Chapter 13: Promissory Notes & Shadowed Stages

Chapter 13: Promissory Notes & Shadowed Stages

"You said you only lost money, not your stuff!?" Hideo's voice cracked two octaves higher as he jabbed a finger at Dai Izuma. "I remember when your father bought you that Snow Bluster Sword! A divine blade that could slice steel like tofu!"

His breath hitched. Equal parts fury and disbelief churned in his chest.

"And your charm—it was made from Warm Jade! A high-grade spiritual stone that stores mana! If you sold it, you could buy three luxury houses and still afford ten high-end concubines! But you pawned it all for three hundred thousand? Even clearance sales aren't that insane!"

Dai bowed so low it looked like he wanted to drown in the fat rolls of his stomach.

"I… I'm not a bad guy, bro! I swear! I just—my brain went blank! Like when you see crispy fried chicken and forget everything else!"

Hideo massaged his temples, a long exhale escaping him. Then, quieter—but sharper:

"And after all that… you kept gambling?"

Dai scratched his chubby cheek, nearly covering his tiny eyes.

"But… I still have a promissory note... Besides, my dad loves me. Worst case, he'll scold me for five minutes then tuck me into a silk blanket."

Hideo sighed again—for the third time. Inwardly, he spoke:

Alright... let's test something.

Since the previous night, his skill Learn had advanced. One of its passive effects allowed him to glimpse the job paths and abilities of others—if his focus and intent aligned just right.

It wasn't always active. He had to sharpen his awareness, regulate his breath and mana to a specific frequency.

Back with Uncle or Grandpa... I didn't have time to focus. And honestly... I wasn't ready to dive that deep into someone's soul.

Now, Hideo fixed his eyes on Dai Izuma.

"Skill Activated: Learn (~)"

"Scanning target..."

"Status Appraisal Active"

A familiar transparent blue screen materialized.

[Status Screen]

Name: Dai Izuma

Race: Human

Age: 16

Jobs: Merchant (D) | Archer (E)

• Mana: E

• Strength: E

• Intelligence: D

• Agility: F

• Endurance: C

Skills: Quick Shot (F), Negotiation Boost (E), Trade Sense (E)

Merchant, huh? And Archer too… but the trade path's stronger.

Hideo recalled a passage from the Encyclopedia of Applied Craft and Trade, hidden in the Takumi family's underground library.

Merchant is a branching class from Alchemist… but focused on market evaluation, item appraisal, and contract manipulation. They're not front-line fighters... but they're dangerous in economy and influence.

His eyes narrowed. On the surface, Dai looked like a walking liability. But with the right push, that Merchant path could be valuable—especially if Hideo ever needed his own logistics or underground network.

"So," Hideo said coolly, "what did you bet next? Don't tell me you still had something left to pawn."

Dai's face turned ghost-white. His lips trembled like jelly on a hot plate.

"In the end... I pawned… my fiancée..."

"…YOU WHAT!?"

A soft shriek came from the tiny maid nearby. Her wide eyes popped like a kitten seeing a cucumber.

"Master finally becomes a decent man… and his friend's a sinful pig!"

"YOU—YOU GAMBLE YOUR FIANCÉE!?"

Hideo nearly fell out of his chair. This wasn't reckless anymore—this was criminal insanity!

And not just any fiancée. The girl in question was the daughter of Yasaka Iribiko, Deputy Minister of Justice. A scholar-bred noblewoman of high repute… gambled away at some sleazy den!?

A mental image of Dai's grandfather flashed in Hideo's head—his expression furious, sucking the fat from his grandson's body to fuel a lantern fire.

"I panicked, bro…" Dai stuttered, "I... signed a promissory note... in blood... ink on white, spirit-sealed…"

Hideo gripped the armrest of his chair, knuckles white.

This isn't just misfortune. Someone's pulling strings behind the scenes.

Then Dai's voice shifted—more serious now.

"Third Young Master… please. I really don't have anywhere else to turn."

Hideo was about to snap again—but Dai rushed ahead.

"You don't even need to bring money!"

"…Huh?"

"Abe Ishi and Mori Haizhou said… if you just show up at the tables, play a few rounds… they'll return my promissory note!"

"…I'm that famous?"

"Swear on the heavens! Swear on fried dumplings! Swear on two-meat combo rice bowls!"

Hideo went silent.

This wasn't a rescue mission.

This was a stage.

And he'd just been cast as the lead.

So that's their game… he thought. They want me to show up. They've set the scene, filled the seats, laid the traps.

But that also meant one thing—

Opportunity.

"Alright. I'll go."

A sly grin crept onto Hideo's face. And deep down, he noted:

Dai Izuma might just be useful after all.