Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 319

"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 Patinder's 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 academy's 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 school's duty..."

"Would turn the heads of some contributors," she completed with a smile that didn't 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. It's 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 haven't had such luck," he confessed with a hint of humor. "Perhaps I should try to be on his good side as well before it's 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 boy's 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 academy's 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 group's 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 o'clock to finish your personal affairs. One hour before that, we'll meet in the central plaza to return together… But I'll 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 isn't coming?" Ren asked, noticing the Starweaver's absence.

"She couldn't 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.

"Didn't 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. "It's 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 I'm 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 you'll allow me, I'll 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, it's 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 wasn't fully comprehended. The delicate teacups alone probably cost more than what his parents earned in a year without him knowing.

But he hadn't 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.