Chương 375: Intermission. Financial Analyst's Thoughts.

Colin The Orphan's Thoughts /Bang. /" Colin, Lord Safas wishes to see you."" But I thought he was in a business meeting now?"" Yes, I know. I just came from the meeting room, he's requested for you to join him."" Why?"" How should I know, Colin? Just follow me." I sat up from my small desk in this small room and follow Derek, the Head Butler, out of the room. Granted, since I'm only 10 years old, the room isn't a problem yet, but I still find that it lacks space.

Derek was dressed in the official garb of a Head Butler, a black tuxedo with a white undershirt and white gloves. The cleanliness of which gives an inference at how well put together the mansion he looks after is." Did you do something wrong, Colin?"" No, not that I can think of?"" I hope not, you remember what happened the last time you messed up, right?"" I'd rather not go through that again." Derek spoke about the last punishment I received around a year ago.

I made a typo in the pricing of a piece of smoked Monster Meat, and it made Earl Hardsmoke's business lose around 300 large gold coins worth of profits. I at first, was surprised when this was brought up, since I've never heard of large coins before, I then found out after I was whipped for 20 lashes that large coins are used exclusively for business transactions, each large coin is worth about 100 of the small coins of its type. So, in reality I lost 30, 000 gold coins.

Considering I didn't even want to be here, I thought about running away before the lashings... But I knew I couldn't for their sake." Just make sure you prepare yourself for what's to come, Colin. I walk behind Derek as he warns me. I can't help but wonder what could've gone wrong? All of the reports that have been conducted over time in the lands in the Rose Swa- Roselands... King Warrick did issue out that Official Letter changing the name of those lands. I need to remember that.

I almost wrote Rose Swamps when I was initially writing the analysis of the profit margins for partnering with Roseland Products. While I continued to wonder if I somehow offended the Business Guest of today and if that meant I was going to be punished by Earl Hardsmoke, Derek and I eventually made it to the meeting room.

The room was somewhat futuristic, at least I thought so, considering the walls were made of see through glass and the table and chairs were made of fine, strong wood with comfortable cushions that one could sink into. And I was taken aback by who was in the room. A confused Earl Hardsmoke. He sat there, dressed in his best silk clothes, dyed tan, the color of his house, it matched his skin color, but not so much the pale-red of his eyes and hair. Apparently, that comes from his mother's side of his family.

His 2 eyes sat under his well-trimmed hair that hid the 2 bumps where his horns were cut off due to a childhood accident. Beside him is his gaggle of directors, all happily fat and plump from simply directing whatever department they were the heads of. All of them were dressed in a fine black and white suit as if it did anything to hide the monstruous amounts of fat that was stored in their bodies. On the opposite end, where I had entered, there sat 3 people I had never seen before.

However, it didn't take long to realize who they were, there was only 1 Human that would ever be allowed to sit at a business table in Diablos. I bowed quickly and introduced myself, as was the proper behavior of a worker of an Earl." Hello, Marquess Drake, Lady Sarah Drake, Lady Anna Drake, I am Colin, the Financial Analyst's Apprentice."" Nice to meet you Colin, the Financial Analyst's Apprentice."

A calm, deep voice that sounded like he was still young spoke to me with a greeting, I raised my head to see his dark-blue eyes staring right at me, his overgrown black hair gave the impression that he's been on the move recently, that seems to fit with the timetable that was given in his return letter to Earl Hardsmoke. Regardless of that, both of his wives looked well-taken care of. Almost like he's forsaken his own care for them.

Marquess Drake was dressed in simple black cloth, the kind that us Commoners would wear, perhaps he did that for ease of movement while they were traveling? His wives on the other hand, were both dressed in high-quality long, flowing dresses that would be expected of High-Ranking Noblewomen, both of the dresses' colors matched their hair colors. It gave them the feeling of there being white and green Demons sitting on his shoulders. It was easy to tell why he's been the talk of the Capital and the towns around it.

It's like a savage dating 2 of the prettiest Demons to grace Diablos. I noticed that the 3 were staring at me for quite some time, I wasn't too happy to be stared at by a Human, but I wasn't in a position to truly argue with him. it looks like they were observing me, Lady Anna whispered something to Marquess Drake, he then turned to look at Earl Hardsmoke." So, Earl Hardsmoke, as I stated, I wanted to include him in the conversation moving forward.

I still don't understand why you wouldn't include him in the first place." It seems he doesn't know how the Child Labor Laws work in this Country, if I wanted to, I could report my working to the Government Office in town and be immediately freed of this hell. I understand that I'm good at the job, but I'd rather not have to work at my age. But..." Well, you see, he's not actually supposed to be working for me yet, Marquess Drake.

You see, with the Child Labor Laws and such, but he so badly wanted to work, you see."" Ah, so it has nothing to do with your blackmailing of him?"" What!?" I was surprised by how calmly Marquess Drake mentioned my situation. It seems Earl Hardsmoke hadn't expected it either, his minions were happy to act indignant at Marquess Drake's correct guess." Blackmail, you all should be familiar with the phrase, shouldn't you?"" What are you accusing me of exactly, Marquess Drake?"

Earl Hardsmoke asked that question with a low, nearly growling voice. Marquess Drake simply continued to answer his question in a calm voice." Well, from what I could gather, then with some other information I was able to come across. For the price of a working Apprentice, you've been able to hire a once in a lifetime talent when it comes to Financial Literacy. However, the boy seems to know his worth and you weren't willing to pay him for his services with a fair wage.

So, in response to his original refusal of your kind offer of more or less making him work for free, you threatened the orphanage that he lived in, you placed pressure by withholding funds that were delivered with the King's Seal Of Approval. After which, the orphans began to suffer, as did he. Once it reached a boiling point, the orphan broke and began to work for you, to ensure that he could never escape you, you even secretly "adopted" him."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Marquess Drake raised the index and middle fingers of both of his hands and bent them twice as he said "adopted" during his answer to Earl Hardsmoke, I was surprised at how well he knew my situation." You're accusing me of quite the heinous crime, Marquess Drake." Marquess Drake simply shrugged his shoulders at Earl Hardsmoke's words."

Perhaps, really, it'll be down to the Royal Investigations Bureau to decide on something like that. I simply handed them the paperwork with my signature and seal." The minions of Earl Hardsmoke had become silent for the first time I've ever seen, Earl Hardsmoke looked as if he had chewed on something bitter in response to Marquess Drake's words. From what I understood, the Royal Investigations Bureau is something akin to a police force to watch over Noblemen.

Usually, they sit in the Capital and just make sure that Noblemen would pay the taxes that were due and make good on their word for supporting different cities, towns, counties and villages with rations and the like if they're needed. But they do investigate different Nobles if something warranting investigation is brought to their attention, or if the King or Queen demands it. One famous story was the discovery that a King was cheating on his Queen with a Duke's wife.

Eventually, Earl Hardsmoke began to speak again." What is this for? Are you trying to haggle a better deal or something, you vile Human!?" Marquess Drake simply smiled at Earl Hardsmoke's venom filled words. I noticed that he was holding both of his wives' hands, almost as if he was restraining them." No, I have no intention of forming a partnership with you in the first place." Nobody spoke in reaction to Marquess Drake's words, if that was from the worry of the Bureau or from his words, I couldn't say."

Having said that, your disrespect to me has been noted, I've had to restrain My Wives for quite some time now. At this point, I'm finding it hard to restrain them, they're quite powerful after all. Having said all of this, I'd prefer for you all to keep quiet as I speak about the real reason I came here today." Marquess Drake continued to shock everyone in the room, except for his wives. He turned to me after finishing what he had to say to the board of directors and Earl Hardsmoke."

Now then, Colin, as you can tell now, I'm not here for Earl Hardsmoke. I'd like to speak to you. Sarah, could you..." With Marquess Drake's pleading, his wife stuck her hand into the air and pulled out a stack of paper and handed it to Marquess Drake, then he began to gesture that the paperwork was for me." You see, I've looked into your work to say that I'm impressed with the work you've been able to do in 2 years' time as a child no less, would be an understatement.

You've tripled this Business's Financial Value and made 8 high profile deals to bring in even greater profit and spectator eyes. You've worked really hard and frankly, I can't believe you've been able to do this while having 83 lives on your back the entire time."" I..."" I know, it was worth it in the end if they're happy, right?" I nodded to his words." I have a similar view on things, hard work that results in smiles and good times is worth it.

Having said that, I still think someone should be compensated for their work. Wouldn't you agree, Colin?" Marquess Drake had begun to speak to me in a warm tone, almost like the caregivers at the orphanage used to when I still lived there. Marquess Drake took the moment of silence to place the stack of paper on the table." This here is a Contract that I'd like you to look over.

First and foremost, I'd like to explain to you that you weren't actually adopted, whether it was due to incompetence or good fortune from a thoughtful person, Earl Hardsmoke never actually finished the process. He missed out on signing the Parental Rights paperwork for whatever reason. Which made the entire thing invalid in the eyes of the Law. I'm sure a cunning person might just say-"" To keep me out of any right to any money from the Hardsmoke Estate."

Marquess Drake simply nodded his head to my explanation, it didn't take much to put 2 and 2 together, I haven't even met all of my "siblings", so I doubt I'd ever be included anyways. My "home" is a shed on the mansion property of the Hardsmoke Family." No! That's not it!"" What did I say about silence, Earl Hardsmoke?" /RUMBLE! / PRESSURE!

"!!!" I was startled by the mana that Lady Sarah and Lady Anna began to pour out of their bodies. I could tell that it was full of wrath. Eventually, they settled down as Earl Hardsmoke's demeanor became submissive." Continuing on, because of that, he has no Parental Rights to decide what you do. That also means you're still technically, a Ward of the State. With that, I'm going to explain to you your options today."" I'm listening."

Marquess Drake pointed at the stack of papers he placed on the table before continuing to speak." Okay, I'd just like to remind you that this here, is optional, but what I'm about to explain to you, is happening regardless of the outcome of the decision regarding the paperwork."" Okay." With my agreement, Marquess Matthew began to explain what was happening. Basically, he'll be taking in all of the children in the orphanage in Bittersoul and bringing back all of them to Paradise." How is that even possible?""

I looked at the Laws and it didn't say that I couldn't, I just needed to prove that I could feed, clothe and house them all, all of this is ready for them as well as something even more important."" What else could be more important than food and a bed?"" Education."" Like the Royal Academy? Why?" The confusion must've shown on my face, Marquess Matthew was happy to explain it to me."

Somewhat, yes, but the Royal Academy's tuition is really expensive and while there are 3 other schools in the Country, they all cost about the same. My school is going to be the first "public" Academy. All anyone needs to do is take a simple exam so we can place them where they should go. I know it sounds basic, but that's all I can share in this room for now." I nodded to his words... That would mean at the very least, classes would have curriculums that each student should be able to understand.

I can see why that'll be good for us orphans. I looked towards the paperwork after finishing my thoughts about it." Ah, yes, this is a Work Contract as you might be aware. First things first, you'll be working for a fair wage if you were to sign it."" How much?"" 5 Silver Coins a day for the workload of an Apprentice."" 5 Silver Coins!?""

Yes, sure, that'd be a lot for an amateur who doesn't know what he's doing, but you do, as you can see as well, that's the starting wage, you'll also receive raises and benefits as well. Take a look." I quickly grab the papers and skim through them, he's not lying, I'll be expected to work 25 hours a week, at least 2 rest days a week... And a..."" A sign on bonus?"" Ah, yes, if you were to sign this contract, I'll be gifting you 10 Gold Coins as a sign on bonus. It'll be yours, free of charge.""

What would I be expected to do?"" What you've been doing, only you'd be in the room next to my office, which is a slightly smaller version of my office, to put it in perspective, the room is only a bit smaller than this room."" That big of a space? For me?"" You'd be an important member of the team."" Wait! What is this? Property?""

Yes, since you're still legally a child, you'll live with the rest of the kids in the dorms that we've built, but once you hit 18, you'll have the pick of the litter of any home you'd like to make yours that still is unoccupied. I would also like to remind you, that you've seen the reports of our earnings so far, right? You should be able to guess what it'll look like in 8 years' time, can't you?" This... Is this even possible, to be offered something like this?" Colin! Wait! You don't understa-" PRESSURE! /RUMBLE!

CRACK! / The building around us began to break as Lady Sarah and Lady Anna released even more of their mana from rage." Settle down, Sarah, Anna, you're scaring Colin too." Marquess Drake tried to placate his wives before turning back to me." Again, take your time, this is a big commitment.

To tell you the truth, I think you're so talented a deal like this would still be on the table even if you wanted to wait until you graduate from my Academy, you can take your time to think and make the choice that would work best for you."" I... Can think about it?" Just the idea that I was offered a choice... For the first time someone has offered to me if I wanted to work or not..."

Yes, you can think it over, you're young, you have time, maybe you want to do something completely different in a yea-"" I'll do it!"

"?" He was surprised for the first time today, I saw his eyes go big and round in shock." Are... Are you sure?"" Yes!" Despite the calm and confident attitude, he's had all throughout the meeting, he apparently didn't believe that I was sure of my answer. Was he faking it to not appear weak?" Well, in that case, it's good to have you on board, Colin. Welcome to Roseland Products." Grip! Shake! He offered his hand to me to shake it.

His hand felt big and rough, but it felt warm, like my caretakers when they would walk with me and the other kids to the store when I was younger.