Chapter 8
Jhin woke up inside the room he rented in the inn. He glanced at the view outside the window where he was able to tell that it was currently night time.
As Jhin rose from the bed, He felt a small movement next to him.
There, Jhin saw a little girl with jade white skin and soft blonde hair sleeping peacefully in the middle of the bed. She had an adorable sleeping face with her cheeks cutely squished against the mattress.
She was wearing a green sleeping wear with long sleeves and long trousers.
"Lily?"
Jhin's voice made the little girl's brows slightly crease which soon made her eye lids flutter.
"Mmm... Mister?" Lily said groggily while wiping her eyes.
"Fuaa..." She made a short yawn before eventually realizing that Jhin was beside her.
"M-mister!"
Her drowsiness instantly disappeared as soon as she saw the person she had been waiting for. She hurriedly sat upwards which made the bed shake.
Jhin was looking at her with a smile before pointing towards the corner of his mouth to which Lily immediately realized what he meant and bashfully wiped the drool that accumulated from the corner of her mouth.
This action of hers made Jhin slightly chuckle before saying, "Good evening, Lily. Did you get a good rest?"
Lily softly nodded her head while looking down to hide her embarrassed face. Even while she kept her head down, she continued to glance at Jhin.
'Mister is really... odd. Sometimes he acts cold and seem uncaring person but at times like this... he smiles like a normal person.' She kept these words to herself as she observed Jhin making a charming smile while looking at her.
Naturally, Jhin had no intentions of charming anyone as he simply had this captivating and charming smile due to his devilishly handsome face.
Before anything else, Jhin decided to check Lily's character information.
[ Name: Lily Level: 1 (EXP: 0%)
Title: None
Class: None
HP: 40/40
MP: 50/50
Status: Healthy
-
Strength: 4
Agility: 3
Intelligence: 5
Vitality: 4
-
Available Attribute Points: 0
Available Skill Points: 0
-
Active Skill(s):
N/A
Passive Skill(s):
N/A ]
'It seems that she managed to make a full recovery... I wonder what the owner of the Inn gave her.'
Looking at the little girl, Jhin's face returned to neutral as he spoke, "Fix yourself up within five minutes. We will resume your training after that."
A smile appeared on Lily's adorable face as she got up from the bed and replied, "Yes Mister!" before heading outside the room.
Thud.
With the wooden door closed, Jhin turned his attention towards the global chat and decided to contact the Bavellion Family.
'The username... The GreatButler, wasn't it?'
[Whisper To: The GreatButler
I'm interested in exchanging 100 Silver coins. Reply ASAP.]
After sending a short message, Jhin stood up from the bed and leaned by the window.
Seconds later, a response came in the chat box.
[The GreatButler: Is it true that you are in possession of 100 silver coins?]
Jhin wasn't surprised at the fast reply and responded back.
[Hoarder: Yes. How will the exchange be handled?]
[The GreatButler: Please hold on. I will go to your location and we can speak in person.]
[Hoarder: Alright. Meet me at Beginner Village in front of Black Wolf's Inn. Channel 28]
[The GreatButler: On my way!]
After the conversation was over, Jhin dismissed the chat box as a couple of thumping noises that could be heard outside his room.
Seconds later, The wooden door opened and in came Lily who was wearing pink tunic, brown trousers, and small leather boots.
She tied her hair in a pony tail which exposed her cute and immature face that retained her baby fats.
Her sweet small smile and large emerald eyes could be seen clearly now that her blonde hair is tied behind her head.
"That was fast." Jhin commented. He was sure it hadn't even been two minutes yet.
"Hehehe... Lily wanted to train with mister already! Plus, Lily rested for the entire day so now she needs to be diligent!" She stuck out her chest and bumped it with her fist.
Jhin found her actions adorable and couldn't refrain from stroking her head.
"!" Lily looks up to him in surprise but didn't refuse his hand.
After a couple of seconds, Jhin said, "Good Job." before letting her head go and exiting the room.
Jhin's actions momentarily left Lily dazed but she quickly snapped out of it after feeling a little giddy.
Realizing Jhin had left the room, she chased after him with a wide smile on her face.
.
.
.
.
.
Standing in front of the Inn, Jhin and Lily felt the cold breeze of the night. Especially for Jhin as he wore nothing but simple rags that were the default equipment less clothes, so he naturally felt chillier than Lily.
Nothing had changed in his equipment except for a black cloth that he wore as a mask.
"Mister, Who are we waiting for?" Lily asked Jhin.
Lightly glancing to his side, Jhin answered. "We're waiting for a business partner."
"Business partner?" Lily tilts her head cutely.
Jhin chuckles lightly before explaining. "A business partner is a person who you will perform a business with. It can be a variety of actions but usually, you trade or exchange with them."
Lily softly nods to herself. "I see..."
Just as Jhin affirmed Lily's thoughts, someone calls out to him.
"Are you Hoarder?"
Turning towards the voice, he found a tall middle-aged man with streaks of grey hair in both his hair and mustache.
He had a few wrinkles which showed his age but his straight gait and mannerisms made him seem like an educated and elegant man.
He wore a smooth and silky black tunic and black trousers. Jhin immediately recognized that they were uncommon grade equipment and were clothes that only those with money could afford.
Jhin turns to him and nods. "That's correct. You are GreatButler I presume?"
The man nodded at him before furrowing his brows after scanning Jhin from head to toe.
"Young man, forgive me for being rude but are you absolutely sure you are in possession of the promised silvers?" GreatButler asked in a questioning tone.
He added, "You must know but my master can be quite aggressive and if you have tricked us then unfortunately, your time in Ascended Order would be unpleasant."
Jhin scoffed at his threat before replying, "If you want proof then we can trade."
GreatButler nodded. "Very well."
A second later, a game notice appeared in front of Jhin.
[The GreatButler is requesting you to trade. Accept or Decline? (10) ]
Jhin tapped on the "Accept" and immediately, two window panes appeared in front of him.
[The GreatButler's Offer:
➤
➤
➤
Gold: Silver: Copper: Iron: ]
[Hoarder's Offer:
➤
➤
➤
Gold: Silver: Copper: Iron: ]
Jhin didn't delay and put 100 Silvers on his window.
[Hoarder's Offer:
➤
➤
➤
Gold: Silver: 100 Copper: Iron: ]
GreatButler stared at Jhin's face for a moment before cancelling the trade.
"I've confirmed the amount."
After stating that, GreatButler moved to the side which revealed another player who was behind him.
What Jhin first noticed about her was her strong sharp eyes that would seem to peer through one's soul.
Long lustrous black hair fell to her back which complemented her beautiful snow white face. She possessed ruby coloured eyes that made her gaze much more intimidating.
Her physique was slim but she grew plentifully in the right places. She was a few centimeters shorter than Jhin but that didn't hinder her demeanor as someone from a rich and affluent family.
She stood with pride, aloofness and elegance, traits that you will only see from a person belonging to a top-class family.
Jhin didn't need to guess who this person was as he remembered seeing her photo when he did a background research on the Bavellion Family.
He had to admit, her appearance befits her title as the Princess of the Tycoon Empire from the Bavellion Family.
She was Jasmine De Bavellion, the one and only heiress of the Bavellion Family.
But even though she was well known, Jhin didn't show much reaction to her appearance nor did he find it unusual for the heiress herself to attend this exchange.
"..."
"..."
Seeing that neither Jhin nor the Heiress would take the initiative to speak, the butler thought it would be a good time to introduce his missus. "This is Madame Ja-"
His words were interrupted when the Heiress glared at him and said, "I told you to refer to me with my in-game name."
"M-my apologies, My Lady." GreatButler coughed before lowering his head and spoke once more, "I introduce to you, My Lady, Discord."
"She is the one who wishes to conduct the trade."
Jhin stared at the heiress for a second. Based on the information on the internet, the two of them should be on the same age but her attitude and demeanor was severely different from people in their age.
'I suppose that is just how descendants from noble families are.' Jhin thought inwardly.
"So, how are we going to do this?" Jhin asked, finally breaking the silence.
Discord crossed her arms and responded with a cold tone.
"What do you suggest?"
Jhin didn't mind her attitude and simply went to the point, "The exchange will be done when you provide me a card where you will send the money in.
After I confirm it, I will trade you the silver coins."
Discord thought about what he said for a moment before nodding and agreeing.
"Very well." She turned to GreatButler and commanded, "Do it."
She didn't need to worry about not getting her end of the bargain because for one, 10,000 USD was just pocket money to her and two, she had all the means to suppress this average player in front of her.
GreatButler nodded enthusiastically. "Will do!" and excused himself for a moment before logging out.
His body disappeared into particles of light, leaving Jhin and the Heiress quietly staring at each other.
After a few seconds of silence, Discord spoke.
"How did you gather this amount of silver?"
She waited for an answer but even after a minute had passed, Jhin remained quiet. It was as if he hadn't heard her speak even though she was right in front of her.
Not surprised by his unresponsive attitude, Discord's eyes narrowed as she asked with an authoritative tone, "Speak, where did you get those silvers?"
"..."
However, her question was left unanswered as the latter simply remains quiet.
Tug. Tug.
Jhin looked beside him when Lily softly tugged on the hem of his clothes to get his attention.
"What is it?"
Lily looked at him and innocently spoke. "Lily thinks that lady is speaking to Mister."
Jhin slightly nodded. "I think so too."
The little girl tilts her head in confusion. "Then why is Mister ignoring her?"
"It's because I don't like speaking to people with condenscending attitudes." Jhin replied.
Lily repeats curiously, "Condescending attitude?"
Jhin proceeds to calmly explain to the little girl what those words meant.
At the same time, Discord's eyes were slightly twitching. Never in her life had she ever been treated like this.
It was already intolerable enough when she was being ignored and treated like air but, for a person to actually insult her right in front of her face?
She would not let such things pass by. Her dignity and pride as a noble will not allow herself to.
Discord's originally cold face became daunting as her sharp eyes narrowed into a glare towards Jhin.
"You..." While she possessed patience, she didn't tolerate cockiness especially from those beneath her.
But at the same time, she wasn't stupid either so she calmed her emotions and asked in a tamer tone. "How much would it cost for you to tell me how you got the silvers?"
"Now you're speaking my language." Jhin responded and met her gaze.
Discord scoffed and rolled her eyes before raising his eyebrows at him.
Jhin didn't dawdle and stated the price.
"100,000 USD"
"Ha??" Her confusion was revealed on her face as she didn't expect him to say such a high price.
As rich as she was, 100,000 US dollars was still quite a large sum of money and while it wouldn't put a dent on her wallet, she of all people does not like losing money for no reason.
This was the unique trait of the Bavellion Family, which is also why they remained as one of the top noble families in the world.
She gauged Jhin's attitude, thinking that he may have laid down a simple number that came to his mind. So she tried to negotiate.
"100,000 is not worth the information I asked from you."
Jhin's expression didn't change. "If you think that's the case then, the information is no longer for sale at the offered price."
His calm response made Discord frown but just as she was about to take the initiative to state her own price, Jhin spoke, "If you intend to buy the information from me again, the next price will be 200,000."
For Jhin, the price he offered earlier was fair considering that it will be another method to earn money and though this will be common knowledge in the future, at the very least, The buyer wouldn't have to search aimlessly and know that achievements could also reward money of that scale.
But of course, as for the conditions of the achievements itself, that's an entirely different case and Jhin wouldn't release such knowledge yet this early in the game.
Displeasure appeared on Discord's face as she said with a scowl, "You dare to actually raise the price?! Hah! You must be getting ahead of yourse-"
"300,000."
Her flare was extinguished by Jhin's cold voice. Her face no longer remained calm as she openly glared in hatred at him.
"You-"
"400,000"
Discord bit her own lip and hatefully glaring at the man in front of her. She wanted to curse profanities but she kept her anger in check and maintained a calm attitude so she could think clearly.
By now, she could tell that she cannot try to haggle the price since the latter would keep mercilessly raising it each time she attempted to do so.
What's worse is that she was at a disadvantage because she didn't know what the other party truly wanted.
On the other hand, The man in front of her knew that she wanted the information he possessed.
Although she wasn't desperate, Her pride just wouldn't allow her to lose that much money all because she failed to buy it at his first price.
But after weighing out the pros and cons, She figured that she may be able to profit from the information that she could gain from him and at the same time, 400,000 USD would only make a miniscule dent on her wallet.
Simply put, she had no reason not to take this deal.
However, losing 300,000 USD still made her feel bitter.
.
.
.
.
.
After a prolonged silence, Discord closed her eyes and sighed.
"Very well. We have a deal." She extended her hand towards Jhin who took it as a gesture of handshake.
The latter took her hand and shook it. But to his mild surprise, Discord's hand did not let go and instead, began to grip his hand tighter.
A sly smirk appeared on Discord's cold charming face.
She felt like she would be able to relieve some of her bitterness if she could at least see a pained or uncomfortable reaction from the man in front of her.
While she may be level 1, she had equipments that offered a small additional points in all her base stats.
So with confidence, she tightened her grip on Jhin's hand.
But contrary to her expectations, thirty seconds had passed and the man in front of her has yet to show the reaction she wanted.
Seeing the smirk slowly disappear from Discord's face, Jhin chuckled.
"Should I be flattered that the young miss of the Bavellion Family refuses to let go of my hand?"
He shook his head and sighed exaggeratingly. "Sigh... Why must the Gods curse me with this much handsomeness... Don't they realize how troublesome it is?"
Realizing that her attack brought no effect to him, she immediately let go of his hand and scoffed. "Handsome? You're probably ugly that's why you're covering your face with a mask."
"Me, ugly?" Jhin points at himself before asking to small girl beside him. "Lily, am I ugly?"
Lily shook her head and answered innocently. "Not at all! Lily thinks Mister is very handsome."
Jhin nodded in agreement. "I think so too."
"So not only are you shameless, insolent, and rude but you are also a narssistic bastard. Truly, this is the first time I've seen a person of your kind."
Jhin shrugged. "What can I say? God rarely creates a perfect being like me."
Discord violently coughed at his shameless statement and didn't bother retorting anymore.
Instead, she looked at Lily and questioned, "Who is that child? Last time I checked, the game prohibits those who are fifteen years and below, right?"
Jhin smiled mysteriously and doesn't respond.
Discord scoffed. "Fine then, don't answer."
But after glancing at Lily who continued to smile after meeting her gaze, Discord asked, "Out of curiosity, How much would it be for information about her?"
"You wouldn't be able to afford it." Jhin said.
"Just say it already."
Again, Jhin smiled and didn't respond.
Just as she was about to be even more infuriated by his attitude, Particles of light appeared and materialized beside them.
"My Lady, I'm back!" GreatButler smiled.
Discord lightly scoffed and coldly said, "Stop the crap and give it to him already."
GreatButler could only make a helpless smile before asking Jhin for his email address.
Jhin followed the procedure and he was able to receive an email about the card's information. It was a virtual card so as long as he had the Card ID and PIN, he would be able to use it.
After checking the validity and the USD it contained, Jhin requested to trade with Discord.
[You will receive:
➤
➤
➤
Gold:0 Silver:0 Copper:0 Iron:0 ]
[Discord will receive:
➤
➤
➤
Gold: Silver: 100 Copper: Iron: ]
[Confirm?]
Jhin tapped on the "Yes" option and the trade was finished.
Discord stared blankly in front of her, presumably towards a game notice.
"Ho... so you can get attribute points through this way as well.." She murmured while making a thoughtful expression.
Jhin realized that she was looking at the achievement notice. He then coughed which brought Discord back from her thoughts.
Discord seemed displeased for having her thoughts disturb but nevertheless, she made a simple swiping motion with her finger.
A few seconds later, she looked at him and said, "There, The money should've been sent."
Jhin briefly checked the card.
[BAL:
$410,000]
He nodded and confirmed that he had received the money.
Jhin thought, 'Just like that, I earned almost half a million in one day.'
"Well? Tell me, how did you get these silvers?" Discord inquired impatiently.
Jhin didn't delay and answered, "It's quite simple. Another method of earning money is through achievement rewards."
Discord's forehead creased slightly. "So achievement rewards can give these amount of silvers?"
Jhin nodded.
"Well, what achievement is it and what is the condition?" She asked Jhin.
Once more, Jhin mysteriously smiles and remains quiet.
"Tsk!" Discord clicks her tongue in disatisfaction.
She knows very well that Jhin's current attitude basically means that she must offer money.
"Not even a hint or clue?" She asked, feeling very cheated out of their deal.
"Hey, You're the one who kept raising the price." Jhin said with a calm voice, "I already stated that the information was worth 100,000 but you didn't want to buy it."
Discord's face crumpled even more as Jhin called her out for it.
She growled, "This is how you do business?!"
Jhin didn't respond and remained quiet.
Sometimes, giving no answer was the best answer.
Discord then harrumphed and turned her back to Jhin.
"Nevermind then! I'll find it out myself!"
At the very least, she now knows that there exists an achievement that gives more than 100 silvers.
'...Which is probably why it was only worth 100,000 USD'
This knowledge would help her greatly since if she could find out how to get that achievement, then she can pass on this method to her subordinates and have them fulfill the same achievement.
In that way, she will be able to accumulate gold real soon.
Discord proceeded to walk away while glancing hatefully at him from time to time. GreatButler also followed behind her.
With that, Jhin and Lily were left in front of the Brown Wolf's Inn once more.
After watching their backs completely disappear, only then did Jhin moved.
"Let's go."
Lily nodded and enthusiastically responded. "Yes!"