"I don't lack money."
Lanci shrugged his shoulders, speaking in an indifferent tone.
"..."
Upon hearing Lanci's words, Talia fell silent once again.
Trade has always been about fulfilling the needs of both parties.
Like how Talia, despite her formidable abilities in the human kingdom, lacks money, and Lanci, while affluent, desperately needs protection. They could satisfy each other's needs, resulting in a perfect deal.
When it comes to this situation,
When Talia sought something other than money from Lanci, naturally Lanci also wished to get something more valuable from Talia in return.
"I should find a card-making teacher next, it's not practical to research second-order magic cards on my own."
The short conversation dispelled the sleepiness that was about to overwhelm Lanci.
Distracted, he stood up and began to clean the scattered card-making tools and papers filled with dense handwriting on the table, speaking to himself.
The recent period of obsessive card-making training seemed to have strengthened his spirit, he might soon reach the second-order level that his former self was close to.
Furthermore, he wanted to borrow the ancient family treasure [Poem of Pity] from home, which in the original plot would be taken away by Talia, and turn it into his own Magic Card.
However, Lanci is not confident that he can successfully create a magic card with such a special material. He needs a highly skilled tutor, a collaborator.
So, Talia, the demon card-making master who originally obtained the [Poem of Pity] and created a magic card with it, is undoubtedly the best choice.
"So you want me to teach you card-making?"
Talia stared at Lanci from the corner of her eye, her eyes reflecting his shimmering green pupils. Her words neither implied "yes" nor "no".
Lanci's hint just now was a bit too blunt.
Obviously, he wants Talia to teach him card-making in exchange for a first edition [Basic Etiquette] card.
Over the days Lanci and Talia spent together, Lanci had sought advice about Magic Cards from Talia, intentionally or not.
Sometimes Talia would answer him casually, other times she would ignore him.
Talia wasn't sure how this human was able to tell that she could make cards at the beginning, but she didn't want to delve into it, nor deny it.
Maybe it is because of his unique perspectives, his good predicting skills, his sharp intuition, or perhaps it's because she should have not been too absorbed in card making, any of these could be the reason.
However, even when she acknowledged that she knew how to make cards, Lanci still had no way of knowing her true caliber as a card-maker.
"From the first moment I saw you, I was certain that you were an extraordinary individual. At least, during my many years in the border city-states, I've never seen anyone with your kind of aura. It gives me the impression of beauty, strength, and immortality."
Lanci temporarily put down the paper in his hand, meeting Talia's gaze, and stared seriously into her golden eyes,
"I've always trusted my instincts. So, I thought I'd give it a go. What if you turned out to be a card-making master I would only meet once in my lifetime?"
He looked as though he made the decision to reveal his intentions to Talia. He wanted her to know that their initial two transactions were not random, but inevitable.
"..."
Talia listened to Lanci's words in silence.
She could tell clearly that this human was not being devious, but sincerely speaking his mind.
And that such respectful manner made it seem as though, even if she were a demon, he would still willingly seek power from her.
"Besides, since you've chosen to stay by my side to protect me, wouldn't it be a great choice for both of us if you could also teach me card-making and I could share the cards I make with you?"
Lanci added another point.
"..."
Normally, under no circumstances would she educate a talented human and let him grow unchecked.
But there is an exception—
unless, the harm this human could cause to his own kind exceeds his potential.
Lanci was clearly one such cardmaker with great potential for causing trouble.
If he is also willing to pay a substantial price, it might be worth considering to teach him.
However, Talia had never envisaged ever taking a student, or that a demon would become a human's teacher.
"I will only teach you up to the second order level. If you can accept that, then let's agree upon this deal."
After pondering for a while, Talia responded.
Although she mastered the card-making technology of the demon magic text and does not know how to use human magic text to make cards.
The underlying principles of magical engineering in magic cards are mostly consistent. Besides, practical skills are more important than theories, so she should have no problems teaching Lanci who is a novice.
Hearing Talia's reply, Lanci promptly nodded,
"Alright, I have no problem with that."
However, the joy that had just bloomed on Lanci's face faded slightly, replaced by a hint of worry,
"But I might have to go to Royal Capital in a month or so... Can I ask you to protect me on the road and teach me card-making at the same time after we arrive at the Royal Capital? I will pay you as we agreed."
"Why are you going to the Royal Capital?"
Upon hearing Lanci's words, Talia furrowed her brows.
For many years, she had mostly been traveling along the borders of various human kingdoms toward the southern continent.
If possible, she would prefer not to venture to the capital of a large kingdom, a human stronghold unnecessarily.
"I'm going to take the entrance examination for Ichrite Academy and I'm worried the assassins will follow me along the way and strike... So, I really need your protection."
After Lanci said this, he quickly added,
"Oh, by the way, since you are my privately hired secret guard, I should prepare a cover identity for you for the long journey, which will not easily alert the assassins. I will disguise you as someone from our mansion. This will allow you to protect me better."
Seeing that Talia showed no skepticism towards what he said, Lanci revealed a more sincere smile.
Not a hint of deception could be sensed.
After all, everything he said was true.
What follows.
Lanci excitedly explained to Talia how to use the relationship of the Commerce Guild to create a flawless new identity for her.
"..."
The initially hesitant Talia was stunned by Lanci's words.
Once again.
Lanci naturally proposed a condition that was hard for her to refuse and perfectly catered to her wishes.
Just like… a demon's temptation.
The main reason she had fallen into such a state is that she did not possess a legal identity in the human kingdom.
Work, trade, and travel had all been severely restricted.
Even a temporary identity offered as additional conditions for the transaction.
Would grant her freedoms and conveniences she had never dared to dream of in the past!