Starcloud, the world's greatest corporation.

Undoubtedly, an exclusive contract with Starcloud was a great opportunity. If one took on the task and produced eye-catching items, they could earn a fortune that would last them more than a lifetime.

However, it was not the right path to take.

‘The exclusive business of items.’

Melian's business skills were exceptional, but he had a strong inclination not to let anyone take away what was rightfully his.

He was the kind of person who could instantly bring in tons of gold on the condition that the technology was offered exclusively to Starcloud.

‘But, what happens when the technology is tied to him?’

Firstly, only the best-selling items would be mass-produced, limiting the overall diversity, uniqueness, and performance of the items.

Additionally, excessive monopoly would prevent numerous mages who actually need the equipment from using it, leading to a skewed development of technology towards the business side and allowing dark mages to catch up in terms of technological prowess.

In reality, Baek Yu-seol had seen a couple of players who proceeded with such a strategy, earning money as they pleased, ultimately ending up with a ‘bad ending’ and losing everything.

"May I ask for the reason?" asked Melian, unfazed by the sudden rejection.

Baek Yu-Seol looked at this face intently.

He couldn't help but think that he was strikingly handsome. Despite being in his 50s, Melian had an unbelievably youthful and attractive appearance, thanks to his elven traits.

Moreover, thanks to his wealth, he was quite popular as a target for game strategies, despite the fact that he had a daughter.

But the truth was... Melian's popularity as a gameplay target was not solely due to his good looks or being the wealthiest person in the world.

Honestly, if one looks at the age difference of over 30 years from a purely ‘romantic’ perspective it was a bit… well, honestly, it was a little questionable.

Perhaps if there were a significant age gap of 300 to 3,000 years, people might have been more intrigued, calling it a romance between ‘a transcendent being and a human’.

In conclusion, the reason players were enthusiastic about Melian's route was because of his daughter, ‘High Elf Jeliel’.

AKA the villainess, Jeliel.

Throughout the episodes, she constantly tormented the protagonist and engaged in ruthless and cruel actions that furrowed the players' brows. As a result, the infuriated players sought ways to make Jeliel pay dearly.

The ultimate solution was to marry her father, Melian, and bring ruin to the household. ... It may sound like a joke, but it was true.

However, players from around the world, especially Koreans, were enthralled by this dramatic turn of events.

Looking back now, it was quite absurd... Anyway, pretending to ponder over various thoughts, Baek Yu-Seol feigned indecision for a while, while Melian patiently waited.

Though he must have been quite impatient internally, his composure was truly impeccable.

"There is certainly a reason."

"Is it the terms of the contract? If there are any shortcomings, I will immediately address them."

"No, it's not about the conditions. I simply don't want an exclusive contract."

Melian's expression stiffened slightly at those words. He undoubtedly wanted to possess this technology exclusively.

However, he couldn't just cancel the contract like this, since losing the tremendous sponsorship of a company as prestigious as Starcloud would be quite regrettable.

He intended to compromise with him as much as possible.

"In fact, this technology, which combines magitech and alchemy, would be useful in our daily lives, but it would have the most significant impact on the production of equipment for mages. In fact, as we unraveled this formula, we have created quite a variety of blueprints."

"I see. But what does that have to do with not wanting an exclusive contract?"

"We want this fascinating technology called 'Items' to be accessible to more mages. Please consider it as a small contribution to making this tumultuous world a more peaceful place, which will be devoid of Dark Mages."

"Your ambitions are rather lofty. Having great aspirations is a good thing. However, money is always necessary to realize noble dreams."

"Yes, that's right. We've been in talks with numerous investors. You are one of them."

"... So, are you suggesting that you enter into contracts with all those people and while also being in a contract with me? If that's the case, you would have to dismiss many of the conditions I presented."

"That's right. But to be honest, those conditions do look tempting."

Melian wore an intrigued expression. It was as if he was saying , "So what are you going to do?"

He probably wouldn't be easily persuaded. So, Baek Yu-Seol offered a straightforward solution.

"Even if everyone uses items, it's impossible for everyone to use the same item. 'Luxurification' of the items. That's what I propose."

"Ah...!"

Around that moment, Alterisha, who had been looking anxious, seemed to realize something and let out a gasp.

Melian also straightened up and displayed an expression of interest. That expression revealed that he was no longer looking at Baek Yu-Seol as a child.

"Luxurification, huh..."

"Yes. In this world, there are truly countless rare materials. Thunderbolt Iron Ore that is monopolized by Starcloud Corporation is one of them. What if we refine that ore using the technology of 'Alchemy and Magitech’?"

"A rather valuable item would be created."

"That's right. We will push for the widespread distribution of items, but for those exceptionally crafted luxury items that are difficult to produce, we will enter into an exclusive contract with Starcloud Corporation. That’s what establishing a brand is about, isn't it?."

Melian slightly raised the corner of his mouth and nodded his head.

"Very well. However... How can I be sure whether or not this idea of a luxury item is your vain delusion? My motto is to 'never engage in a losing deal' especially when it comes to matters of the trade."

Although he was saying that, his reaction was not negative at all. His intention was for Baek Yu-Seol to show him an item worthy of being classified as a 'luxury item.'

"Yes. That’s why I’m not asking you to sign the contract immediately. Six months. Let’s hold an investor briefing exclusively with you within that time."

"Oho..."

He had a few things planned in advance. Even if he didn’t think about them, Alterisha would surely come up with more ideas.

"If you are satisfied by the products presented during that time, please consider entering into an exclusive contract with us."

"That... is truly..."

After a brief hesitation, Melian finally nodded his head.

"Cool."

That was something Melian reserved for when he was genuinely impressed.

"Alright then, here’s a Messenger Scroll for you.”

Messenger Scrolls were an advanced means of communication; when someone wrote a message on scroll and sent it, it would fly to the recipient.

Of course, nowadays it was a rarely used item since the phones came into existence.

Although phones weren’t as widespread as they were in modern times, major institutions (kingdoms, mage towers, nobles, companies, etc.) already had sufficient telephone networks connected, so it wasn't really necessary.

However, there was significance in the act of giving it.

Messenger Scroll was incredibly secure, with numerous protective spells, making it expensive and valuable as a means of communication that could reach anywhere. In other words, it was an item given only to trusted individuals.

With that in mind, Alterisha opened her eyes wide and eagerly accepted it.

“Th-thank you!”

“And here, I’m giving you my phone number. I have a personal phone…. And you'll probably get one soon too. If needed, you can contact me using Stella's public phone.”

Having finished his business, Melian adjusted his hat and said, “Well then, I’ll take my leave. Have a pleasant time.”

Watching Melian swiftly disappear like the wind, just as he did when he arrived, Baek Yu-Seol let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew, I thought I was going to die from the tension.”

Alterisha looked bewildered as she asked. “Is that how a tense person acts?”

“I was really tense though.”

“... That's impressive. Being able to smile like that while being so tense.”

“Huh?”

"Uh-huh, it's nothing!"

Saying that, Alterisha smiled warmly as he leaned his head against the window. Perhaps it was because the tension had dissipated, but Baek Yu-Seol felt exhausted.

"I should get some sleep..."