Nikīku and Marein
The story goes back a few months before Rid visited Renalute…
On that day, a well-dressed dark elf and men who seemed to be his guards visited an apothecary’s shop a short distance from the town. They opened the shop’s door and noisily entered inside. When they found a dark elf compounding medicines in the back room, the well-dressed dark elf called out to him.
“Nikīku, how about it? Are you ready to work for me yet?”
“…Don’t be ridiculous, Marein. Who would willingly work under you?”
“Haha, you’re as feisty as ever.”
The dark elf called Nikīku was the owner of this shop. Marein smiled at his rude remark, but one of the men who seemed to be his guard, wearing an iron mask, raised his voice.
“You, Nikīku. Marein is a nobleman. It is not acceptable for a commoner like you to show such attitude towards him.”
“Hmph, one should only show respect to those deserving of it. I have no respect for Marein. Besides, there are constant black rumors about him. I want nothing to do with him.”
“You…”
While the guard and Nikīku exchanged words, Marein, watching from the side, intervened with his voice.
“Now, now, wait. Nikīku, I didn’t mean you had to be polite or respect me. As I’ve said before, I just want you to use your skills for me.”
However, Nikīku snorted and continued working, showing no intention to talk. Marein made a playful gesture and continued speaking.
“You are quite stubborn. But I’ve heard that the business partners you’ve dealt with for years have been stopping their dealings with you one by one. Apparently, you no longer have anyone to trade with except for those who visit this shop to buy your products.”
“…That was your doing, wasn’t it? Who are you to say that?”
Nikīku stopped working and answered gravely, shooting Marein a glare filled with killing intent. However, Marein had a defiant smile on his face.
“Heh, you’re finally looking at me, Nikīku. But that’s a misunderstanding. I’ve just introduced your trading partners to new, better ones. They decided to change partners, and the new ones were simply better at business than you. That’s just how business works. You’re misplacing your resentment towards me.”
“……”
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Nikīku said nothing, only glaring at him intensely. What Marein said did seem logical. However, Marein was also a person who controlled Nikīku’s commercial territory, and he had likely been working behind the scenes to prevent others from dealing with Nikīku.
Additionally, as the guard had said earlier, Marein was a nobleman, and he seemed to have a powerful backer, so no one could touch him. In a sense, he was like an “evil official.” Seeing Nikīku’s expression, Marein continued speaking with satisfaction.
“That’s why I’ve been telling you to do research and develop new drugs under me. Your personality isn’t suited for business dealings; this is my honest opinion.”
“Shut up! I’ve made a living with these skills and techniques. Whether I’m suited for business or not is none of your concern.”
Though Nikīku spat rudely, Marein did not drop his smile, as if humoring a child.
“Even so, you’re struggling to make ends meet now, aren’t you? Without money, you can’t do research or live properly. I’m not speaking nonsense. If you come under me, you won’t have to worry about research funds or living expenses.”
“Hmph, if you think money can buy everything, you’re dead wrong, Marein. I live by my own intuition and likes and dislikes. Money can’t sway me.”
At his defiance, Marein sighed with an exasperated look.
“Ah, Nikīku. Unfortunately, in this world, there are very few things money can’t buy. Even life itself can’t be saved without money to pay for treatment or medicine. They say money can’t buy love or the heart, but that’s a lie. With money, you can nurture love and do things to fulfill your heart. In the end, money is involved in everything in this world. You’ve lived long enough; you should understand, Nikīku.”
“……”
Nikīku wore a bitter expression but said nothing and returned to his work. He must have realized he couldn’t win the argument against Marein. However, Marein brought up another topic as if to provoke him further.
“Also, I hear you’ve been independently researching something ever since you lost your son to an illness. You must hate the disease that took your son’s life. Well, I can lend you my power in that matter too, Nikīku. It’s not a bad idea, is it?”
“…I have nothing to discuss with you, nor do I need to borrow your power. Leave.”
Clearly struck a nerve, Nikīku’s words and gaze held even more killing intent than before. But Marein didn’t seem to mind, responding playfully.
“I understand, I’ll withdraw for today. But you should nod in agreement before I run out of patience, Nikīku. Think it over carefully. I’ll see you again.”
After saying whatever he wanted, he turned on his heel and left Nikīku’s shop. After they were gone, Nikīku trembled with rage, punching the wall with all his might. Then, he quietly gazed at his bleeding fist and muttered softly.
“Theodore…Rest assured, I won’t let those money-grubbers take away your will. I absolutely won’t.”
After leaving the shop, one of Marein’s guards questioned him.
“Lord Marein, are you alright leaving Nikīku be for now?”
“Hm? Yeah, yeah, the guy’s a promising asset that will eventually become a ‘money tree’ for me. If he can develop the ‘medicine’ he’s researching, even better. Well, let’s see how long he can hold out. We have time; I’ll gradually tighten the noose.”
“I see. By the way, what is this medicine Nikīku is researching?”
The guard asked skeptically, and Marein grinned.
“That…is a secret, a secret. And you all must forget what Nikīku and I discussed today. If you let it slip, consider your lives forfeit. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Afterwards, Marein and his men returned to the mansion.
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