It was a system enhancement between master and disciple. Based on the knowledge from my previous life, I often pondered how best to "suck the honey." In truth, it was the easiest and most consistent way to gain passive income. "After all, I will nurture the promising disciples diligently! If I take a little of the fruits borne from their growth, who would object? I am their master, after all!" I rationalized myself with great confidence. Without hesitation, I chose to enhance the master-disciple system.
[You have chosen to enhance the master-disciple system.]
[Currently registered disciples are Hayes, Isabel, Lena, and Mia.]
[Upon enhancement, the maximum number of disciples will increase from 4 to 8.]
I had already decided who the new four disciples would be. One was still under consideration, but I had firmly settled on three. I immediately proceeded with the enhancement.
And just like that, the enhancement of the master-disciple system was completed.
[You can now register a total of 8 disciples. Encourage their growth and enjoy the joy of being a master.]
"Strike while the iron is hot!" I decided to act immediately. I would leave one disciple's position vacant and fill the other three with Julian, Aki, and Chloe. Depending on the situation later… I was contemplating whether to include Lakis as a promising disciple.
<I, Julian, will serve Jared as my master!>
"Lord, is this how it should be done? Suddenly presenting me with this contract has left me bewildered. Well, I have learned a lot from you, so it’s not too strange, I suppose."
"Julian, do you remember the famous statesman Guut, who served as the chancellor of the Itima Empire for 35 years, 50 years ago?"
"Yes, I know his name well. He is someone I look up to."
"During his lifetime, Guut left behind many writings. Among them is a book titled 'Administrative Science Without Scruples.' It’s a five-volume work, but not many know of it. Everyone only remembers his 'Introduction to Administrative Science.'"
"Yes, in fact, I have only read 'Introduction to Administrative Science.' I heard 'Administrative Science Without Scruples' is nothing more than kindling."
"You must read 'Administrative Science Without Scruples.' It will be very helpful. You will gain new insights."
"Are you serious?"
"Is there a master who jokes with his disciple?"
Having received Julian's signature first, I shared a clever trick to stimulate his growth. If I had suggested that book to an ordinary talent, it would have been a disaster. Instead of helping, it would have been poison. But Julian had developed quite a special inclination in the meantime.
[Special Inclination: Administrative Expert S / Management Tactics S / Multitasking A]
His management tactics had risen from A to S. With both the administrative expert inclination and the double S rank, he would not be swayed even if I imparted esoteric knowledge. Rather, based on his sharp wisdom stats, he was likely to adapt it to suit himself. I aimed for that point.
"Yes, my lord. I will get it immediately and read it."
"I have high expectations, Julian."
"I also have high expectations of you, my lord. Especially since you have already fulfilled my request to grow your territory to the level of a medium territory before the end of this year."
"Then, you will not leave me now?"
"Haha, rather, I should be the one asking you. Please allow me to serve as your chief administrator."
Julian bowed his head in gratitude. I embraced him tightly. The loyalty of a vassal is always right. And it brings me happiness. With talented individuals gathering around me, I wanted to achieve wonderful results. Absolutely. By becoming the protagonist of this vast world.
"Ah! My lord!"
"Why are you so surprised? You made quite a noise coming in from the entrance."
"Well… I didn’t hear you properly. What brings you here? It feels strange to meet alone at this hour!"
Aki's face turned red. This was Aki's personal mansion. As the merchant group grew rapidly, Aki's mansion also expanded in size. In fact, I had actively encouraged this. While extravagance should be avoided, as the leader of the merchant group, it was necessary to maintain a certain level of "dignity." Moreover, as the direct merchant group under my lordship, Aki's influence was equivalent to mine.
"What is this outfit? I see skirts on the bed, and some women's clothes?"
"Oh, is that what you mean? I told you before. Recently, in the Kingdom of Sinders, it has become fashionable for both men and women to dress extravagantly."
"What do you think? Do you think the kingdom's trend will spread to our Krivia territory?"
"I am using myself as a test subject to observe the reactions. It seems that the noble families are more interested than I expected!"
"That's quite interesting."
I scratched the back of my head. Aki did have some unique traits. Though a man, he had a rather feminine aura, if I may say so.
He was meticulous in nature, and his handling of the merchant group's affairs was so thorough that there were no gaps. Moreover, he paid great attention not only to himself but also to the fashion and appearance of all the employees working in the group.
He believed that the outward appearance should be given as much importance as work efficiency and skill. Thanks to that, the people of the Arkens merchant group certainly appeared luxurious and dignified. Perhaps due to this effect, many consumers regarded the accessories and clothing supplied by Aki's group as luxury items.
"Oh, I forgot to mention why I came here. Now, Aki, without further ado, sign here."
"Huh? I, Arkens, will serve Jared as my master? Why am I suddenly signing this?"
"This is a meaningful slave contract that binds you and me as master and disciple for eternity!"
"S-slave? That… isn’t that too dangerous?"
Aki twisted his body and took a step back. This fellow was the type who didn’t take jokes well. Instead of reacting with a 5, he took it to a 10!
"Even if it were a real slave contract, what could happen between a man and a man, hmm?"
"...Could nothing happen?"
"What do you take me for?" I frowned slightly, and Aki quickly signed the paper. Indeed, Aki was easier to handle when he was slightly pressured and led firmly. It seemed to be due to his personality.
"I’ve signed it, my lord!"
"Aki."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Do you remember the island I mentioned before? Tatar Island."
"Of course. You said it was where the Dark Elves live, and it has good relations with the Red Goblins."
"Yes. For the next business expansion, let’s target the Dark Elves of Tatar Island. If you ask Lord Ivaniba for mediation, he will surely help you establish a foothold."
"What items do you have in mind for trading?"
"The Dark Elves possess many magical engineering weapons. And we have plenty of magical stones to serve as their raw materials, right?"
"Ah! I understand what you mean."
"Try to break into that market. It will surely be a good experience and nourishment for your growth."
"Understood!"
I shared a growth tip with Aki, who had now become my disciple. The Dark Elves were very exclusive towards outsiders and other races. Thus, negotiating or bargaining with them was extremely difficult. However, if a relationship could be successfully established, each step of that process would serve as a driving force for Aki's growth.
[Special Inclination: Trend Prediction S / Bargaining S / Keen Intuition A]
Aki's three special inclinations not only allowed him to lead trends but also enabled him to adapt in negotiations.
"If he can demonstrate the capability to establish normal relations with beings like the Dark Elves, he will easily rise at least 10 to 20 levels."
Just as dungeon bosses are a treasure trove of experience for hunters, the most difficult clients are a treasure trove of experience for merchant leaders. I believed in Aki's abilities and was confident in his growth. Thus, I successfully sowed the seeds of growth in him. After enough time had passed, he would return, having grown well with my rich magical stats. I believed that.
[The total number of disciples has surpassed 6! The reward stats granted for the disciples' achievements have increased from 5 to 10!]
"Luck." I smiled broadly at the increasing rewards alongside the growing number of disciples. My beloved, wonderful disciples. Now, it’s time for them to grow diligently. Everyone understands, right?
And a little later.
"…"
"Chloe, you’re not one to speak much, are you?"
"I am waiting for you to state your business. Since you have come to see me, my lord."
I met Chloe, who would be the last disciple to be recruited. True to her title as the Queen of Silence, a cold stillness filled the air from the very beginning of our meeting. Upon seeing me, she bowed and greeted me, then merely stared at me blankly. Unlike Julian and Aki, who welcomed me with smiles or shyness, she was entirely different.
"How is life in the territory?"
"It is comfortable."
"Are you training well with Lena?"
"Yes."
"Um."
In the back-and-forth of conversation, the most important thing is to end with a natural question rather than a short answer… but the Queen of Silence delivered her responses with sharp brevity, leaving me speechless. Well, if that’s her charm, then so be it.
"Chloe."
"Yes."
Chloe gazed at me with a cold look that seemed capable of freezing my very being. Somehow, I felt that no matter what I said, it wouldn’t get through to her. It was as if I could sense an emotional distance she held towards me. Still, since I had come this far, I thought I should at least make an effort.
"Chloe! Let’s write a contract. A master-disciple contract."
"…?"
Chloe's reaction, merely tilting her head slightly instead of answering, struck me like a cold dagger.
"I’m not suggesting this without reason. It’s just a small vow. A promise that I will impart more meaningful combat knowledge to you."
I circled around the point. A typical assassin. So, even though Chloe, with her assassin style, enjoyed hit-and-run combat, there was much knowledge I could share regarding the design of battles, even if our classes were different. In other words, as a master, I had plenty of content to teach my disciple.
But her response was still icy. At this rate, it seemed I would receive a "please leave" response instead of a contract.
'Should I give up on Chloe?' Just as I was about to resign myself to that thought, Chloe took a step closer to me. Then, she cautiously asked me a question.
"Can you really make me stronger?"
I had never lied to her. The knowledge from <Paradiso> was boundless. I had plenty of tailored knowledge to share with her. Secrets that Ella could never know.
"Of course. I am ready to answer any questions you may have. That’s what a master is for."
At that moment, Chloe suddenly knelt before me. Then, she cautiously opened her mouth.
"Please teach me how to become stronger. I have wanted to learn from you for a long time. I wish to gain new knowledge and experiences that Master Ella cannot provide. Though I haven’t said it out loud…"
Her voice trembled slightly, but her firm resolve was clearly expressed in her words.
Could it be that the heart that had been as cold as ice was beginning to thaw? It was a moment where I witnessed a new side of Chloe, who had always kept a cold wall around her.
End of Chapter 61.