Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons

Chapter 319 - Taming the Gift for Home - 3

”Lady Ashenway,” Ignatius greeted with a respectful nod, his back straightening involuntarily in her presence. ”We were just discussing the reward for that very boy regarding the new method he discovered to obtain the Bronze rank Living Tunnel for the first time in recorded history.”

”A minor matter compared to what I believe he will achieve later, according to my predictions and based on my collected information,” she dismissed with an elegant gesture. ”But I come for a more immediate and substantial matter. I will make a deposit on behalf of my granddaughter to young Patinderʼs name.”

Wei and Ignatius exchanged surprised glances.

”A deposit?” Ignatius inquired cautiously, his fingers steepling together on his desk.

”One and a half million crystals,” Selphira announced as casually as one might comment on the weather. ”And I expect the academyʼs usual duplication system to be applied.”

Ignatius nearly choked on his own saliva. The irregularities kept growing with that kid.

”Lady Ashenway,” he began diplomatically, choosing his words carefully, ”conferring an extra hundred thousand to a student for a minor but verified discovery is one thing. But duplicating an amount of such magnitude, which may not be the schoolʼs duty...”

”Would turn the heads of some contributors,” she completed with a smile that didnʼt reach her eyes. ”But I am one of the greatest contributors.”

Wei appeared fascinated by the turn of events in favor of the boy, momentarily forgetting his foreign position in the conversation.

”My granddaughter has a particular interest in this young man,” Selphira continued, her voice maintaining its measured calm. ”And I have an interest in incentivizing him to see her favorably while also pleasing my granddaughter. Itʼs as simple as that.”

Ignatius released a resigned sigh, the disappointment on the weight of decades of academic politics being worthless against Selphira evident in the slump of his shoulders.

”It seems young Patinder has a special talent for securing allies. First Lin, then Zhao, Julius, you, and now even the stubborn Wei. Some of them have even benefited greatly... I havenʼt had such luck,” he confessed with a hint of humor. ”Perhaps I should try to be on his good side as well before itʼs too late.”

A short knock on the door…

After receiving permission the door opened again, and Jessy entered with a folder tucked under her arm.

”Director, I was asked to deliver the final report of purchases and sales for the semester,” she announced, placing the documents on the desk. ”The hides processed using the Patinder boyʼs method have generated record income for the first year.”

Ignatius opened the folder, and his eyebrows rose visibly as he scanned the pages.

”It seems luck continues to smile on the boy,” he murmured, turning the pages with growing amazement. ”And on those around him.”

Selphira allowed herself a small smile, the subtle curve of her lips betraying satisfaction. ”So, is it decided about doubling the deposit?”

Ignatius closed the folder with a sigh of surrender. ”As always, Lady Ashenway, your wishes are among the academyʼs priorities.”

♢♢♢♢

The following morning dawned bright and clear, perfect for the traditional outing to the city.

Ren stood at the main entrance, signing the pass that would allow him to leave the academy grounds for eight hours.

Lin waited patiently, supervising the process. As the designated tutor for this groupʼs excursion, her responsibility was to ensure that everything proceeded smoothly.

”Remember,” she warned the gathered students, her voice carrying an authoritative edge, ”you have until four oʼclock to finish your personal affairs. One hour before that, weʼll meet in the central plaza to return together… But Iʼll be watching you.”

Ren nodded, carefully storing his pass in one of his uniform pockets. Around him, Taro and Min excitedly discussed the food places they planned to visit, while Liora, Larissa, Matilda, and Maria waited to one side. Their beasts remained dormant, but an aura of anticipation surrounded the group.

”Luna isnʼt coming?” Ren asked, noticing the Starweaverʼs absence.

”She couldnʼt come because of another commitment, she only took Mayo with her,” Matilda responded with a shrug, her hands smoothing her immaculate uniform. ”She asked me to tell her how the visit went for you all.”

Liu bid farewell to the group, explaining that his parents had visited him this semester break.

”They said that from this year on, they would always make the three-hour journey,” he commented with a smile, his night bat briefly materializing on his shoulder. ”It seems it will become a family tradition.”

”People do that?” Taro asked, surprised. ”I didnʼt know there was a family visitation day in the middle of the year.”

”Itʼs quite common for newcomers not to know unless older siblings attended one of the best schools,” Liu explained, his expression softening. ”Most schools donʼt allow outings, but those at the center of the cityʼs most guarded area, like this one, permit it with company.”

Min nodded, considering the information. ”I suppose I could separate from the group later and make a quick visit home then.”

”Iʼll stick with Ren,” Taro decided, his loyal nature evident in his steady gaze. ”My family lives four hours away, too far for such a short free time.”

Ren sighed, thinking that in his case, it was double that distance. The place where his parents struggled daily seemed a world away from the gleaming city center.

Once all the formalities were completed, the group headed toward the academy gates. For Ren, it was the first time he would leave the grounds since his arrival.

The city spread before them, much larger and more imposing than Ren remembered seeing upon his arrival. Buildings of stone, shimmering minerals, and magical wood rose on both sides of cobbled streets.

Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, and elegant carriages transited between hurried pedestrians. The air was filled with the scents of exotic foods, magical reagents, and the indefinable energy of countless tamers and their beasts.

”This way,” Liora indicated, taking the lead with the confidence of someone who perfectly knows the territory. Her will-oʼ-wisp briefly flickered around her fingers as she gestured. ”I know exactly where to go.”

After a twenty-minute walk through increasingly elegant streets, they arrived at an imposing building whose façade boasted fine details in silver and crystals. An ornate sign identified the establishment as ”Pegasus Commerce - Specialized Transport and Trade.”

”Is this a cart shop?” Min asked, impressed by the evident luxury.

”Itʼs much more than that,” Liora responded with a knowing smile. ”Itʼs the most exclusive and discreet private distribution service in the entire city.”

Upon entering, they were greeted by an interior even more luxurious than the exterior. Tapestries of shimmering fabrics resembling silk decorated the walls, displaying detailed maps of the bronze and silver rings. The furniture was clearly of the highest quality, with rich woods inlaid with precious metals and magical crystals. Several elegantly dressed clients conversed in hushed tones with uniformed attendants.

No one paid them immediate attention, despite the presence of Liora and Larissa. After a few minutes of waiting, Min began to grow impatient, his foot tapping rhythmically against the polished floor.

”Didnʼt they know you here?” he murmured.

”Patience,” Liora replied with aristocratic calm, her eyes surveying the room. ”This is how these places operate. Immediate service before allowing clients to appreciate the luxury would be... vulgar.”

Finally, a middle-aged employee approached, observing them with professional attention. His eyes settled on Liora, and a spark of recognition appeared in his expression. He bowed elegantly.

”Miss Ashenway?” he inquired. ”Itʼs been some time since your last visit. Do you wish to rent a new small flying beast dedicated to carrying your messages?”

”My studies keep me busy, and no, the Celestial Swallow continues to work well with my grandmother,” she responded with lightness, then gestured toward Ren. ”Today Iʼm accompanying a friend who requires your services.”

The employee quickly evaluated Ren, his eyes briefly pausing on the luminescent mushrooms, a fleeting look of pity crossing his features before his professional mask returned.

”Of course, we will attend to anyone you call your friend,” he finally nodded, straightening his posture. ”If youʼll allow me, Iʼll escort you to our VIP room while I inform Madam Alicia of your presence.”

As they followed the employee through a side door, Larissa leaned toward Ren, her voice dropping to a discreet whisper.

”Alicia is the most influential merchant in the transport sector,” she explained. ”If anyone outside the castle service can guarantee a secure shipment, itʼs her.”

The VIP room turned out to be an elegant yet cozy space, with comfortable armchairs and a low table where refreshments and small cakes were quickly served. The air was perfumed with subtle magical incense that seemed to both relax and sharpen the mind simultaneously.

”Madam will attend to you shortly,” the employee announced before discreetly withdrawing, the door closing silently behind him.

Ren observed the opulence surrounding him thoughtfully. For a boy from the outskirts, this level of luxury wasnʼt fully comprehended. The delicate teacups alone probably cost more than what his parents earned in a year without him knowing.

But he hadnʼt come to be impressed; he had come to fulfill a vital mission.

The crystals in his bag weighed both physically and symbolically. Soon, if everything went according to plan, that weight would transform into security and well-being for his parents.