Chapter 137: Oath Document
“You’re still as insufferable as ever,” Kadal sighed softly.
“I’d love to see that smirk of yours change,” Gin said, a faint crease forming between his brows.
“Reluctantly, I’ve been quite expressive lately,” the Butler said, casting a glance my way.
“Let’s pretend this conversation never happened…” I replied, wearing a vague smile typical of a Japanese person.
“Is the location here in Kanum?”
“No, it’s Naruadeid.”
“The city of ships and merchants, then.”
Kadal confirmed the work location while Gin pondered my answer. The Butler froze; I realized I hadn’t mentioned where he’d be working.
“The job involves overseeing the construction of houses and negotiating for supplies, correct? Standard conditions should suffice?”
“No, it’s strange to ask about employment conditions at this point, isn’t it?” I said to Kadal, who was trying to keep the conversation cheerful.
According to what I had asked the Butler beforehand, the salary for a servant was a single small silver coin per day. It was significantly lower than that of a regular butler, but it was common to offer bonuses every three months. The bonuses were set high to ensure they worked diligently until they were paid, making it difficult for them to disappear for at least three months. They also provided clothing and housing.
“They’re a peculiar bunch, but quite capable. It can be challenging to manage them, but if you clearly outline what needs to be done, they will accomplish it, so short-term employment is feasible. —And since we’re drafting an Oath Document.”
It seems that the effectiveness of the Oath Document increases when both parties have something they wish to uphold, which in this case likely meant these two wanted to keep their “other jobs” a secret.
Wait, did the Butler intentionally create a misunderstanding to tighten the constraints?
It appeared to be the Butler’s consideration, so I decided to proceed with the contract. We would meet in Naruadeid three months later to start work. It felt like Kadal and Gin were moving quickly, but I chose not to dwell on it.
In the meantime, I planned to prepare materials, blueprints, and instructions. A simple contract for the job, along with an Oath Document stating that neither of us would disclose anything beyond general information about each other.
The paper for the Oath Document was adorned with intricate patterns on the back, and signing it would summon a Spirit. The strength of the Spirit depended on the skill of the person who created the Oath Document and how much the signer desired it.
Well, after signing, Kadal appeared and then vanished. Does the Oath Document fall under Kadal’s domain of order? I feel like I could talk about the two’s side jobs, but where did the order go?
The Butler looked like he had a headache, while Kadal and Gin remained frozen.
“Alright, that’s done. I’ll be counting on you in three months,” I said, suppressing a thought that this might be a scam.
“Wha—what? Just this simple Oath Document…?” Gin stammered, trembling.
“The deep green robe of the Forest, the white beard, the sprouted staff—it’s just like Kadal himself…!”
I think that’s him.
“Lord Jean, did you want to keep that a secret…?” the Butler said, gazing off into the distance.
No, it’s not that serious. It’s just that an acquaintance showed up.
“Alright, that’s done. I’ll be counting on you in three months,” I repeated.
“Lord Jean…”
“Still, those two aren’t coming back to their senses.” I ignored the Butler, who called my name with a troubled expression.
“The curse of the Oath must be coursing through their bodies. With something like that appearing, it’s only natural. Yes, quite natural,” the Butler said, smiling. I felt a pressure of doubt about why he seemed so unfazed, but I brushed it off.
“This is your preparation money, and this is your snack.”
Since they were taking their time returning, I handed them two bags while they stood there with wide-open eyes.
The preparation money was for arranging clothing and temporary housing for them, covering those costs and travel expenses.
The room was locked, presumably for confidential discussions, but the Butler locked it without a key. If he could lock it, that meant he could also unlock it, right?
As he closed the door, the look he gave the two was indescribable. The key was on the desk inside the room.
I informed the tavern owner that the two would still be using the room and paid extra for the extended stay.
“Lord Jean, are you heading to Naruadeid?”
“Yeah. Once I have some free time? Basically, I’ll leave it to those two.”
With the hopes of Shiva and the children rising, I needed to get started on the forging.
By the time I was ready, I figured Chris and Ash’s hopes would solidify as well, so I had a busy schedule ahead. Dean seemed unlikely to settle on anything for a while, but he, the Butler, and Retze said they could wait until they had time.
I wanted to keep the forge running, so I hoped to do Smithing Work continuously if possible.
“I’m relieved to hear that. So, you’ll be in Kanum, then?”
“Yeah. This will be my base.”
I walked through the bustling streets of Kanum. Drunken patrons were walking arm in arm, shouting boisterously, and the area was a chaotic mix of people and alleys.
In contrast, the streets near my house were quiet, with only the occasional voice leaking out from behind the shutters.
“Note, thanks for today.”
“No, I’m just glad to be of help.”