Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

He would not bother to throw bait like this just to deceive someone who had nothing but debt.

This one must be undoubtedly mad.

And there was nothing more foolish than engaging in lengthy conversations with a madman.

But still.

How much do you plan to invest?

Because there was always a chance, however slight.

With the thought of preparing for the unexpected, Philip tossed the question nonchalantly.

Perhaps a rich young master cant handle his excessive wealth and splurges foolishly.

Understanding it was a pitiful hope, Philip couldnt help but cling on to it. After all, in his desperate state, he couldnt afford to ignore even a rotten lifeline.

How much debt do you have? And what about your plans for the next venture?

To Philips surprise, the madmans answer had some logic to it.

A faint hope began to rise in Philips heart.

Would you really invest in a trading company that has already failed once?

Well, its fine. I believe in Mr. Philips talent. I want to invest and see.

When have you ever seen me

Yet despite his constant ranting, the madmans gaze never wavered.

Such consistent reactions were not characteristic of a madman.

Putting aside his prejudices, Philip felt a sense of familiarity in the intense gaze of the young man before him.

The eyes of someone missed.

Father

It was the gaze of a person confident in their judgement, someone who knew exactly the path they must take and had the belief to walk it to the end.

It was then that Philip allowed the hope he had been forcibly ignoring to raise its head again.

Are you serious about investing?

His heart fluttered.

It was like seeing a ray of light in a pool of despair, as his slim hope grew stronger.

Yes. How much would you need to pay off your debts and make a fresh start? Ill support you fully.

Just as these sweet words made Philips mood soar.

Tap.

An insignificant noise caused him to reflexively turn his head.

Dust fell off from the self-proclaimed investors armor, revealing an emblem.

The moment Philip saw the emblem, the enthusiasm bubbling inside him turned ice cold in an instant.

Of course, it figures.

The bitter feeling was all the more miserable because of the high expectations he had held.

Ill meet your conditions as best as I can. Just let me know.

All excitement had faded when he came face-to-face with the swindlers grinning face.

Ha, really Such a despicable young lad. I was about to let you off lightly, thinking I misunderstood something.

Cold words naturally spilled out.

What? What did he say?

Logan was taken aback. Everything was going well when suddenly he couldnt conceal his bewilderment from Philips abrupt words.

You. If youre going to scam someone, at least prepare properly. Like those bastards who scammed me before.

What?

Philips dramatically changed expression was met with an unexpected retort.

Ha

It seemed he was spitefully picking a fight with someone who might have saved him.

Had he not known the boys future, he wouldve thought of him as a fool.

No, even with that knowledge, it seemed like an act of utter stupidity.

You, what are you saying?

Youre not an investor, are you?

What?

Is this guy crazy? Why the sudden change?

Having failed once in business, is he now like a mad dog eager to bite anyone?

These questions and more were reflected in Philips eyes as he answered with a snort.

You havent been in Kail long enough to even shake the dirt off your shoes. And you come straight to the merchants district to talk about investing? You know who I am?

Philip pointed to his shoes, which, just as he claimed, still had some dirt on them.

That finger soon pointed to Logans chest.

Plus, Ive memorized every noble family crest in this country. That crest on your armor is from the MacLaine baronial house of the Southwest. So whats the problem? Dear noble-man-cum-swindler?

Though the claims were untrue, Philip felt a pang in his chest as he seemed to know what would come next.

The MacLaine house is a family of leeches living off their in-laws. And theyre talking about investing? A family that cant even pay off their own debts?

Ugh

It was painful to admit these irrefutable facts.

Im truly sorry that I have to advise you, but impersonating a noble and getting caught will get you executed, you know? Theyre rather strict here, understood?

Philip gestured cutting across his neck, his face a mix of cynicism and irritation.

No, but thats actually true

And more crucially, your attitude!

Whats wrong with it

An investor is an absolute superior to a desperate merchant. Yet youre behaving as if youre anxious to invest in me. Even the target of your deceit is wrong. You rookie scammer. Im truly dirt-poor, got it?! You bastard!!

His voice became increasingly forceful, the last of his words almost a scream.

Im so broke that I dont even have money to buy food for myself, you son of a

Philips voice filled the dust-coated shop, brimming with emotion.

Seeing a grown man cry is as uncomfortable as having to console a weeping woman.

Feeling this anew, Logan still hesitated to make a move.

Despite Philips accusations containing many inaccuracies, they could have been reasonable doubts had Logan not been through his own experiences.

And thats the problem.

Despite such talent, the young man had been scammed. If it were the same renowned merchant he had known in his previous life, things would be different.

Hes not that capable person yet.

Perhaps the trials and tribulations he had yet to face would create the man he would one day become.

Actually, it must have been exactly that which crafted his future self.

Time must have crafted the merchant.

But Logan didnt have time to wait for the Gold Bug to awaken the abilities he had in his previous life and go through all that hardship. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

What to do

Logans trail of thoughts suddenly reached a fundamental question.

Wait, why do I need to invest in the trading company at all?

The future imperial merchant was considering abandoning the path of a merchant entirely.

This might be the chance to make the future empires top ten merchant my own!

His confused thoughts seemed to align suddenly.

Even if the man didnt grow to where he was in the previous life, it would still weaken the power of the Ares Empire on its own.

Having organized his thoughts, Logan spoke with a bright smile.

If I were to pay off all your debts and hire you for life, how much would it cost?

That was enough to stop Philips wailing.