"100 million... each," the Head-Elder states decisively, not leaving room for negotiation.
"Deal. How about this? I'll double the sum, and you promise to let the orphans live in them, and hire a few trustworthy people who won't embezzle funds, and let them take care of the mansions," Auren suggests, quickly adding more conditions. "Also, provide them three meals a day—not two—and give them a basic education. You can just hire a few caretakers skilled in a few subjects and have them act as teachers."
"Great!"
"That is commendable."
"That's rather... generous," a few of the Elders say, before the Head-Elder responds, clapping his hands together once more. "It shall be done."
"I'll throw in another 100 million to make sure the 200 million are used up solely for the children and the mansions. You can do whatever you want with the extra 100 million, but I expect the rest to be used responsibly. If you agree, I'll wire a total of 500 million right now," Auren says in a calm voice, already taking his phone out of his pocket.
The Head-Elder nods and cracks his knuckles, making Auren shudder due to the sickening sound it creates. "It's not necessary, but since you do not seem to lack the money, we accept the 100 million as a donation and acknowledge your goodwill. Though, not necessary, let me give you one piece of advice. You may think that you are different from the rest of us, but you aren't. You won't ever sever your connection with this place. Embracing your past is a step in the right direction. I am glad you seem to realize that yourself."
Bullshit... what a senile lunatic.
"Anything else you require from us? We are always happy to support hard-working youths supporting their home," he says, now looking quite satisfied.
The other Elders also chime in. "It looks like we were wrong about you. If you are being this supportive, we are willing to do our best to support you as well."
Auren shrugs. "There is not really anything I need. I might request some information or some... help from time to time. Would that be possible? Of course, not for free. I'd make a suitable donation should I require your services."
"Of course, of course. It doesn't matter what you need. Assassins, suicide attacks, thieves—everything is possible," a fat Elder says, his lips moist with his own spit. "I'll hand you a few cards. We have a few people who are in charge of these things. Anything for a good citizen like you, dear Auren. You can talk to them on your way out and pay up in one go, as not to inconvenience yourself."
Sickening pig... still, I may actually require the help.
"Good," Auren says. "One final thing, before I leave you to your important business. Meteor City is full of outcasts, but sometimes I bet you come across people who are outcasts even here. If you stumble across noteworthy people, you may contact me. Depending on the circumstances, I might be able to take them off your hands and provide them with a home. Of course, such a thing would urge me to make another donation to the good cause, depending on the person."
"Done, we accept," the fat Elder instantly replies, his face wobbling as he leans forward.
"Very well," Auren finally states, his patience wearing thin. "It's been a pleasure. I'll stay in contact and maybe visit from time to time. If I continue earning money like before, I might be willing to support a few more projects—if this one works out well, of course. In the meantime, I'll work as a Hunter and do my best to earn as much money as possible."
If these fuckers knew about my real wealth, they'd never let me leave like that.
"How about the lovely ladies next to you?" the fat Elder asks again, his tone slick and greasy as he licks his lips. "They would surely like to donate as well, right?"
As soon as the words leave the man's mouth, Auren's expression darkens, before he forcefully regains control, choosing to smile. Despite his control, his entire body is filled with the overwhelming urge to conjure Eternity right there and stab it deep into the man's chest, letting the weapon slowly torture him by draining his entire Aura and life force.
This fucker... I will kill him. The Troupe may be almighty now, but that's going to change soon. The contract I have with them is temporary as well. That fat guy in particular looks rather young. I think I'll definitely get an opportunity to express my 'thanks' for his treatment soon enough.
Suddenly, Vanessa starts laughing.
I told her to shut up... I can't have her antagonize them right away.
Despite Auren's warnings, Vanessa speaks up anyway. "Heh, I won't be able to donate my Jenny just like that. My family is rich, but even I have less than a billion Jenny, and most of it is already tied up. I could never match my master, who just donated 500 million! Who has that kind of money?! He donated more than half his fortune just like that. Maybe I could chip in a million or so."
She scratches her head, looking genuinely torn.
"That won't be necessary," the Head-Elder interjects, his tone stern as he stares at the fat elder. "Elder Riktor, you will cease this behavior. A 500 million donation is quite generous already. I dislike your intentions toward our treasured child and benefactor."
"I was just kidding," Riktor replies, trying to pass it off casually.
"Well, I've left the girls I rescued alone on the airship. I also feel bad for disrupting your meeting," Auren says, his voice measured and polite. "Hopefully, I'll get the chance to visit again soon. Thank you for your time."
Hopefully, I'll see you all very soon and get to know you a little better... from the inside.
"Guards!" the Head-Elder calls out. "Escort our respected guest upstairs. Girba, as the youngest, can you accompany him and handle his business? The donation and the request for cooperation. You can explain to him how things work here."
"Of course, Head-Elder," one of the women responds with a respectful nod as she stands up.
Despite being referred to as the youngest, she appears about the same age as Nibana—clearly well past her fifties.
Auren, Neffi, and Vanessa, together with Girba and a guard, make their way upstairs.
There, Auren undergoes a lengthy process—wiring the promised 500 million Jenny and exchanging contact details to allow him direct access to Meteor City's representatives in the future.
As they walk through the upper levels, he briefly spots a room full of people working on computers. A few are analyzing documents, while others appear to be involved in intelligence gathering. One group is even investing in the stock market.
"We have many agents who take care of outside business. Your personal contact is this man over here," she says, walking up to a man with thick glasses and long, greasy hair. "His name is Trupan, and he is in charge of only 7 other people, all of whom are highly valued by our Community. If you need anything, call him. Nothing is impossible as long as you have the required funds."
"I see," Auren says, staring at the man. "We'll talk very soon then."
The man, waiving his head awkwardly, finally manages to nod and reply with a weak, "O—Okay...."
It's almost like a business. This guy seems to be talented, but not very social. Well whatever.
Finally, the group exits the building.
As they head back toward the market district, Vanessa looks pale.
"I'm sorry," she says quietly. "I spoke up, after all."
"It was fine," Auren replies, unconcerned. "You were asked a question and, more importantly, you said the right thing. That was a great lie—your brother would be proud. If you could always act like that, you'd easily surpass him. You already surpass him in Nen talent and physique."
"You rate her rather highly," Neffi chimes in. "Not that I disagree. It's a little infuriating how fast she's grown. She only started learning Nen a while ago, yet she's apparently more talented than I am—judging by the speed of her progress. I will not let her surpass me this easily, however. It's time I get a little more serious myself!"
Smiling wildly, Vanessa grabs Neffi's hand and swings it back and forth with childlike enthusiasm as they walk through the winding alleys, making their way back to the center of Meteor City.
As they make their way through the center, everyone immediately turns around.
With his desire to get rid of the parasitic, corrupt elders of Metero City, Auren has trouble controlling himself.
Not realizing it himself, he displays a frightening Aura that causes the people around him to shiver in horror.
Even Neffi and Vanessa look like they just walked into a cold winter storm with no clothes on, even shaking a little.
"Auren..." Neffi finally says, grabbing his arm.
"Huh?" Auren responds, snapping out of his rage.
"Sorry..." he mutters in realization, before finally saying. "You know what? Let's leave... I promised Nobunaga a spar. I'll ask him to do it today. By tonight, we'll have left this shithole behind."
"Great," Vanessa says, clearly satisfied with the change in plans.
"I think that's for the best," Neffi says, smiling widely. "Let's go home... our real home!"
Just one more thing I have left to do... Nobunaga. I wonder how skilled he really is.
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