NOVEL NEXT Chapter 189: Proposal
The meal proceeded in silence, Orion occasionally exchanging amused glances with Edgar, who simply smiled in subtle amusement, patiently waiting for the proper time to resume their discussion.
The bunny sitting calmly on Magi's shoulder occasionally nibbled on pieces of fresh vegetables provided specifically for her, her calm red eyes always observing quietly.
Once their meal was finished, Orion calmly set aside his empty plate and leaned slightly forward, carefully choosing his words. "Your bunny," Orion commented softly, breaking the comfortable silence. "Looks quite interesting. Clearly more than just an ordinary pet."
Magi paused, gently turning his head to glance fondly at the pure white bunny nestled comfortably against his neck.
His gaze softened noticeably, an affectionate warmth flickering briefly within his tired eyes. "Her name is Luna," Magi said gently, the faintest trace of vulnerability evident within his voice. "She's the only family I have left now."
Orion nodded respectfully, sensing genuine sincerity behind Magi's words.
Then, carefully steering the conversation back toward his original purpose, he spoke gently yet seriously, "Magi, I invited you here today because I've heard of your past successes in business and finance. I plan on opening a new business within the capital, and I believe you would be perfect to manage it."
Magi's expression shifted abruptly, his previously relaxed posture turning noticeably rigid. His gaze sharpened with sudden intensity, briefly revealing a glimpse of the brilliant mind hidden beneath the casual façade.
Without hesitation, he shook his head firmly, his voice flat yet polite. "I'm sorry, but I refuse."
Orion calmly maintained his composure, clearly expecting Magi's initial rejection. "Magi, hear me out," he pressed gently, leaning forward earnestly. "I'm offering you not just money or a simple job. I'm giving you a chance to rebuild yourself, to regain the respect and recognition you once had."
Magi's smile turned slightly bitter, though his eyes never wavered. "I appreciate your intentions, young man, but what I truly want is something you are not capable of giving me. Not yet, at least."
Orion frowned thoughtfully, feeling the sincerity in Magi's words. "Tell me, then," he pressed firmly yet gently, "What exactly is it that you want? Perhaps I can provide it, or at least help you find a path toward it."
Magi studied Orion carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity and skepticism. "Believe me, Orion, what I want cannot be provided easily. In fact, you are not yet qualified to grant my wish."
Orion inwardly mused at his words, wondering if it's really something so impossible to grant. He didn't think that Magi was ignorant of the world—quite the opposite. He must have a solid grasp on the workings of the world due to his business mindset.
He looked at him and seriously asked, "Does it truly hurt to simply tell me? Let me be the judge of whether or not I can fulfill your wish."
Magi was about to refuse again when Edgar finally spoke up calmly, his voice steady yet filled with subtle authority. "Magi Alzareth, do you truly understand who you are speaking with? Orion Helstorm here is the direct heir of the Helstorm family, grandson of Eldric Helstorm."
"He is widely recognized as the greatest prodigy the Thunderpeak Kingdom has ever seen. This small kingdom won't be able to hold him for long. Do consider the proposal calmly because you won't get such chances again."
Magi's eyes widened in genuine surprise, clearly caught off guard by Edgar's sudden revelation. His posture visibly shifted as seriousness replaced his previously casual demeanor entirely.
He looked at Orion with an intense, piercing stare, carefully weighing Edgar's words.
After a heavy, contemplative silence, Magi finally spoke, his voice quiet yet deeply earnest. "Very well. Orion Helstorm, I do not wish to request anything from you now. But if in the future you truly become strong enough, influential enough, capable enough… I will request a favor from you. A favor that I can't hope to achieve with my meager talent."
Orion carefully considered Magi's words, sensing the immense amount of thought he put into them. After a moment's thoughtful pause, Orion met Magi's gaze firmly, his own voice calm and resolute. "Then let it be so. As long as this favor does not conflict with my own conscience, I promise I will fulfill your request to the best of my abilities."
Magi stared deeply into Orion's unwavering eyes for a prolonged moment before finally nodding slowly, visibly satisfied with Orion's sincere response. "Then, Orion Helstorm, we have a deal. I shall manage your business, and in return, someday, you will repay me."
Orion exhaled a sigh of relief and nodded his head. "Alright, then that's settled, Magi. How about we head to see the shop?"
Magi shrugged slightly, his expression gradually returning to its earlier carefree demeanor. "Sure, lead the way. Since you've already fed me, the least I can do is check out the place I'll be managing for you."
The trio stood up from their seats, Edgar calmly instructing the attendants to handle the cleanup and giving them the payment while Orion and Magi moved toward the exit.
Stepping out of the luxurious restaurant, they returned to the bustling streets of the Fourth Ring market, its vibrant atmosphere unchanged as merchants energetically advertised their wares and crowds moved like waves of color through the busy streets.
"This way," Edgar calmly said, stepping ahead confidently to guide Orion and Magi toward the heart of the marketplace, specifically the district known for having the most prestigious and busiest shops in the entire Fourth Ring.
As they walked deeper into the shopping district, Orion couldn't help but marvel at the impressive array of high-end establishments lining both sides of the street.
Lavishly decorated shops showcased their luxurious goods behind crystal-clear glass windows—from elegant clothing stores displaying silken garments embroidered with precious threads, to sophisticated jewelry boutiques offering intricately crafted gems that sparkled brilliantly beneath expertly enchanted lighting.
After several minutes of navigating the lively streets, Edgar finally led them to a prominent three-story building situated centrally within this prestigious shopping district.
The large store stood imposingly, its beautifully carved stone design displaying intricate architectural patterns that added a subtle elegance to its appearance.
Despite its grandeur, the shop stood visibly empty, devoid of signs or decorations—a blank canvas awaiting its future purpose.
"Here it is," Edgar said calmly, motioning toward the large empty store. "This is one of the largest properties we own within this district. The location is exceptional, as it attracts numerous high-profile customers daily. I'm sure you can turn it into something impressive, Young Master."
Orion stepped forward, closely followed by Magi, their gazes simultaneously assessing the large empty space.
Inside, the store was spacious and open, the high ceilings and large windows allowing abundant natural light to stream gently inside, illuminating every corner clearly.
Wide staircases connected all three floors, each level offering generous amounts of space for potential goods and displays.
Magi's eyes scanned the interior carefully, immediately noting its strong points—the easily accessible layout, the strategic positioning within the shopping district, and its sheer size, perfect for showcasing an extensive range of goods.
After a moment's quiet appraisal, Magi nodded approvingly, turning to Orion with a clearly impressed gaze. "You truly chose one hell of a location, Lil Orion. Even an average manager can make this place into something big. Much less me."
His gaze, however, turned slightly troubled as he continued, "But here lies the main issue—we have nothing to sell. An empty store, no matter how excellent the location or beautiful the decoration, is worthless without valuable goods to attract customers."