Royman's mental calculator was clicking away.
Looking at Royman's fawning and even humble-to-the-bone appearance,
Heimer was also very clear about his little schemes.
Greedy, but knowing how to adapt.
Cowardly, but shrewd.
Life is often like this.
Is it pathetic?
Not really.
In the face of higher ranks, the essential choices made by any creature are basically the same.
However,
Heimer didn't intend to just go along with his wishes.
Especially this behavior of trying to get closer with small favors.
"Chairman Royman."
And so,
Heimer's voice suddenly lowered.
It carried an inexplicable pressure that made it hard to breathe.
Royman, who had been talking incessantly, instantly shut his mouth, like a duck being throttled by the neck.
"These things..."
"You just privately brought these to give to me..."
"Aren't you afraid Ouranos will blame you?"
"Or..."
"If I'm not mistaken, these should be strategic supplies that the Guild would only use for emergency situations, like large-scale monster outbreaks or during a state of war, right?"
"You just privately brought these to give to me..."
"Aren't you afraid Ouranos will blame you?"
"Or perhaps..."
Heimer leaned forward slightly.
Those deep eyes, like two sharp swords, pierced straight into Royman's somewhat flustered small eyes.
The corners of his mouth curled into a faint, enigmatic smile.
It carried a sense of playfulness and scrutiny.
"Do you think I'm the kind of god who would collude with you for such trifles?"
"!!!"
As soon as those words were spoken...
Royman felt a chill rush from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
His hand, which had been incessantly wiping sweat, suddenly froze.
He felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
This isn't how the script was supposed to go!
What god would refuse such a kindness? And to speak so harshly!
Had his flattery backfired completely?!
"N-No, I wouldn't dare! Absolutely not!"
Royman's legs went weak with fear, and he nearly knelt before Heimer on the spot.
His originally ruddy, fat face instantly lost all color, turning deathly pale.
"Lord Heimdall, please see the truth!"
"T-T-T-This..."
Royman stammered, his tongue feeling tied as he struggled to speak clearly.
"T-This was all done with Lord Ouranos's tacit approval!"
"It was approved by Lord Ouranos himself!"
In his desperation, Royman directly brought up his own Patron God as a shield.
Regardless of the consequences, he had to shift the blame first!
After all, Lord Ouranos wouldn't personally come to confront him over such a small matter!
"Lord Ouranos said so!"
Royman swallowed hard, forcing himself to calm down as he began to make things up... or rather, engage in creative embellishment.
"He said your Familia has just been established and is in need of support!"
"I also felt that rather than letting these supplies rot in the warehouse, it would be better to prepare them for your Familia members, just in case!"
"This is absolutely compliant! Specially approved! There are no issues whatsoever!"
"Even if I, Royman, had a hundred times more courage, I wouldn't dare to deceive you with such matters!"
As Royman spoke, he frantically wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
In his heart, he cursed himself roundly.
Seeing Royman so scared out of his wits, as if he were ready to cut out his heart to prove his innocence.
The glint in Heimer's eyes instantly vanished.
It was replaced by a gentle smile.
"Alright then."
"Don't be nervous."
"I was just asking casually."
"Since it's a gesture of goodwill from Ouranos!"
"Then I shall accept it on behalf of the children."
"Thank you for your hard work in making this trip, Guild Master."
"Leave the items and you may return."
"The Guild's affairs are busy, so I won't keep you any longer, Guild Master."
With that...
Heimer gave a light wave of his hand.
Upon hearing those words...
Royman felt an immense sense of relief.
He instantly breathed a sigh of relief, and his previously taut nerves finally relaxed.
"Yes, yes, yes!"
"Lord Heimdall, please attend to your business!"
"I won't disturb you any further!"
Royman nodded repeatedly, like a woodpecker.
He didn't dare stay for even half a second longer.
He was terrified that this unpredictable god might suddenly change his mind or think of something else to torment him with.
He set the items down and gave another deep bow, bending so low his waist almost touched the floor.
Then...
He hurried away on his short legs with an agility and speed completely unbefitting his size, turning and heading for the main gate in a somewhat pathetic manner.
It wasn't until he stepped out of the mansion's main gate...
...and felt the cool morning breeze on his face...
...that Royman realized...
...his back had long since been soaked with cold sweat.
His expensive silk robe was now clinging damply to his body, feeling extremely uncomfortable.
"Phew..."
Royman quickly let out a long breath, pulled a handkerchief from his breast, and wiped the remaining sweat from his forehead. He looked back at the mansion, which appeared exceptionally grand in the morning light, as if shrouded in a mysterious aura.
The awe in his heart, which had been only at thirty percent, had now reached a full hundred.
He even felt a bit faint.
After all...
...his little schemes couldn't be hidden; the other party had seen through them and issued a warning.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Rexlent
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"