Chapter 11 - THE DONE DEAL

Aqua's plan was in full swing as he and Tien entered the bustling Red Corporation building. The golden paper in Aqua's hand was like a magic key, turning heads and opening doors as they were ushered into the heart of the business empire.

"Where did you get this paper from?" the receptionist inquired, her curiosity piqued by the unusual pass.

"Mr. Arthur himself gave it to me," Aqua replied, his confidence unshaken.

As they were led upstairs, whispers followed them, speculating about the importance of the man with the golden ticket. Tien was instructed to stand guard outside as Aqua entered Arthur's office.

"Hello, Mr. Shikki. Have a seat," Arthur greeted, his attention now fully on Aqua.

Aqua wasted no time. "I'm a merchant with a knack for alchemy, and I've crafted products that will be irresistible to women," he declared.

Arthur's interest was evident. "Show me these products," he demanded.

Aqua presented an array of beauty products, each one more intriguing than the last. Arthur was astounded. "How did they all fit in such a small box? Is it a storage box?"

"Indeed, it's a 4D box, my own invention. But the real treasure is the products themselves. They'll make your company the talk of the town," Aqua boasted.

Arthur, now thoroughly intrigued, sampled the soap. "What's this delightful scent?"

"It's soap. Try it; it's perfectly safe," Aqua encouraged.

After experiencing the refreshing effects of the soap, Arthur was sold. "What are these products, and how are they made?"

Aqua played his cards close to his chest. "The recipe is a secret, but I can supply you with as much as you need. Could you bring in 10 females to try these out?"

Arthur agreed, and soon, ten women were listening intently as Aqua explained the use of each product. "I'll leave these with you, and in three days, if you're satisfied, we can strike a deal," Aqua proposed.

Arthur was on board. "Everyone, take these products, and let's also get the royal family's opinion. We'll await their reviews," he said.

With that, the agreement was set in motion, and Aqua's plan to earn the gold needed for the slaves' freedom took a promising turn. 

With the seeds of a potential business deal planted, Aqua and Tien left the Red Corporation building, their spirits high. The next three days would be crucial, as the women, including those from the royal family, would test the alchemical beauty products. If the reviews were favorable, Aqua's plan to earn the 50 thousand gold coins needed to free the slaves would be well within reach.

As they stepped out into the bustling streets of the capital, Tien couldn't help but marvel at Aqua's ingenuity. "You really think this will work?" he asked, a hint of hope in his voice.

Aqua, ever the optimist, clapped Tien on the shoulder. "My friend, when have my plans ever failed us? By this time next week, we'll have the gold and those slaves will have their freedom."

As the moon hung high, casting a silvery glow over the makeshift camp, Aqua lay back, hands behind his head, gazing at the stars. "If we had some coin, we wouldn't be camping like a pair of lost minstrels outside the capital," he mused aloud.

Tien, nestled in the surprisingly comfortable confines of Aqua's tent, couldn't help but agree. "True, but your tent is awesome. It's like a little palace made of canvas," he replied, a smile in his voice despite the anxiety that fluttered in his chest like a caged bird.

"Yeah, let's catch some shut-eye. Tomorrow is the day of reckoning. We'll head to the Red Corporation to strike a deal that will change our fates," Aqua said, his tone light but his words heavy with the gravity of what lay ahead.

"Ah, yes, let's sleep," Tien nodded, his mind racing with the possibilities of the morrow.

The morning at Red Corporation was a testament to Aqua's masterful plan coming to fruition. As they approached the building, a sea of eager faces awaited, their chants for the magical items creating a symphony of demand that echoed through the streets.

The receptionist, recognizing the duo as the source of the commotion, quickly ushered them inside, away from the clamoring crowd. "It's your products," she explained. "They've become the talk of the town overnight!"

Inside Arthur's office, the air was thick with anticipation. "Please sit, Mr. Shikki," Arthur beckoned, his demeanor a mix of excitement and awe.

As Aqua laid out his terms, Arthur hesitated at the sum of 100k gold coins. But Aqua, with the confidence of a seasoned negotiator, painted a picture of a market ripe with potential, driven by the desires and envies of noblewomen.

Sir 100k is a big amount i don't think we can go there, Arthur said.

Aqua's strategic acumen and Arthur's business savvy culminated in a groundbreaking deal. Aqua's pitch, emphasizing the vast potential of an ever-expanding market fueled by desire and envy, convinced Arthur to invest heavily in the exclusive rights to the products and the innovative 4D box.

"Of course, sir. But this offer is only for you, given your stature. I've never sold one of my precious boxes before," Aqua said, his grin reflecting the confidence of a man who had just played his winning hand.

Arthur, surprised yet enticed by the rarity of the offer, agreed without hesitation. "Consider it done. I'll give you 70k gold now for 10k units and the box, and we can discuss the rest later," he declared.

With a handshake that sealed their partnership, they laid the foundation for a business venture that promised to be as profitable as it was exclusive. Aqua's clever maneuver not only secured a substantial sum upfront but also opened the door for future negotiations and profits.