential risks of this arrangement. Becoming friends didn’t seem like a huge deal, though being offered such a significant incentive just for friendship was a new experience for him. Alliances with clear terms were fine, but friendship? Usually, those developed over time.
“Paul,” Marlene continued, “has another offer for you that he’ll go over later. But this is my personal gesture of goodwill. I’m giving you the opportunity to try and make a contract with a Demon Beast, which could become a loyal ally in battle. I can’t guarantee success or that you’ll get something high-grade since luck plays a big part, but it’s worth a try, isn’t it?” Broken nodded slowly. “I’m not sure what you expect from being friends with me, but I have to admit, this offer is quite tempting. But from what I know, friendship doesn’t usually come with conditions, right? I’m not exactly a social expert, but it seems like this isn’t the usual way to make a friend.”
Marlene shook her head and gave a small smile. “I have my reasons. We’re on opposing sides, so I need to go the extra mile to make you more open to me, don’t you think? That’s why this is my gesture of goodwill.”
“I appreciate it,” he replied.
“Besides, this is the best way to answer your earlier question,” she added.
Marlene had clearly mentioned the reasons why her side had chosen to oppose Princess Alora’s claim to the throne. Instead of offering explanations, she preferred to demonstrate her point. Perhaps showing the contract with demon beasts was one of her ways of illustrating her position.
Wasn’t this indirectly suggesting that the Dissidia Kingdom would be better off with the support of demons, or even ruled by them? Broken thought it was a truly unconventional idea that many people would surely reject, especially given the ruthless methods they employed, like killing people.
“I want to know more about the requirements and details of this contract, and the consequences for me too,” Broken said. “I need to gather some information about it.”
“I respect your approach,” Marlene said softly. “It’s good to know that you understand that my intentions are sincere. I’ll explain everything you need to know. I’ll let you know the exact time for this offer later,” Marlene assured him. “Let me add you to my friend list so I can easily contact you.”
Broken nodded and let her add him to her friend list.
Sometime later, Paul, the guild master of the Shadow Wolves guild, strode into the Tavern, his presence commanding attention from everyone in the room. He cast a cold smile towards Broken before making his way over and taking a seat opposite him.
“Let’s see who’s here,” Paul said, extending his hand. “My name is Paul.”
“Broken,” Broken replied, shaking Paul’s hand firmly.
Paul started the conversation by glancing at Marlene with a smirk. “So… I hope you two have become friends while you were waiting for me?”
Paul then turned his attention back to Broken, who had just opened his mouth to say something. “I came here because your guild member told me that you personally invited me to discuss something important.”
Paul’s enthusiasm was evident as he responded, “Yes, of course! I extended the invitation to you, and I assure you it’s a great honor to have you here. I’ll make sure you receive the best treatment from me,” he added.
He continued, his gaze still fixed on Broken. “I’m confident that this gesture shows how special you truly are to us.”
Broken returned to the topic, feeling he’d already spent too much time there. “I just want to know why you invited me here. I don’t have a lot of time today, so if you could kindly get to the point, that would be greatly appreciated.”
Broken’s distaste for drawn-out conversations was evident; he preferred when people communicated clearly and concisely, which allowed him to optimize his time better. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
Paul grinned at Broken’s straightforwardness. “Alright, let’s cut to the chase. I know The Ass Guild is only using you; they didn’t even invite you to join them, did they? You deserve more. A blacksmith with your level of… luck? Someone like you would be a valuable asset to a top guild like ours.”
He continued, “I’m offering you a spot in my guild with various privileges. I’ll give you 100 gold coins every three months of Yunatea time. Your task is simple: become our exclusive blacksmith. This will make you more valued and able to earn more. There will be many benefits in the future. It’s an interesting offer, don’t you think?” Paul explained.
Broken took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed by Paul’s offer. Casting a glance at the player with a pair of demonic horns seated in front of him, it was evident that Paul was a man of great wealth capable of offering such a generous salary.
However, Broken could sense the arrogance radiating from Paul; it was clear that he was one of those people who believed their money entitled them to acquire whatever they wanted. Broken had no interest in forming a friendship with someone like that. He had encountered many of these types in his life and knew exactly how things would turn out.
Even without hesitation, Paul confidently made the offer as if Broken had no choice but to accept it. Broken had already formed an alliance with the Ass Guild and had no intention of allying with people like him.
“I appreciate the offer,” he said, standing up, “but I must decline. I have other matters that require my attention.”
He strolled away and took out a magic staff from his inventory, handing it to Subaru. “This is a cool staff,” he commented before hastening his way out of the Tavern.
Broken left immediately after hearing Paul’s offer.
Paul’s brow furrowed as he asked firmly, “Did he just blatantly refuse my offer?”
Marlene clicked her tongue before replying, “It seems he’s not easily swayed by such things. Wealth. I’m sure he already receives more from the kingdom. Perhaps you need to think of offering him more.”
Paul turned his head to look at her and argued, “What kind of person can’t be persuaded with money? One hundred gold coins is no small amount. Only a fool would refuse an offer like
this!”
Marlene sighed in response, “I believe he’s someone not easily swayed by material things. He has an unwavering sense of loyalty and pride that money cannot replace.”
Subaru interjected, “Paul, why don’t you offer me the same salary? I’m sure I could be of great help to you, and I’d be willing to follow you until the end of my life if you pay me that
amount.”
Paul shook his head and replied decisively, “You are of no use to me, Subaru! But this Broken guy could be the key to a huge victory if I can get him on our side.”
Marlene suggested, “I’ll try one more time. Money might not be enough for him, but I’m sure
I can convince him somehow.”
“If we can’t recruit him,” Paul said, standing up and stretching his hands, “then we’ll just need to crush him to pieces. He’s not officially part of the Ass Guild, after all, is he?”
Marlene shook her head. “I’m against that approach. He has great potential, especially as a blacksmith, and he’s a key connection between Princess Alora and the Ass Guild. Let me try something first,” she suggested, “and then you can decide.”
Paul’s thin smile grew even wider as he looked around. “I just remembered that he has his own town in Dissidia now. How about we pay a visit there? Who knows, we might find
something interesting.”