Chapter 21: Han Min-Jun’s Training (3)

"No need" I said coldly which made Ethan shudder. Countless of questions came to his mind, if he fails this then there is no doubt that his father might go far with his punishment! He pleaded "P- Please sir! Just let me treat the two of you to dinner!"

I frowned even more, using my appraisal skill on him I found that he is one of the NPC's who holds a crucial play for the players in [Arcana: Online] to become an inventor. The question is, how can he help us? I have no need for money and I can get in any place I want thanks to my identity as a [Guide], to put it simply, I have no need for him.

Just as I was thinking, I suddenly remembered that the nobles of the country 'Engine' had their own libraries and laboratories that only can be entered with their permission! Unlike the ordinary libraries or even the huge ones, it still cannot match the information that are inside the nobles library!

Curling up my lips underneath my mask, I narrowed my eyes at him and said "Will you do anything to make up for your mistakes?" Hearing this, Ethan became excited and nodded, "Yes sir! I can do anything!"

"Hmm, then, let us use your library and laboratory for a week" I said which made Ethan widen his eyes in surprise, "What…?"

"Well, it still depends on whether you're fine with it or not" I said and was about to turn around and leave with Han Min-Jun when--

"Absolutely! I'm totally alright with it!" Ethan said hastily seeing me about to leave and I couldn't help grin secretly as I thought 'Perfect'. Ethan then asked "When will you start sir?" Smiling I said "How about today?" Ethan was slightly surprised but still agreed. Reaching out my hand I said "Zero, and this is my disciple, Han Min-Jun" Ethan shook my head blankly before saying "Ethan, Ethan Baron of the Baron Family"

"Good." As I said this I turned along with Han Min-Jun as I asked "Shall we start then?"

….

Arriving at the duke's manor, Han Min-Jun couldn't help be in awe as he muttered "Wow, so big!" Ethan saw his look of admiration and couldn't help being arrogant a little bit and said with a smug look "Of course, we are one of the richest family in this country after all"

"Then may I ask, what may be the reason for you to appear in the Laboratory Faction?" I asked which made Ethan caught off guard and stumble, how should he explain? That he wanted to show off to others and win a competition? Of course he wouldn't say the truth especially that even his father didn't know it.

Just as he was thinking how to escape from this situation, the maids and butlers suddenly appeared in the front yard and greeted us. Seeing the given opportunity, Ethan changed the subject and said with an arrogant look "This gentlemen is a [Guide] along with his disciple, please treat them with utmost respect!" Hearing his words the maids and the butlers flinched in horror and bowed down as they said "We greet the [Guide] and their disciple!"

I couldn't help feeling a little bit odd, I never knew that being a [Guide] really has this kind of treatment, why have I never heard such a thing when I played the game before? Is it because none of them succeeded in becoming one? Discarding my thoughts the butler made way for us and we entered the manor.

While walking towards the front gate, I faintly sensed a gaze coming from the direction above and looked up unconsciously only to see a window that had it's curtain flutter slightly, narrowing my eyes I thought 'Someone is watching us'

"Zero?" Han Min-Jun called out and I was silent as I still looked up before following behind them. Unbeknownst to us, Ethan's father, Nathan Baron, had already seen us come inside of his manor and he couldn't help laughing happily, 'Good job son! You did well and was even able to let the [Guide] come in our home!'

Just then, a knock came from the door and he said "Come in" with his permission the person outside entered and was revealed to be Ethan. Nathan asked "How were you able to bring him in?" Ethan lowered his head and explained "He came in his own accord, he wanted to enter the library and the laboratory"

"The library you say?" Nathan slightly widened his eyes in surprise. Ethan nodded and said "Yes father"

"I see" Nathan rubbed his mustache and looked outside the window, he then narrowed his eyes and said "Watch his movements, and also, I would like to talk with him". Ethan interrupted and said "He said he would also like to talk to you father, but not today"

"Oh?" Nathan was amused and said "Fine, let him do whatever he wants, he would owe us a debt anyway if he makes even the slightest mistake"

"Yes, father" After saying that, Ethan exited and left his father's office.

….

Entering the laboratory we were greeted with a beautiful sight of a giant room filled with different wooden mechanics and couldn't help being in awe. With a satisfied smile I said "You can look around for a while" Han Min-Jun was stunned and stuttered "R- Really?" Nodding my head I said "I'll take responsibility, just, don't touch anything for now okay?" Han Min-Jun nodded before he wandered the laboratory.

I then saw Ethan coming back towards us and I said "How about we talk?" Ethan halted and pointed at himself "M- Me?" Shrugging my shoulders I said "Who else?" Ethan was hesitant but still nodded. As soon as we were left alone in the laboratory as the maids and butlers left, I spoke. "Do you want to become the duke?"

"Y- Yes?!" Ethan was shocked and looked at me with wide eyes. Grinning I said "Do you want to replace your father?" Ethan lowered his head and I leaned towards him as I whispered "I know you despise your father very much, I can help you" Ethan flinched and backed away, he stuttered "I- I don't know what you're talking about" alas his eyes couldn't hide his agreement with me.

With a smile i said "No need to lie, I'm giving you this opportunity but it still your choice though"

"Wha-" I interrupted him as I showed a single finger and said "One day, I'll give you one day to think about my offer" After that I turned and showed no intention of conversing anymore. Ethan still wanted to say more but only sighed before staying silent.

Not long after, Han Min-Jun came back with a happy smile, rubbing his head I asked "Did you gain some idea?" Humming Han Min-Jun nodded happily. Ethan was silent as he saw this brotherhood - like scene. He was an only child and yet his father never treated him this kindly before…

Biting his lower lip he thought 'Why do I feel so bitter?'

…..

Later Han Min-Jun and I were brought to our room. Han Min-Jun slept already but I walked out and Ethan led me to the library. Before I even reach the room, I could already smell the scent of books which made me relax and feel comfortable.

Although I played [Arcana: Online], I am not a gamer, most likely, I am a reader who often reads novels rather than webnovels.

"This is the room" Ethan said and as soon as he opened the double door, I couldn't help being stunned and awe. So this is what heaven looks like!

With a business - like smile, Ethan cleared his throat and said "Welcome, to our library!"