On the third floor of the castle, inside the reception room.
Aaron and Gantis spoke for another ten-odd minutes before a faint smile finally appeared on Aaron's face. "Gantis, you called me here for more than just an exchange, didn't you?"
A flicker of awkwardness at being seen through crossed Gantis's face, but he quickly admitted, "Yes... Mr. Halsey wants to meet you."
As the castle's owner, Halsey was clearly at least a Non-Human Existence.
Life force that had not undergone a qualitative transformation could not withstand the ravages of this castle's negative effects.
"Fine."
Aaron nodded.
Ever since he had revealed part of his strength before the professor and the others, he had expected this day to come.
As the one controlling the black market, how could the other party possibly overlook such a major variable as himself?
"That's wonderful. Please wait a moment."
Gantis hurriedly rose to his feet and walked out.
Not long afterward, a middle-aged nobleman in aristocratic attire, with curly brown hair and a slightly round face, pushed open the door and entered.
"Lord Halsey!"
Aaron stood to greet him, displaying proper courtesy.
"I am Halsey Quinn Enzos. Just call me Halsey."
Halsey's eyes were gentle, and a mild smile seemed to linger at the corners of his lips. He was the sort of person who easily inspired goodwill.
Of course, that also made it easy to overlook his danger!
"I heard from Gantis that, Green, you are a 'Craftsman' who even makes him feel ashamed of his own inadequacy. I wonder which school you inherited your knowledge from? Of course, if you feel it involves your privacy, you needn't answer..."
After chatting for a while about local weather and similar topics, Halsey picked up the teapot to refill Aaron's cup and asked in a