SBTGC 10

by Martin

Chapter 10

While I was screaming internally, Genzer, who had finished what he had to say, closed his mouth and took his drink.

After emptying his glass in an instant, he pushed the coffee I had ordered toward me, right in front of me. As if telling me to think it over while I drank it.

……But is there even anything more to think about?

I looked down at the coffee I had no desire to drink and spoke.

“I’m sorry. I… no matter how much I think about it, I don’t think I can do it.”

“…….”

“Of course, I don’t think this is a dream. I understand everything you explained. I get that this is really happening, and I understand how important of a person I’ve become, but…… even so, I just don’t feel like I absolutely have to do this. I don’t want to, and I don’t have the confidence to.”

I want to work at a normal company. No, actually, if I have to go to a place like that, I’d rather just stay unemployed like I am now!

“I’m really sorry, but I don’t think I can do it.”

Even after my words, Genzer showed no reaction. He was lost in thought, just moving his fingertips slightly, but I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Could he even make facial expressions in the first place? That smile I saw earlier—maybe I actually imagined it?

And right around then.

“I see.”

His answer came back.

“Understood.”

……Huh?

“Yes?”

“I said I understood.”

Far from being happy about the unexpected reaction, I was momentarily stunned.

I had been nervous inside, worried about how to evade him if he tried to persuade me.

Since he had said he wouldn’t even think about going back until he talked to me.

But as if conversation had truly been his goal, Genzer didn’t try to persuade me, nor did he ask for more details about my reasons.

Ah, of course, for me, that was a relief.

“So, is that all the talk we had……?”

“No.”

However, dashing my hopes of going home, Genzer started again.

“Now, let’s move on to another matter.”

And it was in a completely unexpected direction.

He said he had another matter to discuss? Wasn’t that all earlier?

Without hiding my flustered state, I asked him.

“Um…… I just told you I’m not doing it, though?”

“That was a request from the organization I belong to.”

Genzer continued shamelessly.

“This time, it’s a contract I’m proposing personally.”

Saying that, Genzer took out another piece of paper from his pocket. He unfolded a neatly folded piece of paper, about the size of his palm, and held it out to me.

What’s this?

The page was densely filled with writing, but in my flustered state, I couldn’t take in a single letter.

“This is a copy of the contract. It doesn’t matter how you handle it afterwards, but of course, you cannot leak or share the contents.”

“……Excuse me.”

“If there’s anything you’d like to modify separately, just tell me, and I’ll reflect it accordingly. After you’ve read it, just sign at the bottom.”

The more I listened, the more absurd it was, and I was speechless.

This guy seems to be coming on even stronger than when he brought up the management headquarters! He’s not even giving me the right to refuse.

“Why…… would I sign this?”

“Because you already promised you would.”

“Don’t lie! When did I ever say such a thing……!”

“Didn’t you say so clearly at that time?”

When I asked back, not understanding, the man said something unexpected.

That you would hold my hand when you returned.

“……”

The buried memory surfaced in an instant.

And I, at that time, probably answered that with…….

<Ah, okay. I’ll hold it.>

<It’s a promise.>

Ah.

Now I remember.

Right. That was it. I did say that. Aha. Haha…….

……Ha.

Crazy. Why did I say that?

By the time I got home around sunset, I was completely drained.

Since my parents hadn’t gotten off work yet, no one was home as usual. Not feeling like eating, I passed by the kitchen and trudged into my room.

*Plop.*

I took off my coat and flopped face-first onto the bed. Burying my face in the fluffy blanket, I recalled the conversation from a few minutes ago.

<I’ll give you all the time you need to think.>

After leaving the café and walking me to my front door, Genzer had said that.

I stood at a distance from him, fidgeting with my hands in my pockets. The contract I had been forced to take rubbed unpleasantly against my fingertips.

I wanted to say I didn’t need any time to think, but knowing he wouldn’t listen anyway, I let it go in one ear and out the other. Getting into the house right now was the priority.

He said with a confident tone.

What I want most is to not sign a contract with you…….

Sigh. Recounting today’s events, a sigh escaped me naturally. Why is it so hard just to get through one day?

Anyway, is Genzer still near my house? He said he was monitoring those strange cultists…… so he’s probably somewhere close by even now. Thinking that, even though I was home, I didn’t feel entirely at ease.

After another deep sigh, I reluctantly raised my body. Then I took the contract from the pocket of my discarded coat and sat down at my desk.

“……This is really ridiculous.”

But I decided to look at it anyway.

I was going to refuse regardless, but I wanted to see what was written inside first.

I unfolded the neatly folded paper without any creases. Then I read the writing on the paper line by line.

—

[Contract]

[Myeong Sena (hereinafter referred to as “Party A”) and Genzer (hereinafter referred to as “Party B”) hereby agree to enter into the following contract with mutual consent.

Article 1

1. The validity of this contract shall be maintained for 100 days from the date agreed upon by both “Party A” and “Party B.”

2. The contract period shall terminate on the 100th day.

3. In the case of matters not agreed upon, consensus shall be reached through separate discussions.]

At first glance, it looked like a really ordinary contract.

And maybe it’s just my imagination, but it seems to sound like Genzer’s tone of voice.

Putting those idle thoughts aside, I was about to move on to the next line slowly.

[Article 2

1. Upon signing of the contract, “Party A” shall receive an explanation from “Party B” regarding the ‘Syndrome.’

2. Regardless of the contract period, “Party A” shall not disclose “Party B”‘s ‘Syndrome’ to the outside.

3. For the treatment of “Party B”‘s ‘Syndrome,’ “Party A” shall permit ‘certain contact’ for 100 days.]

—

Wait a minute.

I shot up from my chair. In disbelief, I checked the same lines several times.

What is this supposed to mean? Contact? And what the hell is this ‘Syndrome’?

—

[4. Here, ‘certain contact’ refers to the following actions:

(1) Handshakes

(2) Encouraging hugs

If more than the above contact is necessary, it shall be attempted with “Party A”‘s consent after consultation with “Party A.”

Article 3

1. After the contract, “Party B” must explain the ‘Syndrome’ he possesses to “Party A.”

2. During the contract period, “Party B” bears the obligation to protect “Party A” from all risk factors.

3. Even if “Party A” decides not to join the Lachezat Management Headquarters, regardless of “Party A”‘s decision, “Party B” shall prioritize “Party A” and protect them to the best of their ability for 100 days.

4. After the contract ends, “Party B” shall pay the amount presented to “Party A” on the same day (provided that the contract period may be extended with the consent of both “Party A” and “Party B”).

5. If any of the above matters are violated, “Party B” shall compensate “Party A” according to the compensation standards presented by “Party A.”]

My eyes, scanning downwards, finally fixed on the last line.

[6. The down payment shall prioritize the amount presented by “Party A.”]

After reading it all, I sat there blankly for a few seconds. In disbelief, I even checked the back, but there was no more writing.

What the hell is this? What kind of contract is this?

I haven’t signed many contracts in my life, but I could at least tell that this wasn’t a contract that would harm me.

There was a reason for Genzer’s confidence. Because this contract was really favorable to me.

Especially this part.

[2. Regardless of the contract period, “Party A” shall not disclose “Party B”‘s ‘Syndrome’ to the outside.]

There’s no mention of what I would have to compensate if I violated this clause.

Meaning, even if I went around blabbing about the ‘Syndrome,’ I have absolutely no obligation or duty to compensate Genzer.

And what’s with the standard for the down payment?

Saying they’ll prioritize the amount I name?

“……Haha.”

This is certain. This is 100% a scam. They’re clearly trying to pull a fast one by taking advantage of someone desperate for a job like me. There’s no way they’d present a contract like this otherwise.

I crumpled the contract into a ball like paper.

*Plop.* After tossing it into the trash can, I sat down and turned on my computer. I should just play that game I left off last time.

What a completely shameless bastard. Who does he think he’s fooling?

Chapter 10

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