The moment Mordo met Rudger's gaze, he felt like a mouse standing in front of a snake.
He wanted to argue, but no words came out of his mouth.
Overwhelmed by fear, his thoughts came to a halt, unsure of what to say.
Rudger, who had been looking at him pitifully, finally withdrew his magic, allowing Mordo to catch his breath.
"Huff... Huff..."
Rudger stared at Mordo with a cold gaze.
His decision to withdraw his magic was not out of sympathy but rather out of the necessity to continue the conversation.
Mordo seemed to understand that and bit his lips.
"...Do you think it's okay to ignore Ranpaltz?"
"We have already found a replacement sponsor. Is it necessary for us to bow down to them?"
"Perhaps it seems that way now. But what about next year? The year after? Can this recently grown sponsor of yours sustain the role of our long-standing enterprise?"
Mordo held a certain conviction.
Although the owner of Royal Street had provided the sponsorship for Ranpaltz for now.
He firmly believed that it wouldn't persist in the long run.
They would discover a means to emancipate themselves.
Endurance was inconsequential to them.
For they possessed the capability to stand on their own.
There was a need to show these individuals who dared to covet Ranpaltz's prey.
Rudger was not oblivious to their blatant intentions.
He tapped the table with his finger.
"Ranpaltz, a distinguished conglomerate known for its extensive operations. From mining minerals such as iron, coal, copper, and gold to leading innovations in utilizing natural resources through steam engines and petroleum-based materials, it has established itself as a comprehensive oil refining company. In contrast to the Luke family, whose influence spans across diverse domains."
Mordo's excitement grew as Rudger delved into the details of his company.
"Yes, indeed! We are not just limited to the empire; our conglomerate holds a global reputation. Do you finally grasp the extent of our greatness?"
"Well, it's completely different from the Seron, whic is related to magic."
"You seem to be ignorant. Our Ranpaltz is also involved in businesses related to magic stones. It's not something you can easily understand."
"Well, it's not comparable to Rosen."
"If you compare it to Rosen, which is closely related to magic, of course. But we are closely following its footsteps. Do you know what that means? It means that Ranpaltz is far superior in terms of growth potential."
Rudger pursed his lips at those words.
"Do you take me for a fool? The magic resource business that Ranpaltz started in the first place was all thanks to Seron."
Mordo visibly flinched as Rudger revealed Ranpaltz's past.
As Rudger pointed out, Ranpaltz primarily focused on oil refining.
In an era of pure industries, Ranpaltz would have amassed immense wealth.
However, in this world, magic coexisted with advanced science, holding comparable significance.
The "Magical Liquid," derived from magic-related materials, served as a vital energy resource.
Ranpaltz wanted to establish a connection to the magic business by any means necessary.
Therefore, several decades ago, they secured a position among Seron's sponsors by bribing the previous principal with a significant amount of money.
Under the pretext of being sponsors, they joined forces with Seron and obtained patents and some magic business rights from them.
Thanks to that, Ranpaltz was able to gain an advantage over rival companies of similar stature at the time.
They suppressed and absorbed them through mergers and acquisitions, expanding their size to become a major corporation.
"Now those who have received Seron's favor and climbed to that position are betraying Seron and trying to swallow it instead?"
"...Although we received help, if we didn't have the skills, we wouldn't have come this far."
"As time goes by, it seems that everyone has forgotten who helped whom. Then why don't you try surviving with your so-called exceptional skills?"
"Do not underestimate Ranpaltz. With the decades of knowledge and expertise we have acquired in the field of magic, our magic business will continue to thrive."
"Perhaps that's true for now. But what about next year? The year after? Will it maintain the same level of strength and stability?"
Mordo was taken aback as he realized that the very words he had once uttered to Rudger were now being thrown back at him.
"Magic continues to develop in real time, much like science. It constantly faces new challenges and advancements. Can Ranpaltz, having distanced itself from Seron, keep pace with these ever changing trends?"
"Well..."
"Seron will continue to create new magic items, businesses, and patents every year. The old ones will disappear, replaced by new ones that will serve as gifts for future sponsors."
And Ranpaltz will no longer be in that position.
While they may currently maintain their position with their established foundation, in a world characterized by rapid change, Ranpaltz runs the risk of being swept away.
"Hah, if it weren't for us, can they have properly utilized that technology? Do those street peddlers in the service industry know anything about magic?"
"If individuals who started from humble beginnings in the oil industry could achieve such great success, there is no reason why others cannot do the same. In fact, I am convinced that we have the capability to transform them into such formidable contenders."
"Ha, But..."
"You're being stubborn."
In the first place, Seron didn't grow with Ranpaltz's sponsorship.
On the contrary, it was the opposite.
Ranpaltz used Seron as a pretext to gain significant privileges.
However, Ranpaltz forgot their gratitude.
They forgot their appreciation and lost respect.
They destroyed the relationship that should have been based on equal trade, all for a momentary greed.
It would be unfair to deem their judgment as incorrect.
Ranpaltz's actions were justified from a business standpoint.
Seeking greater profits and expanding their operations are natural pursuits.
No company would willingly forego opportunities to increase their revenue.
That's why they concluded that if Seron wasn't in a state of turmoil, there would be no chance.
If only someone who could provide substantial investment hadn't come out of the blue.
"If you fail, you should bear the responsibility as well. Have those owners of large companies forgotten about that?"
"..."
"So instead of threatening us or forcing something, get rid of such futile actions. Rather, worry about the stock price of your company that will plummet tomorrow."
Mordo broke out in a cold sweat.
the journalists already caught wind of the withdrawal of the sponsors.
Despite their attempts to control the situation internally, they couldn't conceal the truth indefinitely.
Rumors were already spreading.
The moment those rumors completely surfaced, Ranpaltz's stock price would plummet.
It was a natural response since their core business, the magic business, would completely collapse.
The dam had already burst.
They had to desperately engage in repairs somehow.
But Ranpaltz had missed that last chance in this very moment.
"Go back and tell the chairman exactly as it is. Even if he comes here himself and kneels down, our decision won't change."
"T-This..."
"It's okay to get angry and seek revenge. However, at that time, you will have to consider even greater losses. Instead of finding the cause of a fire at home and blaming it on someone else, isn't it more important to extinguish the fire immediately?"
Of course, considering what the Ranpaltz company had built up until now, they would be able to somehow suppress the fire.
However, by that time, half of the mansion would have already been engulfed.
"Business is quite interesting. While a real fire burns down the entire house, someone picks up the burned remains and turns it into an opportunity for growth."
"..."
"I wonder if it's worth worrying about the competition. If you had prepared a lot beforehand, I wouldn't know, but judging by your actions, it seems like you have plenty of enemies. And I'm sure the other side is also thoroughly prepared."
Mordo's complexion turned pale.
He realized too late that Rudger already saw through their position.
Even bowing his head wasn't enough, and he had foolishly insisted on preserving his pride.
"P-Please give us a chance!"
"A chance? You're talking about a chance. Should I bring up the fact that you used students to threaten us directly?"
"..."
"If you understand, then let me say just one more thing. Get lost."
In the end, Mordo couldn't present any arguments and was forced to leave the office.
His footsteps as he left were full of despair, unlike when he first came.
Rudger didn't show any sympathy for his appearance.
Ranpaltz wouldn't completely collapse.
These were the people who had made it to this position, no matter how rotten they were.
A plan to handle such a situation would naturally be prepared.
'If they handle it well, they should be able to preserve at least more than half.'
Of course, that was under the assumption of no external interference.
'But unfortunately, I have no intention of letting them off the hook.'
He had already given notice to Hans and Violetta.
In the near future, a catastrophic event would befall Ranpaltz's company, and they were instructed to utilize all available funds for a short sale.
If Royal Street mobilized their resources and executed a short sale while Ranpaltz's stock prices were in turmoil, the impact would be significant.
Even with a dwarf's sledgehammer, they could topple a giant.
'The seed of anxiety must never be allowed to remain.'
Those who had betrayed them by exploiting the weaknesses in Seron's sturdy walls.
He was determined not to let such a company deal with this crisis easily.
"So, are you going to continue waiting outside like that?"
When Rudger said that, a sense of surprise could be felt from outside the door.
In truth, Rudger had been aware of someone's presence all along, ever since Mordo arrived from Ranpaltz and had their conversation.
Finally, the door opened, and Flora timidly entered.
"...Did you know?"
"I'm actually wondering if there was a time when I didn't know."
Flora suddenly recalled similar past incidents.
Not wanting to dwell on it, Flora quickly changed the subject.
"But speaking of which, that person just now... The guest from outside, right?"
"Yes."
"I ended up overhearing the conversation unintentionally."
Rudger glanced at Flora and nonchalantly replied.
"Well, he was shouting so loudly that even if you didn't want to hear it, you probably heard it all. I don't blame you for that."
"Weren't those conversations not supposed to be disclosed?"
"From their perspective, I suppose. We're clearly the victims. It would be even better if their misdeeds spread wider."
Unable to say anything, Flora was asked by Rudger indirectly.
"Surprised?"
"Yes. I didn't expect Mr.Rudger to be involved in such matters."
Well, of course.
Seron is just a place where students receive instruction.
Would students studying in the given environment pay attention to the underground conflicts behind it?
"It doesn't matter if you don't know. This kind of thing is the world of adults."
Flora replied in a slightly offended tone to Rudger's words.
"I'm an adult too."
"Adults don't proclaim themselves as adults."
"...I don't need anyone's validation."
"Even those who don't seek validation don't say such things."
"..."
There was no way to refute it.
Rudger glanced at Flora's discontented expression and then opened his mouth with a sigh.
"You don't have to force yourself to become an adult. The pure student days become more precious later on. So enjoy the present. Don't have any regrets."
"When you come to understand the world, people can no longer remain pure."
Upon hearing that, Flora recalled Mordo, whom she had encountered earlier.
The middle-aged man who blinded with greed.
"...I thought people become better when they become adults."
"Why do you think that way?"
"Because usually, as you grow older, you gain more experiences and accumulate knowledge. I thought you become more mature and develop empathy."
While saying that, Flora glanced at Rudger from the corner of her eye.
It was a natural response, considering that the person she considered the most ideal adult was right there.
However, Rudger was skeptical of Flora's words.
"Being an adult isn't that great."
"Why?"
"Because it's not something you become just because you want to. Crossing into adulthood is simply a natural occurrence."
Becoming older doesn't necessarily make people better.
No matter how old they are, foolish people remain foolish.
Instead, they only become more stubborn.
"Is the teacher like that too?"
"Yes."
Rudger replied without hesitation.
He didn't become an adult because he wanted to.
He struggled just to survive in this fierce world.
And before he knew it, he was being treated as an adult.
Rudger still didn't consider himself a great adult.
"The important thing is not becoming an adult. It's about what kind of person you become."
Feeling a faint sense of familiarity in that voice, Flora nodded her head unconsciously.
"So, what's the reason for coming to find me? If you came all the way to the Planning Department, there must be something important, right?"
"..."
Ah, that's right.
Flora unconsciously took a deep breath, realizing she had forgotten momentarily.
From her slightly tense and rigid body language, it was clear that she was quite nervous.
Rudger silently waited for Flora.
"I think something is going on in my household."
"Something?"
"Yes. Especially considering the recent incident involving Seron, there might be a connection to the Lumos family."
Upon hearing that, Rudger leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands.
"Tell me more."