...
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Lyra stood before the vacant shop in the lower district, her sharp ruby eyes scanning every inch of the premises, searching for even the slightest imperfection.
The sunlight cast a golden hue on the worn-out façade, highlighting its aged charm.
Turning her attention back to the previous owner, she spoke with a cool and calculated deanor, her voice laced with a touch of sympathy:
"I must admit, this is a truly charming place. It has great potential, regardless of how far from the wall it is. However, if we were to buy it, we would need to invest a substantial amount in refurbishing the interior, and revamping the exterior displays."
Arcanists are expensive after all, and without them, this shop wouldn't stand a chance against a suicidal celestial...
Since all materials used in any type of structure co from their rune's work.
Although incredibly subtle, their aspects are imprinted into every single material around them.
Moving closer to the woman, Lyra's expression remained composed, but her words held an undeniable firmness.
"Regrettably, considering the costs involved, we find ourselves unable to afford such
extensive renovations at this ti. It seems you'll have to continue shouldering that debt for a little while longer..."
The woman's breath hitched, her face contorting with a mix of surprise and apprehension.
It was imdiately evident that Lyra had delved deep into her background and dug up information that the owner had hoped to keep hidden.
Letting out a sigh, she replied:
"...I understand. What would you like to do?"
Internally scoffing, Lyra thought:
'Seems like Miss Rachel over here knows a thing or two about negotiating. Well, she wouldn't have beco a shop owner otherwise.'
Shaking her head, she said:
"Well, let's see... If we take all the things I would have to fix in mind, then how about 600 million UC?"
Looking quite frustrated, Rachel almost scread at Lyra's ridiculous demand.
But she took a mont to regain her composure, exhaling heavily.
"So you're suggesting that all the 'fixing' you ntioned would cost you 200 million?"
Lyra simply nodded to her question, only further fueling Rachel's frustration with her behavior.
However, she managed to compose herself once again and stated:
"That is unacceptable, the lowest I can go for is 750 million."
Lyra chuckled.
"Are you sure? You know, with the current market, no one would buy this shop. It's too volatile right now. It might die down in a few years, but by then, you would lose this property, wouldn't you?"
Halting Rachel's potential reply with a raised hand, Lyra continued to apply pressure:
"I seriously wouldn't want to be in your position. The UEF would take it all, you know? They would settle your debt, sure, but would it be worth it?"
"No. The money you'd receive from , although lower than the average market price, would still be a better option than what the UEF is offering. So, what do you say? Are you in or not?"
Rachel's face appeared shattered, her half-white, half-black hair clenched in frustration as she desperately tried to hold herself back.
Tears welled up in her light brown eyes, reflecting a blend of hatred and anger directed towards Lyra.
anwhile, Caron, who had maintained silence throughout the exchange, approached his wife and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
Sensing her turmoil, he drew her into his embrace, holding her like a teddy bear, restraining her from losing her composure and going ballistic.
Both Caron and Rachel knew that her actions would only jeopardize any leverage they might have had over Lyra, sothing that Lyra wanted and planned for.
But it seems with Caron around, Lyra's plans wouldn't succeed, so she would have to settle for 600 million instead.
'Not bad at all.' Lyra inwardly snickered.
Seeing her reaction, Rachel began twisting and turning in his arms, attempting to break free.
And noticing Rachel's growing and imminent outburst, Caron swiftly covered her mouth with his hand, muffling any potential scream.
Then, with a stern expression, he lightly spanked her bottom, as if a parent reprimanding his child, and pleaded:
"Rach, please, calm down. We both know this won't help us."
Rachel gnawed at his hand in retaliation, causing him to flinch slightly, but he maintained his grip, determined to prevent any further escalation.
Lyra, witnessing this unexpected turn of events, struggled to contain her laughter, amused by the resemblance to the many dramas she had heard Laura talk about.
She watched as Rachel's resistance gradually subsided, finally ceasing her futile struggle against Caron's embrace.
Caron released his grip after sensing her surrender, allowing Rachel to stand back up, her expression still a mixture of frustration and resignation.
Then, with a determined yet restrained deanor, Rachel stepped forward until she stood re inches away from Lyra, their eyes locked in an unspoken exchange.
Extending her right hand, she initiated a handshake, signifying her acceptance of the
transaction.
Suppressing any hint of a smile, Lyra reciprocated the gesture, their hands clasping firmly.
However, as the handshake lingered, Rachel's grip tightened, as a last act of revenge.
But this action only caused her to realize the vast power gap between them.
It wasn't about Lyra not flinching-Rachel knew about her limited strength-but rather the absence of any reaction from Lyra.
This struck Rachel deeply, causing her to fully understand what she was up against.
And at that mont, she knew it was in her best interest to sell the shop, disappear, and ensure she never appeared on Lyra's radar again, afraid of what might happen if they t
again.
Lyra held Rachel's terrified gaze, her eyes conveying a subtle ssage-a warning, a reminder that their encounter must be forgotten.
Reluctantly stepping back, Rachel's defeated tone filled the air as she conceded:
"Alright, it's yours for 600. Just... just leave us alone, alright?"
Lyra nodded in agreent, her expression conveying a sense of finality.
"No worries. Once you sign the contract, you won't have to see again."
She observed the couple let out a sigh of relief as they proceeded to sign the digital contract
she had sent to Rachel's terminal.
Within monts, the transaction was completed.
Lyra swiftly transferred the forcibly agreed-upon funds, and without further delay, the couple hastily retreated from her presence, their fear of potential repercussions pushing them
to make a swift exit.
And they were correct in doing that, as monts later, a man with gray hair and piercing
green eyes approached the shop, dressed casually as if he were simply running errands.
Lyra had anticipated his arrival, having arranged the eting ti after he had contacted her
the day before.
With a subtle nod, Nathan followed her into the recently acquired store.
Walking through the empty space, Lyra led him to the back of the shop, past the counter, where she opened a concealed door, revealing an office-like area with a central desk and a few
chairs for etings.
Taking her seat behind the desk, she gestured for Nathan to do the sa-a small gesture that he loved to do, and that spoke volus about her knowledge of him and his habits.
As he complied, he silently affird the correctness of his decision to co here. Leaning back in her chair, Lyra asked, her voice dripping with a poisonous undertone, more
potent than any toxic substance found on the planet Emir was training on: "And what brings you to my humble establishnt today, dear custor?"
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