One in a million odds (3)
Back in my bedroom. I fell into deep thought.
'I didn't see things correctly.'
Even when I repeatedly recalled the events of a few days ago, I never thought that it was a mistake.
What I saw on Ian's shoulder was clearly a flower-shaped scar.
But why can't I see it now? It's not magic that only appears in legends.
"Nadia."
Nadia, who was sitting next to me and knitting, looked up.
"Yes, Miss. What do you need?"
"Have you ever heard of tattoos that are normally invisible?"
"No? Is there such a thing?"
"This is my first time hearing about it too."
"Yes, how about asking Lord Rahon? Since he's from Shancrecia, I think he might know about invisible tattoos. But where did you hear about that, Miss?"
"I just... saw it in passing."
Despite the vague answer, Nadia returned to knitting without any particular doubts.
I don't know if I could ask Rahon, but I didn't feel like it.
The tattoo wasn't a good memory for him. I didn't want to touch his scar because I was in a hurry.
'What should I do?'
I couldn't ask Ian. When I was thinking about it with a headache, the employee announced that a guest was visiting.
"Miss, Mr. Hugh, and Miss Erica Margreta have come to visit you."
"Take me to the reception room."
Hugh and Erica had already arrived in the reception room.
As I entered with Nadia, the two people who had been talking stood up. Erica greeted me gracefully.
"Meet the Guardian."
"Miss Erica, it's nice to see you again. I'd like you to call me by my name instead of my title, Guardian."
"Yes, Miss."
"Mr. Hugh, how have you been?"
"Thanks to you, young lady. I am having a comfortable time. I visited after the Futurism was completed."
"Oh, that's fast. Can I take a look?"
"Yes, here it is."
Hugh opened the drawing box and took out a rolled-up piece of paper. As soon as I saw the finished painting, I unconsciously clenched my fist.
'It's the same.'
It was as if the future I had seen in my past life had been transferred exactly as it was.
It may have helped that Hugh knew the area, but it was also due to his skills being far better than expected.
Anyone can recognize this.
"Nadia, check it out."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Nadia glanced at me as she pretended to look at the picture. I nodded slightly, and she naturally controlled her expression.
"It looks perfect to me. It looks just like the scene you described."
"I see. Give that to Mr. Hugh."
Nadia gave Hugh a small envelope. It was a check I had prepared in advance as payment for the painting.
Hugh's eyes widened as he looked inside the envelope with a bewildered look on his face.
"Hey, what is this?"
"Of course, it's a commission fee."
Hugh tossed the check down on the table.
"I can't accept this!"
"Is it too little?"
"Yes? No! That's too much! I couldn't earn this much money even if I worked all year without taking a single day off. How can I get this kind of money?"
"This is not an ordinary painting, it is a painting of the future. Think about how many people will be helped by this painting. It is definitely not a large amount of money."
“Ha, but..."
"If it's really inconvenient, could you please do me a favor?"
"What request... do you have?"
As I reached out, Nadia quickly placed a drawing in my hand.
I felt around on top of it quietly.
This gave me another weapon. As Oslo's face flashed before my eyes, hatred flowed out.
"I will be returning to the capital soon. I hope Mr. Hugh can help me."
"Help me? How?"
"Come to the capital with Ellie and work on a new Futurism. I will cover the cost of your stay in the capital."
"Do you miss the Futurism again?"
"This time it's going to be a pretty big job."
Hugh blinked his wide eyes.
"Uh, that. If the scale is large, how long do you think the work will take?"
"We are aiming for completion within three months."
"Three months. This isn't something I can decide on my own. Can I discuss it with Ellie?"
"Of course. But I can't give you much time to think about it. You have to decide by this week."
"Yes, I'll think it over carefully."
As Hugh nodded with a serious face, Erica held out something. It was a luxurious wooden box the size of a child.
"Here, here is the item you ordered."
I ordered some items from the Gold Shop through Nadia a while ago, and it looks like they're already ready.
"It's faster than I thought. Nadia, take it to the bedroom."
"Yes, Ma'am."
While Nadia cleared away the logs, we took a moment to have some tea.
Erica put the tea down, just wetting her lips.
"Miss. I have something to discuss with you regarding the distribution of Futurism."
"Are there any problems with distribution?"
"No. that's not it. I just have a few doubts."
"What question are you talking about?"
"As you know, the Futurism has been completed. So we are preparing for distribution, but one question has come to mind."
"Please speak."
"This futureization is necessary for the Eldern region. It is because of the small cracks that will appear in Eldern."
"That's right."
"That means there is no need to distribute this futuristic product to other regions. It probably won't sell at all. It's useless there."
"But I guess you're curious as to why we insist on distributing the Futurism."
"Yes."
It was a question that should have been asked, of course. To be honest, I would have been a little disappointed if Erica had just thoughtlessly followed my instructions.
If you want to work with me in the future, you need to be someone who can think things through for yourself and speak up without hesitation if you think it's not right.
"Miss Erica, do you know how many mercenaries there are in the Empire?"
"I heard there are quite a few. We have mercenaries who have long-term contracts with the company, so we know a little bit about them."
"Then it will be easier to talk."
The reason there were so many mercenaries in the empire was definitely because of the monsters.
Not only those with military backgrounds, but most of those who had swordsmanship skills became mercenaries and made a living by protecting travelers or merchants.
"Not all territories have a strong force like Eldern. As the Futurism spreads, mercenaries from other regions will flock to the area to make money. That makes it easier for the territories to defend."
"So the Futurism is like an information center for mercenaries. It provides opportunities to make money."
"Similar."
As each new futuristic version emerged, the income gap between mercenaries was bound to widen.
Someone quick on their feet will get hired, and someone who gets the information late will struggle in vain.
As time goes by, the mercenaries will naturally realize that it is to their advantage to create a force in order to obtain better information faster.
However, due to the strong individualistic nature of mercenaries, forming a group was not an easy task.
Here. Kjer's role was important.
He is the owner of 71st Street and has already become the head of the mercenary guild by gathering the mercenaries of the capital.
With Kjer's help, it would not have been impossible to unite the mercenaries of the empire.
The mercenary group that grew in size would later side with Kalit and fight against the private army raised by Oslo.
This was a way to increase Kalit's hate power without breaking imperial law.
"This future must be known from the territory close to Eldern. If the distance is too far, it will take a long time for the mercenaries to reach here._
Erica tilted her head.
"But, my lady, there are enough troops in Eldern. Even if the mercenaries see the Futurism, there is a high possibility that they will not come to Eldern."
"They will come."
The time frame for the future painting I commissioned Hugh to do is early next year.
If an incident occurs in the Empire before then and troops are withdrawn from Eldern, mercenaries will fill their places.
"Oh, I see. I understand what you mean."
Even without a detailed explanation, Erica could read the hidden meaning. She had sensed that something was going to happen that would cause a shortage of troops in Eldern.
I smiled softly and continued.
"I have one more request for you, Erica. Please take charge of mass production of herbs to counter monsters."
Erica's green eyes flashed. It was an expression that suggested she had smelled money.
"How much quantity are you expecting?"
"Enough to spread throughout the three countries."
"...That much?"
"It will require a huge investment, but the Futurism profits will be unimaginable. If you are short on funds at the top, I will connect you with my older brother."
"Are you speaking to little Marquis Kjer Astrod?"
For the first time, a blush appeared on Erica's cool face. I tilted my head and asked.
"Do you know my older brother?"
"The person who lent me the initial funds when I was nothing was none other than little Marquis Astrod."
"I see. This is the first time I've heard of it."
"He is a benefactor to me. He really... really helped me a lot."
"It would be even better if we could meet face to face. I will discuss the details with my older brother in the capital."
"Yes... Then I will wait for your contact."
"Great."
After the conversation, Hugh and Erica returned home.
The completed Futurism was handed over to Erica. Once mass production for sale is complete, the original will be returned to me.
By then I will be back home.
"Nadia, we're leaving next week, right?"
"Yes, Miss. There's one week left."
After this, I will leave for the capital.
The time was approaching for full-scale revenge on Oslo.
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