Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions - Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions chapter 54

6. Liyue Branch (1)

There are a few things that cannot be left out when talking about Mond. First of all, it would be ‘freedom’, which can be said to be the value that the people of Mond most reverence, and I could not help but talk about the beautiful ‘poetry’ that resonates without fail at every festival. And there was one more thing that could never be left out when talking about Mond. It was ‘alcohol’.

When the sun sets and the dark night comes, another morning finally comes to Mond. Mond at night used to have the atmosphere of dawn with the soft lighting of the bar. It was around this time that Mond’s two representative bars, ‘Angel’s Share’ and ‘Cat Tail Bar’ opened.

However, the area in front of the ‘Angel’s Share’, which always welcomed Mond’s drunkards, was deserted today. To be precise, it was quiet outside the door, but happy voices kept coming from inside. This was because only invited guests could enter today’s ‘Angel’s Share’.

The reason was me. To be precise, it was because an event was prepared today to congratulate me on ‘Angel’s Share’.

My name is Baek Si-woo. I was an unlucky person in the 21st century Republic of Korea who thoughtlessly agreed to the terms and conditions of a Chinese game and ended up on the Tivat continent. However, fortunately among misfortunes, I was able to meet precious people on the Tivat continent. My colleagues, including Lumine, Fissle, and Mona, as well as friends like Tartaglia, Mr. Palm, and Keia.

And today was the day I was inaugurated as the ‘financial advisor’ of the Knights of Pebonius. In fact, although I was ‘inaugurated’, it did not mean that I had to go to work every day for the Knights of Pebonius. This was because the position of financial advisor to the Knights of Pebonius was a kind of honorary position. However, its authority and influence were enormous. If necessary, he could represent the Knight Commander only in financial-related matters.

Of course, the true power of the Knights of Pebonius was the force represented by the ‘knights.’ However, no group could run without capital. It goes without saying, especially in places where the scale is national-level, like the Knights of Pebonius. Therefore, being able to interfere with the finances of the Knights of Pevonius in Mond also meant being able to access the heart of Mond. This would have never been possible without the entire trust of Mond in me.

Actually, it was worth it. Even when prices soared, I did not make profit. Even now, with the monopoly over the distribution network, that trend has been maintained. Even in the road restoration project led by the Knights of Pebonius, they did not seek large profits, and even donated a large amount of money to the Knights Templar and the cathedral. Even so, if my position in Mond was unstable, it was even more strange.

More than anything, I kicked the Wooindan out of Mond. Mond had been under pressure from Wooindan for a long time. Even if we imagine just a little bit, we can understand what the Wooindan, who used any means at their disposal, would do to exert influence in Mond. But I finally kicked out the damn Woindan from Mond.

Even at that time, the negotiation with the Signora took place in the main square of Mond at the request of the Signora. It was an open secret that the rumors that spread at that time had a decisive influence on my appointment as a ‘financial advisor.’

“Congratulations, Siwoo. “There is no need to be a ‘friend’ of the Knights anymore.”

Director Jin, a neat and beautiful woman with golden hair and blue eyes, said so and poured a drink into my glass. Since it was a drink poured by a beautiful woman, I decided to accept it with a happy heart. ‘Friend’, I said with a sad smile on my face.

This was the relationship I formed when I first donated 100 million mora to the Knights of Pebonius. But now there was no need for that. Although it was an honorary position, I was now a member of the Order of Pebonius. I could tell just by looking at the figures of the knights who were now flocking to the ‘angel’s share’.

Ember, who claims to be the ‘last reconnaissance knight,’ Keia, who leads the cavalry representing the military power of the Knights, Jin, the acting leader of the Knights, who is in charge of the Knights after Captain Barka left, and Lisa, who can be said to be his staff.

Everyone was kind to me, and I was also treated kindly by people. Without them, it would have been impossible for me to take root in Mond so quickly.

“So now Director Jin and I have become ‘one family’?”

Director Jin shook his head as if he couldn’t stop my strange joke. Keia burst out laughing when she saw that. As always, it was a relaxed voice.

“hahahahaha, Siwoo. Are you brave? “The honorary knight is watching you over there right now.”

Those words pricked me and I looked back at the table where Lumine was sitting. Sure enough, Lumine was glaring at me, who was flirting with Captain Jin, with cold eyes. I felt a little cold sweat. It wasn’t that bad originally, but Lumine’s alertness had recently reached its peak when she saw Mona starting to approach me.

In the end, I was so discouraged that I had no choice but to smile awkwardly and say my words.

“Oh, of course, I meant that the Knights of Pebonius are all one family. Ha ha ha… It didn’t mean anything… Yeah, yeah. Mr. Dairuk, could you please bring me another bottle of dandelion wine?”

When I gave a lame excuse, Lumine finally gave up her innocent look. Mr. Dai Luke, who was watching this from the counter with his chin resting, shook his head. As always, Mr. Dairuk picked up a bottle of alcohol and brought it to the table with a bored look on his face.

With a thud, the bottle of alcohol was placed on the table. While I was leaving, I decided to offer Mr. Dairuk a drink as well.

“Mr. Dairuk, would you like to have a drink while you’re here?”

But Mr. Dai Luke immediately shook his head. Then he spoke to me in his characteristic deep voice.

“…… Thank you, but I’m done. “Drinking alcohol interferes with ‘daily work.’”

“Really? I wonder what there is so much for you to do when all you have to do is sit and kill time at Down Winery…….”

Mr. Dairuk cast his gaze at Keia. Keia, who was talking about her meaningful words, smiled with her calm face. And she sipped her drink.

“…… Well, if that’s you, then it’s like that, right?”

Hearing those words, Mr. Dairuk snorted and took another step. As always, he was a person who was sure to make and break things. I thought he was a very consistent person, but suddenly my curiosity arose. Immediately a question was asked in a low voice to Jin and Keia.

“Now that I think about it, I heard that Mr. Dyruk used to belong to the Knights Templar? “But why does he hate the Templars so much?”

“Oh, that’s… ….”

As soon as they heard those words, Jin and Keia’s expressions changed strangely. As soon as I saw that reaction, I knew I had hit a landmine. I immediately threw up my hand.

“No, if it’s a difficult story, I’ll hear it directly from Mr. Dyruk later.”

“…… “It’s not that great of a story.”

The answer came not from Jin or Keia, but from the counter. Although he seemed not to care, Mr. Dyruk’s advanced hearing seemed to pick up even the details of the guests’ stories. He added, still with a puzzled look on his face.

“I’ll let you know next time, but instead, there’s something I’d like to ask for on my next flight.”

It wasn’t a big request. Anyway, I was regularly exchanging supplies with Daun Winery. Mr. Dairuk’s help was a big part of the reason I was able to grow as I have in the first place. If I hadn’t received Daun Winery’s entire inventory during my first trip up Liyue, I would have had to go back and forth to Liyue several more times.

So, I could always grant that kind of request. Mr. Dairuk then went up to the second floor, leaving a message that he would leave the list to Mr. Albert later. There were many guests on the second floor who came to congratulate me, so it seemed like they wanted to take a look there.

At that point, I drank a glass of alcohol. Mr. Dyruk’s appearance briefly cut off the conversation at the table where Jin, I, and Keia were sitting, but the silence did not last long. This was because Director Jin asked me with a slightly suspicious look on his face.

“Now that I think about it, Siwoo. I heard the story. Recently, most commercial flights have been focused on Liyue… “Is it true that you are going to Liyue?”

Oh, haven’t we told you yet? I thought Lumine had already finished the story, so I nodded with a slightly bewildered expression.

“Yes, that’s right…” I heard Lumine is going to Liyue. Of course, my house will be in Mond, but I plan to focus on Liyue for a while.”

Director Jin’s expression became subtle at those words. I looked at Director Jin with an incomprehensible expression, then turned my gaze to Keia. Keia was just giggling as if she was having fun.

“An honorary knight is an honorary knight, but you are also great, aren’t you? “I never thought you would say you would set up a branch just because of an honorary knight.”

I see, I poured a drink into her glass without much inspiration from Keia’s words. It was a natural thing for me. The reason I started the business in the first place and established the business was all for Lumine. However, to other people, the relationship between me and Lumine seemed quite refreshing.

Keia asked in a slightly playful voice.

“So?”

I looked at Keia with a face asking what she was talking about. Keia asked back in a voice that seemed even more interested in my reaction.

“What is your relationship with the honorary knight? “We’re not a normal relationship, right?”

“…… “Keia.”

In response to Ke A’s mischievous question, Director Jin quietly called her Ke A’s name. The tone was reproachful. It’s as if you shouldn’t meddle in other people’s relationships. However, there was no way Keia’s playfulness would disappear like that.

“hahahahaha, sorry. Was that too mischievous? But Jin, you’re curious too, right? “Those two must be a famous couple in Mond.”

“Yeah, that’s right, but… ….”

Director Jin trailed off his words like that. At the same time, Director Jin seemed to be curious as he glanced at me. Like this, the romance written by a man and a woman in their prime had a way of arousing the interest of others.

I was embarrassed. How should I say it? Of course, the simple answer is ‘companions’, but Lumine was more special than that. After picking and choosing her words, I cautiously opened my mouth.

“I’m still a colleague with Lumine, but gradually… ….”

“Siwoo!”

But my words did not last until the end. It was because someone was hanging on my back. That soft weight and soft feel on your back. The faint smell of alcohol tickled the tip of my nose.

From Noble mtl dot com

The person who called me with a charming voice, I immediately guessed who it was. Because there was only one person in our group who could drink.

I turned my gaze slightly, and there was a person exactly as I expected. Pale beryl-colored eyes, dark blue hair, and, most of all, a conical hat that stands out.

Her slightly flushed cheeks showed that she was somewhat intoxicated. She looked happier than ever before. She said she went up to the second floor with Lisa, and she and Lisa seemed to have been drinking too much because she got along pretty well.

I called her name with an embarrassed face.

“Mona… ….”

However, Mona did not stop talking despite my embarrassed voice. She seemed even more excited and gave strength to her arms as she hugged me. Her soft cheek pressed against my shoulder. The feel of the flesh on her back became more vivid.

“What were you talking about, Siwoo? “You didn’t think about me?”

“Mona, am I talking to important people right now? So just wait…….”

However, even my euphemistic rejection did not stop Mona’s affection. In fact, Mona even started pretending to cry due to my restraint.

“Wow, that’s too much… Siwoo, you even did ‘that kind of thing’ to me last time… “Are you sick of me now?”

I immediately took aim at the horse, which no one could tell was intended. Director Jin’s gaze towards me was gradually becoming colder. My voice became urgent.

“Hey, Mona? Avoid saying things that may cause misunderstanding…….”

“…… “It’s not a lie, is it?”

I kept my mouth shut at those words. Yes, it wasn’t wrong. Because that night, I shared a kiss with Mona. It was entirely my own doing, so I was also responsible. If Mona tried to criticize, she had nothing to say.

It was Lumine who helped me when I was cornered. Lumine, who had already stood up, asked Mona in a cold voice.

“…… “What are you doing now?”

That cold gaze, I felt like my breath was taken away just by looking at Lumine’s eyes. She is so kind and beautiful, how can she be so cold. But Mona was not at all afraid of her Lumine gaze.

On the contrary, he narrowed his eyes and buried his face in my shoulder.

“Siwoo, I don’t like that girl… ….”

Audible, the sound of teeth grinding was heard. Without even looking at it, it was a sound that came from Lumine. Her gaze began to become harsh. Mona’s behavior was clearly mocking Lumine’s usual behavior.

But Lumine managed to find her composure. Now this was a place where many people gathered. She couldn’t show her harsh side, so Lumine’s judgment was right.

“…… Can’t you see Siwoo is in trouble? “Get away immediately.”

“Well, I think it would have been more difficult because someone would glare at me even if I just talked to a woman… ….”

Mona’s words were a mumble, but there was no one here whose hearing was not sensitive enough for her to not hear the voice.

The atmosphere suddenly became cold. Only then did Mona release her arms that were holding her around my neck and slowly retreated behind her. She said and she smiled coldly. The voice she spoke next was as cold as that smile.

“…… “You look like you’re going to give it a try?”

Lumine said nothing, moved her steps and stood next to Mona. And she quietly murmured in Mona’s ear.

“I don’t want to trouble Siwoo, so come out.”

And Lumine took her steps and went outside. The cold attitude made onlookers shiver for no reason. However, rather than being intimidated, Mona just snorted and gave me a sneaky smile.

“Then Siwoo, I will go first.”

After saying those words, Mona followed Lumine out. No one knew where the two would go and what they would do anymore. I calmed my pounding head by pressing my temples.

Recently, the war of nerves between those two has been extreme. It was a headache for me. Lumine was the center of the Tivat continent for me, and Mona was a trustworthy colleague who would take charge of the top on my behalf. So, cowardly, I was unable to abandon either one.

Then it was a girl who approached me. A girl with golden hair and emerald eyes. My first thought was that he still had a somewhat mysterious fashion sense, including that eye patch.

Her name was ‘Fissle,’ which wasn’t her real name, but it was anyway as she claimed. She had recently returned from a successful first trip up the mountain. Since she was no different from the founding contributor of my top class, she naturally could not be left out of today’s celebration.

I looked at Fissle with slightly puzzled eyes. Fissle must have gone up to the second floor with Venti? But behind Fiesle, Venti was smiling with a troubled smile.

Venti explained the situation to me in a slightly embarrassed voice.

“Ahahahaha… That’s what I mean, Siwoo. In fact… ….”

“…… “Siwoo.”

What interrupted Venti’s words was Fissle’s slightly watery voice. At this moment, I knew something was wrong with her. My gaze turned towards Venti with resentment. Venti avoided my gaze and continued to explain the rest of her situation.

“…… Fissle drank the dandelion wine I had left for him to drink. She disguises herself as an apple so she can drink it secretly… hehehe.”

Venti tried to somehow escape the situation by pretending to be cute, but her situation was ongoing. I left a message with my eyes telling Venti to be prepared, and then looked at Fissle, swallowing her dry saliva. Fisle’s expression was not visible as she lowered her head.

Usually at times like this, something happens, but my ominous premonition immediately became reality.

“…… “Why aren’t you sleeping with me these days?”

At that moment, silence fell over ‘Angel’s Share’. The lively atmosphere just now felt like a lie. Damn it, I barely swallowed the cursing that reached my uvula.

“Fisle, that’s something you can’t help but do once when you’re homeless… ….”

I tried to control the situation, but it was not enough. This was because Fissle started crying.

“Am I no longer able to stand by Siwoo’s side? I showed you everything… “These days, Siwoo only hangs out with travelers and Mona!”

And then Fissle clung to me. She started to shed tears.

“Even travelers don’t keep me in check anymore! What on earth happened while I was away…….”

However, Fissle’s lament did not last long. With a thud, Fiseul’s face, which had been crying, fell down.

It was Mr. Dairuk’s work. The same hand movement that knocked out Lumine earlier. Mr. Dairuk, who was looking around the second floor, seemed unable to watch the commotion any longer.

Mr. Dairuk looked at me. It seemed like he had something to say. Mr. Dai Luke seemed to hesitate for a while, but eventually he sighed. After hesitating for a while, Dairuk’s choice was ‘silence’.

His head felt throbbing. I put my hand on my forehead and spoke to Venti.

“Venti… “You take responsibility and take me to your dorm.”

“Of course!” “Just leave it to me.”

Venti, who was watching me in the middle of the day, got angry at my words. And she immediately supported her fissul. Looking at his size, it seemed impossible to support Fissle alone, but Venti was a ‘god’ himself, beyond being a ‘possessor of the eyes of God’. Even though his physical abilities were on the weak side, he had the strength to move at least one girl.

When Fissle left, dragged by Venti, I sighed and turned around again. It was because I realized that I was talking with Director Jin and Keia.

“So… ….”

Then I suddenly realized that the surroundings had become quiet. Everyone’s eyes were on me. ‘Angel’s Share’ was built in a way that one could look down on the first floor from the second floor. This was because the center of the second floor was open. So, right now, it was as if I was receiving the attention of everyone sitting in the ‘angel’s seat.’

As I was thinking about what to say, I shook my head. No matter what I say, it will be of no use. I just filled my empty glass with a sigh. The dandelion wine that was poured out had a refreshing scent as always. Why is my life not this refreshing?

I just poured a glass of alcohol into my stomach. It was hot. And then he said, putting the glass down on the table.

“…… “This is what happened.”

The gaze that Director Jin looked at me at that time was the first gaze I had ever received in my life. So, to put it bluntly, it was the eye that saw ‘garbage’.

On that day, my reputation within the Order of Pebonius was slightly diminished. This tendency was especially severe among female members.

After I kicked Signora out of Mond, my daily life has always been like this.

**

Spring Village, a small village centered around a spring where legend has it that spirits live. The village of Sammul, which I visited after a long time, was busier than ever. Even though the movement of population was rare due to the wind demon dragon, the number of visitors to Saemmul Village was so large that it seemed excessive.

More than anything, the attire of the people wandering around Saemmul Village was different from Mond. Nowadays, Liyue people make up the majority of visitors to Spring Water Village. As I looked at the completely transformed Saemmul Village with a bewildered look on my face, I soon found a familiar face.

“Mr. Duraf!”

At those words, the middle-aged man with cat ears turned his head to her. And as soon as he saw me, he seemed happy to see me and came running to me.

Mr. Duraf held my hand tightly and shook it up and down. It was hospitality beyond imagination.

“hahahahaha, who is this? “Aren’t you the savior of our village?”

“…… “A savior?”

In response to my puzzled words, Mr. Durav began to explain his situation.

So, the reason why the number of visits from Liyue people to Springmul Village has increased rapidly is because of the ‘Choshinseon Springmul Village Wild Boar Meat’ that I sowed in Liyue. At that time, I promoted the catchphrase ‘Taste that can never be tasted in Liyue’ and it seemed to have worked so well that the wild boar meat I sold was selling like hot cakes in Liyue for a while.

In particular, a new recipe called ‘Seuvid’ played a role in the process. The ‘Xiubid’ dish spread by Xiangling was highly difficult, but it created a big stir in Liyue’s gastronomic scene because it provided a unique texture. And as the name ‘Siubid’ spread, my name became known, and my name immediately influenced the reputation of the meat I handled.

So now, Spring Water Village was overflowing with tourists from Liyue. Since the people of Liyue love gourmet food so much, they spared no effort in coming all the way to Wonsan to eat ‘wild boar meat from Choshinseon Saemmul Village.’

The only problem was that Brook, the meat master of Saemmul Village, could not use the ‘Seubid’ recipe. However, as Brook was already recognized by Xiang Ling, he was an excellent cook, so it was enough to satisfy Liyue’s gourmets who came to Spring Water Village.

Thanks to this, Saemmul Village was experiencing an unprecedented boom. It was even said that Mr. Duraf’s house had several rooms left empty and was being used as a lodging. It was because there were too many tourists.

“hahahaha… That’s a good thing. “You suffered a lot because your income was cut off for a while, right?”

“If things continue like this, I think we will be able to recover from the losses caused by the Wind Demon Dragon in just one or two months. It’s all thanks to you. “Thank you!”

I looked a little embarrassed by Mr. Duraf’s hospitality. I understand that feeling, but I only unintentionally helped Saemmul Village. What I did was essentially for my own benefit. Receiving gratitude like this actually felt like a burden.

But Mr. Duraf was not one to listen to anyone trying to dissuade him. I decided to change the subject instead.

“Duraf, by the way, how is the stock of wild boar meat these days?”

Mr. Duraf opened his eyes wide at those words. And soon, I was convinced, “Ah.” It seemed like I had finally remembered that I was a merchant. Last time, we cooked and drank so much that Mr. Duraf forgot that I was a merchant.

Mr. Durav stroked his bearded chin as if he was thinking. He opened his mouth cautiously.

“Of course, we want to give you as much as possible… ….”

I smiled bitterly at those words. I understood the situation. This surge in tourists brought about a lot of demand. Of course, there was no way there was any wild boar meat left in Saemmul Village. Perhaps this shortage phenomenon would continue for a while as long as the spring water village craze continued in Liyue.

Then is it a failure? I thought so. The second part of my daily routine these days was to travel around Mond’s production area and collect inventory. Of course, there are regular commercial trips, but there is no other means of transportation in the world as efficient as my ‘backpack’ function. Of course, it was right to take as much stock as possible with you.

Last time, the response to wild boar meat from Saemmul Village was so good that I thought about taking it again, but in the end, that ‘good response’ turned out to be poison for me. Who would have thought they would cross the border just to taste meat? The passion for gourmet food of the people of Liyue is truly incredible.

But Mr. Duraf, seeing my bitter expression, became restless. It was Mr. Durav who I considered my benefactor, so he must have wanted to be of help to me in some way. He groaned for a while and then something seemed to flash. He slammed his fist into his palm.

“Yes! “It’s not like there’s no way.”

“…… “How?”

No, there is so much demand that there is no way to keep the supply running. I couldn’t help but question those words, which seemed to deny the basic order of the market economy.

However, Mr. Duraf was smiling an uncharacteristically sinister smile.

“By any chance, Siu…….”

I looked at Mr. Duraf with a bewildered gaze. What on earth are you proposing? And the proposal that Mr. Duraf made next was indeed one that I could not have imagined.

“…… Why not try a ‘cooking competition’?”

After hearing that, I was silent. And after thinking about it and thinking about it, I couldn’t figure it out so I had no choice but to ask.

“…… Why me?”

Mr. Duraf just chuckled at my question.