"So you're saying someone is preventing you guys from getting involved with your father's business here?"
"Yes, most likely it is because they deemed us unfit to run the branch of the Company here. But after hearing from you, it might be something else."
"This is going to be bad. My plan is to see who is involved during the auction. But if this is how it is, then I can only say we will wait after the auction."
"No, we can't."
"Eh why?"
"We've already said it. We want your help to solve the economy of this place."
"Even if we want to alleviate the lives of those who are of lower caste. We don't have the capital; you guys can't hold your father's business, and our supposed enemies are definitely going to be numerous."
Turning silent, the two were lost as to what to say. Until Lady Alissa said something that could be considered a desperate action,
"Then, if we gather enough allies, do you think we can do something?"
"If we could have the support of some big companies or many small businesses, we could find a way to support those in need."
"That's good; we will be back, and this time we will make our chances of winning high."
"Just keep it in moderation, Miss Lakewood."
They then left with a disappointed expression but also with determination in their eyes.
After they left, Dustin exhaled with a deflated body as he realized that they were gone.
"Phew, to think I could use the intel of my Bolt persona in this."
'Yes, the reason I got hold of that information was because of my alter ego, Bolt.'
Last time, I was invited to find countermeasures against an unknown enemy. The only clue they got was the auction; they also told him about their plan to raid it and nothing more.
"To think that visiting the adventurer guild to train and try out my new moves would result in learning about this important information."
'But why me, though? It may be attributed to me helping with the previous incident. Still, I replied, saying that it would depend on the occasion.'
"Now, that only depends on how the sisters would get a reliable ally to gather, and maybe I can give them my support and at the same time help the government's plan."
~~~~~~~~~~
"Sorry about this, Alissa. I thought we could get his help."
"No, sis, I do hate to admit it, but he has a point."
"What are we going to do now, Alissa?"
"Like he said, we need help; we can't do anything if we are just by ourselves."
"That's good."
"Then first on the agenda is to get permission to go out so that we can gather our allies."
"Wait for a moment." Alicia then gave her sister a paper. "Here."
"What is this?"
"I don't know if he and I had the same thoughts, but I have already thought of the possibility of getting more people who could be our allies."
Seeing this, Alissa was quiet. Then this made Alicia confused.
"Is there something Wrong?"
"Sis! I love you." And hug her.
"Ehehehe, I love you too. Well, then let's go."
"Of course. But these people are those who frequent the church, right?"
"Yeah, they are devout followers, and it may not look like it, but they are quite influential in their country."
"Their business is small, but that is mostly due to them extending their branch late."
"Right?"
As they were talking, Alissa saw one name, and her hope rose.
"This family? Isn't this the top Ore, iron, and jewelry trader?"
"Oh, yeah, they are quite influential in the Saga Empire. And they don't have any branches here, though."
"But their name is so great that they will definitely influence the market with it. Even father has to face them with a great deal of respect."
"So you are saying they could help us, right?
"No, since this happened, they can't influence the market much, but they do have something that can help us."
"And that is?"
"The invitation to the auction"
"Great! I don't know why Sir Anlgos needs that, but that would be of great help."
Hearing that Alissa made an annoyed face and pinch her sister's cheek,
"AHhh WHa? Wh, Shish."
"You have this, and you didn't let me know, and you made me face that guy? Why?"
Getting out of her sister's clutches, she explained
"Oh, that hurts. Anyway, you saw what he could do, right?"
"Yeah, so what?"
"I already saw his patent long ago, since we joined Miss Ria's Adventurer group. Do you think I would not investigate those? Or more like, why didn't you notice it?"
"Oh, I see, so that's why. So you think because I hate him, I would disregard him and move to a plan not involving someone who is being taken advantage of?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"I do have that thought about it, but not entirely since I would help him in his distress from his ideas being stolen and arrive to help him. In that way, we could take advantage of him."
"Oh, so you thought of that. Still, it might be useless in the end, huh?"
"That's what's pissing me off. He is a coward who hides and doesn't want to move when it entirely benefits him. Like during the test and an activity every time he performs it with an aloof aura."
"Come on, that's not true."
"Really, sis, are you going to play it like that? I know from the two of us that you are the one with the best sense of reading people."
"Fine, you're right. But do know this: everyone has their reasons for doing what they are doing. So even if you do want to know what it is, do think about whether you have the capacity to support your actions."
"But-"
"Alissa."
"Sorry, sis, you're right; I was being hasty just now."
"Good. Just remember, whatever the reason he, has you must not delve deep into it. That includes other people."
"But there are exemptions to that."
"There is. I just hope it won't lead to that."
"I hope so."
"Right now, it is time to get permission to meet our future partners."
"Yeah, let's meet them. I hope the Cobalt Family will accept our partnership."
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mr. Principal Young Miss is here."
"Lily? let here in."
"Hello Dad."
"Hello to you too. Oh, you have Litia with you."
"Yeah, we have a request if it's possible."
"If I can do something about it, sure. why not?"
"Well, I want to meet our business partner."
"Hmm, I don't think it is alright to meet them now. The crime rate around the city is at an all-time high."
"Don't worry, I have my guards with me. Plus, we need this now that I am nearing a breakthrough with my new invention."
"Oh, what is it?"
"I found a way to use the gyro gear of the spinning top."
"Spinning top?"
"Yeah, remember that student who introduced that top and the gyro gear inside?"
"Oh, that is also the time Professor Philstein was amazed by the simple work of a machine."
"...."
"....Oh sorry, I shouldn't have."
"It's okay; I do know he is my grandfather, but I only learned about it recently.
I see, I'm still sorry. My daughter is also one of his few students."
"Yeah, his teaching stayed with me, and I really won't forget what he did for me. As well as his regrets and mistakes, so I'm sure he also doesn't want you to feel sad."
"Okay, big sister Lily."
"I'll grant you permission then."
"Yes, Oh Litia is also going with me. It's okay, right?"
"Sure, why not? Also, when you go meet them, say hello to Old Man Cobalt for me.
Okay sure."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Why do I need to go with you guys?"
You're the one who thought of this, of course, and you're coming.
As I was finishing some of my assignments at the library, the Lakewood sisters suddenly Interrupted me and told me to follow them.
And I wasn't able to say no. I mean, I can't make a noise in the library; the librarians are old, cranky women. A small sign of noise, and you're banned from going in. There are a lot of things I could get there, so I can't risk that.
"But won't I be a hindrance?"
"This isn't the time to say that; we will just go and meet a few of them. And maybe when they see your work, it will definitely become possible to overcome the current predicament we are in."
"Not like I want to, though?"
"What did you say?" Hearing my tone, Alissa gave him a cold stare as she lowered her voice.
"Well then, where to start?"
"That's the spirit; just follow us."
As if nothing happened, Alissa's face returned to normal, knowing that I had become cooperative. This is coercion at its finest.
We then headed outside, As I was forced to follow them.