CHAPTER 6

BENEFACTOR

Galia is a city located on a mountain of the same name, because of this, the Sun does not cover it immediately. Apparently the sunrise in Galia is just three hours before noon, that is to say, that here it dawns around nine in the morning, before that, the Sun is below the level of the city, for the same reason, it gets dark sooner.

If the highest area of the mountain were not to the north, the days in Gaul would be even shorter and the crops and wildlife that allow them to be self-sufficient would be scarce.

At this moment, I am at the northernmost point of the city, the AS Academy of Galia, specifically in the library. Since my second day in this world I have spent three hours every morning in this place. Not just because of the valuable information that I could get, which has proven to be a lot, although as I supposed, nothing of critical value , but it helps fill several gaps in my "common sense".

Due to the shorter days of Galia, the people of the city rarely have breakfast, so here they usually eat two meals a day. The consumption in artificial light is quite high, about 1/3 more than in other places. It's divided between candles and lamps illuminated with a photosynthetic solution that they prepare in a laboratory of the academy. It seems the academy itself is the largest consumer, because much of it is inside a mountain cave they must use artificial lighting twenty-four hours.

It's funny, since apparently the main material to make that luminous solution is copper, from which the coins of less denomination are made, so they are literally burning money to make light. The money they charge to enter is to keep the lights outside, and the extra cost to the library is for the lighting of it, which must be kept on if you want to read... Now I understand, after all the price seemed too low to be considered "Admission fee."

Well, leaving aside what I learned about the city and the academy, I have a bigger reason to come to the library every day... Ah! there he is. Young Zera, who I met the day I visited the academy for the first time. As I predicted, he always passes through the library hall on the way to the inside of the academy, and always turns to see me.

The day I met him, I told him I was a traveler who sought the truth and visited the AS academies to read their books. There was more than one reason for that. First, I created the image of a science and knowledge enthusiast, as well as someone interested in academies in general. Second; Coming here not only supports my position, but makes it possible to locate me for when they needs me, and that's the key.

On the day of the equinox, I set a small trick to make myself known as a potential benefactor for the academy. The plan was simple but I have no doubt it was effective.

Among the guards, I was seen at least twice "giving away" silver coins, with no apparent gain, which adds to my image of academy enthusiast a large amount of money. Of course they have no idea how much. In addition, without doubt the bartender could have said on any of these days how much I spent on information... It's not as if they could know my intentions, so they can only deduce that it was simple curiosity, adding to my image of a knowledge seeker . They are unlikely to think that I caused the incident.

All my actions pursue the same end. If I want things to go my way, they should be the ones asking for help, only then will I offer to finance them. There are several reasons, one of them is to avoid doubting my place of origin. If I am a traveler who visits academies around the world, it would be rare for me to offer to finance precisely this one. On the other hand, if they ask me to do it, and they do it in a convincing way, I can agree to do so, provided that my conditions are fulfilled, including anonymity.

The conditions cannot be more favorable. Under normal circumstances, even if they asked me if I would like to give my support to the academy, they would not have a real need, nor would I have a credible excuse to accept their request. But in the event that the academy needed financing at all costs, not only would they find themselves in a desperate position, but I would have a good excuse to lend my help, since a wealthy enthusiast would not leave the academy alone in a situation so delicate

The key to my success is precisely that young man who watches me. On the starting day of my plan, I made sure to look as someone reliable, so if the issue of financing arises, it's very likely that he mentions me as a possible benefactor. Even if he doesn't do it (he looks somewhat shy to take such an initiative), he can still be used as an intermediary, since I was in charge of giving an image of mutual trust between us in the presence of the other academics.

Oh! Speaking of him, apparently that other guy who was with him on the day of the discussion is looking for him. Things may progress faster than previously thought. For now I will continue to focus on the books, I must give the impression of being fascinated with what I read...

◆◇◆◇

MMM. There he is!

"E-etoo... M-Mr. Argent..."

For some reason he looks more shy than the last time we talked, he is wearing the robe closed... Now that I look well, I can see his legs, is he wearing shorts?

I don't want to hurt his manhood, but he has woman's legs. If it wasn't enough with how short and squalid he is, his legs look so fragile. Just by appearance they look as if they could break like glass, although I'm not one to judge the weakness of others ... My stats are abysmal... I better ignore that thought.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Does something happen, Zera?"

"Y-You remembered... I mean, t-there is something I would like to talk to you, Mr. Argent".

Just Argent is fine, don't call me Mr. It's not like I'm married and personally I don't feel so old...

"A-Are you single then?... I mean. Understood. Argent, I would like... Well..."

This could take a while. I must do something to advance the conversation without seeming to pressure him. Let's see...

"Zera, if an academic like you leaves his busy itinerary to see me, there must be an important reason. If there is a problem, I would like to be of help. Hadn't I already said it?"

"B-busy itinerary... Well, it's not as if... I mean, there is something very important. The truth is..."

Just like the first time we saw each other, he came to me for an answer and I returned a confident look, and also a nod as a sign of affirmation. Zera observes his hand and clenches his right fist tightly. Having put together the necessary determination, he continues.

... Now that I think about it, is a nod a gesture of affirmation in this place? Seems so.

"The academy is in danger of closing, and we believe that Argent can save it. Save us".

"I get it. I can see that the matter is serious. Tell me Zera, is it possible for me to see the person in charge of the academy, maybe the director?"

"Yes! he wants to ask for Argent's help too, there will be no problems".

"All right. Can you guide me to him right now?"

"Understood! O-Over here, follow me".

In this way we went to the director's office inside the cave. In that place, he and the guy who went to look for Zera earlier were waiting for us. They seemed somewhat relieved to see us arrive... Mr. Director, the negotiations have not yet begun and you already are like an open book for me. This is a reading that I will enjoy more than the ones from the books.

"Welcome Mr. Argent. It's nice to meet you in person, Zera has told me a lot about you. I'm Garen, director of this academy".

That's a lie, it's obvious that Zera isn't the source of your information about me. I see who took the first step was yourself, Mr. Director.

"Nice to meet you too, apparently I don't need to introduce myself. Let's get to the point, Zera told me that the academy is in trouble, I would like to hear the details".

After taking a seat, the director explains the situation. It's more than I expected, how timely I can be. The conquest of Galatea is a blessing, if I play my cards well, I can monopolize the academy.

"As you see, we will not be able to continue working much more. At the rate things are going, we will close before the end of the season".

"I see. When Zera went to look for me at the library, I knew the problem was serious, but I didn't imagine how much. Very well, it's possible to give you my help".

"R-Really? If it's Argent, I was sure you could help us".

"That's great! The academy can continue to function. We must choose what research will continue..."

"No ... All research projects will continue to work".

"WHAT!?"

"A-Argent, you may not know this, but project financing is really expensive. Normally only a country can finance more than one at a time".

"Zera is right. We don't want to abuse your kindness. I can realize that you are not an ordinary person, surely you are the wealthiest man in Galia right now, but..."

"Not only do I plan to keep all research running, but I plan to propose my own projects. Of course everything will be funded by me".

Everyone in the room is silent. The director with his insight, looks in my expression for some sign, but only manages to see the confidence behind my words.

"You are serious... Can you really do that?"

"That's right, but I have some conditions. Since those who had supported you before abandoned you, I wish to become the only benefactor of the academy. Such unreliable people aren't adequate to share the position".

"I didn't want to exceed myself, but I can't help it... Who are you really?"

"A science and knowledge enthusiast".

"That isn't what I mean".

"I know... Zera, do you trust the people in the academy? In these people?"

"W-Who ME !?"

"If you say you trust them, I will believe in your judgment". Since I don't believe you capable of deceiving me.

"Yes. The Director Garen, research chief Johan, Jal, Berta. All are academics who have dedicated their lives to discovery, to the truth, they are all admirable people!"

"Very well, as a sign of confidence, I will tell you who I really am. My name is Argent Makoto".

"A-A family name ... A noble".

"A noble... I see".

Everyone is surprised to hear my words, and at the same time they seem to accept it with some ease. If someone who claims to have such an immense amount of money to support the entire academy alone, said he is a noble, then he is credible.

"A noble... May be possible for a noble, but... I never heard of that family name".

"Those of my lineage prefer to keep a low profile. I am an example myself, after all I like to travel and visit the academies. If it become knew that I am a noble, it would make a stir wherever I went".

"I-It's true. But a nobleman who travels incognito ... That family, it's possible that the head of the family..."

"Ah... That's me. I am the head of my family, and possessor of all power in decision making, as well as in the use of family fortune".

"Amazing ... how lucky we can be, for a nobleman like you to visit Galia in our hour of need".

"I think it's more than luck. Destiny wanted me to stop traveling aimlessly and take part in the search for truth in an active role. Of course, as I said those of my lineage prefer to have a low profile".

"Yes, I understand. Nobody outside the academy will know your secret, you have my word".

"And mine".

"A-And mine".

"I trust you. But before discussing the future of the academy, I prefer to erase any doubt about myself. So I would like you to examine my status to confirm my words".

"I could not, no such thing is necessary. I think in this situation is more than enough..."

"I insist I would also like to take the opportunity to see the artifacts of the academy".

"I get it. If the great Argent requests it, we will use one of our devices to check your status. In the process, we will give you a tour of the restricted area of the academy".

"That's the attitude. My blood boils from the thrill of seeing the wonders of the academy reserved for academics".

"As Director of the academy, it would be an honor to allow our noble and sole benefactor to see every corner of the academy that he has saved".

Everything is going well. Once they open the treasure chamber for me, I will surely find something that will allow me to move more safely in my way to the top. After they check my status I will also eliminate any suspicion about me, since according to the information I have, having a surname is the irrefutable proof of nobility in this world.

From this day on, I became the only benefactor of the AS Academy of Galia.