All in Charisma (A LitRPG/Isekai Adventure)

Justin approached the front door and absorbed Atlas into his ring. He straightened his coat as Charles knocked, waiting on the stone steps while admiring the ivy-covered walls.

The door opened to reveal Myrelle, and Justin felt his heart skip. In the morning light, her copper-brown hair glowed, and her soft blue eyes sparkled with amusement, but also warmth.

"Back so soon?" she said with a teasing smile. "Business or pleasure? Or both?"

"Business, I'm afraid. Though I must admit, the company makes even mundane matters more pleasant."

"Flatterer," Myrelle said, clearly delighted. "Please, come in. Father will be along shortly."

As they entered the drawing room, Justin noticed Marienne, the head stewardess, arranging papers at a side table. She looked up and offered a respectful nod.

"Lord Corrin will join you momentarily," she said.

"Thank you, Marienne."

Once seated, Justin got straight to the point. "Lady Myrelle, I'm here primarily to make you and your family a gift and share information about the cane your father provided."

"Oh?" she said, her eyes interested.

He produced one of Rinna's silver summoning charms, its medallion gleaming. "We're establishing a delivery business—Summon & Supply. This charm is enchanted to summon our services. Simply hold it in a closed fist for three seconds, and one of our couriers will arrive to take your order and deliver it the next business day."

Myrelle examined the charm with fascination. "How intriguing. And what will you be delivering?"

"Potions to start—healing draughts, antidotes, energy restoratives. Eventually, we hope to expand to whatever people might need. We're not ready for full operations yet, but the charm is a gift to demonstrate our capabilities."

"So I'd have a direct line to you?" Myrelle asked playfully.

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

Her expression grew more calculating. "I'm guessing this isn't all you came here for. You want money for the business, don't you? How much?"

Justin was startled by her directness, but Myrelle burst into laughter.

"I'm teasing! Though the Corrins do invest in promising businesses. I'd hoped you'd come to visit me personally, and I can't help but feel a little miffed it's all business."

"I'll admit you've been on my mind, Lady Myrelle. When we first met, I saw what I assumed was a typical noblewoman in distress. Your athleticism and grace surprised me."

"Just like a man," she said mockingly, "to assume a woman is incapable until proven otherwise. But at least you're able to see what's plain as day."

"It's one of my better qualities. I can be stubborn, but when presented with good sense, I turn around quickly. And something tells me you're full of surprises."

Myrelle's expression brightened. "Speaking of surprises, are you attending the Spring Masquerade? Anyone who's anyone will be there. It's a perfect place to learn more about Belmora's society."

Justin felt a chill of concern. If it was a major event, there was a chance Valdrik might attend. Still, the opportunity was tempting. "I didn't plan on attending, no. What's it about?"

"It's every spring at the royal palace. I was simply wondering if I might see you there. You would certainly elevate the gathering; the men of Belmoran society lack real-world experience. There's a reason the ladies here call them Belmoran Bores."

Justin chuckled. "And when is this event to take place?"

"Tonight, of course. You simply must go, Mr. Talemaker. You can come with me."

"A date, then?"

"If you wish to term it such."

Justin smiled but felt internal conflict. "Your offer intrigues me, Lady Myrelle, but our business launches tomorrow. The last thing I should be doing is attending a ball, no matter how enchanting the company."

"Such events come rarely, Mr. Talemaker," she said meaningfully. "It's the Royal Palace. Have you been there before? It's quite the opportunity to rub shoulders with the upper crust."

It wasn't a decision he could make without first consulting his team, but before he could say that, Lord Corrin entered the drawing room, clearing his throat.

"Now, what did I miss?" he asked, settling into his chair.

Thankfully, Myrelle stepped in. "Mr. Talemaker has arrived with a business proposition. And a gift for the family—something about a next-day delivery service."

Corrin's eyes lit up. "Oh, excellent! What will you be delivering?"

"Potions to start, my lord. And after that... whatever people might need."

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"Oh, the Guilds will hate that!" Corrin said with delight.

"So I'm aware," Justin replied. "I didn't come here to pitch, but rather to offer a small gift and seek information about this cane you gave me."

He explained his predicament with the Jester's Roulette. Corrin's face grew grave while Myrelle looked faintly amused but disturbed.

"Dear gods," Corrin said heavily. "If I had known, I would never have offered it. That's not just an enchantment—it's a cursed item. I'm dreadfully sorry."

"All's forgiven, Lord Corrin. I was hoping you might know someone who could help."

"A Master Enchanter would be your best option. I know an excellent one in Belmora—Master Aliendro."

Justin's eyes lit with recognition. "Funny you should mention him. We've already done some business."

"Isn't he simply the best? If he can't fix it, he'll know someone who can." Corrin leaned forward. "But I'd hear your pitch anyway, Mr. Talemaker. I trust you're starting a business and need funding? Let's discuss terms."

Justin saw there was no graceful way to avoid this. "Very well. I wouldn't be much of an Entrepreneur to resist this opportunity."

He activated his Angel's Pitch skill.

[Angel's Pitch activated: Emphasize Lord Corrin's fascination with your unique advanced class, and highlight how your class skill can help avoid potential pitfalls. Focus on the overall merits of the idea without overselling it.]

Justin thought that was useful information for now; he would have never thought to share details about his unique class. It seemed altogether risky, but he also believed his Prudent Foresight would prevent him from doing so if it was a bad idea.

"My class boon is Prudent Foresight," Justin explained. "It alerts me before making potentially catastrophic business decisions. It has already saved me several times, and it's not triggering with this concept—suggesting genuine potential."

"And your class skill?" Corrin asked.

Justin cleared his throat awkwardly. "Angel's Pitch allows me to identify the best angles to secure favorable terms with potential investors."

Corrin chuckled. "Such honesty is refreshing. Now, what's the concept? And your current capital?"

Justin explained their summoning charm system, the mobile potion delivery model, and their vision for expanding into general courier services. He outlined their current assets and production capacity while Corrin and Myrelle listened attentively.

"Revolutionary, potentially," Corrin said when Justin finished. "But high risk. Your main obstacle won't be capital but resistance. If I were to invest, it would be as a dark horse—a small amount requiring outsized returns."

Justin had feared this response. "I'm certain the idea can work, but we've already encountered Guild problems."

"Yes, that is bad. The Guilds will make things difficult; they always do." Corrin frowned in thought. "Thankfully, the Aurelians don't have a monopoly on the Apothecaries' Guild, where you plan to start. We have some influence there. Just the idea that we might own part of your business would give the Guild considerable pause."

"We all stand to benefit here," Myrelle interjected. "And we are looking to diversify out of agriculture, aren't we, Father?"

Corrin looked slightly annoyed. She had weakened her father's position somewhat, likely as a favor to Justin, but that had a good chance of backfiring.

"I'm looking for fair terms," Justin said. "It would be helpful to have Guild pressure reduced, but it's not insurmountable."

"Not insurmountable," Corrin agreed, "but there are significant headwinds nonetheless. With our backing, if I were to become a partial owner, that influence would help considerably. It needn't be a large stake—I wouldn't want a controlling interest anyway. For now, let's call it preliminary. Show some results, and I'll be willing to take another look at it. And let us know when you're open." He smiled. "I could use some more hair tonic; bonus points if you find something that actually works."

Justin smiled. "Thank you, Lord Corrin. I'll certainly consider your offer. Feel free to reach out to Summon & Supply anytime, and if we procure that tonic, well, we'll be by soon."

"Speaking of being by," Myrelle said, her blue eyes mischievous, "when can I expect you tonight, Mr. Talemaker?"

Lord Corrin blinked in confusion. "What's this?"

Justin wasn't sure how to play this. He hadn't agreed to anything, but Myrelle was putting him on the spot in front of a potential investor. "Lady Myrelle has graciously invited me to the Spring Masquerade,."

"Oh, fun!" Lord Corrin chuckled. "Well, just don't be late, Mr. Talemaker."

Justin smiled, but inside, he felt a bit sick. Did he dare set the record straight?

"I won't," he said, forcing a smile. "I'm looking forward to it."

"I'll walk you to the door," Myrelle said.

Justin waited until they were outside. "Interesting way of forcing my hand."

"What do you mean?" she asked innocently.

"Tomorrow is our business launch. My team is counting on me."

"Yes, but one evening at the Royal Palace of Belmora—"

"Lady Myrelle," Justin interrupted gently, "this business involves a lot of planning and other people's livelihoods. If I don't pick you up tonight, your father will take offense."

"Yes, my father, who will likely invest in your business. I'm doing you a favor."

Justin realized she had no idea what it was like to struggle for survival. She didn't see that her actions were wrong. She was of the high nobility, and to her, he was just a minor noble, the last son reduced to lesser business dealings.

But Justin didn't have to accept that dynamic. And he wouldn't, even if it meant losing the Corrins.

If he was to deal with Myrelle, he would only do so as equals.

"The point is, I didn't agree to anything, but you assumed I did."

Her eyes flashed. "To be honest, I'm not used to this. Most men would jump at the chance to go with me. Do you know how many self-absorbed lordlings I've turned down? They're all the same—dreadful bores. But I'm a Corrin, and I've done you a favor. I thought you would be delighted to network and see the Royal Palace. Eleanor II will be there!" She sighed. "But maybe I misunderstood. Forgive me; I overstepped."

Justin felt himself softening. "I'm not saying 'no' outright. Before your father walked in, I was going to say I need to run this by my team. They might see it as a great opportunity. If they agree, I can communicate with you through the charm. And if tonight doesn't work out, I want to see you again. You've made an impression on me."

She blinked. "Truly?"

Justin nodded. "Truly."

He was glad she was at least accepting of that answer and had recognized she had overstepped. He wouldn't have to walk away from this interaction disappointed.

But at the same time, he was nearly certain Alistair would shoot down the idea. If there was even a one percent chance Count Valdrik would be there, Alistair would veto it, not to mention Lila.

"Well, I'm not used to being kept waiting," Myrelle said. "Lord Hammond has been asking, so I'll need to know by two."

That left Justin a few hours. "You'll have your answer by then."

Myrelle's expression suggested she thought she was making quite the concession. "Don't disappoint me, Mr. Talemaker."

He held her gaze. "Well, you did say you didn't want boring."

A small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "That I did."

He took his leave, summoning Atlas and mounting the construct for the return journey. As they traveled toward Belmora, Justin was lost in thought.

"If I'm not careful, Atlas, I might soon have a girlfriend. Just the distraction I need when I have a business empire to build."

Atlas chirped sympathetically, apparently amused by his rider's predicament.

Justin headed back to the city.