Chapter 69: Enigma

For half an hour, Derek fought Silvi for scraps of what was left. In the end, he got a bite or two of just about everything, and Silvi underwent another evolution from a Void Rabbit to a Balloon Bunny. Her front paws literally could not touch the ground anymore because of how much she ate. Her stomach was so engorged that she looked like a mini T-Rex.

Derek and the rest of the restaurant could only look at the fat bunny and sigh. As for the food, it was fantastic. Of course, there was something about the home-cooked meals that Mal made them that he could not put his finger on, but the food here was multiple times more delicious.

Derek looked around the table of balloons. He was definitely the one who ended up eating the least out of the bunch. “I guess it’s about time to go. I’m sure you can’t wait to tell your master about me.” He said to Bronson.

Bronson, while leaning back in his chair, mumbled. “Yes…” Then he caught himself. “I mean. No… uhh… yes, I need to get back to the house soon, but no, I do not look forward to reporting on you.” He managed to get out.

Derek chuckled. “Relax, you do whatever you feel like. It’s not like I ever said you shouldn’t.”

Bronson released a long breath and nodded. Then he looked up at Derek with slightly furrowed brows. “May I ask what your other meeting was about?”

“Hmm? Oh, I remembered I had another product the Crown might like, so I went and offered it to Silvi. She was quite inviting, and I ended up with a contract to provide me a portion of the sales and contribution. Now, if everything works out well, I should be on my way to having a membership, along with making a bit of profit.” Derek explained.

Bronson’s eyes widened a bit, and the rest of the restaurant’s guests leaned in closer to hear what was said. They were not even trying to hide their prying anymore. “You were actually able to make a contract with the restaurant with means other than the Void Beast. That’s quite the feat.”

“By the way.” Derek said. “What is the value of 7,500 gold coins? As you should know from traveling with me, there are some things that I do not have the greatest understanding of about this kingdom. The monetary system is one of them.”

“Well, 5,000 gold coins would be able to purchase you a very nice residence in the middle-class, or merchant, district. Of course, you would also have 500 or so gold coins in yearly fees after the purchase. That is also only in Torith. The bigger cities have higher prices. 7,500 coins would probably do the same for those cities, not including the Capital.” Bronson paused to think more about the question.

Finally, after a small amount of time, he continued speaking. “You would probably understand better if I put it in terms of equipment. 50 coins would be enough to purchase a well-made blade for a level 75 warrior. Of course, the price increases greatly based on materials. My sword, for example, cost 2,700 gold coins. It is good enough to slay beasts up to level 150, unless it is a beast with extreme defenses.”

“I see.” Derek said, then rested his head on his hand. “Looks like I made a pretty good deal then.” He mumbled, but Bronson still heard him.

“May I ask the terms of the deal? Or would that be overstepping?” Bronson asked with a curious tone.

“That’s fine. I’m sure it would come out eventually, anyway. Other than receiving as much of the product as I want for personal use, I also get contribution and three percent of profits. The product is a beverage, and Stella estimated that after the initial craze over a new product, the monthly profits would be around 250,000 gold.” Derek said the last part in a hushed tone that only Bronson could hear.

“So the 7,500 gold coins would be monthly.” Bronson confirmed in awe.

“Yup. I wasn’t sure if I made a good deal or I had been swindled until I asked you. Thankfully, Stella seems to be an honest person.”

Bronson shook his head. “The Crown has no need to perform shady deals. They are already so powerful that they would prefer to increase their image and reputation over saving a few gold.”

Derek nodded. “That makes sense.”

At that point in time, a painful moan was let out by a few of the restaurant goers, and Derek received a notification.

You have succeeded in blocking 250 attempts of Identify in a row from 250 different people.

New Award Earned

Oh, that’s cool. Derek thought, then looked around at the guests holding their heads in pain. I’m guessing it has something to do with causing a backlash to those who try to appraise me. Let’s see.

Lesser Enigma

Hundreds of people have tried to figure you out, but have failed. You are an enigma.

You have earned the following:

Identify block ability increased.

Those who try, but fail to Identify you will instead experience a small backlash.

Block more Identify attempts to continue to progress in this Award.

Note: It is recommended to turn the backlash off in crowded areas.

That’s neat. I guess I just have to focus to keep the backlash from happening. I wonder how many levels my Identify skill will block now. There was not a way for Derek to immediately find out, but he could check on the backlash. “Bronson, use Identify on me.” He said.

Bronson squinted. “It won’t work, but, okay.”

Derek stared at the man. Soon, he flinched a bit, but that was it. “Did you feel anything when you tried?”

Bronson nodded. “Yes, a shooting pain in my head that vanished as quickly as it came. What happened?”

“New Award. Apparently, when Identify blocks 250 people in a row from obtaining information, you get an Award called Enigma. Pretty interesting, increases Identify defense and forces a small backlash on those who fail to use it on you. I’m surprised you don’t know about it.” Derek said.

“It makes sense. Blocking 250 people is nothing, but having to do it all in a row is different. Most people know who the strong nobles are and avoid using the skill on them out of respect. And, the skill only levels when using it on things you haven’t already used it on, so once someone scans another once, they usually don’t bother with it again.” Bronson explained.

“Well, it should be an easy Award to get now that you know about it.”

“I hadn’t thought of that, but yes, you are correct. I will let the master know. Thank you for telling me about it. Most people are very secretive about their Awards and Skills.” Bronson bowed his head slightly.

Derek nodded, saying nothing about the subject. “Alright, how bout we get going then? I’m sure the staff can’t wait for us to leave.” Derek motioned to the bunny. “If we let this glutton stay here any longer, the entire establishment will go bankrupt.” He jested.

Silvi squinted her eyes at Derek. ‘Don’t want leave. This paradise. We stay. Nice man bring more food.’

Derek laughed. ‘That’s not how a restaurant works. This time, it was free to eat here. The next time, it will cost a great deal. Don’t worry, I will bring you back some other time, but not often. It is very expensive.’

‘Fine. You promise. These very beautiful, delicious people. Humans not so bad.’ She replied.

After getting Silvi settled, Derek motioned to the waiter, who made his way over. “Is there anything else I can help you with, sir?” The man asked.

“That is all, I just wanted to make sure there is nothing I need to do, and it is okay to leave. I know Stella said it was on the house, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t dine and dash.”

“You owe nothing. You may leave at any time. It was a pleasure serving you.” The man bowed slightly.

Derek withdrew two gold coins and tossed them to the waiter. “I’m not sure what the custom on tipping your server here is, so please excuse me if it is not enough.” With that, Derek and the group left the waiter holding two coins in a confused manner and left the establishment.

Outside the restaurant, Bronson could not help himself and asked. “Why did you give the server gold?”

“Was it too much?” Derek asked.

“No, did you not see his confusion?”

“It was a tip. Do people not tip here?” Derek answered.

“Tip? No, the man is paid quite well by the restaurant. Employees work, and they are paid by their employers. Why would a customer also give them money?” Bronson asked.

“Just chalk it up to a cultural thing. Where I am from, if the waiter or waitress does well, you give them a tip before you leave. Even if they do not do well, it is still usually a good idea to leave a tip. The people you don’t want to piss off the most are the staff of your favorite restaurant. Also, some of the restaurants don’t pay their servers much, and they make a living by the tips they receive.” Derek said.

“I guess that makes sense. I’m sure the man isn’t going to complain about making two gold today.” Bronson said.

“Alright, I guess it’s time to head to your place. I’m sure you have a lot you need to report.” Derek said to Bronson as he looked at Thomas struggling to keep the fat bunny atop his head. It was her favorite resting place, but her overextended belly was making it hard for her to fit.

“That I do.” Bronson answered. “And I’m sure the master would love to meet you.”

Derek nodded. “And I need a shower, so I would be happy to tag along.”