When William witnessed how quickly Linkin picked up the tousai he placed down, he wanted to do nothing more than strangle him right where he stood. However, he managed to calm himself down once he remembered that Augustus was still seated next to him.
"Hmph, why are you so excited? It's just 1 tousai!" William said as he snapped his fingers.
The next moment, a scroll suddenly appeared in William's hand.
'That wasn't sleight of hand—that scroll just appeared out of thin air. It only lasted for a brief moment, but I'm certain that the ring on his finger released a strange light right as the scroll emerged. Does it contain magic?'
Due to the time that Linkin spent studying with Lal'Kita and socializing with those at the inn, he knew that magic was a common element in this world.
However, apparently, not just anyone could use magic. There was a minimum amount of natural talent required if one wanted to use magic. But, for those who could not use it, there were still objects embedded with magic that would allow one to utilize a particular type of magic.
In this case, Linkin believed that the ring on William's finger was being used as a storage-type device.
Unfortunately, objects with magic embedded within them cost an astronomical amount. It was something that Linkin knew that he could not afford right now.
'That ring sure as heck beats the gear bags I had to carry around with me back on earth. I'll definitely have to get one for myself.'
William opened the scroll and ran his finger across its surface. As he did so, dim glowing symbols emerged on the places his finger passed.
A few seconds later, William pressed his thumb on the bottom part of the scroll. Soon after, William's name appeared in glowing text right next to his thumbprint that molded itself into the scroll.
"You didn't think I'd just leave it to a verbal agreement, did you? If you want to keep that tousai, you'll have to sign this contract. Once you sign it, don't even dream of trying to get out of paying me back what's owed. As a merchant, I always collect my debts." William stated with a heavy expression as he held the scroll out towards Linkin.
'It's a good thing I learned how to read from my lovely Lal'Kita before I left the inn.'
Linkin took the scroll and carefully read over its contents.
"Hm? This greedy guy—he's actually reading the contract?" William thought to himself as he was a bit surprised by Linkin's behavior.
'Hah, even though this guy looks completely untrustworthy, I guess he's still a merchant to his core, after all.'
The contents of the scroll contained exactly what William mentioned earlier. After he signed the contract, Linkin would get to keep the 1 tousai given to him by William.
In return, Linkin agreed to pay back a total of 5 tousai. Every day that even a single chisai of debt remained, the amount owed would increase by 1 reisai.
It also mentioned that should Linkin fail to repay the debt within five weeks; his life would belong to William until he worked off the debt he incurred for up to twenty years.
The reason William listed it at five weeks had to do with the fact that five weeks was roughly the time it took for his merchant group to earn 1 tousai in profits.
'Five weeks? This...'
Linkin visibly frowned when he discovered that he had five weeks to repay the 1 tousai.
A grin formed on William's face as he watched Linkin read over the contract. Seeing that frown on his face, William knew that Linkin must have finally reached the duration part of the contract.
Five weeks to repay 5 tousai plus an additional 1 reisai for every day it took him, or else he would have to hand over control of his life—William believed that even if Linkin was a gambling addict, even he could not be stupid enough to sign such a contract.
"Ignorant fool. Have you finally realized what you've gotten yourself into? Hurry up! Give up the tousai and kneel down for forgiveness!" William thought to himself.
But, never in William's wildest dreams would he have guessed the true nature behind Linkin's frown.
'Isn't this time range way too generous?'
If others could hear Linkin's current thoughts, they would have fainted from shock. Five weeks was too generous? Even if he had an entire year, it may not be enough!
'This changes everything.'
"This esteemed one—I just have to press my thumb here, and the 1 tousai is mine, right?" Linkin reaffirmed.
"Y-yeah, you just have to place your thumb there, but I'd think carefully-"
Linkin quickly pressed his thumb on the scroll before he tossed it over to William.
Then, without pause, Linkin began to walk away from the tatami and head back towards the direction of the Den of Everdreams exit.
William was momentarily left speechless by Linkin as he glanced down at the scroll in his hands. Indeed, Linkin had signed the contract. But, more importantly...
"Where are you going? Weren't you going to play?" William inquired with furrowed brows as he frowned.
Linkin halted his steps and, without turning back, said, "Eh? Why would I do that? The contract didn't mention anything about having to spend the tousai here. Besides, if you have this much money on hand—shouldn't you go all out to enjoy yourself?"
"You...!" William could not find the words to say as his face turned red from anger.
At least by playing a few games at the Den of Everdreams, there was a small chance that he would be able to repay him the tousai. However, this idiot was just going off to enjoy himself at other places! Wasn't he a gambling addict?!
The others within the Den of Everdreams who had been silently watching the events unfold were also taken aback by Linkin's choice to leave the establishment. But no one said anything as he walked through the exit of the Den of Everdreams.
"That man... It almost felt like he was toying with William, but... His ignorance and greed certainly didn't seem like an act. Was it just my imagination?" Augustus thought to himself as he watched Linkin leave the Den of Everdreams.