Chapter 125

The contract signing was done under the watchful eyes of Rogan. The emnity between the two parties seemed to have melted away once both of them had calmed down and their interest safeguarded.

It had taken taken a couple of days to get the wordings right so that it protected the rights of both parties.

People at the association were a little shocked at the whole proceeding though. While it was common for a mage to enter a contract with another mage, it was very rare for a mage to have a contract with a non mage; whatever the reasons might be.

But once that boiled over, both Devito and Aaron returned to Aaron's place and Rogan had left them alone to settle things further among themselves.

As per the contract, Aaron would provide Devito with a place to stay as to his satisfaction and provide him with daily meals. Also he was to pay him a monthly salary of 2 magestones or equal value in gold coins.

Devito in turn would work with Aaron on whatever topic Aaron wished and maintain secrecy with others on their research.

Aaron would provide the cost for the research materials. In turn, if their research yielded profit, Devito would only get 5 percent of the gross profit.

Maybe if Devito hadn't been so hasty and had a little of his money to invest in the research, he could have claimed for a higher percentage of profit. But he had been really foolish in spending his all in an attempt to reach the central cities in a hurry. Now he had to be content with what he got.

Aaron could have gone for a stricter contract which perhaps favoured him even more, but once he got a control over his temper, he was reluctant to be outright mean to the middle aged man.

He could perhaps understand his enthusiasm over everything. He already had a more than favorable deal, he didn't intend to press on further.

" So, here we are. " Aaron made the first move.

" Yes, here we are. " Agreed Devito.

" For, all it's worth I hope you understand I am sorry for how things turned out. It wasn't my intention. "

" I could have done better for myself. You are not the only one to blame. " Replied Devito.

" I know we have a contract now which perhaps favours me a little more than you. "

" As it always is. The employer will have an advantage over an employee. Specially given the situation I was in. Honestly, I think I got a better deal than most. I am sure no one else would have given me such a deal. " He left the rest unsaid. He didnt want to praise Aaron at his face. There still was lingering bitterness in his heart.

Maybe Aaron would have been better off without having the contract, without employing Devito. But life is cruel with it's lessons.

" I was actually going to allow you a little more advantage. But Rogan stopped me. He said we could always re discuss the contract in the future. " Devito knew what that implied. There was the issue if trust.

Devito waived his hands as the thing doesn't matter.

" I understand the wordings of the contract leaves a lot of things to be interpreted in different ways. And if we both stick to it, it will only make our work difficult. "

" So, what do you suggest? " asked a cautious Devito.

" You could leave in the secondary building of my mansion. Meals for both if us would be same. You could join me at the mansion or have it delivered to you. "

" That sounds fair. "Said Devito. He had a look at the outhouses. They were more than adequate as accommodation. And if they were going to have the same meals, he couldn't complain.

" In return I would wish you work as you would at your own house. Our contract says you work on specifically what I ask of you. But I know, you wouldn't like that."

" True. I can do that. "

" And if you want to learn anything from me, fell free to ask. I will share what I know. "

" Thank you. That will help a lot. " Devito was genuine with his gratitude.

" Also there is a library in the main mansion. It's not that big, but it might help widen your view. You are free to access all of it. " That perhaps helped Devito relax more than anything else.

Finding good enough material to read was difficult. Throughout his life he had to search far and wide for a decent book. But here he was offered a library full of it. He couldn't wait to get started.

" I hope we start fresh and leave behind whatever has happened. " Said Aaron.

" I would like that too. " Said Devito with a small smile.

It had only been a couple of days since they started working together before Aaron was interrupted again.

His first match in the anti mage competition was scheduled the next day. Rogan was over his place full of excitement.

He couldn't stop discussing about the event.

" I will be happy to see the faces of your opponent. I am pretty sure no one would think a true mage would be someone who could defeat them. "

" I am sure there will be powerful contestants. How do you know I won't face off against them. "

" Don't Jinx yourself. It's rare for strong opponents to face off so early. Call it magic? " Rogan said with a smirk.

" Funny. " Said Aaron deadpanned.

" It was. " Said Rogan.

Both of them grinned at the same time.

" You better win though. I will be betting on you. "

" You know, I might be tempted to loose I that case. Maybe I will win myself a hefty some that way. " Said Aaron full of mirth.

Rogan had a look of horror in his face.

"Don't even joke about it. I would have to freeload at your place if you did it. "

" Like you already don't? I remember paying for all of our meals. "

" You are the rich one. "

" You say it like it's my fault. "

"It is. "

The banter between them continued for a while before Rogan left.

To be honest, Aaron was excited as well. It was the first time he was pitted against mages in such a way. Maybe he will learn a few new things. But that was tomorrow.

At a distant place, while it was still dusk something happened. Something that hasn't happened happened in 10000 years. Something that would change this world for ever.