Chapter 62: How to deal with officials (1/2)
”What is the meaning of this?!” The official's first words instantly downplayed the importance of the shrine. Staring down at the wooden building with a critical eye while noting something on a board he held in his right hand, the official proved that no matter the world, a certain group of people would look, think and act exactly the same.
”Meaning of what? Life?” Not allowing the man to gain momentum, Layn smiled. ”I'm sorry, but while this shrine is aimed at helping others to grow, we cannot really answer such meaningful questions.”
Spreading his arms out in the gesture of powerlessness, Layn managed to gain the little yet insanely important advantage. Now he was on the attack, with the official forced into defense.
”That's not what I…” Attempting to clarify what did he came here for, the middle-aged man wasn't annoyed, but stunned instead.
”Ah, so a coercion it is!” Exclaiming as if he just understood the crux of the universe at large, Layn winked to Irea. Standing just a few steps to the side, the girl didn't dare to utter a word, passively observing archmage's exploits. Yet, Layn had absolutely nothing against it.
'Well, she said she was a teacher at this academy, it's understandable she's not happy to stand against its authorities…' Figuring the situation of the girl out in his mind, Layn's smile widened even further.
”What? No, I came here…” The official attempted to clarify the situation once again, only to be stopped by a suddenly raised Layn's hand. ”Sir, I understand. I truly do. But no matter what, the academy has yet to come to a rental agreement, so I have no other choice but to ask for a grade-one stone in exchange for four entry tickets.”
Shaking his head with faked uneasiness, Layn continued the great fight within his soul not to allow his smile to appear on his face.
”Agreement? Grade one stone?” Listening to the archmage's words, the official's eyes widened. A few paces to the side, Irea's lips curved up. 'That's a proper reaction… At least now I know I'm not the weird one.' For a moment, all three of them started or continued to shake their heads. Layn in pretended uneasiness, the official in shock and Irea with acceptance of her situation.
”Wait a moment.” Feeling that he baited the official for long enough, Layn finally allowed the middle-aged man to finish his words. On the other hand, seeing how the intruder wasn't going to interrupt him this time, the official cleared his throat before raising his eyes on the wooden building.
”I'm an elder in charge with the outer academy development. Sir, even if you made some kind of deal with the brass…” As eager as Layn was to let the man speak his bit, just his introduction made most of Layn's schemes pointless.
'Who would've thought that the man I wanted would appear here out of his own volition?' Rejoicing at the rare stroke of luck, Layn smiled. ”Sir, it's my fault here. I didn't waste my time on contacting each and every person on the chain, so it's understandable that you knew nothing about this project.”