All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

The evening's dinner meeting carried a weight that previous gatherings lacked. Tammy had prepared a hearty lamb stew with root vegetables, but even the comforting aroma couldn't fully dispel the tension.

"All right," Justin said. "Let's address the obvious issues. First, the Guild situation."

Silence fell as everyone considered the choices facing their fledgling business.

Alistair cleared his throat. "Despite Mortimer Harvings' reputation, I think seeking his counsel would be wise. Problems with the Guild could derail us before we even begin operations."

"I agree," Lila said, pausing thoughtfully. "But remember what Mr. Kilgan said about having powerful friends. We should consider reaching out to the Corrins. Lady Myrelle seemed genuinely grateful for our assistance, and her family has significant political influence."

Justin felt an unexpected flutter in his chest at the mention of Myrelle's name, quickly followed by a sinking sensation as he realized he was genuinely looking forward to seeing her again. He wondered how much of this excitement stemmed from actual attraction and how much was influenced by her Socialite skills.

The last thing he needed was personal feelings complicating business decisions.

"It's a good idea," he said cautiously, "but they won't help us out of charity. The Corrins are politicians. We saved Myrelle and provided them with ammunition against the Aurelians, but in return, Lord Corrin also gave me a gold-tier cane. It's not enough to tip the scales, but we have a chance to make a pitch and not much else. If we go there empty-handed, at best, they'll want a stake in the business or some substantial return. At worst, they'll tell us they're not interested. We may not even secure favorable terms unless we're already profitable."

"How about we give them the gift of a membership?" Rinna asked. "Their estate isn't far enough that the silver-tier summoning charm won't reach them."

"That's a great idea!" Lila said brightly. "It's the perfect way to prove our concept."

"Or worse," Justin said grimly, "we lose our potential patron because we aren't ready. What if they order something and we can't supply it? We should really achieve some success first."

"True," Alistair said. "How about we phrase it this way? We're not yet open for business, but we can explain the general idea and give the gift. If they need anything, they can use the charm to summon us. It's a way to stay in communication. Not a bad idea."

"I don't see why not," Lila said, turning to Justin. "So, how soon should we go over there? It's important to cultivate potential allies, especially powerful ones like the Corrins. Didn't you say they're looking to diversify out of agriculture?"

Justin had said this, but now he realized his hesitation stemmed from the prospect of seeing Myrelle again. He didn't like feeling off balance, especially unexpectedly. In a way, it would be nice to see her again, but he didn't understand why. She was certainly capable, intelligent, and attractive. But so was Lila, and his feelings for her had dimmed since his first days on Eyrth. Judging by the way she spoke to him, she felt the same.

What was it about Myrelle that seemed intriguing?

He pushed the thought away. "I'll go. As soon as we handle more practical matters."

"I can have one of the silver charm pairs ready by tomorrow morning," Rinna said. "It'll be ready when you are, Mr. Talemaker."

"Moving on," Justin said. "Mortimer Harvings is just as important to reach out to, if not more so."

"I can take care of that," Alistair said. "I've done as much recon as I need to."

Justin nodded. "Sounds good. Don't bring him by just yet. Get a feel for him."

"Of course," Alistair said. "I'll check out the Drowning Dragon tomorrow."

Justin also found himself thinking about the Jester's Roulette and its maddening daily enchantments. If he visited the Corrins, he could explain the situation and see if they knew about the cane's secret enchantment or someone who could remove or modify the curse. He didn't relish the idea of approaching them as a supplicant with little to offer in return aside from the silver charm. But he supposed he still had some social capital from rescuing Myrelle.

"What about the Crimson Scales situation?" Rinna asked.

Alistair leaned back in his chair. "Perhaps it's not as dire as it seems. Kethril's visit was clearly preliminary—these things usually move slowly. They're testing the waters to see how we respond. And Atlas clearly made an impression."

Several chuckled at that. Yes, Justin supposed there was that. It was like having a big, scary guard dog. It wouldn't stop the Scales from bothering them, but it would make them reconsider.

"We could speak with Szara," Lila suggested. "She's Kethril's cousin and our landlord. She might have insights on how to slow things down or at least gather more information about their timeline. Though it's hard to know her loyalties."

"Good thinking," Justin agreed. "We might bring that up at our next opportunity. Carefully. What's our production status, Rinna?"

Rinna brightened slightly. "I've completed thirty pairs of summoning charms and should finish the rest by tomorrow evening. The quality has been consistent, and I'm getting faster with each batch. They still need proper testing in the field. I'm confident they will work, but tomorrow, as we go about our business, the person going out can hold them in a closed fist to see if they light up back home. Maybe Lila can check on them from her workshop."

"Sounds good to me," Lila said. "As for brewing, Master Kilgan and I are making good progress building our initial stock. He already has a decent supply ready, and we're starting with some basic healing potions, antidotes, and energy restoratives. I was thinking—perhaps we should consider hiring him as a permanent employee. He's Guild-licensed, which could help with our registration issues."

Justin nodded approvingly. "That's brilliant, assuming he's willing. His credentials would legitimize our operations and demonstrate compliance. However, he did mention something about moving to Aetherhold soon..."

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"It's worth a try," Lila replied.

Alistair stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Rather than trying to comply with all the Guild's requirements at once, I suggest we drag out the process. Meet one requirement at a time, but don't halt business operations. These bureaucratic processes take time, and they have no legal right to shut us down without proper cause. The key is to appear cooperative while maintaining our momentum."

"So we're still moving forward with the launch?" Tammy asked. "At this rate, we'll be ready to open the day after tomorrow."

"Absolutely," Justin said firmly. "We won't let Guild politics or gang pressure stop us from proving our concept works. Things are still looking promising. We just need to be smart about how we navigate these challenges."

As the meeting wound down and people began heading to their rooms, Justin felt cautiously optimistic. They had plans for immediate threats and were still on track for operations. The key would be executing their strategy while staying one step ahead of those who wanted to control or eliminate them.

Then another thought crossed his mind, something he hadn't forgotten but also hadn't mentioned in any of their meetings: the letter slipped under the door at the Golden Aurelius: "We know who you are."

Perhaps Mr. Galloway hadn't been behind the Guild's interest, but rather the Aurelian family. And how much influence did the Aurelians have over the Apothecary Guild?

These were questions for another day.

The next morning brought the familiar dread of discovering what the Jester had prepared for him.

[Good morning, my favorite agent of chaos! Jester's Roulette has activated for today!]

[Jester's Gamble activated! You have gained +6 to your Charisma attribute for the day.]

Justin sat up in bed. At least Charisma was useful for his build.

[Random Enchantment: Cloak of Shadows. Become completely invisible for one minute, once per day.]

Justin blinked in surprise. This enchantment was genuinely useful. Unlike most of the Jester's gifts, it didn't seem to have an obvious drawback. He might not need invisibility today, but it was reassuring to have the option.

[Don't get too comfortable! Even shadows cast light sometimes, my dear friend!]

The Jester's cryptic warning lingered in Justin's mind as he got dressed, wondering what hidden catch might be lurking in this seemingly straightforward ability.

While Alistair went out to find Mortimer Harvings, Lila worked with Kilgan and Rinna in the workshop. Meanwhile, Justin and Ilsa ventured out to secure gold-tier enchanted packs for the entire team. In the end, it cost six crowns—a significant expense but essential for functioning as mobile storefronts with adequate carrying capacity.

Upon their return, they found Tammy and Rita setting up the showroom, displaying basic health potions and medicines in the front window. As he and Ilsa joined them, Rinna approached, holding two silver summoning charms that gleamed in her hands.

"Things are well under control here, Mr. Talemaker," she said. "If you want to take care of that business with the Corrins today, now would be a good opportunity. We're all set to launch tomorrow, and knowing we have potential patrons might boost team morale."

Justin realized she had a point. "All right. With Atlas, it shouldn't take long to get there and back."

"We'll be here when you return. I've already commissioned a local printer to create some flyers for distribution. I thought we could hand them out to drum up interest. I hope that's all right."

"More than all right."

Rinna seemed to pick up on his mood. "Feeling nervous?"

The truth was, Justin had been so busy that he scarcely had time to examine his feelings about the launch. "A little, I suppose. But that doesn't change what needs to be done."

"Everything will turn out okay," Rinna said with a smile. "But I won't keep you any longer. Best of luck with the Corrins."

Justin smiled and nodded, leaving the shop through the back. He summoned Atlas in the courtyard. The construct materialized with its characteristic mechanical whir, its red optical sensors focusing on Justin with what seemed like recognition and affection.

Justin approached Atlas and placed an aether crystal beneath its carapace, watching the ethereal light be absorbed into its power core. Atlas gave a contented chirp and seemed to stand a bit straighter.

"Well, it's just us now," Justin said, patting Atlas's metallic flank. "Mind giving me a lift? It would save time."

Atlas responded with a pleased trill and lowered itself to the ground. Justin climbed onto its back.

"All right, my friend. Head north, away from the river. I'll direct you as we go."

Atlas lifted smoothly and began scuttling forward with surprising speed, perhaps ten miles per hour—not exactly running, but making good progress with long strides. It wasn't much compared to vehicles from Justin's world, but for this realm, it was practically flying.

Justin sat upright on Atlas's back, his cane at the ready and his monocle cataloging anything of magical interest. People quickly cleared the way—faster than they would have for wealthy merchants in their carriages. A few other constructs were visible throughout the city, but none served as mounts like Atlas. Within minutes, they had passed through Mudside and into the main commercial district.

Atlas navigated the crowds with mechanical precision, constantly adjusting their path to avoid collisions. Hundreds of people pointed and stared as they passed. Children smiled and waved, well-dressed ladies widened their eyes in amazement, and gentlemen tipped their hats in acknowledgment.

"I have to say, Atlas," Justin called over the city's din, "having you back certainly changes things."

Atlas chirped in agreement and slightly increased their pace as they approached the city's northern gate.

The journey beyond Belmora's walls was even more impressive. Atlas navigated the country roads with ease, his mechanical legs adapting to terrain changes that would have challenged a horse and cart. They passed through a landscape of rolling hills dotted with prosperous estates, their manicured grounds a stark contrast to the cramped urban environment they had left behind.

Hedgerows lined many of the roads, expertly maintained and marking property boundaries stretching for miles. Villages and hamlets appeared periodically—clusters of well-built homes with smoking chimneys and neat gardens where children played and farmers tended small plots of land.

The estates grew grander as they traveled north, each a testament to generational wealth and political influence. Some featured impressive manor houses visible through ornate gates, while others concealed their residences behind carefully planned forests and artificial lakes.

As they crested a hill roughly two hours after leaving the city, the Corrin Estate came into view. The familiar ivy-covered stone walls and elegant gatehouse looked exactly as Justin remembered, though in daylight the property seemed even more expansive than during their nighttime arrival days ago.

Atlas slowed to a more sedate pace as they approached the main gate, where the same footman Justin remembered stood at attention. The man's eyes widened comically as he took in the sight of Justin mounted on his mechanical companion.

"Mr. Talemaker?" the footman called out uncertainly.

"It is indeed, Charles," Justin replied, dismounting from Atlas by sliding down his carapace. "I apologize for the strange timing and lack of warning, but something has come up, and I was hoping to call upon Lord Corrin or Lady Myrelle, or even both. Are they receiving visitors today?"

Charles's gaze kept drifting to Atlas, who had positioned himself protectively near Justin and was scanning the estate grounds with obvious interest.

"I... yes, of course, sir. They'll want to see you, but I'll have to check since it's the weekend." The way he emphasized the second syllable made it sound like two separate words. "And your... companion is quite impressive, if I may say so."

"Thank you. Atlas is very well-behaved, I assure you."

"I'm certain he is, sir. Please, come in off the road at least. The family has already given you clearance to wait on the grounds; it's a more pleasant experience. I'll send word to the house immediately."

As the gates swung open and they walked up the familiar drive, Justin felt his heart rate quicken. Whether from anticipation about the business proposal or something more personal regarding Myrelle, he couldn't say.

Either way, it was time to find out if the Corrins would be the powerful allies they desperately needed.