On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 61

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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 061

 

 

Got Change?

 

 

As the atmosphere of the exchange tournament gradually settled down, the day came for the parents—that is, the Family Heads—to depart.

The nobles of the Valdrain Empire form regional factions centered around great lords.

Therefore, they came together and would return together.

Thanks to this, the Capital and Academy were filled with processions of each family’s head, their families, attendants, and servants, forming a truly magnificent parade.

 

“Son, see you during the break.”

“My child! Let me see your face once more before you go anywhere.”

“Eat your meals properly, study swordsmanship hard! And write letters once a week!”

 

The hearts of parents who had to leave behind the joy of meeting and depart with lingering regret.

The thoughts of the professors watching this were unanimous.

 

‘Please just leave.’

‘Now I’ll be free.’

‘They’ve been bothering people all day long… Ugh, I nearly died from all the counseling.’

 

Naturally, parent-teacher conferences weren’t limited to just First Years.

Second Years.

Third Years.

Fourth Years.

And even Fifth and Sixth Years.

Since it wasn’t just the parents of students participating in the exchange tournament who came, the professors had to endure nearly a week of counseling sessions after the tournament ended.

And counseling alone would have been manageable, but there were quite a few parents who threw tantrums during the sessions.

Not all nobles possessed befitting dignity, after all.

Above all, when one becomes a ‘parent,’ it’s only natural that rational judgment becomes difficult when it comes to their child’s matters.

 

‘How did all the Family Heads end up coming! Ugh, seriously.’

 

The professors’ resentful gazes turned toward two people.

Aimerus Kundel.

Darren Rihart.

Because those two made such a fuss about coming to the exchange tournament, all the Family Heads in the Empire flocked here!

The ripple effects didn’t stop at just the Academy.

Many nobles also entered the Palace while they were in the Capital, and considerable political discussions took place.

Well, the professors had no way of knowing that…

Anyway.

No one yet knew that the real reason those two great family heads came to the Capital was because of Ziel.

And that Ziel was currently—

 

“Do you still feel the same way, Teacher Ziel?”

“As I said again, I’m not interested.”

“Haha, I understand. Then I’ll return soon with a proposal that might interest you.”

 

Receiving yet another proposal from Amos.

Of course, this is how it looked to the professors.

 

‘He looks so friendly with the Kundel Family Head… Did he already make connections?’

‘Teacher Ziel is truly a formidable person.’

‘Not only his skills, but his ability to make connections too…’

 

And Elcanto also thought.

 

‘Now I can only trust Teacher Ziel.’

 

He had made an enemy of Merhen, who was directly above him, during the exchange tournament.

Now he could really only trust Ziel!

 

“Oh my, this is awkward. You were already having a conversation. Hahaha.”

 

In the midst of this, surprisingly, even Darren Rihart approached.

With a face full of smiles!

 

“Teacher Ziel, please send me a letter anytime. Our family is open to you.”

“If anything unusual happens with student Celia Rihart, I’ll contact you, Family Head Darren Rihart.”

 

That sight also drew envy from the professors.

 

‘Teacher Ziel… I should call him aside later for a talk. No wait, should I go visit him instead?’

‘Come to think of it, the Department Head seems to favor him too…’

 

Rapid rise!

Ziel had become the most popular person in Sword School in an instant.

Especially Amos and Daren hadn’t given up yet.

Though Ziel himself had no interest whatsoever.

Ziel’s goal was one thing.

To maintain this identity and position well while settling into his new life.

Moving to another place wasn’t even part of his original plan.

However, the two Family Heads, who had no way of knowing this, were desperately trying to win Ziel over.

 

“So tell me, what did the Kundel Family Head propose to you?”

“Haha, I can’t tell you that. Can I, Rihart Family Head?”

“Haha, what kind of amazing proposal are you hiding so secretively? Are you perhaps offering to uproot a mansion pillar for him?”

“Huh, I heard that the Rihart Family Head already made that proposal. Isn’t that right?”

 

The Escort Knights watching the childish fight between the two Family Heads simultaneously let out sighs as if they had planned it.

Of course, only the escort knights felt that way.

 

“Haha, the Family Heads won’t let go of Teacher Ziel.”

 

Berhal laughed while watching that scene.

But it wasn’t just a simple hearty laugh.

 

‘So he’s decided to stay for now.’

 

From what I could see, it seemed like all the offers were rejected.

I didn’t know the exact reason, but either way, it was tremendous good news for Sword School that he decided to stay.

 

‘I need to pay out the incentive quickly.’

 

Talent deserves proper compensation.

This Exchange Tournament was a huge success.

And Ziel contributed a significant share to that success.

Of course, I wasn’t planning to only talk about incentives.

It wasn’t confirmed yet, but I was thinking of making an enticing offer as soon as preparations were ready.

 

‘At least it’s fortunate that Teacher Ziel didn’t go anywhere. Damn.’

 

Takeus had already left the situation.

In a situation where things were barely holding together, what if Ziel – who had absolute support from not only the First Year students but also the student parents – left?

Just imagining it was horrifying.

We could find replacements easily enough.

But-

 

‘We’d never get performance like Teacher Ziel’s.’

 

Berhal’s purpose was clear.

Rebuilding Sword School’s reputation.

The goal that ignited passion in his heart when he had planned to live a leisurely life after retiring from his Knight Order commander position.

There had been a request from the Dean, but ultimately Berhal too had taken the position with a sense of mission as a graduate of Sword School.

 

‘Mission and mission. Good.’

 

Ziel must have stayed because of his sense of mission too.

Berhal was certain that was the case.

Anyway, for that goal, the talent named Ziel was absolutely necessary.

Above all, the First Years that Ziel was teaching would surely become….

 

“The golden generation.”

“Pardon?”

“That’s what they’ll become.”

 

At the sudden words, Elcanto who was beside him tilted his head in confusion.

But that was only momentary.

 

‘As expected, Teacher Ziel is the answer!’

 

Realizing the meaning, he made up his mind.

The only one to trust is Ziel!

 

“Oh, and Professor Elcanto.”

“Yes, Department Head!”

“There’s work to be done.”

“Please leave anything to me, Department Head!”

 

A voice filled with motivation now that his resolve was set!

But hearing the words that followed, his motivation completely deflated.

 

“Now that the Exchange Tournament is over, let’s prepare for the practicum. This year the First Years will participate too.”

“The First Years too?”

“Yes. The field practicum rules were revised this year. Arcane School also requested First Year participation, so we’re doing the same accordingly.”

 

Another important event following the Exchange Tournament.

It was the field practicum.

His head was already throbbing.

It seemed like there would be no time to rest.

But Berhal thought differently.

 

“The Arcane School First Years are participating… won’t our golden generation Sword School First Years deliver good results?”

 

 

The student parents’ bribes.

The student parents’ scouting offers.

The student parents’ consultation requests.

After the Exchange Tournament that included all of those things finally ended-

 

“Your account shows a total of 102,500 cel confirmed.”

“Could you repeat that please?”

“Your account shows a total of 102,500 cel confirmed.”

 

Ziel was at the Imperial Bank Academy Branch.

 

“My salary is 2,500 cel.”

 

The balance was too much.

Could there be some mistake?

 

“Checking the depositor names, they all came from the Academy Academic Affairs Office?”

 

Thump!

 

Ziel’s heart beat violently.

 

‘It must be the incentive.’

 

Exactly what Berhal had mentioned.

Incentive!

According to the School Rules Book and faculty salary regulations, payments made based on performance or special circumstances were called incentives.

Then….

 

“You must have had good performance this time. Congratulations.”

 

It meant his performance in this Exchange Tournament was recognized.

 

‘This brings in big money.’

 

Appropriate compensation according to performance.

It was the moment when Ziel developed another economic concept.

Of course, it was also because the performance was so overwhelming and unprecedented.

On the other hand…

 

“I’d like to withdraw 30,000 cel, please.”

 

It meant he could buy more chicken skewers.

A moment later.

Several heavy pouches were placed in Ziel’s hands.

 

“You can also exchange them for checks guaranteed by the Imperial Bank. Shall I do that for you? The minimum is 1,000 cel units.”

 

The previous heaviness disappeared and about 30 checks were placed in his hands.

Total amount: 30,000 cel.

 

‘I can withdraw more later if I run short.’

 

“Well then.”

 

He could hear murmuring sounds from behind.

 

“He seems to come at least once a month, doesn’t he?”

“But did you hear? That teacher is incredibly popular with the nobles. He teaches really well, apparently?”

“Really?”

“But liberal arts instructor salaries are really tight. It’s 2,500 cel, they say.”

 

The chatter of interested bank employees.

However, none of it reached Ziel’s ears.

More precisely, he heard it but didn’t pay attention.

Only one thought filled his mind!

 

‘Chicken skewers.’

 

And jelly too.

With this money, it seemed like he could eat all day, no, for an entire month without lacking anything.

Ziel still didn’t know the concept of saving!

 

‘Student Celia Rihart said there are more delicious things outside the Academy.’

 

If he had only known the taste of chicken skewers, Ziel would have headed to the chicken skewer shop without hesitation.

But he had discovered the new world of flavor called jelly.

And with that, his eyes opened to ‘new things.’

Of course, mint chocolate didn’t taste good.

He wondered if this was what flavors created by demons from hell would taste like.

 

‘I need to prepare for the practical training, so I should go outside.’

 

This morning, he heard from Professor Elcanto that field training would begin.

So he was thinking of going to see something that might help the students while he was at it.

 

‘Is this the second time going outside?’

 

The second time since going outside for Yurio’s treatment.

Ziel’s steps headed outside the Academy.

 

 

The capital of the Valdrain Empire is divided into a total of 50 districts.

A policy created about 100 years ago when the capital districts were reorganized.

Among the 50 districts, 10 districts are adjacent to the capital center, that is, the Imperial Palace, and naturally formed a wealthy district.

And 15 districts surround that wealthy district.

It’s not a wealthy district, but it’s an area where people who live reasonably well, including merchants, reside.

Many commercial districts are formed in this area, and the Academy also belongs to one of these 15 districts.

But the place Ziel headed to was behind the Academy, one of the remaining 25 districts.

It could be said to be an area where the capital’s ordinary commoners mainly reside.

Naturally, several districts are filled with the poor.

It’s a place where commoners and the poor are mixed, but the number of poor people is overwhelmingly large.

It’s also the area of activity for the ‘Robson Family’ that controls districts 40 to 50.

Midday.

Countless people were coming and going on the capital streets.

Ziel felt strangely different emotions while watching that scene.

 

‘It’s different from what I saw as an assassin.’

 

Streets crowded with people are paradoxically places where assassination success rates increase.

To Ziel’s eyes, it was nothing more or less than such a landscape.

But looking at it this way is different.

 

“Mom, mom! I want that!”

“No! Dad will be back soon, so let’s hurry.”

“Come, come and see! It’s cheap, very cheap!”

 

Countless people coming and going on the capital streets.

The sight of harmonious families and merchants promoting their goods at the top of their lungs.

Among them were poor people begging, and little children running through the crowds.

 

“So this was the kind of scene it was.”

 

Ziel unconsciously muttered as he walked through the capital streets.

Where was it again.

 

“Ah.”

 

A savory scent detected by his sense of smell.

When he approached closer, there was bread.

 

“Oh my, welcome! What can I get you? Fresh fried and absolutely amazing!”

 

Oil was boiling in a large pot, filled with round bread.

 

“What does this taste like?”

“Heavenly! It’s what the Ersh nomads mainly ate. I learned the secret recipe during my travels and now I’m selling it here in the Capital!”

 

Ersh – the nomads who wandered beyond the Empire.

It was food from quite far away.

A savory and perfect scent!

Ziel could no longer hold back.

 

“Give me one.”

“Yes, two for 1 Cel… hmm?”

 

But he ran into an unexpected obstacle.

 

“Haha, um… customer. We can’t give change for that much money.”

 

It was because of the check.

He needed to pay 1 Cel but had pulled out a 1000 Cel check.

 

“And we don’t accept checks. People like us can’t go to banks.”

 

The Fried Bread Shop Owner sighed.

No wonder he was so handsome.

He was a son from a well-off family.

To think he’d come out with a check, not knowing how the world works.

 

‘More importantly, why is someone like that coming here? Is it trendy these days?’

 

“Oh my, first hide that check. I’m scared someone might see it.”

 

Eye-catching looks and the behavior of immediately pulling out a check.

Perfect way to become a target.

Ziel didn’t understand but put away the check as told and asked.

 

“Then how should I buy it?”

“Well, you’d need to get some coins somewhere…”

“I only have checks.”

“…How about going to that exchange office over there? And listen, except for the Central District, no one in this district accepts checks.”

 

He learned something new.

Ziel nodded and confirmed the exchange office building the Fried Bread Shop Owner pointed to.

 

‘Next time I should bring cash instead of just checks.’

 

Four stealthy shadows followed Ziel as he walked away thinking this.

 

“He’s going to the exchange office, Elder Brother.”

“We’ll handle it in the alley before he gets there. Today’s our lucky day.”

 

This was the Capital Outskirts.

Compared to the Capital Center, there were many poor people and those living rock-bottom lives.

Just like these four men.

 

Swish.

 

The four moved as stealthily as they could.

 

“We attack all at once.”

“Yes, Elder Brother.”

 

And the moment Ziel entered the alley.

As planned beforehand, they blocked front and back with two each.

 

“You know what’s happening, right? Just hand everything over quietly and go. We’re the Robson Family. You know?”

“I know.”

“Then this will be easy.”

 

Shing.

 

Right when he drew his dagger.

Ziel asked The Man in front of him in a calm voice.

 

“I hear jingling sounds from your chest.”

“What?”

“Seems like you have change.”

“What are you talking about!”

 

Swish!

 

The Chipped Dagger sliced through the air.

Its destination was near Ziel’s nape.

Threaten appropriately and steal…

 

“Urk?”

 

Thud!

 

His body shot up into the sky then fell down.

He couldn’t understand what had happened.

He had clearly thrust the dagger but suddenly a grabbing force and a slamming force simultaneously…

 

“Why did you attack?”

 

Ziel’s question reached his ears.

It was a genuinely pure question of not understanding.

 

“Is it wrong to ask if you have change?”

“You bastard!”

 

Thud!

 

The next guy’s head was completely smashed into the ground.

Two were taken down in an instant.

Two remained.

 

“Should we, should we run?”

 

Instincts honed by long years of back alley life!

The two thugs realized.

This was an opponent they couldn’t beat.

So they should run…

 

“Ugh!”

“Gah!”

 

They should have run but couldn’t.

Four collapsed.

One was completely unconscious.

Ziel asked the three trembling ones.

 

“I’ll ask again. Do you have change?”

“Y-yes, we do!”

 

One guy answered frantically.

Then he rummaged through his clothes and held out seven 10 Cel coins.

 

“H-here…”

“Only 70 Cel. Don’t you have 930 Cel more?”

“What?”

 

This is crazy.

They picked the wrong guy.

 

‘What would guys like us be doing with 1,000 Cel…’

‘We messed with the wrong person… We’re really screwed.’

 

The other two also frantically searched their pouches.

But even combined, it was only 150 Cel.

Even adding what the unconscious guy had, it was 200 Cel.

 

“W-we only have this much…”

“That’s still 800 Cel short.”

 

Cold sweat dripped down.

 

‘We really don’t have any.’

 

Then infighting broke out.

 

“Hey! You hid some in your underwear!”

“Damn it! That!”

“Take it out quickly! Do you want us all to die?”

 

A moment later.

Ziel frowned slightly.

Inside a pouch that smelled somewhat musty were ten 10 Cel coins.

That made 300 Cel.

 

‘Not enough.’

 

Ziel was really short.

A 1,000 Cel bill.

He had intended to get change, but with only 300 Cel, he couldn’t exchange it.

 

“Don’t you have more?”

“N-no, we don’t. So please, just take that…”

“That won’t work.”

 

The thugs finally started sobbing.

 

“P-please. W-we were wrong! We’ll live righteously from now on!”

“What does living righteously have to do with this?”

 

A guy with no mercy!

They really picked the wrong person.

 

“W-we’ll give you all that money! Please, we beg you!”

 

Ziel tilted his head as he watched the guys prostrating themselves.

 

“Are you bad people?”

 

He was trying to exchange 1,000 Cel, but they were giving him only 300 Cel and asking him to accept it.

Didn’t that mean they would take the remaining 700 Cel for themselves?

 

“Yes! We’re bad guys!”

“Very bad guys!”

“We’re really useless scum!”

 

Seeing them admit it themselves, it was certain.

 

“Then that won’t do.”

“P-please!”

“I’ll take this money.”

“What?”

“Since you’re bad people.”

 

The thugs became a bit dazed.

 

‘He’s going to take it and let us live?’

‘Why is the conversation flowing like this?’

 

Still, a chance to live had appeared!

 

“Th-thank you! We’ll live righteously from now on!”

“We’ll live earnestly!”

 

Ziel nodded and put the 300 cel into his pocket.

He had gotten some change.

 

‘I won’t need to go to the exchange office.’

 

Money to buy 300 fried breads!

Originally he had planned to exchange only 1,000 cel worth of coins, but since they were bad guys and offered it themselves, it seemed fine to take it.

 

‘Is this what they call unearned income?’

 

As a concept he’d seen in books came to mind, Ziel asked.

 

“Oh, and let me ask you one thing.”

“Yes! Yes! Please ask us anything!”

“Is there a place that sells exploration equipment around here?”

 

It was a somewhat random question, but one of them nodded his head enthusiastically.

 

“Of course! I know one!”

“Really? Then guide me there.”

“Understood!”

 

Motivation to do something welled up.

If it was to survive, that is.

Thus began the unexpected companionship between Ziel and the three back alley thugs.

 

“You bastards… My money… Where did my money go…”

 

Except for the guy who had just woken up from being knocked out.

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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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