Chapter 5 Part 13
This was a contract for the processing and future sale of sapphian. The profits, excluding distribution, would be split 50:50. Elia was to supply all the sapphian. Upon reading this, Popetcherian was astonished.
“Are you sure it’s alright to give me such a large share of the profits?”
Typically, the supplier of the sapphian would take a larger share. He had only expected about 10%, so these terms were shocking.
Elia winked. “You’re a valuable talent. It’s worth spending some money, isn’t it?”
He muttered, still stunned. “I’ve never heard anyone say that to me before.”
Since being expelled from the Tower of Magic, Popetcherian had been mired in self-pity. Even the mage who had taken him in had abandoned him eventually.
“So, do you plan to join my business?”
When Elia appeared, he was a beacon of hope for Popetcherian, who had given up on everything.
“I will follow you in anything.”
His voice was resolute. Elia smiled in satisfaction and spoke again.
“However, there’s one condition. You must showcase your first piece at the upcoming Cherry Blossom Banquet.”
“The Cherry Blossom Banquet… Isn’t that in about a month?”
The Cherry Blossom Banquet wasn’t just a festival held in the Imperial City. With the warm weather, various events were held even in common households, so Popetcherian knew about the Cherry Blossom Banquet. The difference between merely succeeding in processing and creating a representative piece for sale was vast.
Popetcherian hesitated to answer. Elia, expecting this reaction, handed him a note.
“I know the timeline is tight. But wouldn’t it give you strength to know who stands behind you?”
As a princess and the wife of a duke, she was offering her full support. The wizard unfolded the note. It was a map.
“Where is this?”
“This is the workshop you’ll be using. It’s equipped with all the necessary materials, including sapphian and magic stones.”
It was a facility Elia had prepared before meeting Popetcherian. His eyes sparkled with determination.
‘This person is the only one who has recognized my worth.’
Popetcherian steeled his resolve. “I will definitely produce a result.”
But that wasn’t all. He gathered magic in his hand and placed it over his heart.
“I dedicate my meager magic to the one who awakened my forgotten talent.”
This was a pledge of loyalty, akin to a knight’s oath in the wizarding world. Elia was slightly surprised.
‘I didn’t expect such a reaction.’
But it was a pleasant surprise. She had always been looking for someone who would be loyal to her, and Popetcherian would be the first.
“I look forward to working with you.”
Elia extended her hand. As Popetcherian reached out to grasp it, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
‘Why do I feel this ominous… Ah.’
A shiver ran down his back. Behind the beautiful lord stood a monstrous duke. He wasn’t unattractive. On the contrary, his icy, sculptural face pushed Popetcherian further into a corner. The poor wizard recoiled in fear, leaving Elia blinking in confusion.
“Popetcherian? What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I will do my best!”
Popetcherian bowed at a perfect right angle. Elia nodded approvingly.
“I like that attitude.”
Earning such complete trust from someone felt incredibly rewarding.
After a moment of watching their interactions, the wizard spoke up.
“Excuse me, but I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“It’s something that will require the help of both of you.”
At his words, one of Aksion’s eyebrows raised. The two then returned to the Second House. Aksion left, saying he had business to attend to. He returned around evening.
“Could you spare a moment?”
“Where are we going?”
Elia blinked, not understanding. Aksion responded with a cryptic smile.
“You’ll know when you see it.”
“Okay, I understand.”
Elia took his hand. As they rode in the carriage, the familiar streets outside the window caught Elia’s eye.
‘This place.’
The people, carriages, and buildings were all luxurious. This was the main street of the capital, where all the latest imperial fashions converged.
‘This is the street of nobles.’
Though the slave system had been abolished, the status difference between nobles and commoners still existed. Everyone on this street was either a noble or someone wealthy enough to be considered one. Elia used to frequent this street as well.
‘Violet used to drag me here all the time.’
She had often come along as a mere attendant, but she knew where everything was.
“We’re here.”
The carriage stopped, and the two walked down the street. The brightly lit shops, illuminated by magic stones, drew all eyes.
‘This place never changes.’
The main street’s salons were unchanging. The owners here were the trendsetters of the empire, and their pride was sky-high. But today, something was different.
‘Where’s the LeBonche Salon?’
The main building used to be LeBonche’s jewelry shop. It was renowned for its craftsmanship, aligned with the empire’s history, and known for having a long waitlist even among nobles. Yet, the salon was completely gone, leaving only the land where it once stood.
‘Did they relocate? There’s no better place than here.’
While Elia looked around, Aksion stopped in front of the empty lot.
“I wanted to give you this.”
“What is it?”
Aksion handed over a document. As Elia read it absentmindedly, her eyes widened.
“It’s the ownership of the main commercial lot on the noble street.”
“What?!”
This place had been a famous designer’s store just a while ago. But now it was in Elia’s name.
‘Did he demolish the building?’
No way.
She rubbed her eyes and checked the document and the land repeatedly, but the salon was truly gone. Aksion embraced Elia’s shoulder as she was about to jump in shock.
“This location is considered the most valuable.”
Unlike Elia, who was flustered, Aksion’s voice was calm, as if he had just bought an apple instead of a piece of prime real estate.
‘Does he even understand the concept of money?’
She had vaguely guessed that he had a stake in the ducal household from the recent knight order incident. But still.
“Of course. The prices here are exorbitant.”
This street’s value was astronomical.
‘Besides, it’s a place you can’t buy even if you have the money.’
Elia had been looking for a place to establish her jewelry salon. She had checked several locations but hadn’t found any that satisfied her. But now.
“I wanted to help your business, even if just a little. Do you dislike it?”
“It’s not that…”
Hadn’t he done the same for their wedding? The dress looked like something you couldn’t buy even if you sold a castle.
‘Is this really okay?’
Surely, a location like this would guarantee profits. Establishing a building here would be a great opportunity to elevate her reputation.
“It seems I made a mistake again.”
Aksion lowered his eyes. Seeing his forlorn expression, Elia felt bad. He had prepared this for her, and it would be ungrateful to refuse.
‘Well, whatever.’
Elia squeezed his hand.
“Thank you. I was actually looking for a place.”
If he wanted to give it, she would make good use of it.
Aksion, cheered by her acceptance, regained his energy.
“Please also let me handle the construction.”
“Can I discuss the design?”
“Of course. It’s your shop, after all.”
Grateful for his offer, Elia carefully put away the deed. Watching her, Aksion murmured to himself.
“…If I know the location in advance, it’ll be easier to cause problems. But before that, I need to replace that jeweler…”
“Pardon?”
“Nothing.”
Elia began to pull out various design catalogs she had been eyeing. Aksion listened attentively to her, simultaneously planning to kidnap a jeweler from another empire. Elia, unaware of his thoughts, was determined.
‘Since Aksion is doing so much for me, I have to succeed.’
Not that she ever intended to fail. His consideration only fueled her determination.
“Thank you for believing in me. I will definitely succeed.”
“If it’s you, Elia, I know you will.”
His eyes shone with unwavering trust.
