Chapter 514: I’ll Take on the Role of President (4k)
Even though they had been staying in the Duke’s Mansion for two nights, Pandora and her daughter were meeting the mansion’s owner for the first time.
Therefore, not only Pandora had carefully applied makeup, but Hefestus also changed into more elaborate attire.
To the proud White Dragon, the noble demeanor that she possessed was merely a matter of carrying herself with grace.
She entered the dining hall with Pandora, exuding an entirely different aura than before, and formally greeted the Duke.
Then, Hefestus and Alvaraite began to chat amicably as representatives of their respective families.
Alvaraite clearly understood Hefestus’ identity, so she did not ask any questions.
Their conversation mainly revolved around their children, much like parents who meet at a parent-teacher conference.
Hefestus proudly recounted her daughter’s achievements in the academy, her eyes gleaming with unhidden pride.
Alvaraite, not to be outdone, detailed her child’s accomplishments within just one year, engaging in a competitive exchange.
The two individuals being compared sat silently, feeling somewhat helpless.
Whether due to etiquette or other considerations, Pandora originally intended to leave a good impression on the Duke during this initial meal together.
However, she did not expect that her mother would disrupt everything.
But seeing the Duke’s happy demeanor while talking to her mother made her feel that perhaps it wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
At least through her mother’s “boasting,” her own strengths were gradually being showcased to the Duke.
And Darc, who was being compared, was also sufficiently outstanding.
This way, both of them would give the impression of standing on equal ground.
But she actually wasn’t too concerned about these things.
Her main purpose today was to see how the Duke viewed half-breeds.
It seemed the Duke harbored no discrimination against half-breeds.
This let her breathe a sigh of relief.
As long as the most fundamental issue didn’t become an obstacle, there were always ways to solve other things that could change.
Pandora pondered while slicing the steak on her plate into small pieces.
The steak was delicious, but unfortunately, she couldn’t indulge in eating it freely from now on.
After all, girls should maintain a certain image.
“Pandora, you’ll be in your fifth year by fall, right?”
Claire Kate’s sudden comment caused Pandora to flinch slightly, spilling sauce onto her lip.
She licked the sauce off her lip with her tongue and nodded, “Yes.”
“In that case,” Claire said with a smile, “you’ll be in sixth year next year. I remember the academy requires students to determine their career paths starting from sixth grade.
If you have plans, you can apply for internships off-campus in the first semester of sixth grade. Would you consider working for me?”
“Pandora, surprised, looked at Claire, “Professor Claire…”
Claire smiled warmly, “Actually, I’m planning to start a guild composed of Magi. The guild’s business will span multiple industries. If you’re willing to join, you’ll surely find something you like.”
Pandora carefully observed Claire and realized she was serious, frowning, “Professor, I still work as a librarian in the academy.”
Claire smiled, “Lady Bella is the librarian, right? You don’t plan to stay in the academy as a librarian after graduation, do you?”
Pandora was speechless.
Claire exclaimed, “No way!”
Pandora laughed helplessly, “Actually, that’s what I plan. And staying in the academy as a librarian is something every student wishes for; the academy doesn’t mind having another librarian.”
Claire shook her head, “Staying in the academy does have its advantages, but that’s for mediocre people. With your abilities, the academy will only limit your development.”
Pandora shook her head again, “I still want to stay.”
Claire frowned, thinking for a moment, “Are you reluctant because of Lady Bella?”
Pandora nodded slightly.
Claire then said, “I think Lady Bella wouldn’t want to hold you back. Even if you leave the academy, you can always visit her anytime.”
“It’s not like that,” Pandora said firmly, “Actually, I want to apply to the academy this year for my mother to become a professor in Beast Mastery.”
Claire turned to look at Hefestus, understanding immediately.
For Hefestus Dragone, the Saint Maryann Academy was undoubtedly the safest and most stable place.
If she successfully became a professor at Saint Maryann, she would gain protection.
If Pandora remained a librarian, she could stay with her family.
She had just reunited with her mother, so naturally, she wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.
Claire noticed that Hefestus and Alvaraite had stopped talking.
Hefestus, who had been speaking proudly about her daughter moments ago, now blushed.
Claire thought for a moment and said, “There’s no rush. You have a whole year to consider. Perhaps you’ll change your mind later? Even if it takes a few more years, it doesn’t matter. As long as my guild stands, there will always be a place for you.”
Facing such a heartfelt invitation, Pandora couldn’t refuse outright and could only nod with a smile.
Seeing the conversation coming to an end, Darc interjected, “Aunt Claire, are you really going to create a Magus Guild?”
“Of course,” Claire blinked, “When have I ever lied?”
“Um…”
Darc continued, “But if you start a guild, won’t your ‘Claire’s Travels’ series come to an end?”
Claire paused and then laughed, “Who told you that creating a guild means you can’t travel and explore anymore? I plan to include that part in our business scope.”
Darc shook his head, “A company with overly broad operations would face immense challenges to survive. It’s better to focus on a single business first and expand later. After all, your Magus Guild hasn’t done anything yet, right?”
Claire crossed her arms, confidently saying, “Yes, we’re still in the early stages.”
Darc smirked, “So, do you have other members? Surely, you won’t be alone, right?”
Claire narrowed her eyes, “Why do you always seem to provoke me?”
“No, no, no,” Darc waved his hands, “How dare I?”
“Is it because you’re afraid, not unwilling?” Claire sternly replied.
But before Darc could defend himself, she laughed again, “Just an idea. I don’t want to get involved in politics, nor do I want to freeload at your house. So, I decided to start a business. Do you have any good candidates to recommend to me?”
Darc glanced at Senior Pandora and pointed at himself, “Look, how about me?”
“You?” Claire was suspicious, “You have plenty of ideas, but if you neglect your studies, Alvaraite might peel my skin off.”
Alvaraite gently glared at her, “Am I that scary? At most, I’ll pull out a few of your nails.”
“Ouch—”
Meanwhile, at another table, the Golems listening intently shivered and instinctively touched their claws.
Darc shrugged, “Actually, I’m considering founding a trade guild and already have a business plan. How about it? Wouldn’t you consider hiring me as president?”
Claire frowned slightly, “Do you really have a plan?”
“Of course,” Darc said seriously, “Originally, I planned to entrust a head maid to establish the guild. But since you’re starting a Magus Guild, I won’t do it redundantly. I’ll take on the role of president.”
Claire clapped her hands, “Got it, you want me to work for free!”
Darc awkwardly smiled, “No, no, we’re practically family. Besides, what’s mine is yours.”
Claire smiled, “Too bad, you just turned thirteen. According to current law, you must be sixteen to register a guild.
In the meantime, until you turn sixteen, I’ll reluctantly serve as acting president. In three years, if the law doesn’t change, I’ll hand over the position to you. Now, tell me about your business plan?”
Darc knew he was too young.
He said that just to take the initiative.
Next, he briefly explained the concept of the “duel disk.”
Easter eggs, cards, duel disks, and charging cards, all interconnected.
Darc concluded, “The biggest feature of this project is its ‘universal appeal,’ even those lacking mana can experience the joy of dueling. If it’s successfully promoted, profitability doesn’t need to be mentioned, right?”
After listening:
Not only Claire, but everyone else was also lost in thought.
Without the initial popularity of the Easter egg models, they might have missed the potential of “universal dueling” due to their limited experience.
Now, with the Easter egg models’ success, it was easy to extrapolate the future.
Moreover, the essence of “duel cards” was tied to the Easter egg models as a derivative product.
That meant it was a surefire success!
If this project became the first project of Claire’s Magus Guild, it would undoubtedly give the currently empty guild a significant boost.
With this foundation, whatever the guild wants to do afterward would have enough capital.
Mana technology research was inherently a costly endeavor.
Darc could tell from Claire’s expression that she couldn’t refuse.
He continued, “I’ve written a detailed plan. Additionally, I’ve reached a distribution agreement with the Eugenie Chamber of Commerce, albeit verbally. After dinner, I’ll bring the plan book to you.”
Claire sighed, “I feel like my idea of starting a Magus Guild has fallen into your trap.”
“This is called coincidence,” Darc shook his head, “And isn’t it good to fall into my trap?”
Claire indulgently said, “Fine, fine.”
Darc couldn’t help but lift his nose.
Claire asked, “Can I ask what your goal is in making this plan?”
“To make money,” Darc said bluntly.
Although the Duke’s mansion was wealthy, it wasn’t inexhaustible.
Mana technology research was a bottomless pit.
Furthermore, money earned through hard work was not painful to spend.
“I meant other things,” Claire rolled her eyes.
Darc continued, “To make the world laugh through dueling.”
…
After breakfast ended, the Golems left the dining hall under the guidance of the maids.
Then, Alvaraite went to work, while Claire stayed behind.
Her intention to start a Magus Guild was not a joke; otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to recruit Pandora.
In an era where individual autonomy was increasing and capitalism was budding, Claire wanted to venture into the capital market to assist Alvaraite outside of military and political affairs.
Naturally, focusing on Magi was because they represented the future.
As for who would be the president of this Magus Guild, it was never the crux of the matter.
Soon after,
Darc brought the prepared plan book and handed it to Claire.
He felt a sense of relief wash over him.
Though he was enthusiastic about the plan, actually starting a guild would bring a series of troubles.
Because he foresaw this, he had prepared to delegate to the “Libra” head maid.
Now, handing it to Claire, he felt even more at ease.
What he needed to do next was communicate with the academy.
Rather than doing everything himself, Darc preferred to be a hands-off boss, letting the money come in effortlessly.
…
Pandora and Hefestus, even Aurora, who hadn’t participated much throughout, were drawn to the plan book and gathered around Claire.
Seeing their determined expressions, they might not join Claire’s Magus Guild now, but it was likely inevitable in the future.
“If this continues, a few years from now, when the ‘Claire Magus Guild’ becomes the ‘Darc Magus Guild,’ they’ll be under my command.”
Darc secretly rejoiced and quietly slipped out of the dining hall.
After the night’s intensive work by the tutors, the Golems’ exams were all graded.
As a parent, he naturally had to be present, allowing the Golems to feel the weight of parental expectations, helping them carry their burdens better.
At 8:30 AM,
All three tutors except Camilla arrived, making the classroom atmosphere particularly solemn.
Darc walked in, increasing the pressure on the Golems.
