Chapter 39

"Not necessarily. She thought the rumors were some ancient treasures hidden in the forest. When she found out it wasn't, she left it with me." Naell smiled as he spoke those words.

He had practiced it earlier the night before, thinking his defense would surely win his fortune.

He anticipated that the guild might interrogate him for the claims of the golden apple. That was why he had prepared until he fell asleep.

Still, carefully looking at Loknar and Tahina while examining the golden apples, Naell could not help but feel a bit intimidated.

In his mind, he knew he could not break character as the battle had just begun. After a while, Loknar with his investigative smile and calm voice said,

"Truly, fairies are way too magical for this kind of thing."

Even Naell, after observing Sampua, determined that the fairies' magic was way more progressive and developed than other races.

Not to mention, they lived in a place where mana was abundant and purer, making their cores stronger than most, and their bodies more flexible to mana.

Luckily, they were uninterested in politics nor the happenings of the world, (still their greed knew no bounds for their interests ) which truly was both good and bad.

It was good for they would never be part of any power struggle nor would they initiate a call to arms. (unless they were invaded)

Yet it was also bad, as even if demons were to once more attack Mundo, the fairies would not concern themselves with the matters of the world.

'They're strong afterall.' Naell thought while a smile formed on his face.

He knew that moment was the most crucial point of their negotiation as he said,

"Indeed, Sire. That was why she left all of these to my possession."

Guilds do not necessarily have the right to take items from adventurers, but often it has become a custom to offer rare materials or treasure for its benefit.

That was especially the case for new adventurers who were afraid to offend the guild.

If he could assert that those golden fruits were gifted by the fairies, whom Kings and Queens would not even dare to offend, he could then dictate the prices for it.

The guild would then understand the severity of even attempting to get it for a lower price, more so for free.

"I see..." Said Loknar as he smiled in defeat.

Both he and Tahina knew when to back down. It did cross his mind to pressure Naell to sell the golden fruits at a lower price.

Of course, it wouldn't at all be forceful. Just pressuring words that would often scare new adventurers.

Yet at the moment, even though Naell gave away naivety when it came to negotiation, Loknar knew his words were not for show.

With a hearty laugh that slightly startled Tahina, he said,

"You truly did some research, Mr. Naell."

"I did, Sire." Said Naell whose heart was pounding from nervousness.

Little did he know that his appearance was still calm, and completely befitting a villain.

"Then allow me to get to the point. What do you want for these golden fruits?" As Loknar said that, Tahina knew the negotiation was then in Naell's favor.

She was curious as Naell was a mystery to her, for not only was he smart enough to figure out the secret of the guild’s teleportation magic, but he was also strong enough to kinda deflect Odino's aura.

'Is it fame?' She thought as she recalled how Naell got a little upset when he saw he was ranked as a B-rank adventurer.

Yet far from what she had guessed, Naell was upset because C-rank to him would have sufficed.

Even so, Tahina could not be blamed. Most adventurers would solicit for promotion, others would seek connections with high-ranking adventurers and even nobility.

That was why both Tahina and Loknar were curious as to what Naell wanted and were both fairly shocked by his response.

"I want money."

"..."

*******

Taglagas had now become colder, as the Autumn season that started a month ago, was now reaching its prime.

The trees' bountiful green leaves were now withering away creating another beautiful scenery amidst the cold chilling breeze.

In the midst of all that, Owly and Naell in the early morning had already been feasting in the luxurious canteen of Esuela Dio sa de.

Egg rested between two halves of muffins, complemented by oven-baked bacon and melted cheese wrapped around its entirety.

Yet for the gluttonous bird who could eat more than the young mage, roasted beef marinated with spices was served.

They were certainly eating far more sumptuous than usual. Not to mention, it was quite a sight as Owly's beak had been gulping with dexterity, filling his belly with speed.

• Careful now, Owly you might get sick again.•

Telepathically conveyed Naell who was quite uncomfortable with the gazes he was getting.

• Nonsense, the meat just gushes out in my mouth, HOOT! •

• That's because that's A5 meat, the best of the best. •

Replied Naell who was enjoying the tea that had a unique organic fragrance. The sweetest aftertaste further added to his enjoyment in drinking it.

• The best of the best--- HOHOHOOT~”

The onlookers were startled from the joyous HOOT.

Even Naell was stunned at first, as that was the first time he heard that odd HOOT from Owly. With that, he had forgotten his embarrassment, as he went along and said,

• Yes it was cheap, FUFUFU. •

• Indeed it was cheap, HOOT!•

Note and Rizaul were actually at the canteen dumbfounded at the sight they were seeing.

Rizaul’s at first wanted to greet both of them, yet his taciturn side kicked in and wasn't able to get any closer.

Note was the same, yet he was calmer than the shocked Rizaul. The half-elf seemed to have been hit by the impact of the gluttonous bird and the young master’s evil-looking smirk.

Days ago, on their fateful meeting, they managed to hit it off with Owly and had spent all evening playing with the owl.

That was why none of them were able to come to school. Yet all that time, Naell had managed to earn a fortune, still keeping a number of golden apples to give to his family later on.

Note actually was still bothered from seeing Naell. Initially, he and the young master of Beryldot were not really on good terms, but it could also be said that they were far from being enemies.

Still, what bothered Note and the rest of them was the conversation they had with Owly nights ago.

At first, it was really awkward, especially when Note and Namiku invited Naell and Owly to Taglagas.

Yet it only grew worse inside the carriage, as silence befell even the cheerful duo of Note and Namiku making them unable to take the reins.

After their trip to the forest of Lagupa, Andrew and Rizaul reported to the guild while the rest went ahead to the restaurant they often feasted in.

That was why they were relieved when Naell declined the invitation, as Note invited him for formality’s sake.

At first, the three of them were hesitant to talk to Owly who went with them to dinner, but as time went by, they got quite friendly towards one another.

Rizaul was even the first to become closer to Owly, who seemed to match the other’s personality perfectly well.

Rizaul with his silent but deadly behavior, and Owly's calm, keen, yet snarky manner made them a formidable duo.

Still, what made them like Owly more was the fact he was cute, and as a bonus, was his ability to refute and silence the noisy Note.

Going back, the insensitive Note began talking rudely about Naell, as to escape the duo's unrelenting criticism of his "uncle jokes".

"What's the problem with your friend anyway."

"You mean Naell, HOOT?"

"Yeah, I hear he was rude. That friend of yours not only assaulted my cousin, he even tried to harass Viola."

Note remarked, making all of them somewhat hesitant to speak. They all knew that it was quite a stupid remark, especially since Owly was, if not a friend, very close to Naell.

Andrew didn’t really hold a grudge against Naell. It was more of guilt, as he knew, had he been able to control his emotions at the time, he would have managed to control his strength.

'Again, I was too busy with myself… I could have reached out to him.'

Viola was the same, she would often recall that if she had perhaps talked before becoming afraid of Naell, she might have understood the look he was giving at that time.

'Pained eyes while biting his lip.'

Even Rinca who disliked Naell slapped Note's head while giving him a look screaming WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?

Note tried and gave a hand gesture of RELAX I WAS JUST KIDDING, yet the heavy slapping did not stop.

Viola and Andrew could only sigh and wonder if Note really was the genius he was known as, or just some dumb masochist.

"Forgive us, Owly, Note's a huge dumb dumb."

Namiku, who was often carefree and understood Note more than most, even had to apologize as she knew that the statement was truly below the belt.

"That's fine, that human is often rude and annoying. This is true, HOOT."

Yet Owly's reply seemed as carefree and uncaring as the half-elf they knew.

'That's why they hit it off.'

Note’s thought as he smiled. His enlightened spirit spurted as he proceeded with the conversation.

"See, even Owly knew I was just telling the truth."

Owly’s nodding head while sitting on Rizaul's lap was a sight to behold. One could say that both of them looked relatively similar, reminiscent of a brother carrying his baby brother.

Had it not been for Note’s insensitivity, all of them might have enjoyed that calm and serene sight of the handsome elf and the majestic (albeit fat) owl.