A minor wizard claimed he had an appointment with the owner of this land—something the guard probably never imagined would happen in his lifetime.*
Unfortunately, his first reaction was to believe it. His subconscious told him that this young wizard, despite his age, was likely a breeze to handle. Sure, he might scold him for being tricked, but he'd rather risk that than cause trouble for his master.
This reaction slightly surprised Allen—he had prepared to show a bit of his skill if he was refused entry.
Although he was here as a guest, he wasn't certain the visit would go smoothly. After all, he had previously gotten into a fight with the owner, and if the latter was petty, he could have been trapped. Better be ready to teach the guard a lesson.
But it seemed his earlier caution was unnecessary. Less than five minutes after the guard went inside, the current master of the land appeared, resplendent in attire that made it impossible to connect her to the deranged woman who had once gone mad because of her niece's disappearance.
Under the watchful eyes of the reporting guard, Allen was received with a grand ceremony. The remaining guards whispered among themselves, trying to figure out who this mysterious young wizard could be—but even the reporting guard was baffled. Why was this small wizard being treated with such grandeur?
The answer was simple: strength.
Though Allen had no titles, his abilities were unmatched among those the local master had seen. Besides, he had once helped the master's niece—being treated with honor was not surprising at all.
Yet while others might envy him, Allen felt nothing but annoyance. Too much trouble.
Ceremony plus grandeur equaled a massive time sink. If the other party hadn't been offering something worthwhile, Allen—focused entirely on his 1,000 Galleons—would have already flipped the table. Don't talk to him about the grace of masters—who doesn't eat?
Even a martial arts master, facing ten opponents, has to dig coal in a pinch. Managing money wisely is practical.
Fortunately, he wasn't kept waiting long. The master clapped, summoning a servant who brought over a small pouch, handed to him with slight ceremony. 1,000 Galleons isn't a small change.
Without a magical sense of awareness, Allen had to act casual while taking the pouch. Though he had the chance to count the coins one by one, it would have looked cheap. After briefly confirming there were no hidden tracking spells or curses, he stashed it away.
If some of the money went missing? No way. Everyone gets their due—dare cheat him, and he could come back that night and empty the treasury.
Having secured the money, Allen relaxed. For the price of this payment, chatting all day was acceptable.
Unfortunately, the value of Allen's company seemed to drop quickly. After some conversation and showing his wealth with the coins, the master revealed her true intention.
"Though I don't know why you're hiding at Hogwarts, Allen, it's clear you need money—somewhat incompatible with your skills. Interested in making a big profit?"
Allen, adeptly picking up a slice of salmon with chopsticks, didn't even look up. "Not interested."
"Oh—oh?" In the corner of his eye, he noticed a surprise flash across her face.
Perfect—that was the reaction he wanted.
Who delivers money unasked? Clearly, her offer meant she had a favor to request. Meat on the plate? Time for a sharp knife.
For top-tier wizards, money was minor. Galleons could buy crossbows, not Elder Wands. How could she hope to bribe him with so little? Allen had multiple sources for rare items; some things couldn't be bought.
Allen's unorthodox response threw her off. Yet, seeing he didn't flip or walk away, her mind calmed—he wasn't unwilling; her stake simply wasn't enough.
"Ten percent of the gain."
Allen didn't look up. "Fifty—and I pick one first."
"What a joke! There are five of us! The ruins' location and documents were discovered by me—if not for your bloodline among our yokai, you'd get nothing!" Clearly, Allen's demand shocked her—she was still panting.
"Then forty percent." Allen was unfazed.
"Two floors at most! Priority selection is mine!"
"Three floors, priority yours, plus 500 Galleons as compensation—this is my bottom line. I'm the strongest, and I can make an unbreakable vow. As long as you don't fundamentally oppose me, even if betrayed by others, I will protect you."
500 Galleons was significant, but the unbreakable vow swayed her. She couldn't deny the value of an absolutely reliable teammate for an expedition.
"Twenty-five percent, 1,000 Galleons—plus an unbreakable vow. That's my max." She grit her teeth saying it.
A reasonable sum. Allen nodded thoughtfully.
"Fine—so what work is worth this cost?"
Agreement reached, she smiled mysteriously.
"Do you know about the Yamata no Orochi?"
"Isn't that mythology?"
Her eyes widened. "Of course not! It's just an exceptionally strong and unpredictable magical creature that was later killed by a powerful wizard."
"So, we're digging up the Yamata no Orochi's grave?"
"No—the wizard's grave." She gave him a look like are you stupid?
"But isn't his status high around here?"
"He's a wizard—we're yokai."