No Riches for the Penniless Man

"The Treasury of Tributes does not see any value in granting employment. Have a day," an elven male coldly stated.

Francisco blinked a few times before forcing a cough to break the silence. He tapped his forehead and shook his head rapidly. "Hold on. That's it? Just a blatant 'no?' You didn't even take a moment to consider-"

"I have genuinely wasted too much time. I began my assessment as soon as you stepped inside the building," the elf male pushed up the bridge of his glasses.

"As soon as I-? You didn't even wish for me to have a good day! You just said, "Have a day!" Francisco argued.

"Yes, I do not care if your day following this moment is pleasant or unpleasant. Though I do hope for the latter," the elven male smiled.

"W-what is your problem!?" Franisco widened his eyes and pushed back against his chair.

It was close to the end of the day, and Francisco made one final stop at The Treasury of Tributes. The building served as Arrgonde's financial institution for taxes. Francisco learned about it through word of mouth. Civilians are required to pay a portion of their earnings to the city on a monthly basis. Given the subject matter, Francisco felt this workplace would welcome him with open arms!

The building itself stood out from the others, almost like it was built utilizing the taxpayers' money. The architecture outside demonstrated intricate stonework. The front of the establishment guided civilians by a path of towering pillars with a paved floor of hexagon tiles. The pillars themselves were chipped with fine detail and showcased rich patterns.

The inside of the Treasury of Tributes certainly put Francisco's old bank to shame. The floor changed to a reflective marble, which dazzled occasionally thanks to the astounding chandelier. The windows, of course, were stained glass depicting artwork of the city and royalty. Fine chiseled artwork was present on the walls and floor. Velvet ropes drooped across the inside of the building with colorful banners. The entire place exuded a sense of richness and regality. To Francisco, it just seemed pompous. But oh, did he want to work here nevertheless.

With a cordial elven girl at the front, he managed to gain an audience with the Chief of Treasures. A tall elf, dressed in blue and white garbs, had confronted Francisco. His bright color palette was accompanied by fine stitching and velvety material. His blue cape flowed as he strutted confidently. Only a talented sewist could have embroidered intricate designs on his sleeves. His golden hair was tied behind his head in a ponytail. He didn't even introduce himself as the girl did the honors for him — Sorandeux Oloric.

Francisco did his best to present himself and all of his accomplishments. The interview remained awkward for Sorandeux did not appear amused in the slightest. His blue eyes never wavered or showed any interest in the financial advisor from another world. Francisco chalked it up to his position or his personality. "Maybe the elven chief was too stunned to speak." It was only a few seconds later, after Francisco finished his monologue, that Sorandeux denied his involvement.

 "I can assure there is no issue. However, I will admit if you are to gain employment here, the situation will be problematic," Sorandeux scoffed.

"I do not understand. I know finances like the back of my hand! I have many accomplishments and achievements-"

"You only have your word," Sorandeux interrupted. He tilted his head mockingly. "You have done this dance many times before coming here. Were you not aware that word to travel to me before you arrived?" Sorandeux questioned.

"Damn it," Francisco muttered under his breath.

As mentioned earlier, the Treasury of Tributes was Francisco's final stop because he had exhausted all of his options. The financial advisor tried every bank and financial institution, only to get rejected abruptly. Every employer had the same reasoning for not hiring Francisco.

"You must require a four-year degree from the College of Currency, which you do not have. You must also require a letter of recommendation, which you do not have," Sorandeux lifted two fingers and wagged them obnoxiously.

"...I'm from out of town, dude. The people back home praise my financial skills excessively. They just don't believe in letters," Francisco squinted his eyes and scratched the back of his head nervously.

"Adorable," Sorandeux taunted. "I suggest the path of the bard; they love to spin long tales."

"I can't play the lute," Francisco retorted. He leaned in and slammed his hands on the desk. "Look, I can show you! Just give me five minutes! Give me your ledger book, I can balance it in the blink of an eye! Or just let me take the next business owner that steps in! I can rework their portfolio and figure out if they have overpaid in their-"

"Enough!" Sorandeux shouted. "I would be a complete fool ever to allow your grimy fingers on important documents. It would tarnish the Treasury of Tributes and my reputation as Chief if I granted permission to a financially irresponsible man. You reek of unsuccess, and your outfits share the assessment. Not something you wear to an interview."

"Okay! Hold up! I am not financially irresponsible! I know damn well you spend a fortune on hair products! And I had a fantastic suit! Way better than your pompous cape!" Francisco pointed.

"Well, why didn't you wear that?"

"I sold it for a sword and armor. I can't buy it back, but-"

"We are done here," Sorandeux interrupted again with a heavy sigh and an obnoxious eye roll. He clapped his hands together. "Garque!"

Francisco suddenly felt the floor rumble and shake slightly. He then heard heavy breathing as liquid dripped onto his right shoulder. Looking up, his breath stammered as he met the eyes of an enormous ogre. His tunic was bigger than Francisco! The ogre grunted, reaching out with his sweaty palm and grabbed onto Francisco's arm. His grasp easily reached around his entire limb. With a gentle tug, he casually pulled Francisco off his seat.

"W-wait! If you knew I was coming and you weren't going to hire me, why even give me an interview?! Why didn't you reject me at the window!?" Francisco yelled, his feet sliding on the floor as the ogre pulled him.

Sorandeux held his chin up with his fist and smiled wickedly. "I simply wished to see the penniless man who tried to enter the world of finances. The irony was delicious. I suggest you take the path of the beggar; this world is too rich for you."

Francisco gritted his teeth. "You don't know anything about saving money! How much is that gaudy chandelier?!" The financial advisor grunted. "You'll die under the weight of my wallet!"

"On the bright side, I saved around 200 gold coins as I don't need to see a jester's play; this was comedic enough," Sorandeux waved as Francisco was escorted away.

 The ogre tossed Francisco like a bag of trash. The financial advisor landed on the stone pavement with a heavy thud. He groaned, rolling around as he massaged his sore body. His back had taken most of the impact. "Okay, okay, just chuck me out, will ya! I guess I was a walking threat, huh!? You're like ten times bigger than me!" Francisco yelled at the orge.

The orge grunted before going back inside the building. "Walking OSHA violation!" Francisco insulted.

Francisco calmly stood up and dusted himself off. He sighed for a few moments. His eye kept twitching. "Okay, so four years of college!" The financial advisor cheered. After a few seconds, he started ruffling his hair and yelling. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! I didn't even go to college in the real world! Four years to learn something I already know! What's the tuition rate!?"

Francisco soon calmed himself down again. He knew he was just flustered by the pompous elf. He wiped his forehead and slowly trotted back to his motel room. The sun was setting, and he needed to figure out how to survive. Surely, he could complete at least one quest!