Another world, Celeste

Thirty Two, pt 2

"Contribution fee?"

I doubt my ears when an unexpected response comes from Secretary Mei when I ask her about the hard to ignore large sum of money being paid into my account. The amount is exceedingly more compared to the royalties I'm receiving from the hairdryer alone. By the way, it appears the hairdryer is selling surprisingly well and according to Secretary Mei, the hairdryer is popular amongst customers who often go to the public bathhouses. It also catches the interest of female adventurers as many are wondering if the size of the hairdryer can be reduced to fit their luggage since they move around a lot. If it's making a portable version of the hairdryer then I can do something about it.

"A small percentage of profit allocated into your account as payment for your involvement with the town's redevelopment planning scheme," Secretary Mei calmly explains.

I tilt my head in confusion.

"I haven't done anything to be involved with..."

Then I remember. The conversation I had a couple of months ago with Chief, the guild master and the man governing this very town.

"But, I merely voiced my opinions. I didn't even ask to be paid," I immediately protest.

"Even if you say that the money has already been added into your account," Secretary Mei rephrase the same thing she tells me before. "If you have a problem, you can address the issue with the person who gave you the money."

"Whose money is it?"

If it's the guild master, I can just storm into his office right now since I'm already in the same building as him.

Mei avoids my gaze as I look at her suspiciously.

She finally answers in a quieter tone. "It is the esteemed lord of this town."

Secretary Mei adds while waving her hands, "I'm only the messenger. Guild master told me to show you your statement when you arrive at our guild. I don't know anything else."

So that's why Secretary Mei request Erissa to wait in the hall and had Jilko follow another employee to check her statement, it's not just a matter of protecting our privacy.

I look down on the carpeted floor and sigh. Various thoughts are swirling in my head right now. Before this, saving up money to travel on my next holiday was my motivation to endure the tiring and stressful life. I don't dare to be greedy by dreaming of living a glamorous life. To me, having enough money and eating good food is already satisfactory but to suddenly have too much is very scary. At least, the converted (and untouched) money I received from Selene was from my hard-earned salary. To begin with...

"What kind of apprentice earn that much money anyway?!"

I stomp the carpeted floor, a childish move that I couldn't help but do to release all the emotions I'm feeling right now. When I seem to calm down a bit, Secretary Mei makes a suggestion about my money dilemma.