Chapter 17: Let Me See (Please Continue Reading)

Reward?
I really want to kick you!
I’ve already agreed to protect you, and the least you could do is say something grateful!

Olivia admitted she had underestimated Ron’s audacity.
What kind of person, after asking for a favor, can calmly raise their hand to demand a reward?

This made the young president realize that with Ron’s talent, keeping him here was indeed a waste.

“...”

‘Stay calm, Olivia, stay calm. This is exactly the moment to test your leadership skills, isn’t it?’

Suppressing the urge to stomp on the insolent young man, the black-haired woman crossed her arms and recited the regulations in her mind, speaking in a precise and formal tone:

“According to the rules, those who make significant contributions in operations involving the containment of cursed objects will receive a monetary bonus, ranging from 100 to 500 gold lions.”

“What do you want? Money, or something else?”

Five hundred gold lions!

At the mention of the reward, Ron’s blue eyes suddenly brightened, filled with the impulse to retire on the spot after collecting the money.

If he had to survive on hard bread every day, this sum would last him a lifetime in the capital!

However, recalling his resolve to improve last night, Ron stifled his excitement.

“Madam, may I exchange it for an equivalent first-tier canned spell model?”

It wasn’t that Ron didn’t want to exchange for a better meditation spell, but according to the official price list from the Gold Reserve, qualifying meditation spells cost over a thousand gold lions.

As for cheaper ones, they were hardly worth exchanging.

Want to learn magic?

Ron avoided this topic at first, but once mentioned, Olivia’s arm throbbed with phantom pain as if torn anew.

She gave a slight nod, unexpectedly decisive for the young man.

“We don’t have canned spell models in the Stardust Guild, only paper scrolls—you must learn by yourself.”

“Hmm... As your president, I think it’s necessary to inspect your magical training before agreeing to your conditions.”

“This is all to prevent you from going down the wrong path!”

Olivia spoke with righteous solemnity, but her arms had already taken position on the table, betraying a hint of impatience.

Since the day she realized Ron could heal her wounds, Olivia had considered countless methods—intimidation, coercion, bribery, even forceful interrogation—all just to make Ron cast the Holy Light Healing spell again.

Unexpectedly, before she could even establish her authority and act on it, this cunning youth had come to her willingly today.

An inspection of magic?

Seeing the uncharacteristically aggressive woman, Ron suddenly grew wary.

What’s there to inspect? Didn’t you already test it that day?

Ron understood his own magic perfectly. His “Holy Sword Technique” was decent enough.

But the “Holy Light Healing” was a thoroughly malignant mutation, retaining only a faint healing effect.

Could it be...

Seeing the faint hope on Olivia’s face and the half-foot-long wound on her arm, a spark of insight shone in Ron’s eyes.

He understood!

The violent woman’s unusual behavior made the blonde youth realize an important issue.

He never expected that within the semi-official Stardust Guild, such a perversion would be lurking.

Ron had heard of such people in his past life—they called it “Ace Adoration.”

This made the young man secretly admire the truth of the old saying: everyone has their use.

However, faced with such a special request, Ron chose principle and boundaries, speaking in a low voice:

“Um, Olivia, may I choose the gold lions instead?”

“I don’t want to learn magic anymore.”

Don’t want to learn?

The moment he spoke, the black-haired woman, who had still shown some humanity, instantly darkened in expression.

Olivia snorted coldly, “Don’t want to learn? Do you think you can just quit because you say so?”

“Enough with the nonsense. Show me your magic!”

No act at all?

Ron was startled, his expression turning anxious as he stammered,

“President, I have my principles. This is broad daylight; it’s not appropriate, right?”

Bang—

“Less talk, show me!!!”

This violent woman!

Seeing the solid wood desk dented by her palm, Ron suddenly felt that showing Olivia his magic might not be so unacceptable after all.

He trembled as he extended his palm, like a girl afraid of being defiled.

The golden glow that flickered in his hand was timid and shrinking, utterly lacking the dignity of the Holy Light element.

Come on, stand up straight!

Ron cursed the uncooperative Holy Light element silently while placing his hand on the grotesque wound on Olivia’s arm.

In an instant, he caught a glimpse of the black-haired woman’s expression returning to impassive.

Was that enough to satisfy her?

Though Ron knew no matter what others’ quirks were, one should not mock them,

this kind of perversion was his first encounter, and he couldn’t help but feel curious.

Collecting his thoughts, he asked softly,

“Uh, President, doesn’t that... hurt?”

Olivia’s expression remained unchanged as she replied casually,

“I don’t feel anything at all.”

“But you’re sweating!” Ron opened his mouth in surprise.

“What do you know? I’m just in a good mood!”

A good mood?

What kind of pervert can be in a good mood amid such pain?

Is this what they call “Ace Adoration”?

“How terrifying...”

Ron thought to himself and pressed a little harder.

Unfortunately, the boy’s effort only made the black-haired woman sweat profusely with pleasure, while leaving Ron doubting his own sanity.

After a few minutes of sustained casting, the young man could hardly keep going.

He shakily withdrew his hand, beads of sweat sliding down his forehead.

Seeing this, Olivia sneered,

“That’s all? Still want to learn new spells?”

What do you mean, “That’s all”!?

Ron twitched his mouth, about to argue, when the black-haired woman opened a drawer, felt around twice, then tossed out an envelope.

“Don’t say I don’t take care of you. These are just outdated hand-me-downs. If you want innovation, you’ll have to go to the ‘Magic Hearth’ shop.”

“I’ve already written the letter for you. Just go straight there.”

Ron accepted the letter eagerly but suddenly sensed something off.

Written in advance?

Could it be that this was the reward all along?

He was about to ask in detail when Olivia clapped her hands twice, and a cool breeze swept through the office.

The swirling breeze lingered by Olivia’s lips as if listening, then, as if possessed by intelligence, flew toward the door.

The next moment, the carved wooden door was pushed open from outside.

“President, no need to send the wind spirit. I’ve been outside the door the whole time.”

The newcomer had short silver hair, a cloak draped over his shoulders, and a flashy star badge on his chest.

Ron recognized him.

He was the same loan shark who tried to bully Miss Talia at the door yesterday!

“Good. Sid, the newcomer is yours. Explain our rules to him thoroughly.”

“Also, have him pick some gadgets from your logistics department.”

As she spoke, Olivia curled her lips disdainfully.

“And make sure this guy knows that when the leader is giving a lecture, subordinates must not talk back!”