CHAPTER 8
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"Excuse me, I have a question," I began, eyes scanning the contract with a mix of curiosity and caution.
Jehee responded with a nod, his demeanor shifting to one of attentive readiness. "Certainly, ask away."
Despite his gentle and accommodating expression, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion. His ability to deceive seemed almost too polished, too practiced.
"I'll overlook the fact that there's a name on this contract I didn't write... But what exactly is this document?"
"It's an exclusive supporter contract, as is clearly stated."
"It's not some sort of exclusive slave contract, is it?"
"Ah, interpreting it as a slave contract? That's an intriguing notion..."
My words faltered, trailing off into the air. Did he find this merely an interesting topic? Doubts clouded my thoughts as I scrutinized the contract, searching for his hidden agenda.
Jehee, noticing my intense gaze, spoke with a mixture of kindness and a teasing undertone. "Staring at it won't alter its terms. Mr. Seonwoo's decision is what matters. Why persist in this pointless exercise?"
You sly man. Your intimidating smiles won't sway me. I'm not one to be easily intimidated.
"It's not just that," I replied sharply, my focus unwavering. "This section here, detailing the contract's duration, it's too vague. My specific requirements are nowhere to be found."
I pointed out the ambiguous clause on the contract duration, challenging Jehee with my gaze. True to form, Jehee glanced at the pointed section, offering one of his disarmingly charming smiles. Despite the allure of his smile, I remained steadfast, steeling myself against its distracting effect.
Jehee, noticing my determined posture, allowed his smile to waver slightly as he casually responded, "I'll make sure to include your conditions in the special terms. The duration might not seem problematic at first glance, but your concern is quite interesting."
Unaware, are you?
I thought back to his earlier expression when we discussed the contract's term.
"I've dedicated years to the guild in a non-combat role. I have other commitments, and dungeon delving doesn't align with my interests. Therefore, I'd prefer my guild affiliation be limited to times when my role as an exclusive supporter is active."
Jehee's gaze softened at my explanation, his face becoming pensive yet unreadable. His thoughtful demeanor left me uneasy, unable to guess at his underlying thoughts.
After a moment's silence, Jehee spoke. His responses, often delayed when it came to others, seemed quicker when it involved influencing someone. "Understood. Let's define the duration of your exclusive support and adjust the guild affiliation period accordingly. What time frame do you have in mind?"
"A month, perhaps?" I suggested, proposing a relatively significant period.
Jehee's reaction was a relaxed smile. "If you're thinking of a different duration, feel free to let me know."
I had clearly stated my preference for a month-long term, but Jehee's feigned ignorance was pushing my patience to its limits.
"Fine, make it two months then."
Jehee raised two fingers in a playful gesture, his smile shifting from amusement to a semblance of irritation. "You said you disliked lengthy negotiations. If you're going to increment it month by month, then I'll just set the term myself."
In a moment of desperation, I blurted out, "Wait, let's do six months! Or better yet, a year. We'll start with a year and can discuss renewal later."
Grasping at his hand, almost as if to physically restrain him from changing the contract, I realized the futility of my action. Did I truly possess the strength to challenge Jehee? Sweating profusely, I found myself inadvertently entangled in the intricate web of the contract.
Negotiating was indeed a task not for the faint of heart.
"Very well," Jehee conceded, "In accordance with Mr. Seonwoo's request, we'll set the duration to one year. We'll also include your specific requirements. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"
I hesitated, then said, "On my way here, I... my watch..."
I was growing increasingly frustrated, struggling to maintain composure while trying to extract some benefit from this agreement.
Somewhat caught off guard, I placed my gold-plated watch on the glass table. Observing quietly, Jehee unexpectedly removed his own watch, placing it over the contract. His was a high-end luxury brand, far more valuable than my modest gold-plated piece – an item that could fetch a handsome price on the secondary market.
"And what else?" Jehee prompted.
"Nothing more," I replied quickly, sensing a hint of impatience in his tone. It was time to wrap up this negotiation.
Pleased with what seemed like a favorable outcome, I reached for the watches, but Jehee swiftly raised his hand to stop me
My confusion mounted as Jehee casually declared, "Keep the watch. It's for your peace of mind. Chorok, swap the watches."
"Yes, sir," came Chorok's prompt response.
The situation was bewildering. Was Jehee actually replacing my watch with his own? And why was Chorok tampering with the perfectly functional watch on my wrist?
"I don't need this," I protested.
"Please, just remain still," Jehee insisted.
"Fine," I relented, albeit with reluctance.
Jehee's expression hardened, a clear signal for me to hold my tongue. I watched, hands drawn back, as Chorok, appearing almost from nowhere, carefully removed my watch and set it on the table.
A flicker of suspicion arose within me as I observed the exchange. To my relief, Chorok simply swapped the watches and retreated discreetly.
The watch now gracing my wrist felt out of place, an imposing presence compared to how it had looked on Jehee's. It was undoubtedly valuable, and I mentally earmarked it for sale on the secondary market at the earliest convenience.
"Now, let's finalize the contract," Jehee announced.
A wave of relief swept through me, glad that this strenuous negotiation was nearing its end. But then, as Jehee spoke, he gestured, and the contract levitated in front of us. His hand passed over it, causing the edges to glow with a golden hue.
With a crisp snap, the contract floated back towards me. I stared at it in astonishment. The document had transformed, now accurately reflecting our agreed terms.
Was this some kind of magical item?
My amazement was interrupted by a distinct clicking sound. I looked up to see Jehee had summoned an item onto the table – a ring.
Confused, I looked at Jehee, a question evident in my eyes.
"What's this now?"
Jehee explained, "This ring is part of the contract. Once you wear it, the contract activates and maintains its validity. Additionally, it will enhance your mana."
The revelation about the ring's true nature left me stunned. Hesitantly, I picked it up and, with a silent protest directed at Jehee, slid it onto the middle finger of my right hand. As it settled, the 'Unidentified' status vanished, unveiling the ring's attributes:
[High-Quality Servant Ring: Establishes a master-servant bond with the wearer of the 'High-Quality Master Ring'. Be a devoted servant, attentive to your master, and win their favor.]
[Mana increase: 1000.]
[Health boost: 100.]
[Magical defense enhancement: 1000.]
[Resistance to status abnormalities: 100.]
My eyes widened in disbelief at these specifications. A master-servant bond? The concept was utterly ludicrous. Who was the master in this scenario?
Slowly lifting my gaze to Jehee, I questioned with a mix of disbelief and reluctance, "...Master?"
"If that terminology is more comfortable for you, then yes," he responded casually.
"No, that's not it. The ring... it seems there's been a mistake..."
Frantically, I tried to remove the ring, but it stubbornly refused to budge from my finger. As I struggled, a new status window appeared:
[The High-Quality Servant Ring allows the master to monitor the servant's location.]
[Enables the master to summon the servant daily.]
[Activates the 'Charming' passive skill.]
[Embrace your role as a devoted servant to gain your master's affection.]
"This is absurd… fuck…"
I couldn't contain my frustration any longer and let out a curse, my annoyance overflowing.