After finalizing the arrangements with Old Man Kaido yesterday, I walked into my shop the next morning.
To my surprise, Mary was already waiting at the door, holding a newspaper. I had expected her to arrive late.
"Don't think I was eager to work here," she said without looking up. "Master told me to come, so I had to."
I glanced at the newspaper she was reading. The bold headline read: "Newly Ascended Pirate King Lucas Escapes to Land."
A Pirate King—a title given to demi-gods of the sea.
It's not exactly common knowledge that a Pirate King is a Rank 5 Demigod. In fact, I only learned about it from a book the system rewarded me with—one that introduced me to the rankings of this world.
As for how strong a Demigod is? I have no idea. But one thing is clear: if you climb high enough in the rankings, you can even ascend to godhood.
I didn't dwell on it for long. Instead, I unlocked the door and took a seat, my eyes settling on Mary.
"Say, why do you call your grandfather 'Master'?" I asked.
"Obviously because he's my master."
I shook my head. "But isn't he also your grandfather?"
She fell silent for a moment before responding curtly, "I'm not here to talk about my family. Just take me to the garden—this shop reeks."
I led her to the backyard, where she immediately brightened, her eyes shining with excitement.
Yes, that's exactly how I got Old Man Kaido to visit from time to time—his students couldn't resist a good garden.
"Old man!" Mary exclaimed, scanning the lush greenery. "How did you get all these plants to survive instead of withering away?!"
"Hey, that's rude. For the record, I'm still a youngster—barely twenty-five."
She scoffed. "Hmph. Last time, you said you were seventy-nine, old man. So, what's your secret to keeping them alive?"
"Well, kid, it's because..." I trailed off, thinking. Even I don't know.
"I just planted the seeds and left them there."
"Uh-huh. Magic?"
I shrugged. "Maybe?"
She scoffed again. "I thought Master was lying when he said you didn't know, but I guess it's true."
With that, she stopped paying me any attention, fully engrossed in examining the plants.
Just then, the bell at my shop rang.
"Alright, I'll go," I said, turning away. A customer had arrived.
.....
.....
It was the same lady from last night.
I walked over. She was fidgeting—so much for a noble demeanor.
"How may I help you today?"
She startled, as if waking from deep thought.
"About the wristwatch you gave me last time…"
Oh no. Was she here for a refund? She did give me 148 silver for it, after all.
"Absolutely no refunds," I said hastily.
"No, no, no, that's not it!" She shook her head. "I wanted to ask about what you know of the name A—"
She cut herself off, glancing around suspiciously, then grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled something down. When she turned it toward me, it read: 'Mon'.
Then, she pulled out a monocle.
– Oo, a monocle.
My casual remark seems to made her flinch. Ignoring that, I took the monocle, wiped it with a cloth, and placed it over my left eye, adjusting it properly.
Her reaction was instant—she shrieked.
I quickly removed the monocle.
"Hehe, seems I put it on the wrong eye." I switched it to my right.
She was trembling now. "Why… why did you give me the wristwatch yesterday?"
I wondered if she was asking because she wanted a refund. She did say it's not just a while back.
I gave it as a gift, and you gave me silver coins as a gift—totally different matters.
Still, I needed to maintain proper decorum and see if I could bluff my way out of this.
"It's because you needed it," I said smoothly. "You may not realize it yet, but that watch was exactly what you required at that moment."
She looked even more confused. Damn, my charm isn't working.
I picked up one of the many gold coin that has no use inside the cupboard and handed it to her with a wink. "Here, take this. If you ever find yourself in trouble, this might just save you."
Shifting the conversation seemed like a good move, especially since I had no idea how to answer her. Besides, I had plenty of this gold coins—useless for normal transactions, so I'd started handing them out as good luck charms.
Of course, I had also tried enchanting them using instructions from one of the many system books, but I had no way of knowing if it actually worked. The system never answered me.
The lady still looked lost in thought. If she's really trying to ask for a refund, this is one hell of a roundabout way to do it, ma'am.
Alright, time to bring out the ace up my sleeve—something no lady can resist.
"Wait here, ma'am."
I went behind the counter and retrieved a bracelet—a delicate pink piece, resembling jade. Elegant, refined, the perfect distraction.
"Here, take this as a gift. No need to pay me."
She handed me the paper with 'Mon' written on it and looked at me as if pleading for help.
Monster? If that's what she meant, why not just write the whole word?
I smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, ma'am. You won't lose out on this deal."
After some more persuading, she finally left—though judging by her dejected expression, I doubted she'd be coming back.
....
....
The system notification popped up, reminding me that my daily sign-in reward was ready.
I tapped Claim, and just like that, the message vanished.
A bag of gold coins appeared in my hands.
Tch. Such a useless system.
For the entire day, not another customer showed up. By the time evening rolled around, Mary called for me from the garden.
"From now on, you'll be responsible for escorting me in and out of the garden. Don't you dare leave me alone."
Wow. Did she fall for me in just one day? How charming am I?
But young lady, you look like you could pass for my daughter—if I ever had one.
"Sure, sure."
As I walked her out of the store, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was scared.
Scared of what? What was she afraid of?
Shaking my head, I watched her disappear down the road, getting into a car before heading inside.
Then—
Knock. Knock.
A loud banging on the door I had just closed.
"Who's there?" I called out.
"Marcus."
Short and to the point.
"Marcus who?"
I couldn't help myself—it sounded like a setup for a joke.
"Luthian, please, I don't have time for this."
A desperate plea.
With a sigh, I went to open the door.