On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 59
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Organization Collapsed on My First Day of Infiltration Episode 059
Ziel the Negotiation Genius (1)
Right after the second match ended.
Berhal gathered all the professors together.
It’s possible to be biased toward your own side.
However, that doesn’t change the data that has been recorded so far.
“Please conduct a strict evaluation, professors.”
While the other professors couldn’t see each other’s scores, Berhal could see which professor gave how many points to which grade.
And so the results came out—
“This is ridiculous! The First Years are in second place?!”
The professor reacting most vehemently was Merhen.
Actually, it wasn’t because the First Years were in second place.
“And how does it make sense that our Third Years are in last place!”
These were the final tally results.
5th place, Third Years.
4th place, Second Years.
3rd place, Fourth Years.
2nd place, First Years.
1st place, Fifth Years.
Usually the rankings would be determined in reverse order from 1st place, with Fifth Years first down to First Years in last, but this time it was completely mixed up.
However, Merhen was the only one objecting.
“What do the other professors think?”
“I have no objections.”
The first person to raise their hand was Elcanto.
Merhen glared at Elcanto as if ready to kill him.
“Professor Elcanto….”
Elcanto deliberately avoided eye contact.
Even if he was called a traitor, he had nothing to say in his defense.
But if he had done what Merhen wanted, the Second Years would have taken that 5th place spot instead of the Third Years.
‘Ah, screw it, whatever.’
A life that had already died and come back once.
There was no need to be scared of something like this.
“Professor Idel, do you think this makes sense!”
Merhen now turned to badger Idel, the professor in charge of the Fourth Years.
“You got second place in the first match! You knocked down many in the second match too….”
“Professor Merhen, I’m disappointed too, but what can we do? The data speaks for itself.”
The Fourth Years had fought well and knocked down the Second and Third Years, but their survival time was shorter than the First Years.
Even though they might have won the first match—
“We didn’t score higher than the First Years in the second match.”
They couldn’t create that much of a gap in the second match.
Actually, Idel was just as heated about it.
But the reason for his anger wasn’t because of the First Years.
He was just angry at his own students for not living up to what Fourth Years should be.
“What can we do?”
Idel also agreed.
One person remained.
“Professor Isabella?”
At Berhal’s question, Isabella wore a leisurely smile.
“The First Years were very impressive this time. Those students caught my eye, you know?”
How could she have any complaints?
In the end, no one agreed with Merhen.
“Then, we can decide the rankings with this.”
“Department Head, even so….”
“Professor Merhen, couldn’t you just grit your teeth and work harder next year?”
There was no longer any justification to argue further.
Because the Third Years hadn’t achieved results worthy of that.
Actually, he had been leading with emotions from the start.
It would be more accurate to say it was closer to denial of reality.
In the end, Merhen collapsed weakly into his chair.
“Even though Teacher Ziel didn’t participate in the judging, we still got these results.”
Berhal drove the final nail in.
Ziel was a liberal arts instructor.
So he couldn’t participate in the scoring.
Because that’s what the school rules dictated.
But thanks to that, Merhen’s pride fell even further.
“Then, this will be finalized.”
There was a reason why the First Years ended up on the second-place platform at the award ceremony held shortly after.
“We got second place?”
“Really… is this real?”
“No way, for real! Woooooooo!”
Just one thing.
“Uhahahaha! I’m the leader!”
It was annoying that Quantus, still drunk on being the leader, was receiving the medal as the representative.
“Whatever. He did well too.”
“That guy’s body itself is a weapon, a weapon.”
“Did you see him tackle? I never thought he could take down a Fourth Year!”
Quantus’s performance was also at a level that deserved recognition.
Anyway, considering that Fifth Years consistently take first place in the Exchange Tournament every year…
“Practically first place?”
“Right! Practically first place! Fifth Years taking first is a given!”
This kind of moral victory was possible too.
Since it wasn’t wrong, everyone agreed.
The joy didn’t end there.
“Now, we will present the prize money.”
Prize money!
1st place: 1 million cel.
2nd place: 500,000 cel.
3rd place: 300,000 cel.
4th and 5th place: 100,000 cel each.
It was prize money according to ranking.
“500,000 cel is nothing to scoff at. Even if we split it among ourselves, that’s 50,000 cel each, right?”
“Amazing. 50,000 cel is one semester’s tuition!”
“I can pay the dormitory fees!”
The First Years were delighted.
But that wasn’t it.
“We would like to inform you in advance that this Exchange Tournament’s prize money has been temporarily increased through donations from the Family Heads. First, the 1st place Fifth Years will receive a prize of 2 million cel.”
2 million cel!
A whole double!
“My goodness, 2 million cel?”
“The Fifth Years hit the jackpot, they hit it big.”
“Wow…”
The audience also murmured.
2 million cel!
The previous 1 million cel was already an enormous amount, but double that!
It might not be much money to wealthy Great Lords, but it’s equivalent to a year’s income for nobles from smaller families.
“Then the First Years…”
The 2nd place prize presentation followed.
“The 2nd place First Years will receive a prize of 1 million cel.”
“Kyaaa!”
“Woooooooo!”
The First Years went wild.
100,000 cel per person!
Money that’s hard to touch at the student level unless you’re from a Great Lord family!
“I can pay tuition!”
“It’s like a scholarship, right? Can I buy food at school?”
“I’m going to buy jelly all day long!”
“Hmm! I can build muscle!”
The award platform filled with joy.
And Ziel, watching this…
‘I’m jealous.’
He felt intense envy.
Very envious.
Salary: 2,500 cel.
Multiply by four to get 10,000 cel.
Then multiply by ten again to get 100,000 cel.
Simply put, it was 40 times his salary.
‘Maybe I should have infiltrated as a student.’
Then Berhal approached.
“Teacher Ziel, you’ve worked hard. This is a wonderful and impressive result.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“Honestly, when I assigned you the position, I didn’t have high expectations, but to think you’d produce results like this.”
Berhal also mentioned the textbook.
“The textbook you gave me then will be brought up as an agenda item at the faculty meeting soon, and I’m thinking of adopting it as a textbook.”
“As a First Year textbook.”
“No. As a textbook for all grades.”
The textbook Ziel wrote was efficient and reliable.
Textbook adoption required considerable procedures, but it was well worth undertaking.
“So, speaking of that… along with the textbook adoption matter, you’ll be receiving an incentive based on the results of this Exchange Tournament.”
Incentive!
He had seen it in the School Rules Book.
Thump!
His heart beating strangely fast for some reason!
“It’s money.”
“Mm. You could say that.”
“You’re saying you’ll give me more money.”
“That’s… correct.”
Ziel was delighted.
‘So this is what “working life” is like.’
That’s what they say about working life.
Fair compensation based on performance!
That’s the driving force that sustains working life!
‘So this is how you get incentives.’
It was the moment another important economic concept was input into Ziel’s mind.
“How much?”
Though he still asked directly as always.
“Ahem. That still needs to be discussed. But we’ll make sure to take good care of you without disappointment. It’s such an excellent achievement after all.”
“Understood.”
If he received the incentive…
‘I can eat more chicken skewers and jelly.’
Ziel’s mind was filled only with thoughts of snacks.
“And…”
Meanwhile, Berhal seemed like he was about to bring up some story.
Ziel read the emotion of hesitation from his expression, if only for a brief moment.
“There’s someone who wants to meet Teacher Ziel.”
“Who is it?”
“…”
After much deliberation, Berhal opened his mouth.
“His Highness Prince Dietrich Valdrain.”
His Highness the Prince.
‘He’ll be flustered. Or maybe delighted?’
There was a reason he had brought up the incentive story first.
Getting the upper hand!
Honestly, he wasn’t confident.
Who would refuse if a prince directly scouted them?
Upon investigation, the Steelheart Family was essentially a fallen house.
The Family Territory had long since been handed over to another family.
The mansion was abandoned and had become an eyesore.
It was a commonly seen fallen noble house.
The only difference was the severity of the fall.
Therefore, it was a good opportunity.
‘It’s a chance to turn his life around.’
Berhal thought Ziel would be delighted.
The Exchange Tournament results were hot news.
The First Years’ second place!
The Fifth Years’ first place wasn’t even worth talking about.
It was such an obvious first place that it wasn’t even mentioned, while the First Years’ second place created tremendous buzz.
“Their talents were amazing, as expected of the Kundel Family, right?”
“Rihart’s young lady was incredible too! Did you see that Swift Swordsmanship? I underestimated her because she was a First Year, but I couldn’t even see it!”
“Who’s that big friend? His tackle was like the level of a carriage pulled by 10 horses!”
“Did you see that friend called Yurio? I don’t know where he came from, but his talent was no less than the other two.”
“This year’s First Years are truly a golden generation!”
The interest that had risen from the start thanks to the Family Heads’ full attendance!
The heightened interest exploded with the First Years’ second place, making the entire Capital buzz with excitement.
Gossip enthusiasts.
Scout Officers from various Knight Orders.
And even students from each grade and their parents.
“Isn’t this the first time three children from the same family participated in the Exchange Tournament simultaneously, Family Head? And they even took first and second place side by side!”
“That bare-handed combat at the end symbolizing brotherly love was so moving!”
Aimerus Kundel, the Family Head of Kundel.
“Ahem. She’s my daughter, you know. Didn’t I tell you?”
“Congratulations, Family Head. This is a tremendous achievement. Rihart’s future is so brilliant!”
“Mm-hmm. Good. Good.”
Darren Rihart, the Family Head of Rihart.
Both their shoulders were raised high with pride.
‘Damn. I didn’t expect him to steal all the attention at the very end.’
Darren was a bit displeased.
Of all people, his daughter was eliminated first while Delev survived until the end!
He even fought his own brother bare-handed and took away all the attention.
‘That bastard Amos, but this time I’m first.’
“Family Head, Teacher Ziel Steelheart has just arrived to see you.”
“Ah, I see. Show him in.”
A meeting with Ziel right away!
On the surface, it was a parent consultation.
But in reality, it was a scouting offer.
‘I’ll test his skills and ask him to serve as an instructor. Perfect. With his straightforward personality, he wouldn’t be bad as a secretary either.’
That’s how deep an impression it had made.
The First Years’ amazing performance.
Plus Celia’s countless praises.
And lastly…
Because that bastard Amos seemed to be targeting him!
Damn.
I can give anything to anyone else, but not to that bastard!
“Greetings, Family Head.”
Ziel entered at just the right moment.
Darren wore a gentle smile across his face.
“Ah, Teacher Ziel. Welcome. I hope I haven’t taken up your valuable time unnecessarily when you’re busy.”
“I was preparing for class.”
“Ah…”
Not easy from the start.
But what could he do.
Ziel was the one holding the sword handle for now.
“Haha. Then I should finish the consultation quickly and send you on your way. Come, please sit. I’ll bring some tea.”
A moment later.
Very fragrant tea was placed between the two men.
“This is tea brewed from the famous ‘Coleda’s Leaf’ from the Western Region.”
“I see.”
Frustrating from the start.
He had hoped to win some favor with expensive tea, but Ziel’s reaction was quite lukewarm.
‘That’s worth over 100,000 cel for just one fist-sized box!’
Had he tried it before?
So maybe tea of this level wasn’t impressive enough?
“Ahem, ahem. Our daughter really praises you a lot normally. She wrote so much about you in her letters.”
“Is that so.”
“So while I was here this time, I thought I absolutely had to meet you and exchange greetings. I’m incredibly happy to have this first meeting.”
“We already met in front of the Hidden Blade Throwing booth at the festival…”
“Ahem, ahem! Here, could you pour some tea? It’s all gone cold!”
Steam was still rising from the tea.
“Ah, hot!”
“You told me to pour tea…”
“That doesn’t mean pour it boiling hot like this!”
After a brief comedy of errors, Darren decided to hell with it and asked directly.
“Teacher Ziel, I actually have something I’d like to propose to you.”
“What is it?”
“Come to our family. Monthly salary of 25,000 cel. I guarantee it. Separate incentives plus room and board, and various other benefits will be provided. I’m personally scouting you.”
Darren’s eyes became serious.
“Seeing your ability to teach the First Years like that and my daughter’s praise, you are a talent among talents that our family must recruit. I want to scout you as an instructor to teach not only our Knight Order but also the boys and girls who flock to join our Knight Order.”
Darren said this and smiled confidently.
“How about it?”
He was prepared to raise the monthly salary a bit more from there.
Plus the additional benefits he had prepared!
‘Since the Reus Family Territory is vacant, I can have him live there.’
Territory rental, no less.
These were conditions that bastard Amos could never have imagined!
“There won’t be conditions more exceptional than this.”
Finally, Ziel opened his mouth.
“This morning, Family Head Amos Kundel came to see me.”
What?
A cold sweat trickled down Daren’s back.
‘When did this guy…’
Daren asked urgently.
“So, so what did you answer?”
“I declined.”
“Ha, haha! Of course!”
His joy was short-lived.
Daren turned pale at the words that followed.
“There was also a proposal from His Highness Prince Dietrich Valdrain.”
“Who, who?”
“His Highness the Prince. Dietrich Valdrain.”
“…!”
Then the reason for declining was…
“Such an incredible proposal…”
“I declined.”
“…What?”
He declined both proposals?
Gulp.
His dry saliva went down involuntarily!
‘This means…’
Daren’s mind raced.
‘He’s telling me to negotiate right now!’
There was only one reason to deliberately mention declining two big shots’ proposals!
‘It means he absolutely cannot be satisfied with these conditions.’
The corner of Daren’s mouth curved up.
“Well, Teacher. I think I was wrong from the beginning.”
If such competition has emerged.
The opponent is even a prince!
“Double the previous conditions. How about it?”
Ziel’s mouth opened immediately.
“Not interested.”
“…”
A rejection without the slightest hesitation!
Daren thought.
This guy is…
A genius at negotiation.
“Well then, I’ll get up now. I need to prepare for class.”
“Ah…”
Daren was so flustered that he couldn’t catch Ziel as he left and had no choice but to let him go.
Click.
After the door closed.
“Huh.”
Daren was impressed.
“What a cunning fellow. Really.”
Mentioning other proposals for negotiation, and even using our desperation!
And seeing how he left without hesitation, he seems serious about proper negotiation.
“Good. I’ll prepare an amazing proposal.”
The Prince was one thing.
But whatever proposal that bastard Amos made, he planned to bid higher than that proposal no matter what.
Losing to Amos was unthinkable!
And at the same time.
“Huh, a rejection…”
Amos, who was similarly rejected.
“…Rejected?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Dietrich, who was rejected from even meeting.
Both of them-
‘Did that guy Daren bid high?’
‘The specific proposal was insufficient.’
They were thinking the same thoughts as Daren.
Misunderstandings were piling up layer upon layer.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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