Chapter 68: Ch 68: Perfect for Caelion

"My brother, are you curious about this tournament? I heard that it is going to be inclusive and private. But I am such a good person that I might take a desperate person or two to participate in it. But only if they are truly desperate to participate."

The merchant was trying to tell Aiden something, and he had lived in a capitalist society long enough to recognize the signs.

"I see. So, what are you asking for?"

Aiden did not beat around the bush, but the merchant nervously laughed at him before replying.

"Well, the price of what I am offering might be a little steep-"

"I know how commerce works."

"I mean, it might be a little more than you expect-"

"I know about taxes as well."

"No! No! I mean, it might be unexpected-"

"Sir, are you even trying to sell me the information or not? Because I can take my business elsewhere."

Aiden was getting annoyed by this merchant. He could see that the merchant was just pulling this annoyance because he wanted to make a bigger profit than he already was. But this was getting ridiculous at this point.

The shopkeeper also realized that he was testing Aiden’s patience, and he let out a sigh before looking around.

"Sir, I am risking my spot in the association by bringing you along. So please pay me beforehand, and I will tell you how to get to the arena."

Aiden slammed a pouch filled with money on the table. After all, this was one thing he was not lacking due to the system.

Seeing the money made the merchant’s eyes widen in greed, and he rubbed his hands together.

"Here, let me mark it for you-"

Aiden placed a hand on the merchant’s shoulder and gave him his best unnerving smile. Due to Goddess Apophis’s influence, he knew he looked terrifying whenever he made that face.

And just as he expected, the merchant froze before his pen fell from his hands.

"I am sure you are a trustworthy person, and I like you. And since I like you, I felt like I should give you a warning. My goddess really does not like betrayals, and she is very strict about it. She is watching us even now, so if you betray me, then you might be in a bit of a pinch soon."

The merchant flinched and quickly jotted down something.

"Sir, please don’t worry. Why would I even betray you? Rest assured, whatever I said to you is the truth. Please head here tomorrow and check for yourself."

The merchant seemed to have changed his mind halfway and gave Aiden the right address, which was smart of him. Unknown to the merchant, this small action had just saved his life.

Aiden took the paper and left the shop. And once outside, he looked inside his sleeves where his goddess was resting.

"Goddess Apophis, thank you for resisting the urge to kill that fool. Someone like him did not deserve your grace."

Rather than letting his goddess even lay her eyes on such a low-life, Aiden would prefer to be the one to deal with him. That way, he would be able to check for any danger.

"Hmph! That idiot got spared because he decided to come to his senses at the end. Otherwise, he was dead meat."

As expected, his goddess was most gracious and forgiving.

"Well, we have a lot to prepare for tomorrow. What do you think about having Caelion participate in the match tomorrow? We should have him start building up his power as well."

Aiden could participate in the match himself and win the power, but he did not feel like he needed it.

Rather, he did not want another god’s blessing to taint his being, and he doubted his goddess wanted that either.

Moreover, he also wanted his force to be diverse, and building up Caelion to take that role was not a bad idea. He was loyal and also bound to Aiden. The system had assured Aiden of his loyalty, which made him an ideal candidate to empower.

And also, Caelion had far more patience than most, and Aiden could put him to use in the academy.

The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea-

Smack

"Stop thinking about someone else. I do not like it. You should only be thinking about me."

Aiden let out a chuckle as his goddess sulked like an adorable child in his sleeves. But he could forgive her since she was cute.

"Of course, Goddess Apophis. I am and will always be thinking about you. Now, let’s head back and break the good news to Caelion."

...

"Caelion, we found the location of tomorrow’s match. You will be participating in it, so mentally prepare yourself for it."

These were the first words Aiden told Caelion as he entered the uncomfortable inn. The privacy here had been non-existent before Goddess Apophis put up her barrier.

Now it was one of the most secure locations where he could have a talk with Caelion.

"You...want me to fight? But will that really be sure? I never learned how to fight, and I don’t want to tarnish your name with a poor performance."

Caelion looked concerned but not put off by the idea of a fight. Instead, his eyes held a weird but interesting light in them.

For the first time, Aiden had a feeling that it might not be the right thing to teach Caelion how to fight. His instincts told him that Caelion might change and his true nature that liked fighting might develop.

But being right and being advantageous were two different matters, and honestly...it did not matter to Aiden whether Caelion became a bloodthirsty monster or his subordinate. All he wanted was to make sure his goddess remained safe.

"Don’t worry, Caelion. You somehow made it out alive until now, so you are tough enough. And as for your powers, just believe in Goddess Apophis and you will be fine."

Caelion looked unsure, but he never doubted Aiden’s words or actions. If anything, he looked interested in following them.