On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 89

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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 089

 

 

 

 

 

How Much Does All This Cost?

 

 

 

 

 

The Sopen Family is a family recognized by both themselves and others.

 

At least in terms of finances, that’s certainly true.

 

While they don’t have the prestige of the Five Great Families or their deep-rooted foundations, the general consensus is that when it comes to ‘money’ alone, they’re right behind them.

 

As if to prove and flaunt this, the Sopen Family mansion located near the Capital is incredibly vast, luxurious, and…

 

 

 

“Among all the families in the Empire, the Sopen Family mansion I serve is the largest.”

 

 

 

It was massive.

 

 

 

“It consists of a total of 8 floors, and just the width alone…”

 

 

 

Ziel had finally visited the Sopen Family.

 

As soon as he arrived, the Head Butler who greeted Ziel continued his boasting and explanations without pause.

 

 

 

“And the Grand Banquet Hall is so huge that even 20 elephants could fit inside!”

 

 

 

However, instead of listening to the boasting, Ziel was looking at something else.

 

 

 

‘Plenty of places to infiltrate. The security is a mess.’

 

 

 

Being so massive, there were many windows, and considering the spaces connected to the underground, the infiltration difficulty seemed very low.

 

Not to mention the Security Guards’ patrol routes, but it seemed they hadn’t invested much in security.

 

 

 

“How is it, Teacher Ziel? Isn’t it magnificent? What do you think of it?”

 

“The size seems large. I certainly haven’t seen mansions of this size very often.”

 

“As expected, I knew you would appreciate it. There’s not a single lacking aspect, is there.”

 

 

 

Lacking aspects.

 

Ziel asked at those words.

 

 

 

“If I see lacking aspects, may I mention them?”

 

“Pardon? What lacking aspects…”

 

“The security is lacking.”

 

 

 

Security?

 

 

 

“The Security Guards’ patrol routes need to be readjusted, and security at other entrances leading to the mansion needs to be strengthened. Above all, the security at the third floor windows is most vulnerable.”

 

 

 

The Head Butler’s eyes trembled for a moment.

 

 

 

‘Security? How dare he right now?’

 

 

 

Among all the guests invited to the Sopen Family so far, no one had ever said such things.

 

Security criticism, of all things.

 

 

 

“Teacher Ziel, recently our Sopen Family’s ‘grand’ mansion proudly received an A grade in the security level evaluation.”

 

“The Grade Evaluator’s abilities are lacking. D would be appropriate.”

 

“…”

 

 

 

He absolutely could not accept this.

 

But engaging in an argument with a guest wasn’t appropriate either.

 

 

 

“…Thank you for your valuable opinion. Teacher Ziel certainly has insight in various areas.”

 

 

 

Of course, he didn’t forget to deliver a slight jab.

 

It could be called his own form of revenge.

 

However, Ziel’s reaction was completely different from what he expected.

 

 

 

“I know many things.”

 

“…”

 

 

 

Detestable.

 

This feeling made him somewhat understand why the Family Head got irritated every time he talked about Ziel!

 

 

 

“I’ll guide you for now. Let’s go.”

 

 

 

However, ignoring him was only for this time.

 

The Head Butler deliberately guided Ziel toward the garden.

 

Perfectly managed landscaping!

 

Artisan sculptures worth hundreds of thousands of cel!

 

Plus automatic fountains operated by magical tools!

 

And the finishing touch – a massive pond maintained with hundreds of thousands of cel annually!

 

 

 

“How is it?”

 

 

 

…he thought he’d show off, but-

 

 

 

“It’s a garden.”

 

 

 

That was the end of Ziel’s impression.

 

 

 

“Don’t you feel anything about the scale or management aspects?”

 

 

 

Ziel thought for a moment and added one adjective.

 

 

 

“It’s a big garden.”

 

“…”

 

 

 

Twenty years as a butler.

 

This was the first time hosting a guest had been so difficult.

 

 

 

‘Not a trace of courtesy to be found.’

 

 

 

It was just then that he thought this.

 

Ziel suddenly stopped at a flower bed landscaped in one corner of the garden.

 

 

 

‘Huh? I knew this would happen!’

 

 

 

He must have been impressed by the well-maintained flowers.

 

Right, it would be stranger if he didn’t react to a garden that had so much money poured into it.

 

 

 

‘Is he interested in flowers? He has this unexpected side to him.’

 

 

 

He had been answering so indifferently, as if you could stab him and not a drop of blood would come out.

 

 

 

“What do you think?”

 

“It’s magnificent.”

 

“Oh. You recognize it right away?”

 

“Yes. There are many rare flowers.”

 

“Do you have some knowledge about horticulture?”

 

“I know to some extent.”

 

“Oh, our gardener will be very pleased.”

 

 

 

That’s right.

 

He should show some admiration at least once.

 

 

 

‘He’s not completely lacking in manners.’

 

 

 

Meanwhile.

 

 

 

‘There are quite a lot of rare poisonous flowers. They must have been difficult to obtain.’

 

 

 

Ziel was admiring something completely different from what the Head Butler expected.

 

 

 

‘That flower can create deadly poison depending on the combination… and the leaves of this flower are used as ingredients for sleeping drugs.’

 

 

 

Truly an assassin’s perspective!

 

To think they could grow flowers so well that would cost a considerable price to obtain at the black market.

 

 

 

‘When I have my own house later, I should bring this place’s gardener.’

 

 

 

He couldn’t live in the Faculty Dormitory forever.

 

Ziel’s dream was to have his own house someday.

 

 

 

“What is the gardener’s name?”

 

“Ahem. Our family’s head gardener is called Henton.”

 

“Henton, I’ll remember that.”

 

 

 

Of course, the Head Butler had no idea of his true intentions and only misunderstood that Ziel was impressed.

 

His mood quickly improved.

 

Come to think of it, Ziel seemed to have quite good manners.

 

 

 

“Then, I’ll guide you to the reception room now.”

 

 

 

The Head Butler’s steps somehow became lighter.

 

His mood, which had been slightly hurt by the security criticism, had sufficiently improved.

 

Thanks to this, from the moment they entered the mansion until they headed to the reception room, the Head Butler’s mouth didn’t stop.

 

 

 

“The entrance floor is made of marble, and the ceiling was decorated by the famous designer ‘Herrenben’ who drew inspiration from waves. And that’s not all? That statue you see there is small but worth hundreds of thousands of cel…”

 

 

 

Rather than stories about history and tradition, the bragging mainly focused on how good and expensive the materials were, and how much money was spent.

 

It wasn’t even subtle bragging but outright boasting.

 

Some people say this about the Sopen Family.

 

That they’re vulgar for nobles.

 

Of course, since the Sopen Family prospered through money, their family tradition was to actually take pride in talking about money.

 

Meanwhile, Ziel just nodded without giving any particular response.

 

The Head Butler interpreted this in his own way.

 

 

 

‘He’s completely mesmerized. Right, this must be his first time seeing such things.’

 

 

 

In fact, from the moment he entered, Ziel had been instinctively assessing hiding spots, escape routes, and infiltration possibilities.

 

 

 

‘This would be easy.’

 

 

 

He’d have to revise the security rating.

 

Not D, but F.

 

At least for Ziel.

 

 

 

“Isn’t it quite magnificent?”

 

“Yes. It seems magnificent.”

 

“I knew you’d think so.”

 

 

 

Ziel happened to discover another security vulnerability just then and couldn’t continue his words.

 

But the security looks even worse than outside, he couldn’t say.

 

 

 

“This is the reception room.”

 

 

 

Then a splendid reception room greeted Ziel.

 

Ziel was a little surprised.

 

 

 

‘It’s so flashy that it disperses one’s attention. Escape wouldn’t be as easy as other places.’

 

 

 

Soft carpet laid on the floor.

 

Various art pieces displayed all around.

 

Plus gleaming window frames and beautiful lighting.

 

The irony that the reception room, which actually had less attention paid to security, looked more secure!

 

 

 

“Please wait a moment while I bring the Family Head. If you need anything, you can call the servant outside. Ah! And we have various types of tea prepared. If it doesn’t suit your taste or you wish to try a different flavor, please request it. Of course, they’re all top quality.”

 

 

 

Swoosh.

 

 

 

A servant immediately poured tea from the side as if waiting.

 

Sure enough, the tea was also high-grade.

 

 

 

“These are Black Oak tea leaves procured from Gogert, a famous production region. Once you taste the first sip, all the boredom of waiting will disappear.”

 

 

 

After finishing his explanation, the Head Butler smiled contentedly and left the reception room with the servant.

 

Ziel looked at the tea cup for a moment, then took a sip.

 

Then his expression became strange…

 

 

 

“Good.”

 

 

 

In an instant, he emptied the entire teapot.

 

And immediately called for the servant.

 

 

 

“You called for me, Teacher Ziel.”

 

“The tea tastes good.”

 

“Thank you. I’m glad it suits your taste.”

 

“What other teas do you have?”

 

 

 

The servant rattled off the types of premium teas that were prepared.

 

 

 

“That’s all, a total of 6 different types of tea leaves are prepared.”

 

“Then please bring them all.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“I’d like to taste them all.”

 

 

 

The servant was flustered.

 

But then he remembered the Head Butler’s instructions.

 

 

 

‘He said to give him whatever he wants.’

 

 

 

The servant quickly nodded.

 

 

 

“I’ll prepare them right away, Teacher Ziel.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olton Sopen.

 

The Head Butler headed to the office where Olton Sopen and Maris Sopen were waiting.

 

As soon as the Head Butler entered, Olton jumped up and asked.

 

 

 

“So, how is it?”

 

“Very good. He was amazed in the garden, and from the moment he entered the mansion, he seemed completely overwhelmed and could only say it was good.”

 

 

 

Olton Sopen smiled smugly at the Head Butler’s report.

 

 

 

“I knew it would be like that. Has he ever seen anything like this?”

 

“That’s right, Family Head. As expected, if someone doesn’t know something, you just need to show them. Though I’m not sure if he’ll understand even after being shown.”

 

“Hmm. Head Butler, you’ve worked hard.”

 

“Thank you, Family Head. Teacher Ziel is waiting in the reception room right now. Shall we go?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 

 

The Head Butler was about to guide Olton when he suddenly voiced a thought that came to mind.

 

 

 

“Oh, and Family Head. Teacher Ziel was talking about our mansion’s security…”

 

“Security? Ah. Did he say it was good?”

 

“He said it would be grade D…”

 

“…”

 

“He said the grade evaluator’s ability was questionable…”

 

“…Ha.”

 

 

 

Olton let out a hollow laugh as if he found it absurd.

 

 

 

“Is that teacher some kind of security expert?”

 

“Probably not. He was probably just making things up to sound impressive when asked.”

 

“Hmm. That must be it, right? There’s a proper expert evaluation after all…”

 

 

 

But Maris’s reaction was a bit different.

 

 

 

“Head Butler, did Teacher really say that?”

 

“Yes, that’s right, Young Master. Isn’t it really ridiculous?”

 

“Hmm…”

 

 

 

Maris made the two of them flustered.

 

 

 

“Teacher isn’t someone who says things that aren’t true, Father.”

 

“What are you talking about, Maris?”

 

“Exactly what I said. Almost everything Teacher says, no, everything is correct. It’s been that way so far.”

 

“…”

 

 

 

What is my son saying right now.

 

Olton grabbed Maris’s shoulder firmly.

 

 

 

“Get a grip, son. Just because you studied under that teacher for one semester, have you fallen for him or something?”

 

“That’s not it… It’s just that everything Teacher said was right. So far. And he’s not someone who would talk nonsense.”

 

 

 

Oh, my head.

 

 

 

“Father, just in case, why don’t we call another evaluator and check once more…”

 

“Maris, listen carefully. Have you heard about the Steelheart Family?”

 

“No. Just bits and pieces…”

 

“Right. That’s the kind of family it is. Someone from such a family, who’s not even a professor but just a liberal arts instructor, what could he possibly know?”

 

 

 

If you put it that way, our family isn’t much to look at either, except for the money.

 

Of course, that was only an internal response.

 

 

 

“Maris, don’t trust Academy professors and teachers too much. Do you think those people will take responsibility for your life?”

 

“I didn’t mean it in that sense, but…”

 

“Maris, remember this. You are the only heir to this family. Didn’t this father tell you? The Academy is just a place to go get a diploma.”

 

“…Yes, Father.”

 

“Good. If you understand, that’s enough. Let’s go.”

 

 

 

Is it because of the Exchange Tournament?

 

To think that boy trusts him this much.

 

Or did he threaten him in exchange for covering up the wrongdoing from that time?

 

 

 

‘How dare he point out our mansion’s security?’

 

 

 

That arrogant teacher.

 

Just when I thought there might be some likeable aspects about him.

 

 

 

‘How perfectly did I set up the security measures?’

 

 

 

I should take this opportunity to make him thoroughly feel the difference in money, no, the difference in power.

 

 

 

“Ahem, how long has it been since Teacher Ziel went to the reception room?”

 

“It’s been about 15 minutes now, so by the time we get to the reception room, it’ll be roughly 30 minutes.”

 

“30 minutes. That’s an appropriate amount of time to make someone wait.”

 

 

 

Olton smiled wickedly.

 

By making his opponent wait, he demonstrates his superiority!

 

 

 

“You served him the finest tea, right?”

 

“Yes. He’ll probably be shocked when he tastes it.”

 

“Hehe, good. Let’s go, Head Butler. Maris, let’s go.”

 

 

 

The three of them headed to the reception room.

 

When they arrived, a servant happened to be coming out carrying an empty teapot.

 

The Head Butler quickly asked.

 

 

 

“He seemed bored from waiting. Did he finish it all?”

 

“Yes. This is the 13th one now.”

 

“…What did you say?”

 

“The thirteenth one, Head Butler.”

 

 

 

The Head Butler’s pupils shook.

 

 

 

“The thirteenth one means….”

 

“He emptied the teapot thirteen times. It was amazing. And he hasn’t gone to the bathroom even once.”

 

 

 

What kind of nonsense is this.

 

 

 

“So, so you’re saying he emptied the teapot thirteen times?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“All of it… with the finest quality?”

 

“Yes! Just as you instructed.”

 

 

 

Olton, who had been listening from the side, asked back in disbelief.

 

 

 

“He emptied thirteen teapots of tea brewed with the finest tea leaves? Teacher Ziel did?”

 

“Yes! His drinking speed was incredible. He complimented the taste several times too. The way he clearly distinguished the subtle differences in taste between different tea leaves, he definitely seemed to have deep knowledge about tea.”

 

 

 

The Head Butler despaired.

 

Let’s say he emptied it 13 times.

 

Setting aside the mysteries of the human body….

 

 

 

‘Then how much does all that cost?’

 

 

 

The price of tea leaves used to brew one teapot’s worth is about 100,000 cel, based on Black Oak tea leaves.

 

So that means….

 

 

 

‘This is insane.’

 

 

 

He roughly consumed 1.3 million cel worth of tea by himself!

 

And that was in just 30 minutes!

 

 

 

‘1.3 million cel is….’

 

 

 

The average annual salary of a 2nd-rank mage.

 

The cost of tea that Ziel consumed in 30 minutes was enormous.

 

 

 

“…Head Butler.”

 

 

 

When he turned around, he saw Olton’s terrifying expression.

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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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