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The business didn’t end just because you made money.

During the days he played MePan, he engaged in numerous businesses to make money.

While some of them were successful, he also faced many worst-case scenarios when he barely managed to succeed.

‘There are those who try to snatch away what I’ve earned.’

When you succeeded in business, there were people who would do anything to snatch it away from you.

Especially those who took advantage of your ignorance and steal your entire business.

‘The nobles.’

The nobles, wielding powerful influence, were no different from predators.

Ethan had experienced being targeted by such individuals.

Understanding the saying, “Ignorance is bliss,” he made sure to remember it firmly and vowed never to be a victim again.

‘Those who approach you with good intentions are often the most ominous.’

“But why are you making such an offer?”

“Simply to foster your growth.”

“Are you referring to me?”

However, that didn’t mean there was a need for hostility.

It was better to remain cordial and not create enemies.

“I sincerely appreciate your offer, Count. It is truly an honor. However, I have already received investment from another merchant guild.”

“Is it from Count Huntar?”

Ethan smile subtly, as if indicating that he had already known that much.

“No, it’s David Guild.”

“David Guild?”

Count Yurahan’s expression hardened for a moment.

What kind of merchant guild was David Guild? It was a massive guild, counted among the largest on the continent.

While the Yurahan merchant guild was considered powerful in its own right, thanks to the Count’s wealth, the David Guild was on a different scale altogether.

If Davit Guild saw the Yurahan merchant guild as a rival, the latter would vanish within a month.

“That’s correct. I appreciate the offer, but I must decline, Count.”

Ethan remained polite to Count Yurahan until the end.

* * *

“Such audacity! I will handle this separately.”

“No, leave it. This is a matter I need to handle myself.”

“What?”

The Steward was taken aback.

This was not the Count Yurahan he knew.

The Count was always determined to obtain whatever he desired, especially when it came to matters involving money.

So to hear him say to back off was surprising.

“He mentioned a collaboration with David Guild.”

David Guild.

A massive guild that extended not only to the western regions but also into the central territories.

It was something they shouldn’t recklessly meddle with.

“It may be a bluff. To dare mention David Guild, he must be incredibly audacious. Just because he succeeded in one business doesn’t mean everything has changed.”

“But what if it’s not?”

“There’s a high possibility that it is. It hasn’t been long since Ethan Whiskers succeeded in his weight reduction workshop business. I don’t believe he would have already made contact with David Guild.”

“True, that would seem logical.”

Count Yurahan admitted.

He had contacted Ethan quite quickly.

“If there had been prior contact for the business with Davit Guild, there would surely be evidence of it. Besides, I can’t imagine that the frail Ethan Whiskers had any connections with David Guild before. The same goes for Count Whiskers.”

The steward presented a series of logical arguments.

“It can’t be anything but a lie.”

It was a conclusion.

However, Count Yurahan shook his head.

“My instincts whisper to me. Even though your words may be correct, my instincts tell me that Ethan Whiskers isn’t lying. If that’s the case, we must back off. If David Guild is involved, hasty contact could put Yurahan merchant guild at risk.”

The steward bowed his head in response to the Count’s conviction.

Honestly, he didn’t quite understand, but there was no choice.

After all, the expression on Count Yurahan’s face was not a pleasant one.

“Yes, understood.”

“For now, let’s step back and investigate separately. Let’s find out if there is indeed a connection with David Guild.”

“Yes!”

Count Yurahan turned around.

The grandiose yet modest Count Whiskers Estate came into view. Simultaneously, the gaze that Ethan had shown earlier resurfaced in his mind.

* * *

Time flew by quickly. During that time, Ethan continued to practice Heo’s Acupuncture and Decoction skills while working on the business with Yerica.

“You’re really raking in the money. And how many times have high-ranking nobles come to visit?”

Yerica recalled the events of the past month. Each one of them was so remarkable that it felt unreal.

Starting with Count Yurahan, owners of many guilds personally came and offered partnership contracts for the weight reduction workshop business.

They would provide funds, in return for a share of the business.

“They’re like cunning predators trying to swallow our business.”

Of course, Ethan rejected all of them.

He skillfully turned them down.

“I never expected you to refuse. We could have expanded on a much larger scale. Of course, there would be many challenges to overcome and stabilize, but with your abilities, you wouldn’t have failed.”

“That’s true, but I’m not a merchant. I’m already expanding through David Guild, and that’s enough for me.”

‘Choosing David Guild was a very good decision.’

Once the name of the David Guild was mentioned, everyone obediently backed off.

That’s how formidable Davit Guild’s prestige was.

“Now, David Guild’s side has probably finished preparing for the business, and things here will continue to run smoothly even without you and me.”

Ethan had a solid plan in motion.

“So, you’re going to Ivecar Academy.”

“That’s right.”

Ivecar Academy was a haven for talent.

Moreover, it was a place where one could take advantage of numerous opportunities.

‘To build a reputation and meet the Saintess.’

That was Ethan’s primary goal.

“But I’ve heard that it’s difficult to enter Ivecar Academy as a student or a teacher. Obtaining the qualifications for the exam is also said to be challenging.”

“I’ve already obtained the permission, so don’t worry about it.”

Ethan handed her a parchment.

“Only three days left?”

“Now is the perfect time to depart.”

With the groundwork completed, it was time to leave.

* * *

Marquis Rond, a war hero, used his fortune to establish the Ivecar Academy.

While the official reason was to cultivate talent, the true motivation was atonement.

During the war, Marquis Rond had fought countless battles against young soldiers.

He had wielded his sword and magic against those who had just begun to learn them.

At the time, he believed it was unavoidable, but the guilt haunted him even after the war ended.

Marquis Rond couldn’t bear it any longer. He felt the need to soothe their souls.

For the fallen young soldiers, he founded the academy.

Instead of fighting on the battlefield, they should have received education at the academy.

The Ivecar Academy, originally established as a symbol of atonement, flourished rapidly under Marquis Rond’s dedication. After his passing, the new Marquis of Rond continued his legacy, transforming the academy into the finest institution.

“I also wanted to attend the Ivecar Academy at one point.”

“But why couldn’t you go?”

“I was too short.”

Currently, Schudlen’s height reached nearly 190 centimeters.

When Yerica looked puzzled, Schudlen immediately explained.

“I grew taller as I became an adult.”

“That must have been disappointing.”

“Not at all, because I had the privilege of serving the Young Master!”

Schudlen said proudly, with a satisfied expression on his face.

Ethan chuckled softly as he observed him.

“Let’s finish the registration and take a break.”

Tomorrow was the day of the exam.

Ethan and his companions had traveled all night to reach Marquis Rond’s estate. Although there was a slight detour, it was intentional on Ethan’s part.

‘It’s better to have a portal registered.’

-Marquis Rond’s estate has been registered in the Wind Riding.

Accompanied by two escorts, Ethan headed towards the Ivecar Academy. The academy building was the second largest structure within Marquis Rond’s estate.

If you included the academy grounds, it could be said that half of Marquis Rond’s estate was essentially the academy itself.

Upon seeing the immense scale of the academy, Yerica and Schudlen couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.

“Wow.”

“Oh…”

There were dozens of buildings on the vast grounds.

They could understand why people jokingly referred to Marquis Rond’s estate as the Ivecar Territory.

Especially Schudlen had an expression of deep emotion.

There was not a trace of regret. Instead, he seemed to be appreciating the fact that the place he once aspired to was truly magnificent.

In addition to that, Schudlen glanced at Ethan and shrugged his shoulders.

It was a remarkable achievement for him to have his Young Master come to this extraordinary place as a teacher. How proud he must be.

Of course, he hadn’t even taken the exam yet, but Schudlen didn’t doubt for a moment that Ethan would pass without any problems.

“I think we’re the only ones who are surprised. Aren’t you amazed, Ethan? This is the first time I’ve seen such a huge building. And the land is so vast.”

“It is astonishing. So many buildings and such a large area of land. See those buildings over there? Those are the classroom buildings. If you finish classes there and have to go to that building in 10 minutes, what would you do?”

“I guess I would have to use mana to get there. Most people have been training in mana since they were young, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“Mana?”

Ethan smirked.

“Once you pass through that entrance, it’s the land of the Ivecar Academy. And using mana is restricted within the grounds of the Ivecar Academy.”

“Mana usage is restricted?”

Yerica, being a mage, frowned.

This was a significant penalty.

“There are a considerable number of high-ranking noble families gathered there. If someone caused trouble, it would be impossible to handle it with just the principal’s authority. So they have completely banned it. Besides, it can be better for the students.”

“Why? It means they can’t train their mana.”

Yerica knew very well the importance of mana.

Schudlen also looked curious and glanced at Ethan.

“The noble families’ children have been accumulating mana since birth. So they are too familiar with it. As a result, their physical strength is weakened.”

Yerica nodded in agreement with Ethan’s words, but Schudlen seemed slightly puzzled.

“Let’s imagine a state without mana. Schudlen, you can lift 10 kilograms. But what if you want to lift 20 kilograms?”

“I would have to train for it.”

“What if you have mana?”

“I could lift it without training.”

“Exactly, because of mana. With mana, you can simply lift 20 kilograms. Even though your body can only lift 10 kilograms, mana assists your physical strength.”

By relying on mana like that, physical development came to a halt.

“It’s meaningless. The body should be the foundation. Mana is just a supplementary tool.”

Upon Ethan’s explanation, Schudlen quickly understood and nodded.

“You sound like a real teacher.”

“It is as expected of Young Master. He has read numerous books! He’s a perfect fit as a teacher at the academy!”

Schudlen nodded his head in agreement.

“Then, Young Master, do they have to physically run to those distant buildings?”

“Yes, with mana restrictions, they’ll have to jump between buildings from a certain point. The break time is probably around 10 minutes. If you can’t make it within that time, it will be considered late, and lateness is directly linked to your grades.”

Finally, the two escorts understood why Ethan was surprised.

“It’s alright, Young Master. I can be the means of transportation!”

“If the teacher did that, the students will surely follow.”

“Ah.”

“Should I secretly conceal your mana?”

For her, hiding mana was not a difficult task. She had made tremendous progress over the past month.

During that time, anyone who came looking for Yerica’s magic ended up dead at Yerica’s hands.

“Well, if that happens, I’ll be in trouble, Yerica.”

“I was just kidding.”

“Those jokes won’t be well-received by the serious people here, so be careful.”

“Yes, but you’re talking as if you’ve already passed the exam.”

“Do you think you’ll fail?”

“If you fail, I’ll pierce the eyes of the people who conducted the evaluation. This is not a joke.”

Ethan laughed lightly at her remark.