As he finished speaking.
The sound of a bell rang from the lower floor of the shop.
It was Ricardo, who had been tricked by Lee Han and went outside, returning.
Lee Han's eyes narrowed slightly, thinking of his quick-witted assistant who had returned faster than expected.
'He's definitely an annoying guy.'
"Looks like your assistant came back quickly."
Ricardo, who had returned to the store, quickly went up to the second floor and saw the two facing each other.
'Was what I saw downstairs a fake? I almost fell for it.'
He hadn't revealed his identity to the two of them yet, but he had been prepared to fight Lee Han if necessary.
However, that plan was thwarted by the swift intervention of Rockefeller.
"Although this gentleman came in quite rudely, he is the one I've been looking for. I'd like to offer him some tea first, if you don't mind."
Ricardo, who had been glaring at Lee Han, seemed to understand and went downstairs. Lee Han, who had been secretly on guard against Ricardo, looked at Rockefeller to say something, but soon closed his mouth.
Rockefeller had silently placed his index finger on his lips.
'What's going on? Weren't they acquainted?'
The guild master, who seemed to have a rough idea of the assistant's identity but was hiding it.
It looked strange to Lee Han.
That an ordinary guild master would have an assassin as an assistant.
And knowing that as well.
"You live a tiring life."
At Lee Han's words, Rockefeller removed his finger from his lips and smiled again.
"When you're in a position like this, all sorts of things happen."
For the first time, Lee Han became interested in the man named Rockefeller.
He felt that he was more interesting than he had thought.
"You're an interesting person. I'm Lee Han. What's your name?"
"My name is Rockefeller Rothsmedici."
"Rothsmedici?"
"I should tell you in advance that I'm not a commoner. I became a nobleman today."
"Ah... a nobleman."
It wasn't surprising that the guild master of the Bank Alliance was a nobleman.
Lee Han casually continued talking.
"So, what was it you wanted to propose to me? You said you'd provide me with magic stones and in return, I'd protect you?"
At that, Rockefeller nodded lightly.
"Yes, that's the deal."
"Why?"
"Before long, the Crown War will break out. You're aware of this, right?"
Although Lee Han wasn't close to Ricardo Ismail, he was quite familiar with Christian Ismail, the second prince. For this reason, he was not ignorant of the impending Crown War.
"I know roughly. Only one person survives and ascends to the throne, right?"
"Yes, that's correct. Due to the Crown War, the first prince will come to Lyon to restrain us, who are trying to help the third prince. He probably won't come alone. The first prince is always rumored to be with his army."
"So?"
"The first prince will pressure me. He'll tell me not to help the third prince."
The Crown War.
In fact, it was a story that Lee Han didn't care about.
Why would he care when he wouldn't become the emperor himself?
"It seems you've gotten involved in a troublesome matter."
"Yes, I didn't want to either. But I've heard that the first prince is quite remarkable. He has the typical Tepez bloodline and is said to be very fiery."
"Just give in. Wouldn't life be easier then?"
"Would the Sinclair family, who has a deep connection with our Lyon guild, stay still?"
At this point, Lee Han had several questions but decided not to ask.
He didn't need to bother.
"I don't need to know the details, and all I need to do is collect the magic stones."
"I don't ask much of you either. If the first prince tries to suppress me with force when he comes to Lyon, you just need to step in and stop him."
"It sounds like you're asking me to protect you for a lifetime?"
"No, you just need to protect me when the first prince comes to Lyon."
"Really?"
"After that, I have the Sinclair family and a lot of money, so I can manage somehow. But it's dangerous when the first prince comes. I need to protect myself from the rumors related to the first prince."
"Alright."
Lee Han seemed to understand and began nodding his head, which didn't suit him.
Just when Rockefeller was feeling tense, thinking that things were going smoothly, Lee Han blurted out his concerns.
"Everything is fine, but you've got one thing wrong. Whether it's the first prince, the emperor, or everyone in the world targeting you, I can protect you. It's not a problem for me. But do you know what the problem is?"
"What's the problem?"
"It's my price. It's very, very expensive. Protecting you is no big deal to me. But the price will be more than you can imagine."
His words sounded uneasy.
"One magic stone per second."
I never thought he would say such nonsense.
Rockefeller's expression stiffened for a moment.
'One magic stone per second?'
Even though he had a lot of money, one magic stone per second was an unreasonable price for Rockefeller.
'He's taking advantage of being the protagonist.'
"One magic stone per second... Isn't that too expensive? I think maintaining a dragon would be cheaper."
At that, Lee Han shook his head.
"I guarantee it. Whether you pluck a hair from the nose of a legendary dragon, or strike the neck of the emperor, you can survive anything. As long as you can afford to hire me. But the price is as I just said. I'm not that cheap of a labor."
Why would he be the protagonist?
It was because of that attitude that he didn't become the protagonist.
However, he wasn't intimidated by the protagonist's bravado.
He could show bravado too.
"I'd rather rent a dragon from Goblin Bank. They'll lend it to me if I pay, and it would actually be cheaper."
Look at this guy.
At the mention of renting a dragon instead of himself, Lee Han chuckled.
'Renting a dragon?'
After thinking for a moment, Lee Han, who seemed to think that his previous demand was excessive, soon made a concession.
"Fine. One magic stone per minute. I can't compromise any further. And there's one thing I don't understand."
With full confidence, Lee Han continued speaking.
"I'm better than a dragon."
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I will never read a novel with a protagonist like Lee Han.
ReplyDeleteSometimes reading an arrogant and plucky protagonist is like a breath of fresh air.
DeleteI've read some couple of novels with a protagonist like Lee hand and had to drop them all due to their arrogance, especially when they take a woman from another man and act arrogant about it but still call themselves righteous. I only read said novels when the protagonist is the villain since that could be understood.
DeleteZinafzi: absolutely true. I WOULDN'T bother reading it either
ReplyDelete