"I heard from the broker, but they say Delight Conquem is trying to develop a complete android."

Unlike her glamorous attire from the last meeting, Claire was dressed in a suit.

Her overall neat impression was enhanced by the jeweled earrings she wore as a point.

"It's a small company, so it's unlikely they have that kind of technology, but it's not something to be overlooked as a mere rumor."

Those who reigned above were always tormented by the threat of challengers.

There was only one way to control this effectively.

To trample the sprout before it emerges.

It was a simple yet effective measure that everyone favored.

"I'll give you the discretion on the means and methods. Remove all data related to the android, and if there's a machine, that too."

The gaze shot from her cool eyes was as sharp as a blade.

Unlike her noble and elegant appearance, Claire had no hesitation in making a ruthless decision.

"Before that, I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Are you sure it's removal, not seizure?"

"Yes."

Claire underlined the removal part of the request form with her fingernail.

"Even if we seize the data, our company doesn't have the capacity to form and operate a separate research and development team. Our main business is far from the related industry, so we also lack the technology."

"Isn't it a profitable business to keep the blueprint and sell copies?"

"It's a waste to give it to others. It's obvious where they'll bid. And... I don't really want to leave any data behind."

"?"

She turned her head as if to look out the window.

It seemed she was trying to hide her expression.

But the small sound of her clicking her tongue revealed her annoyance.

'She doesn't have the leisure, but it's a waste to give it to others.'

It was a technology too precious to be burned for such a trivial reason.

She, more than I, would know its value.

And yet, the fact that she had made such a decision meant.

"There seems to be a rat inside."

"...I won't deny it."

It's better to destroy it than to go to the trouble of helping someone else.

"Considering you're worried about a leak of confidential information, it must mean they're in a high position."

A rough picture was drawn.

"It must be that guy I saw last time. Director Berman, was it?"

"I felt it before, but you're really quick-witted."

Claire was briefly impressed.

It wasn't a displeased reaction, even though I had seen through the company's internal affairs.

"Won't you really come under me? If you team up with Milina, I think there will be no shortcomings, not just empty words."

It was because she still hadn't been able to get over me.

My answer did not change.

"You don't want a person without principles who would change their mind in just a few days, do you?"

"It's okay in times like this."

"Not interested."

The sigh of disappointment came not from Claire, but from Milina.

Somehow, the secretary was more meddlesome.

I don't think she was that kind of character.

"And it's not like I just guessed it by being smart."

I had some knowledge, so I could make the connection.

Claire sharply caught the hint I had let slip.

"You seem to know something about Director Berman."

"It's not enough for a rolling stone to push out the owner family with just personal skill."

"You mean he has a backer?"

"It's not something to be said for free."

Where do you think you're getting a free meal?

Although I was favorable to her, it was as a counterweight to keep Centrim in check.

If I just gave everything away, I would just be taken for a fool.

At least in the current relationship.

'She'll be suspicious herself.'

Why is he helping her?

Where did the suspicious information I have come from?

Rather than letting suspicion sprout, a clean business relationship was healthier for now.

"...Well, if you don't want to talk, then fine. If you know that much, I can ask you one more thing."

Claire didn't dig deep.

On the contrary, she licked her lips slightly and proposed.

"I'd like you to steal Delight Conquem's ledger. This is an additional request."

"Ledger?"

"I have a hunch that Director Berman invested in Delight Conquem. I want definite physical evidence."

Berman invested in Delight Conquem?

'So that guy was the link between the future Delight Conquem and Centrim.'

Since he was Centrim's underling, if he had invested in Delight Conquem, it was enough to connect the two.

"There's nothing I can't do as long as you pay me a satisfactory reward."

"Don't worry, I told you I'd treat you sensibly and rationally."

Claire amended the request form on the spot.

I drew a line through the added reward part.

"Not that much, but this much."

"..."

Claire shut her mouth with a sullen expression.

Where do you think you're trying to haggle down the price?

"Since you're a client with a good personality who also pays well, there must be a bonus."

I drew another line and corrected the number.

A freeloader had been added to my house due to an unforeseen accident.

Since he was a jobless person who couldn't work, his living expenses were destined to come out of my pocket.

It was an unavoidable decision to make up for this.

It was like Claire had been hit by a stray spark, but...

'You have a lot of money, right?'

Since she had some leeway, it wouldn't be a burdensome amount.

Claire's eyebrows twitched.

I drove a stake in there.

"I'd be disappointed if you were a person who would go back on your word."

"N-no way."

Claire soon smiled and accepted.

Once the broker authenticated the revised contract, it was a done deal.

'As expected of the next chaebol head whose words should carry weight.'

I was satisfied to have confirmed that I had a pocket to extort from time to time.

"Since you told me to decide the means and methods, I'll choose my colleagues to work with."

"Yes, do as you please. I didn't think it was a request you could handle alone. If you have anyone to recommend, let me know. I'll review it and pay the cost."

The opponent is a member of Madhouse.

I didn't know who among them would be there, but whoever it was, they were a monster.

A colleague to work with was essential.

Claire, who had entrusted me with the choice and even the cost, was a truly rational employer.

"First, the Drexier Mercenary Corps."

And the colleague I would call now was decided.

"The mercenary corps that was in charge of the escort during the inter-city negotiations. I also think it's a rational choice."

"And one more."

"Since it's after the mercenary corps, will it be a contractor this time?"

"No."

I had secured the manpower, so the next was a guide.

***

"...What?"

Bel's face was dirty, with soot on his cheeks.

I had only asked him to clean the house, but where did he get the soot from?

I wondered if he had gone out while I was away, but the guy who knew of the tracker's existence was not brave enough to do such a reckless thing.

He must have been playing with fire, like welding, by himself.

"Playing with house is fine, but I won't let it slide if you set the house on fire."

"Playing with house! I was just trying various things to handle the work you asked me to do efficiently...! No, that's not it."

Bel, who had been choked up, calmed his excitement and asked.

"What did you just say?"

"I'm on my way back from accepting a request. The rumor about the android you left behind is already widespread. Several places, including large corporations, are drooling over it."

"Damn it, they finally found it. I hope those idiots over there don't touch it and break it."

Bel stomped his feet and bit his nails.

It was an action that revealed his anxiety.

Then, as if he had eaten the dirt under his nails, he spat it out.

"You'd better pray that the item is to my liking. It's not an easy request, as Madhouse is also involved."

"Even those monsters are involved?"

Even a mere technician seemed to have heard of their reputation, as his expression was one of horror.

"Then it might be better to just give up."

"Aren't you disappointed about your life's masterpiece?"

"Of course I'm disappointed! How do you think I made that!"

Bel's eyes glittered as he answered.

But the false madness crumpled in front of the reality of the situation.

"But what can I do when Madhouse has stepped in? If I hold on to it, I'll just get frustrated. So go quickly and cancel it, saying you can't do it. I'm not that shameless."

"No, I've already accepted the request."

"In that industry, can't you cancel a request once you've accepted it?"

"You promised to give it to me, so it's my item. Should the owner tuck his tail between his legs because he's scared of a thief when he's going to get it?"

"..."

Bel's gaze was as if he were looking at an incorrigible idiot that you see in every neighborhood.

"Well, it's your life, so what can I say? But if you die, I'll inherit this house and use it preciously, so just know that."

"Have you grown attached to it after living here for a few days?"

"I've worked my body to the bone managing this place, so I'd be upset if it became a ruin."

He's overreacting.

His body won't be worn out just from cleaning, doing laundry, and managing the vegetable garden.

It was something I used to do before Bel came to stay.

"But even if I die, you won't inherit this house."

"Why? Do you have a child? You look like you would. You have an unlucky face. Your personality is like that, but since you have a good face, there must have been many empty-headed women who clung to you. Good for you, you bastard."

His words are harsh.

I was displeased by the sudden denigration, but I calmed down when I saw the top of his head.

I, who have both a face and hair, should endure it.

"I don't have a child to inherit my property, but you'll be going with me, so if I die, you'll die with me. Or you'll be caught by Delight Conquem and work like a slave for the rest of your life."

"…?"

Bel, who had been muttering, looked up at me.

His two eyes, which were raised nervously, blinked blankly.

And then, he slowly moved his dry lips.

"No, wait. I'm going with you? Why?"

"I need a guide."

"For such a trivial reason?"

"It's important."

"W-well, yes. It is important."

Bel's two pupils spun around.

It was as if the sound of his head spinning rapidly was echoing in the living room.

"If you're curious about the structure there, I can draw it for you. Even where the item is hidden. And usually, the esteemed clients steal the blueprints and let you know."

That was true.

A guide was a position that was not needed unless it was a request for an undeveloped wilderness.

"Actually, the need for a guide is an excuse."

"Then?"

"The content of the request is the disposal of the android. But since I can't really dispose of it, I'll have to get a substitute and deceive them, right?"

"...Ah."

It seemed he understood what I was saying.

"You have something to use as a substitute, right?"

"W-well, I do."

"And I'll need your help to set up the situation with it."

"What about just stealing the item and burning everything? That's much easier."

"You're underestimating the work of a megacorp."

That kind of petty trick was something that the information network of a large corporation could see through quickly.

If they were suspicious, they would analyze every single speck of ash to see if any tricks had been played.

To prevent this, an expert was needed.

And in front of me was an expert who could even deceive the analysts of a large corporation.

"Keu-euk...!"

Bel, who couldn't find any words to refute my logical and rational request, swallowed a groan.

Then, he finally struggled.

"I, I can't go! Just make me work here for the rest of my life! I'll somehow remake the android, even if it takes my whole life!"

Bel went out to the vegetable garden and moved, as if to show off that he was such a diligent worker.

I looked at what he was doing with a dissatisfied gaze.

Although he had improved, he was still immature.

Just a few days of labor could not root out his gloominess and insincerity.

"Didn't you say you couldn't remake it even if you were asked to last time?"

"If you can't make something you've already made again, you're an idiot. So can't you just let it slide this once? I'll work without complaining from now on. I'm serious."

Bel begged on his hands and knees.

And just as he was about to get on his knees.

[A mutual contract has been completed, and a manager is appointed to the World Tree's vegetable garden.]

[The manager of the vegetable garden influences the growth of plants and the prosperity of the vegetable garden according to their dexterity and technical skills.]

[Currently appointed manager: Bel Hackerson]

[Dexterity and technical skills: Highest grade]

[As a manager of the vegetable garden is hired, a new function of the vegetable garden is unlocked.]

[From now on, the characteristics of special crops grown in the vegetable garden can be permanently applied to that species.]

[The World Tree learns a new skill.]

[By declaring a territory in the surrounding area, you can summon a domain under the World Tree's management.]

The manager of the vegetable garden, Bel Hackerson.

The unlocking of the vegetable garden's function and the acquisition of the World Tree's skill, in other words, a skill.

It was good to have gained an unexpected benefit, but it was absurd.

'He must have really not wanted to go.'

It meant that Bel really wanted to stay at home and manage the vegetable garden.

I thought it might be okay to leave him at home at this point, but.

"Instead of struggling, fix the can you came in. You'll have to use it as a substitute for armor."

"..."

No way.

'I can't just dispose of my item without even using it.'

Most of all.

'I need a hand to take care of the ledger related to Berman.'

Since the content of the request had been added, Bel, who was related, could not be left out.

Bel was an expert who had even deceived a company's audit.

He would be able to recognize a suspicious ledger right away.

"...Should I just get caught?"

"If you want, I'll hand you over myself."

Will he be handed over to the company by my hand?

Or will he infiltrate the company with me?

"I'll go, I'll go! Ugh, to think I'd get caught by such a guy!"

In the ultimate dilemma, Bel made a decision.

(End of Chapter)