Inducement Through Interests, Bringing Her Under His Command

"...If you're willing to tell me this information for free, then I'd be more than happy to listen."

Looking at John, who only smiled without saying anything, a complicated emotion flickered through Fanny's eyes. She then calmly added:

"However, I don't think I currently have the capital to exchange for this information, so let's forget about it."

"Hmm. The principle of equal exchange. I have to say, Fanny, you're just as clever as I expected, and you also know how to assess the situation. On top of that, you have quite a bit of composure and understand how to advance by retreating." Faced with Fanny's polite refusal, John wasn't annoyed. Instead, he lifted his red wine and took a sip before continuing with a half-smile:

"You understood perfectly well that, as governor, I wouldn't take time out of my schedule to personally receive an ordinary student from the Magecraft Academy for no reason. You also confirmed through the information I just gave you that I value your talent and intend to recruit you."

"But with insufficient information and your own safety in mind, you chose to act conservatively. You tried to display your intelligence to increase my favorable impression of you, hoping that, because I admired you, I would tell you the truth about the culprit behind the destruction of the Westron Family for free."

"However, you don't need to feel nervous. The reason I pointed all this out was simply because I admire you. There wasn't the slightest threat intended." "After all, the fact that Faoken is currently short on talent has spread throughout the entire Alto Continent. Therefore, toward truly talented individuals, Faoken is willing to offer sufficient respect and sincerity." "As for the information about the culprit behind the destruction of the Westron Family, I was already