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It was 9:50 pm when I arrived at the most expensive restaurant, Lux. Outside, there was a long red carpet with many vases and flowers around.
'Walking on the carpet' I thought that I probably look like one of those famous rich actors.
If anyone found out how much I currently have, they will kick me out and clean the dirt I made on the carpet. However, money is not everything in this world. In my previous world it would have been almost everything, but in this word you can die before enjoying your wealth if you had a weak rank.
As soon as I reached the end of the carpet, a receptionist male asked for my reservation.
" Welcome dear customer, may I have your reservation number please"
"…."
What is this nonsense?
I thought they already know. didn't she inform them….?
wait…
..if I remember correctly then she did the same thing with the main character….Hmm?…then it must be some sort of a test...
Is she trying to gauge my reaction?… interesting. Well, let's teach her a lesson. I am not one to be teased with such tricks.
'Without responding I turned back and walked away'
I heard the receptionist call for me, but I ignored him… I know very well that she is currently watching me
And just as I anticipated, once I reached the sidewalk I heard-
"-ARTHUR, WAIT!"
As I turned around to confirm who it was, I found out that not everything can be expected...
"Bin…....go?"
As soon as I turned around I was astonished by what I saw.
Black silky hair and black eyes with black dress that had the same alluring gleam of that black crystal that was deep at the bottom of the lake of ghosts. Although she wasn't wearing her glasses, but her beauty was unmatched…
Wow.. she really needs to throw her glasses away. While thinking about how a simple black dress can be this captivating, the owner of the dress reached to where I was.
"W-why have you turned back?"
looking at her flustered face. I suddenly remembered her dialogues in the novel…
I knew of her personality and character.. but speaking to that imaginary character is truly a weird experience. Maybe at the cafe....I didn't think of her as a human being since all that was preoccupying my mind was the future.
" You know exactly why Livia, don't test me like that again"
"…."
She was smart for a reason, I am pretty sure that our current conversation is being spectated by her bodyguards.
Her move in the novel was to gauge how would the main character deal with that situation, if someone started with a small mistake that mistake could make them lose composure. I definitely exaggerated my response, but I want my massage to be clear. 'Don't mess with me'
"Sigh.. alright I apologize about that, so can you let it slide?"
Of coarse I will, after all I already wasted all my wealth so I'm in dire need of money for now.
" I accept your apology. Let's hear what you have to offer inside"
'sighing in relief' Livia walked beside me in the red carpet. I could feel the jealous eyes around. Well I am not into novel characters, But of course if someone approaches us I will take it as an insult to me.
Behind the entrance doors a massive hall that gave an air of elegance welcomed the two of us. Everything looked like it was soaked in gold even napkins were golden in color, let alone chandlers and the expensive looking decorations.
A calm jazz music was playing nearby, while many laughters could be heard around. Mesmerized by the scene, Livia dragged me out of my thoughts.
" Our table is on the balcony upstairs"
Balcony? Just how much did she spend…
As soon as we reached the second floor, a single table was on a balcony surrounded by many butlers. The table had many appetizers. I am sure that if I ate all of them then I would already be full, but it is probably to give a variety of choices. I and Livia sat down facing each other, and once we sat down the butlers started moving.
Drinks, all kind of dishes and salads were served. My eyes experienced a more beauty than the beauty sitting opposite to me.
My heart was pounding crazy so I had to use the ring to calm my racing heart.
[ Activating epic rank artifact 'ring of wisdom' ]
[ Calculating the duration of the effect…. ]
[ 1 hour until the effect runs out ]
Luckily it takes a whole hour with a full mana reserve, currently I was at the end of the day with no training done for today.
"Phew…
miss Livia you sure have well prepared this meeting"
Wait did she just flinch? I probably imagined that. She replied as if sounding confident?
" You don't look that amazed, but I will take it as a compliment"
After eating peacefully, I looked directly at Livia before asking about the main topic. Livia noticed the shift in the mood and asked the butlers and maids to leave us for some privacy.
" So… what is your offer?"
Livia held her brows as if she was troubled with something.
I was confused, wasn't that the reason for the whole meeting, so I inquired about her opinion.
" Did you have something else in mind?"
Livia looked directly at me and answered genuinely.
"…..Who are you?"
"….."
?? What kind of question is that… I am Arthur.. Did she drink something…
After hearing her next words, I understood what she meant.
" Obviously arthur is an alias. I didn't find any links around you. Not even lexun nor our information network or any other organization knows about your background. All I know is that you are an ordinary student from an orphanage, you even managed to fool the academy's evaluation… I can't make a deal with an unknown organization… I might help an enemy accidentally"
Ohh
I see now what she meant
" You do have a point there….
'Thinking about how to make her assured about my identity, then an idea popped in my head'
"…do you have your amulet by any chance?"
Taking out an amulet from her pocket she answered me.
"Yes"
After clearing my throat, I said.
"I don't harbor any ill intentions against you or your merchant group"
Looking at her amulet her expression seemed to soften a bit, and to gain more trust I said
" I am from an evil organization "
There was a slight frown in her face but her confused expression turned into a smile when she noticed the amulet changing its color.
Finally understanding what I did, she said in an apologetic tone.
" sorry about that and thanks for clarifying your stance"
" no problem… so what's your offer?"
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