Shades of the New World

Chapter 227: A rich boy

Devin smiled widely upon hearing Evin's suggestion to ignore the idea, no doubt finding some sort of humor in the concept.

"As much as I'd love to save the Group a couple million in profits, I simply cannot disregard your revelations as merely a new trend of business," Devin chuckled.

Evin was about to reply, but Devin had at some point took on an excited look, like a child who couldn't wait to tell his parents about some new and exhilarating toy he's found.

"No This isn't something so small and insignificant as a means to make more money. Sure, it can do that, if one decided to endlessly produce it, but the consequences of abusing that trait is quite severe and frankly dumb. Instead, it's much better if the amount of this paper money to be low, to be carefully regulated and controlled. It would probably even reach unimaginable heights if the amount was set to be finite, like the gold and silver that we all love to collect,"

The Cosmic seemed like he wished to go on a little monologue, so Evin tactfully shut up and assumed a listening expression. He knew how people in power loved to rave on about their genius and intellect. As for whether he would actually listen or just pretend to do so, well, it depended on the content of the monologue.

"You've given us a weapon a powerful one that we didn't even know we needed. When I think about how much we could've done if we knew of this "idea" of yours previously, I grieve at the loss of progress"

'Alright, buddy, I know you're thinking of the perfect development in the ideal world, but you should probably remember that the countries and the more powerful faces of the Organization won't be so courteous to let you stir up their economy,' Evin thought, amused by Devin's enthusiasm. 

At this point, Evin was 100% sure his idea was sold, so he was content with playing along to the Cosmic's satisfaction.

"And your story about your America, it's truly inspiring and intriguing. It makes one hope to listen to the entirety of your home world's history. It's a bit unfortunate you are unwilling to talk more about it all but let's hope that one day you'll be willing to unseal your secrets to the denizens of Alvox. Who knows what kind of changes you might bring here," Devin smiled.

"For me, this Empire filled with magic is much more interesting than boring old America," Evin replied smilingly.

"Hmm and moreover, you're quite lucky. If perhaps Lashvain and Abvelgail here decided that the idea was not worth the loss of profits, then you might not have gotten your 15% until I've heard of this idea on a later date," Devin said and smiled at the other two male Cosmics.

"Please, your excellency, we wouldn't dare to stilt the growth of the Group. I'd like to think I'm not dumb enough to ignore such opportunities and prioritize a few million in profits," the older Cosmic said with a slight bow. 

"Sure, you won't. That must we why you doggedly hid the previous project from me and spearheaded it with only the members of your family," Devin smiled meaningfully.

"This and that are different things, sir," the old man replied casually. 

'Huh? Is the Group more divided than I thought?' Evin heard some rather uncommon bits of info. But thinking about it a bit more, he could see the Group being more split on the inside than it appeared from the outside.

'After all, it's rare for huge organizations to not have conflicts of interest. Pretty sure if a group's number exceeds more than a 200 or something, opposing sides start appearing. From what Devin said, the Group seems to be divided into various families'

This also meant that the Cosmics' mission of excessive interracial breeding with cats had another benefit to it as well - one of recruiting members to their family. 

"At any rate, we'll promptly allocate the profits of the banking business to you, and furthermore, you'll be able to buy whatever you're allowed from us at a 20% discount in the future. I'll have someone send the proper documentation for that later," Devin explained.

Evin was naturally very happy with this development, but.

"Are you not allowed to sell me those things if I'm not allowed to purchase them?" Evin asked confusedly.

"Yes, you need to have some kind of right to purchase. I believe the easiest method for you is to become a noble of some sorts. Naturally, there are other ways as well, but I'm sure the Mage Association above you will be able to tell you more," Devin said.

'Huh Velpin had mentioned this while we were talking as well, but at the time I didn't quite give it any importance, thinking it was just related to the materials you could buy from the kingdom. Who knew that it also applied to other countries?'

"It's an old agreement between the Countries and us to keep the number of rogue mages low. Unfortunately for you, I'm afraid I'm not allowed to ignore it so casually," Devin explained.

'What the hell did these rogue mages do?' Evin couldn't help but think. He'd heard them being mentioned a few times in the past, but never managed to learn more details. He thought to ask about them from the Cosmic in front of him, but he had more pressing concerns for the time being.

"Could you tell me what I'm allowed to purchase from you currently?" Evin asked.

"You should understand that the procurement to World Cores and Core Shards are 100% under the control of the Four Countries. They also heavily control the distribution of magic related knowledge, with us Cosmics only being allowed to teach the secrets of the World of Space to others. The countries are a bit more lenient on the various states of sorbothium and the World specific materials, but you still need a clearance to purchase them. But obviously, they don't control everything. For example, the purchase of magical devices are completely out of their jurisdiction. After all, it's quite hard to reverse engineer magical devices compared to simply having it be taught," Devin smiled.

"Then a mana complex should fall in the category of a magical device, right?" Evin asked.

"Oh definitely, mana complexes and other various devices. I'll have someone send you the full list at a later date. For the time being, perhaps you can wonder about how you're going to spend all the money you're about to make," Devin winked at Evin.

'Seems like I'll be on one big shopping spree,' Evin thought gleefully. 

"Could I ask you some more details about the currencies?" Devin began and started to clarify how the various currencies worked on Earth.

Evin explained all sorts of details about the currencies without being stingy, as he'd already gotten the 15% in his hands. The average value of most currencies; how most banknotes usually nominated almost astronomical prices at first, but gradually, its value dropped turned into something that everyone could freely use; and examples of countries overprinting them, until everything went to shit... After another hour, the conversation finally reached its end.

"Also there was another line on the Contract, where you had the right to name the product of your idea. Did you mean the right to name the currency?" Devin asked, eyeing the golden Contract in his hands.

"Oh, I completely forgot about that. Yes, I want the new currency's name to be Neko. I'm not sure how much worth will one Neko have, but I feel I'll be able to see it in circulation in a few months' time," Evin said, trying to keep himself from snickering like a child.

"Neko? Hmm, not bad... As far as I know, none of the languages have a word that goes neko, is that right?" Devin said and looked for confirmation from the other Cosmics.

"I believe so as well," Abe said after thinking a bit.

"Then there's no problem. Expect to see a surge of Nekos in the foreseeable future, then," Devin smiled an shook Evin's hand.

[ol][li data-annotation-id="834f75dc-d2ac-99d5-4cbb-0d872823886a"](Author-san wasn't very happy about this perfectly logical development. Though expect a chapter full of magical innovation and yada-yada in the near future)[/ol]