Chapter 71: Can You Really Become Stronger Without Spending Money?

"It's Caesar—I'm surprised you came."
A thrilling duel had ended in a draw, and after the match, Mayuna returned to Ruby's side and addressed Caesar.
"You know him?"
"Yes, he used to court me."
Mayuna admitted openly to this failed suitor, but her words made Ruby drop the oil brush he was using to baste the chicken wings into the charcoal fire, where the flames made the brush dragon howl in pain.
"Ah, are you shocked? You must be surprised."
Seeing Ruby's reaction, Mayuna felt an inexplicable joy. Surely Ruby had never imagined that she, too, had admirers.
"I'm genuinely astonished—both that he pursued you and that he's still alive."
Ruby shook his head, picked up the brush dragon and apologized to it, then sized up the man before him. The impression he gave was mature and reliable.
"Hey! Are you saying I'm some sort of monster?"
"It was just a political marriage. Miss Mayuna didn’t care for it, so I didn’t insist."
Caesar picked up the conversation. When Mayuna had displayed remarkable magical talent, His Majesty the Emperor had set his sights on her, sending his son to woo her. But back then, Mayuna was an ice-cold person, indifferent to everyone, and in the end, nothing came of it.
"Can I speak with you alone?"
Caesar was curious to see the goddess of magic showing emotions befitting a young woman. When he had pursued Mayuna, she had only exchanged a few words with him, which was already a remarkable feat.
"Yes."
Ruby set aside his things, as the food was nearly done. He called everyone over to eat and then walked with Caesar to a large tree in the courtyard.
"I want to purchase everything related to that game you invented."

Caesar was not a merchant and disliked beating around the bush, so he came straight to the point.
"Do you mean to sell it as a royal exclusive? Truth be told, your imperial family hardly has much presence."
"You're clever—this makes things easier. Name your price."
Caesar hadn’t expected Ruby to immediately grasp his intention, making negotiations much simpler.
"If you want it, I can give it to you. But even if you launch this game, people will focus on the game itself. The game might sweep across the world, but its creator will remain obscure."
"I've considered that too; I'm working on a solution."
"This thing was originally used for profit in my homeland. You could adopt an entirely new business model—make people love and hate the royal family."
"Love and hate? What do you mean?"
"Microtransactions. The rarity of these cards varies. You could sell them via a probability-based system. People will crave their favorite cards and repeatedly purchase packs, hovering between getting and not getting them, blaming or thanking the publisher—the royal family."
"Scarcity increases value. Offer a tiny chance of acquiring rare items within a price range accessible to common folk, but limit the number of rare items. Is that it?"
Caesar was no fool; as soon as Ruby laid out the concept, he understood the next steps.
"Exactly. And you'll need robust anti-counterfeiting measures."
"To think up such a business model—was your homeland hell?"
Caesar's face showed surprise. Even in the casinos of other worlds, there weren't rules as insane as these. Such a model was practically a devil's temptation—people would spend endlessly for what they wanted, tormented by slim odds.
"Smart people will figure it out sooner or later."
To Ruby, spreading the game was no bad thing. Games were meant to be played, and it was good to have someone help promote it. This business model was inevitable.
"Let’s set aside the cooperation details for now. I'm genuinely interested in you."

Caesar didn't rush into specifics, but instead asked Ruby about all sorts of topics—from everyday trivia to politics, military, and society. No matter the question, Ruby answered without hesitation, and Caesar felt as though thousands upon thousands stood behind him. The sensation was almost frightening.
"My last question: Why would someone as talented as you choose to be... a caretaker here?"
Caesar took a deep breath. If he needed someone to assist him, Ruby would be his first choice. Yet Ruby seemed indifferent to fame or fortune, and to Caesar, every minute Ruby spent here was a waste of talent, though Ruby appeared to enjoy it.
"I prefer a quiet, ordinary life."
"That puts my mind at ease."
Caesar glanced at Tinasia, who was fighting the dragons for food. Despite her greasy appearance, this was the life most suited to Tinasia.
"Brother, you couldn’t persuade your sister to return?"
As dusk fell, Caius waited in the carriage, craning his neck, until he finally saw his elder brother emerge from the gate—alone. When Caesar got in, Caius couldn’t help but ask.
"No, that man will take good care of Tinasia."
"What! Are you accepting him as your brother-in-law? After just an afternoon? No way, that's too fast!"
It took Caius a while to grasp Caesar’s meaning, and the green-haired youth’s shocked cries were carried off as their earth-dragon carriage rumbled into the distance.

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PS: In future, perhaps the dragons will start raiding rare cards instead.
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