Academy’s Genius Mage

“I’d like to say it was somewhat coincidental.”

“Coincidental?”

“Yes. You might be familiar with Hoikin, the manager at the patent office.”

The image of a middle-aged man, buried under piles of documents, flashed in his mind.

He was the very official who personally received the patent documents Ian submitted.

“I am aware. I was indebted to him when dealing with the patent.”

“Actually, he’s someone I keep close, like a friend.”

“Like a friend?”

“Oh, there’s nothing suspicious about it. Certainly not a financial relationship. We just get along well.”

Outwardly, Woodward appeared to be in his late twenties.

But that was because he was well-dressed.

If one looked at him in more casual clothes, with his parted hair let down, he could be seen as someone brimming with the energy of early twenties.

“We met at a salon by chance long ago and kept our acquaintance. We have good conversations, but having a friend in the patent office doesn’t hurt either, does it?”

“True.”

“One day, Hoikin mentioned you, Ian.”

Ian tilted his head, puzzled.

He had only met the manager once on official business.

No matter how he thought about it, they didn’t have a relationship worth discussing.

“He said he had never seen someone bring such perfectly prepared patent documents before. Even academy students and staff often make mistakes, but you were exceedingly meticulous, so he remembered you.”

“I see.”

Normally, he would humbly let such comments pass.

But Ian asked further.

“Still, wouldn’t the manager share such stories often? In public service, there are likely many memorable encounters.”

“Honestly, yes. The world is full of all sorts of people.”

Ian didn’t let his curiosity pile up.

He needed to show a slightly demanding demeanor.

At the moment, it was hard to guess Woodward’s true intentions.

‘Just because he sent a letter first doesn’t mean he’s on our side. It’s a typical connection management approach of companies.’

Still, he didn’t plan to be overly hostile.

This meeting was, after all, business.

Both parties had to seek a direction that maximized mutual benefit.

“Still, a businessman sometimes needs to trust their instincts, right?”

“Did you sense something?”

“Yes, though it wasn’t something grand, just a thought. If such a meticulous person created a new method, it would likely be useful… So, I was just waiting for the patent to be approved.”

“Only for that reason?”

Ian honestly expressed his surprise.

Woodward spread his hands and shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, that’s the typical reaction. I understand. But I see that small difference creating something big.”

“Listening to you, it seems like you are more meticulous than I am.”

“Hahaha. I’m often called an eccentric rather than meticulous. Sometimes a gambler.”

Ian nodded in agreement.

Such was the nature of investment.

Even with slim chances of success, hoping for a favorable hand while placing your wealth at stake.

In other words, Woodward had seen a promising card in Ian.

“As a merchant and negotiator, Mr. Woodward’s talent is truly impressive. However, I am a mage. I am also a student.”

“Are you curious about how I assessed it?”

“Are you reading my mind?”

Woodward flashed a charming smile.

“I’ve been helping my father in business since I was twelve. Over time, I’ve met many people.”

Woodward naturally unraveled the tale of his childhood.

Ian found himself engrossed in his story.

“Especially for those at the academy, there is a tendency to be more curious about the value of research rather than its cost. I doubt Ian Oracle is significantly different in this regard, or am I mistaken?”

“Half of what you said is correct, and the other half is not.”

“That’s disappointing.”

“If I had only contacted the Bahamut Trading Company, then Mr. Woodward might have been entirely correct. However, I sent letters to a total of ten companies.”

What mattered to Ian Oracle was actually the money.

The patent was not his, and in order to exert pressure on the Hamel Trading Company, it was necessary to assign a high monetary value to the research.

Woodward nodded.

“It was a perfectly reasonable point. It’s something I hadn’t fully considered.”

“Still, I’m curious. How did the deputy manager of the Bahamut Trading Company appraise the new potion manufacturing technique?”

“Our technicians weren’t able to judge the value of the technique. It’s more accurate to say that they couldn’t understand the technique itself rather than evaluating its value.”

“And yet you sent the letter?”

“I interpreted our technicians’ lack of understanding in two ways.”

Woodward folded the two fingers he had raised one at a time as he spoke.

“It’s either a terribly flawed technique, or it’s a world-changing innovation. No one can understand a world-changing innovation; it requires a genius’s kind interpretation. I bet on the latter.”

“The nickname ‘Gambler’ wasn’t earned for nothing, I see.”

“If the probability is 50% in this business, it’s extraordinarily high. It’s not even a gamble. It’s quite a safe investment.”

Ian Oracle didn’t initially know what charm he saw in this person.

But now, he felt like he understood.

‘This person is a genius.’

Not only did he have a knack for business, but he was a diligent genius capable of creating new trends.

Woodward placed his clasped hands on the table and spoke seriously.

“It might be an impolite question, but from a comprehensive review, it seems you need urgent cash, correct?”

“Yes. That’s correct. Do you also know why I need urgent cash?”

Ian subtly probed.

If the company is the best in the kingdom, they would possess considerable information.

It was also an enlightening question, thinking that if they are in a position to compete fiercely with Hamel Trading Company, they might know something shady and what is behind it.

“Well, it’s a bit difficult to say…”

“I believe you preemptively asked for forgiveness if the question would be impolite, didn’t you? Given you’ve already stated it was through comprehensive review, it seems you have some understanding of my situation. Feel free to speak.”

“Can we proceed with negotiations first?”

“Whatever you wish.”

They intended to provide information but steer the conversation in a direction beneficial to them.

The gaze of a genius swept Ian Oracle.

“Please first state what you can offer.”

“Exclusive distribution rights for the new potion. However, production must be entrusted to the Royal Academy. Your company must invest in the facilities, and the finished product should bear both your company’s emblem and the Royal Academy’s emblem.”

“Umm, that sounds good. There are no impossible conditions. Now, we should settle on a specific amount. Do you have a figure in mind?”

“I’d like to hear your opinion first.”

Ian replied in a businesslike tone.

Woodward pondered carefully.

If the person before him were someone else, they might think he was dragging out the time.

But Ian Oracle patiently waited for him to reach a conclusion.

“How about a contract for a 50 billion shilling down payment for the exclusive distribution rights and a 10% royalty on net sales for three years?”

The terms were not bad.

Receiving a 50 billion shilling down payment meant he would pay 30% of that to the academy and split the rest with his roommate.

By simple calculation, Ian Oracle would receive approximately 17 billion shillings.

Moreover, with royalties, the amount he could collect each month would snowball, provided the product sold well.

‘But for now, I’ll decline.’

Ian answered with a troubled expression.

“50 billion shillings is quite a substantial amount. However, considering the prestige of the Royal Academy, it indeed falls short. The Academy holds value beyond what can be converted to money.”

“Certainly, if the emblem of the Royal Academy is included, it would help in sales. It would fetch a premium price. However, I hope you understand that a contract fee of five billion is unprecedented.”

“That seems a bit strange.”

“What do you mean?”

Woodward asked with a puzzled expression. Ian smiled slyly.

“You just described it as an innovation that could change the world, yet with the phrase ‘unprecedented amount,’ it seems like you’re trying to downplay its value. No matter how I think about it, Mr. Woodward, you are a reasonable person, so I must be mistaken, right?”

With Ian’s coy remark, Woodward raised both hands in surrender.

“Ha ha. I admit defeat. It seems you, Ian, possess more assets than I do.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m planning to make unreasonable demands.”

“Are you saying the contract fee is insufficient? Or is it the adjustment of the royalty rate?”

“Neither.”

Ian gave a subtle smile.

Woodward had a sense of what that smile implied.

Earlier, Ian had asked if he knew the reason urgent funds were needed. It clearly related to that matter.

“How about we meet again in a week? I am satisfied with our greeting for today.”

“You could explain now.”

“If it’s then, I’m certain Mr. Woodward will be satisfied. I promise.”

Woodward nodded in agreement.

“Very well. We will also try to come up with a better proposal. Let’s reconvene at the same time in this place, in a week, shall we?”

“Certainly.”

The two shook hands firmly and parted ways.

* * *

The reason Ian set a week’s time frame was because of the Hamel Trading Company.

It wasn’t to hear what they would say and make a decision based on it.

Large trading companies tend to pry into each other’s information.

‘Once it’s known that Mr. Woodward left empty-handed, they will surely get anxious.’

A fifty-billion shilling contract fee and ten percent royalty were generous enough that signing the contract immediately wouldn’t have been a problem. That was a more generous deal than anticipated.

However, going through with the contract right away would conclude any involvement with the Hamel Trading Company.

They might even more thoroughly cut ties to prevent involvement.

‘Whether it’s a person or a beast, one tends to make mistakes when anxious.’

A week provided ample time for one or two meetings.

Now, he only had to wait for the Hamel Trading Company’s response while observing the reactions of other trading companies.

When Ian entered the dormitory, Edel was preparing for the entrance test.

Milo was nowhere in sight, possibly out hunting.

“Ian! I’ve left the letters on the desk for you.”

“Thanks.”

Four letters were piled up.

All were replies from trading companies. Ian sat at the desk and opened them one by one.

‘As expected, not many are interested.’

Three out of the four letters politely declined or stated they would reach out again if the opportunity arose.

Of course, not all of them were utterly useless.

The last letter was a reply from the Hamel Trading Company.

Felix himself had handwritten it, attempting to set up a meeting with Ian.

― I would like to meet you as soon as possible. Please contact the trading company using the Academy’s communication network, and I will immediately come to the Academy. I definitely wish to have a conversation with you, baron. Also…

The detailed and earnest sentiment was impressive. However, Ian had no intention of contacting them immediately.

‘Meeting tomorrow should suffice.’

Ian opted for mailing a response instead of using the communication network.

Sending it now would ensure its arrival by tomorrow.

He jotted down the time and location succinctly and placed it in the mail slot.

“Ian.”

At that moment, Milo approached from down the hallway.

However, his expression was somber.