Chapter 17
"A thousand?"
Frederick was startled. A thousand potion bottles would constitute a delivery quantity suitable for a reasonably large-scale potion workshop.
Moreover, Ian was currently an academy student. No matter how he considered it, there was no conceivable use for a thousand potion containers.
Most crucially, Frederick held a position well-acquainted with the capital's rumors. He'd never heard any whispers about Ian establishing a potion workshop.
"Why so surprised? It doesn't seem like an extraordinary quantity."
"A thousand absolutely qualifies as substantial. Even in the capital, workshops handling thousand-unit transactions can be counted on one hand."
"I see."
"Are you preparing some business venture?" Frederick asked earnestly. Ian shook his head.
"Just personal use. If matters progress well, I might order over a thousand later. Other supplies would likely be needed by then too."
"From my position, I should simply pray for your success then?"
Ian merely smiled.
But Frederick couldn't decide lightly. For a moment, mental calculations flickered behind his eyes.
Involving himself with the Oracle family wasn't advisable. Rumors already swirled about their massive accumulated debt.
Ian's thoughts ran parallel:
'Were I in Frederick's position, initiating transactions would be unwise. With the Hamel Merchant Group's outstanding claims, it would draw attention.'
Yet Ian's ultimate aim wasn't cheap procurement of potion bottles. He needed to observe Frederick's choice.
'If he proceeds despite these circumstances, it implies hidden motives. That clue could unravel the secret behind Father's debt.'
Of course, this wouldn't verify whether Father's signature was forged or documents fabricated.
But there existed an abyss between directionless wandering and having even the faintest trail.
Like a compass proving invaluable when lost.
Ian sought such compass-worthy clues.
Meanwhile, Frederick's mind churned chaotically.
The encounter's abruptness and Ian's unexpectedly altered demeanor prevented him from discerning any ulterior motives.
"Very well! For a thousand units, I can offer a 30% discount - approximately 3,500 shillings per bottle. How does that strike you?"
"3,500 shillings... Hmm..."
Ian's performance was masterful.
He now resembled a young noble agonizing over unit prices - perfect prey for a seasoned merchant.
"The capital boasts numerous general stores. I needn't necessarily exert effort to..."
The implied challenge hung in the air: Can I trust this arrangement? Frederick bared teeth in a sly grin.
"Naturally. For none other than the Oracle family's heir, such accommodations are possible."
"Excellent. I'll purchase ten for now. If satisfactory, bulk orders will follow."
"Understood. I'll prepare them immediately. Please wait briefly."
Soon Frederick returned with ten meticulously packaged potion bottles. As Ian reached for his coin purse, Frederick waved dismissively.
"No need! Consider them a long-overdue gift for the young master."
"Unacceptable. Take payment."
"I received considerable help while working under Baron Lefebvre long ago. Now that repayment is possible, the Baron himself isn't here to receive it."
The unspoken plea: Just take them.
Despite the solemn words, Ian continued unfazed. 50,000 shillings soon clinked onto the table.
Given the atmosphere, etiquette demanded returning the purse to his robe.
Yet Ian methodically placed the coins before them.
Frederick's expression flickered imperceptibly. Ian noted the microexpression.
"Mr. Frederick."
"Yes?"
"Truthfully, I know little about you beyond Father's stories. He described an diligent, steadfast man of remarkable talent. Clearly his assessment was accurate, given your warm reception despite our sudden reunion."
"Haha... It was somewhat abrupt, but always pleasant to meet acquaintances."
Ian rose, gathering his potion bottles. But his conversation wasn't concluded.
"You've heard about our family affairs, yes?"
"Which matters do you refer to?"
Frederick stood with perfectly blank merchant's composure. Ian pressed forward.
"My father allegedly borrowed funds from the Hamel Merchant Group under research expenditure pretenses."
"Pardon? This is... news to me."
"Indeed?"
"I frequently trade with Hamel, but never heard such tales."
Debt disclosure held no detriment - rather, publicizing it advantaged Ian's position.
"Curious. Such matters should have become rumor long ago..."
"Merchant Group representatives visited days ago. Claims of outstanding debts."
"Oh dear, how disconcerting."
"Less disconcerting than infuriating. Feels like someone's playing games."
Azure light momentarily swirled in Ian's eyes. Frederick's nape hairs rose as if anticipating lightning strikes.
The flash vanished instantly.
Ian smiled faintly.
"As you know, my father wasn't one to seek external assistance. Even in hardship, he persistently advanced his research."
"My recollections align. He maintained stipend payments despite laboratory hardships."
Ian had awaited precisely this statement.
"From your perspective, Mr. Frederick, do you believe my father borrowed from Hamel?"
The potion bottles were mere pretext. Ian needed answers from someone connected to his father's past.
"Hard to say. As I don't handle accounts - Young Master, have you reviewed promissory notes or contracts?"
"I have."
"Then the debt likely exists. Hamel's no minor guild - their documentation would be precise. If I may speculate cautiously... perhaps the Baron faced unspoken circumstances?"
"Possibly."
"Even billion-shilling debts resolve quickly through steady repayment. Given your capabilities... Should assistance be needed, feel free to ask."
"Did I mention our debt being billions?"
The fishing line quivered taut.
Frederick froze momentarily before frantic hand-waving.
"No! Merely figurative speech regarding substantial debt..."
"Even ten million - no, a million shillings constitutes significant debt for me."
"Ah! My profound apologies."
Ian reached his conclusion.
'He knows.'
Primary objective achieved.
Passing Frederick in the private office, Ian strode toward the exit.
Before departing, he turned.
"I'll contact you when matters progress. Your continued cooperation then, please."
"Ah, yes. Safe travels, Young Master."
Frederick's bow went unanswered as Ian exited.
......
The solitary merchant remained staring at the doorway.
Regaining composure, he yanked open a drawer for cigarettes. Lighting one, he scowled through clenched teeth.
"Damnation."
After crushing the cigarette violently, Frederick snatched his coat.
"Closing early today. Lock up and leave."
"Yes, sir."
Frederick marched opposite Ian's departure route.
Returning to the academy, Ian headed straight for dormitories.
En route, he crossed paths with magic department freshmen.
Post-entrance ceremonies granted several preparation days. Students roamed campus learning geography and culture while readying for evaluations.
"Ready for mana measurement?"
"Anticipating your performance, Ian Oracle!"
"Show us your prowess!"
Peers uniformly radiated expectation.
Ian maintained silent smiles. The bluffing had already commenced.
After preparation periods, magic students underwent public mana measurements - a competitive tradition.
Top performers received hero-worship alongside relentless rivalry. The hierarchy persisted until graduation.
Pulling his hood lower, Ian entered the dorm.
"You're earlier than expected."
Milo had arrived first, assembling experimental equipment per Ian's blueprints. Sweat-drenched concentration evidenced intense effort.
"You're one to talk. Expected you reeling in drunk."
"Risking disciplinary action? Not after scraping into Magic Department. Must behave... temporarily."
Ian arrayed potion bottles along a wall before inspecting Milo's progress.
"How's construction?"
"Parts gathered per your orders, but what's this contraption? Should've studied more alchemy."
"Consider this hands-on education. Valuable experience."
"Confident bastard."
"Brought research notes from home. I'll show you later."
Milo's interest sparked.
"Aren't those your father's? Should you share them?"
"Knowledge gains meaning through sharing."
"Ha! You should be lecturing!"
The door opened to reveal Edel shouldering a straw-stuffed bag - the spitting image of an herb gatherer.
"I'm back."
"Oh~! Do I hear 40,000 shillings jingling?"
"Indeed."
Ian and Milo harmonized mockingly. Shadows crossed Edel's face - his debt had silently increased by 10,000 shillings.
"Cruel. After gathering these herbs through hardship..."
"Hardship? You took carriages comfortably."
"My parents thought I'd been expelled!"
Understandable. Nobles fret over rankings, commoners over mere graduation.
"Blame unfortunate roommate choices. Suffering before term starts? Others gorge on elixirs prepping for mana tests."
Contrary to complaints, Milo seemed entertained. Edel showed no particular displeasure.
"Let's inspect the herbs."
"Wait a moment."
Edel spread clean cloth over the workbench, meticulously transferring herbs.
Low-grade recovery potion ingredients were commonplace - easily foraged from hillsides with simple cultivation.
Yet Edel's methodical handling revealed his heritage as a proper healer family scion.
'True healers never treat materials carelessly.'
Edel clearly embodied his father's teachings.
Soon five herb varieties lay displayed.
Ian bent close for thorough examination.
Edel watched breathlessly before venturing:
"Well?"
"Adequate. Merchant-grade quality. Your family uses excellent herbs."
"Father's excessively strict. Prioritizes patient welfare above all."
Ian nodded, producing a coin purse.
"Your fee?"
"No need! Father insisted I take them freely."
"Proper accounting matters. My apology for imposing."
"Then... perhaps debt reduction?"
Ian nodded coolly. Milo voiced no objection.
This partial debt clearance noticeably eased Edel's manner - progress in itself.
"Ta-da! Ladies and gentlemen! Well... no ladies present. Regardless - behold our completion!"
Milo wiped sweat-beaded brows. The assembled equipment stood impressively functional. Ian and Edel approached.
"But what's this device for?"
"Boiling water."
"Water?!"
