Offer 4

This wasn't the first time someone asked for something like this

'And not a single time did it end well'

One time, about 35 years ago, Fia wanted to recruit a Darkness Mage.

He asked to control a small area in the slums that was near a well.

She thought nothing of it and granted his request since it was pretty simple at the time.

A couple of weeks passed, then all sorts of strange diseases began appearing in that area, and the mortality rate kept rising.

She wanted to interfere and stop whatever was happening, but everything ended very fast.

'We only noticed it after things became really bad'

By the end of the first month, the area became desolate.

'Hundreds of people died ... and whoever remained, if anyone actually did remain, thought that it became a cursed land and ran away.'

After investigating the incident for weeks, they found out that the Darkness Mage had been trying all sorts of Darkness Spells on the well's waters.

'To study its effects on humans, the bastard said'

Fia still feels guilty whenever she remembers that incident. hse felt that she was one of the main reasons for their suffering.

Years after that incident, a Water Mage wanted to control another area

'That idiot claimed that he invented a new design to provide water'

Fia was against it, but after he assured her that no one would ever be harmed and that all his actions would be documented, she reluctantly agreed.

Things worked out really well the first few months, but about 7 months later or so, a huge Land Subsidence happened.

'That idiot brought two Earth Mages and they kept digging random Artificial Wells all over the area and then filling them with water.'

The water kept accumulating underground until it suddenly caused a huge sinking in the ground.

'Tens of buildings were destroyed, and hundreds of people were injured or died'

After that incident, Fia came to a realization

'Nothing good will ever come if we give individuals control over an area without any repercussions, they just do whatever they want'

So after Leus said to her that he wanted control over an entire Sector, Her expression became very solemn.

After all these memories shot in her mind, she spoke in a serious tone

"I do not think that's feasible"

Leus was surprised to hear that

'I'm certain that Arno said something along the lines of (you're more important than an entire sector) or something like that. So why is she rejecting?'

He asked

"Why?"

"Due to our experience with similar requests, we do not think that it is a good idea. The Slums is unofficially monitored by The Crimson Guards, and it's better for things to stay that way.

However, we can compensate in other aspects"

Leus leaned back on his chair and crossed his arms

"I'm not interested"

Fia narrowed her eyes

"What do you mean by that?"

"Losing control over my area is a deal-breaker for me, I do not trust the Crimson Guards nor do I like their policy."

"Why is that the case?"

Leus sighed

"A lot of things have happened in the past."

Leus' excitement completely disappeared, and the expression on his face was unreadable, but it wasn't good.

When Fia took note of that, she realized that this point was uncompromisable.

She became annoyed, but she knew of Leus' value

'We can't lose him for this ...'

Still, she didn't ignore her morals

"What exactly do you want to do with that area?"

Leus replied casually

"Maintain the status quo"

Fia was surprised to hear that

"That's it? You don't want to run experiments on people like you did with that Elite Knight?"

Leus tilted his head

"You mean Kye?"

She silently nodded

"I didn't run experiments on him because I wanted to, I ran it to gain information out of him, I thought he wanted to hurt my people ... I had a really bad experience before"

One word in particular caught Fia's attention

"Your people?"

"Yes, they're my friends"

She became relieved when she heard that

'So he has grown emotionally attached to the people there? ... That solves it'

"I see, well, if you insist ...

How about instead of controlling the entire Sector, you gain official control of only the area you are controlling right now? Which is about 58% of the entire sector.

As long as you won't run any strange experiments then it should be fine"

"I agree"

'Keeping things as it is is fine as well, they told me that they don't need to expand more, and if it becomes necessary later, I can ask for re-assessment or whatever that is after I become Elite .. I think that's pretty good.'

"Then that sorts it out, we will officially deal with The Crimson Guards later.

With these things out of the way, is there anything you'd like to ask?"

"Yes actually, there are a couple of questions. First, what about my Master, Arno?"

"The Librarian will negotiate with Duke Ignatius, you shouldn't worry about that."

Leus nodded

"Then, How about the lifestyle in the Red Mansion?"

He pointed at the Magic Circle on the floor

"This Barrier here helped me while I learned spells, there's another one that helped me unlock Abstracts.

Not to mention the books and the knowledge provided by Maste Arno, compared to that, what does the Red Mansion offer?"

Fia nodded in understanding

"The Red Mansion offers you everything, however, not for free.

There are two ways to acquire such things.

First, you can spend your monthly funds on buying whatever you require.

Second, you can use your points - which you can acquire through winning Duels or doing Missions - to get whatever you want, such as books, tutors, and so on.

You can also convert the points to money. Once you are in you will understand more regarding this matter."

'Looks like I'll have to learn a lot about this system.'

Regardless, Leus replied with a smile

"I see, I don't have any more questions"

Fia stood up with a smile on her face

"Welcome to The Red Mansion."