Meanwhile, Prodia felt a bit awkward.

Why, of all people, did Irtis, of all people, have to be the first one to catch on to her thoughts about Shalak?

‘I wonder how hard it’ll be to persuade Irtis regarding Shalak…’

But it was a misunderstanding on Prodia’s part.

Irtis, with a relaxed smile, said something unexpected.

“Yeah. Go ahead.”

“Huh…? Yes?”

She didn’t mishear him.
“Recruit them. After all, I’m going to win.”

“…From now on, whenever we find talent, we’ll continue to recruit. Is that still okay with you?”

“Do as you wish.”

The dilemma that had been troubling them was resolved in an instant.

Irtis, who they thought would resist the most, went along so smoothly with the recruitment. Prodia was very satisfied.

Looking at this, Irtis felt a bit bitter, but there was nothing he could do.

‘Now that it’s come to this, I can only show my skills.’

On the other hand, Ed was watching all of this unfold from behind with great interest.

“Ho ho, this is going to be interesting. The showdown between the Archmage of the Abyss and the Sunshine of the South.”

But Luca was different.

“…Having more competitors here is a nuisance.”

“Do you think Sharak has feelings for her? It doesn’t seem like it at all.”

Upon hearing this, Luca smirked.

“You’re into Prodia, too, Ed. Maybe he’ll fall for her someday?”

“W-What… That’s a misunderstanding!”

As he unexpectedly joined the conversation, Ed was greatly taken aback.

Luca continued.

“I thought I didn’t know? Irtis knows everything, too.”
“Is that really true?… Ah.”

“I’ve been fooled….”

Damn it.

Ed’s face, always maintaining a poker face, turned completely red without any reservation.

Then Luca, who had been smiling all along, suddenly opened his eyes wide, looking intimidating.

He still had golden lenses on, but somehow, it seemed like a crimson glow was flickering within them.

“Don’t underestimate Prodia. Ed, you should concentrate on the upper part as usual.”

But even though Ed was caught in the exposed situation, he couldn’t retreat in this exposed field.

“I have confidence in both business and romance.”

The two men stared at each other without saying a word.

At that moment, Irtis called them.

“What are you doing? Let’s go home.”

At his voice, the two men, without saying who would go first, raised Irtis as the topic of discussion.

“Hmm. In my opinion, the Archmage isn’t an easy competitor.”

“You noticed, too? Irtis has feelings for Prodia.”

“He’s flaunting it like that, so it’s only natural, right? Although he seems unaware.”

“Irtis, he’s completely clueless in that aspect.”

Ed nodded in agreement with those words.

“If the Archmage joins this fight, it will really be troublesome. Let’s make sure he wins for now.”

“Of course. What about the navy from earlier?”

“Let’s observe for now. Over there, maybe she participated in the tournament because she genuinely likes the Princess.”

The two men, as if asking when they had fought, renewed their firm alliance.

And the next day, as planned, Sharak came to meet Prodia.

“Thank you for the invitation, teacher. I’ve prepared a small gift; I hope you like it. Haha.”

This cheerful guy laughed heartily as he extended a beautifully wrapped gift box.

It was cookies from the most popular bakery in the capital.

As soon as Prodia opened the lid, a sweet fragrance that could make one intoxicated wafted out.

However, Prodia didn’t particularly like sweet things.

“Thank you. I’ll share it with everyone later.”

Then, Sharak unexpectedly made an unexpected statement.

“Since I’ve already informed others about what I brought, please don’t worry, teacher.”

He bought things for our guys too?

Look at this.

He’s not just trying to capture my heart but also the hearts of those who will become my colleagues.

‘He’s not just popular; he’s super popular.’

It’s becoming more and more likable. Excellent leadership.

But let’s not show it.

Prodia, sitting across from Sharak, who joined her, immediately got to the main topic.

“In fact, I’ve looked into the competition a bit.”

“Oh?”

Sharak seemed a little surprised, but soon, he burst into a hearty laugh.

“Hahaha, well done! How are the rumors about me?”

Saying that and laughing, Sharak’s expression didn’t show any tension or doubt.

‘His smiling face is really lovely.’

Prodia carefully observed his appearance, as she couldn’t properly confirm it yesterday due to the rushed encounter.
First of all, the slender pupils that narrow every time he smiles are exactly like a deer.

With the addition of a bright smile on his red hair, it felt like facing the sun.

Yeah. It’s like a sun shining brightly without a trace of darkness.

‘A person completely opposite to me, who has accepted the path to hell.’

If Papier radiates subtle goodness, Sharak, on the other hand, seems like someone who exudes that positive energy outward.

Perhaps heaven is where such people go.

Anyway, this man is the type who should be present during a feast, like at the announcement of a contract.

But first, it’s essential to find out what this guy wants.

Prodia smiled brightly.

“Have there only been good rumors about Sharak? You have exceptional skills to the point where my help may not be needed.”

“What humble words. There’s so much to learn from you, teacher. Besides…”

What followed next was truly different from the personalities of the contractees encountered so far.

“With such an excellent teacher, wouldn’t I also grow alongside the students I’ve learned from? Honestly, participating in the tournament alone is too boring. Hahaha!”

Did he come here to make friends! This guy, so that our guys won’t be left out, even brought something to eat.

If that’s the reason, there’s no need to refuse.

Prodia decided to contract with Sharak.

But Irtis couldn’t help but feel a bit upset.

‘Irtis, I’ll present you with a one-page contract too, so don’t feel too disappointed about it.’

This is the loyalty I can show you.

That way, Sharak signed the contract without any suspicion.