Episode 9:
Undercover Job (part5)
Roem’s eyes widened slightly in surprise but soon returned to a calm, flat tone as he explained:
> “Yes, sometimes we get special requests or rare items people want. In that case, they need to fill out an order form. The forms are in the bottom drawer of the counter. If it’s urgent, just write the customer’s name, the item, and the delivery date. Also, make sure they know — the more urgent or dangerous the item, the higher the price.”
> “Dangerous items?”
Temia narrowed her eyes.
She had heard of illegal magical trades happening underground.
If dangerous items were being requested, that could be proof that this wizard was involved in something shady.
Still, she kept her face neutral — just curious enough to seem like a new assistant asking questions.
Roem’s glasses flashed in the light, making him seem even more suspicious. But when she didn’t look away, he finally responded:
> “Most of the time, it’s within legal limits. If something seems dangerous, we can discuss it. Usually, they’re just highly effective or personal orders.”
> “And if I get something that looks suspicious?”
> “Just write it down and give it to me. I’ll decide. Either way, people who come here are usually desperate enough to pay anything.”
Temia caught that — he didn’t say he refuses shady orders outright.
That alone could be useful evidence later.
She glanced at him again. She already knew he was powerful, but the way he openly talked about this stuff surprised her.
Most people wouldn’t say such things out loud.
As if he knew what she was thinking, Roem smugly added:
> “Well, I’m a natural genius. You won’t find this level of quality anywhere else — in products or in handling special requests.”
> “Wow… You really just said that out loud.”
Temia blurted the words in disbelief.
There was a hint of sarcasm in her tone, but Roem didn’t even flinch.
> “It’s not a lie, is it? Better to be upfront than let someone think they can take advantage. I’ve worked hard for this reputation.”
He sounded so sure of himself, like someone who never felt the need to be humble.
Temia got the feeling he’d never bowed to anyone in his life.
> This man truly believes he’s the best — and he’s not afraid to say it.
All she could do was nod and listen.
> “Good. Then let’s move on — no need to drag this out, Temia.”
> “You’re saying my name quite naturally, huh?”
> “What else should I call you? You said you didn’t even have a last name. If it bothers you, you can just call me by my name.”
Temia shut her mouth.
No one outside her family had ever called her by her first name so casually.
And now this crazy man was saying it like they were close.
Roem noticed her silence and tilted his head slightly.
> “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you don’t know my name.”
> “Of course I know! It’s Romen, right?! Stop asking like I’m clueless!”
> “Good. Then keep calling me that. Now, let me introduce the items in the shop.”
With that, he got up and walked to the display shelves.
He pointed to different items without hesitation and explained them one by one.
Meanwhile, Temia bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from blurting out his other name.
The contract only mentioned his public name. It was clear that he was hiding something about his identity.
She couldn’t let him know she was aware of it.
Roem continued:
> “Most things we sell are either magic potions or enchanted items. Potions that are drunk expire after a week. Ones that are applied externally expire in a month.”
> “Got it.”
> “Enchanted items include scrolls and charms for self-defense or communication. Sometimes people ask for detection spells too. If that happens, ask Lerry.”
> “There’s no manual or guidebook?”
> “It’s all in my head. I run the shop alone, so I never needed one.”
Temia sighed.
> Is he doing this on purpose?
He explained things so casually and quickly that it was hard to remember everything.
It was obvious he didn’t particularly like her. And now that dislike was making her job harder.
> “I did write out descriptions for each item. Don’t worry — no one expects you to memorize them immediately.”
He handed her a stack of papers, though his tone was still annoyingly smug.
> Ugh. Why does everything he says sound so condescending?
There wasn’t even a hint of ill intent, and that somehow made it worse.
But his attitude — like he didn’t expect much from her — actually ignited her competitive spirit.
> “It might be hard, but I’ll memorize them all. I’ve always been good at that.”
> “Oh? I’ll look forward to it then.”
His tone clearly said: Yeah right, good luck with that.
Temia realized — this is probably why all his previous assistants quit.
But she wouldn’t back down.
> If he treated Kaili this badly too, I’ll definitely teach him a lesson.
She made a vow to memorize everything just to wipe that smug smile off his face.
> “Since you’re so confident, you can organize those documents too.”
Roem pointed to a pile of papers stacked dangerously in the corner.
> “Those are past order records. Sort them by date and type. After you finish memorizing the items, of course. You said you only needed a day, right?”
> “That’s like… twenty pages! A whole day?!”
> “You did say you were confident. Was that just talk?”
Temia’s head was steaming.
Unless she spent the whole day doing nothing but memorizing, there was no way she’d finish it all.
Even during exams, she hadn’t felt this overwhelmed.
In school, she was always top of her class — reviewing and preparing like a model student.
But now, thanks to this man’s mouth, all her hard work and pride felt meaningless.
Roem clapped lightly and motioned her to follow him again.
Temia grudgingly followed, watching his annoyingly smug smile.
He pointed out the window, where a small herb garden was neatly arranged.
> “Fresh ingredients are essential for potion-making. That’s why the garden needs to be maintained. You’ll take care of it.”
> “I’ll be careful not to kill them.”
> “…Please don’t. Just give them water and don’t overdo it.”
Temia flinched.
She remembered all the plants she had accidentally killed in the past.
When she was sick as a child, the gardener gave her a small potted plant to cheer her up.
She loved it so much that she overwatered it, and the roots rotted.
Even after the gardener repotted it, Temia was afraid to touch it again — and it withered and died.
Suddenly, Roem’s arrogance made sense.
She really was a failure when it came to plants.
He’d once called the academy a place full of idiots — and right now, she felt like one of them.
> Maybe I really have no talent for this…
Still, she couldn’t say no in front of him.
> “Y-yeah… I’ll try my best.”
> “You sound nervous. I’ll assign you a helper. For now, you two can manage together.”
> “A helper?”
> “That bird on your shoulder. Lerry. He’s probably more competent than you right now, so listen to him.”
Temia’s little fist trembled.
> Forget it. I’m still better than this guy. At least I know how to speak politely!
