TCBUP 08

8. Negotiation.

“So, teacher. The thing is, I want to experience a real, proper hands-on business.”

“And?”

“I heard you invest privately as well. Is there a chance I could be one of your investment candidates?”

Nox lifted his head.

There was a sharp, calculating energy about him that was completely different from how he had been before.

Without realizing it, I sat up straighter, tensing up slightly.

“I do have a business plan in the works, but… can you even secure the funds?”

His gaze was skeptical, his expression doubtful.

But the fact that someone like him—whom nobles scramble to bring money to—didn’t outright shut me down and even hinted at a possible opportunity… that alone was a positive sign to me.

“You’ve heard quite a bit about me, haven’t you?”

“Well…”

Nox trailed off awkwardly.

Since he’s the male lead, he must be connected to Lily somehow—he’s probably heard plenty. And not in a good way.

“You know I was dumped, right?”

“…”

“That’s why I’m being kicked out of my house. I stained the family name, and my reputation is so ruined that it’s hard to return to high society. Studying under you is my father’s final support.”

I decided to be honest to show how desperately I needed this opportunity.

Skirting around the topic wouldn’t help; with my poor reputation, anything I said would just sound like an excuse.

“Once the lessons are over, I have to leave and find a job. No grace period. Nothing.”

“…”

“But honestly, what skills do I even have? And who’s going to hire someone like me, who lived a pampered life on my father’s dime?”

“Do you even have the means to invest, having lived so comfortably under the Count’s protection?”

“I’ll use my dowry.”

I hadn’t spent all my time just studying.

Since I might be kicked out, I’d thought hard about what to do next.

About how to wring a lump sum from the Count.

The Count considered me a thorn in his side—he was eager to get rid of me, especially if it meant tying me to Nox.

So I thought if I said I wanted to invest in Nox, to form a connection with him, the Count might actually hand it over.

“I might need it later.”

“That might be difficult. Nobility is conservative. And besides, I don’t want marriage. I’ve decided to live on my own terms rather than lean on someone else.”

I didn’t know how long I’d stay in this world, but at least for now, I wanted to live how I wanted.

I’ve had enough of being tied down by men.

Damian was more than enough.

After all, every male lead always falls for Lily in the end.

“I know it’s shameless to ask this, since I’ve only just become your student. But… would you consider giving me a chance?”

“…”

“I’m not asking for an immediate answer. It’s okay if you say no—I understand that securing funds is important.”

“…”

“It’s just that things are really hard for me right now. I’m just hoping… maybe, since I’m your student, you’d consider me. Even just a little.”

As I pleaded desperately, Nox fell silent.

For a long time, he didn’t say a word. I stared at him earnestly, pouring all my sincerity into my gaze.

But the setting sun shone in just then, reflecting off his glasses, so I couldn’t see what kind of expression he had.

The next day.

With firm resolve, I sat across from the Hagrives Count and Countess.

As expected, their expressions weren’t good.

The Count scowled, and the Countess looked stiff with worry, probably anxious about what I might say.

“What is it? This thing you wanted to say?”

I took a deep breath.

“It’s about what you said last time, Father. About being kicked out.”

“And?”

“I’ll go. I’ll become independent, like you said.”

“What?”

They were clearly surprised—I guess they didn’t expect me to bring it up so soon, and on my own.

Especially the Countess, who started fidgeting nervously, clenching and unclenching her hands.

“So, I wanted to ask… can you give me the dowry you prepared for my engagement to Duke Ortiz?”

“What was that?”

“I’ll need it to find a place to live, and for living expenses until I find a job. As you know, I have no money. If you just give me the dowry, I promise I’ll never ask you for anything again.”

“…”

The Count narrowed his eyes and frowned.

Was he going to say no?

Everything about my future depended on that dowry. If I couldn’t get it, I was screwed.

My heart pounded with anxiety.

“I won’t waste it. Nox Green said he’d oversee things for me.”

“Nox Green?”

At that, my father’s stiff expression finally relaxed.

He had some shady intentions about pushing me toward Nox anyway, so it was no surprise.

I had expected that name-dropping Nox would work—and it worked better than I thought.

Seeing just how much my father valued Nox compared to me, I barely held back a bitter laugh.

“Yes. He said he’d help me find a job and support me with what I need for independence.”

“Hmm.”

The Count folded his arms and sank into thought.

The dowry they prepared when I was supposed to marry the duke had been a decent amount, as I recalled.

But now that my groom had gone from a duke to a commoner, it probably didn’t seem worth giving the same amount.

Deep wrinkles formed on his brow, showing his struggle.

“The dowry was meant for you anyway. I can give it to you.”

“Thank you, Father.”

“But that’s it. No more.”

“I understand. I won’t ask for anything else.”

“Words aren’t enough. Write a contract. Say that even if you blow through the dowry and end up on the streets, you’ll never come crawling back to us.”

“…”

When it came to money, the Count was never soft.

But I desperately needed that dowry. No matter what conditions he set, I had no choice but to accept.

In the end, I had to write a promissory note exactly as the Count dictated to get his promise of the money.

And as he looked over the signed contract, the joy on his face was almost glowing.

This damn family. I didn’t have any lingering affection left either—but still, it was bitter.

[SYSTEM]

Nox Green’s first conquest episode has been completed.

Please leave your honest review!

Your valuable feedback is important for the improvement of this game.

‘Why is this still popping up?’

I hadn’t even seen Nox Green’s episode!

Baffled, I stared at the blinking review window demanding feedback.

A deep rage rose from the bottom of my chest.

Getting dragged into this game world without warning, humiliated by a breakup I didn’t want, shunned by my family, living in constant disgrace—it all flashed before my eyes like a dying reel.

And yet…

▶ Thank you for your hard work. I’d really, truly love to leave a heartfelt review, but since I haven’t seen the episode, I can’t. Please consider my difficult situation.

You don’t have to experience the episode to leave a review, right? So please, please let me out of here.

Was it something I said last time? If so, I sincerely apologize.

I only said those things because I was scared—scared that I might grow old and die in here, or get hurt, or something worse. I didn’t mean it.

With no one else to appeal to but this system window, I flattened myself like a doormat and begged.

“Sigh.”

Do I really have to go this far? I didn’t even do anything wrong.

Feeling humiliated from groveling so much, I stamped my feet and writhed in frustration.

▶ No, seriously—this is too much. You guys really want to see what it’s like when I snap? Let me out. Right. Now.

If you don’t, I swear I’ll go off. You hear me? I mean it—I’ll go completely feral. You’ll regret messing with me—

“Eh?”

Just as I was writing my rage-fueled review, the system window suddenly disappeared.

I blinked in confusion.

But then, it popped back up.