I sat across from Lira in the dimly lit room we had been renting since our arrival to the city. The single candle between us flickered as I kept detailing what Markus had offered for us and what it could mean. Along with all the pros and cons I could manage. Even if she was inexperienced with it, I wasn't looking for her to tell me the correct decision; I just wanted her honest thoughts. It was always good to hear others' opinions because they could point out issues or details I missed.
My main concern was that if we accepted and moved into Markus Veren's property, even if it transferred to us, they would know where to find us. We could play it in a way that makes them think we are using the place as a front and not as the main base, and that was the idea I was playing with.
"This is a big move," she finally said, contemplating. "A tempting offer..."
"It is, and I don't see any actual issue that would prevent us from accepting."
"No, I don't either." she nodded while she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "But there are other hurdles, no? He said he would transfer the deeds over. That requires a person who can be registered as the owner. Which would simply mean he would know who 'Shade' is, wouldn't he?"
"If you look at it from that angle," I nodded, running a hand through my hair. "But I don't think he expects it to be the case. If he believes he learned the apparent Shade persona's actual name and looks, he would be greatly disappointed. He expects a dummy to appear, and we will provide that dummy."
"Oh?" Lira hummed and leaned back against her chair, crossing her arms. "Are you going to use the kid again?"
"Him?" I chuckled, "No, no... that would be a bit too much!" I chuckled, but my smirk softened into a thoughtful expression. "I was thinking about copying the Crow's leader and her method. I will present myself as, well, Auriel, in the flesh. I will go to Veren & Sons to sign the deal."
"Isn't that risky?" She asked, gulping.
"Yes and no. The best would be if you came with me, too. We should be able to confirm a tale that Shade helped us once, and we are part of his... organization now—the front-facing part. Even if he checks out our backgrounds, it would probably fit well into the story."
"I... I see... That does sound logical." She muttered, "And when we get the place, what are you planning to do with it?"
"What do you say if we open up a little shop? Every good underground operation needs a place to launder money and gather around."
"Heh!" she chuckled, a slight blush on her face. "And what kind of shop would you want to operate?"
"I was thinking of a bakery. You already have the experience."
"T-true..." she muttered, looking down at the table, and I could sense that this was a bit conflicting for her.
"We can try something else, too."
"No, it is good. I like baking." She smiled, shaking her head, pushing down her negative thoughts.
"Thanks... I am not really good at other things... So I can't really think of anything else that would work as a front for our future operations."
"It will be nice to relax and do something I feel confident in..." Lira smiled, but then she tapped a finger against the surface of the table, biting her lower lip, "Auriel... Do you trust Markus?"
"No," I answered without hesitation. "I only trust you. But I also trust my assessment in that he's a businessman first and foremost. He sees the value in what we could grow into, and that means he won't act against us unless we give him reason to. He's not the type to burn a useful asset... and it shows from the fact that he is willing to risk and put money under us."
"In the form of a property nonetheless."
"Yes." I chuckled, smacking my lips.
"It's already decided then!" She considered my words, her expression thoughtful, her face suddenly turning bright red. "And what about us? How are we really going to introduce ourselves to him?"
"How do you want?" I asked as I leaned forward, my expression as earnest as it could be. I wasn't blind. I wasn't a wooden board. I already knew she had feelings for me, although I don't know if I felt the same way towards her. I didn't lie when I said I only trusted her. As to... what that meant to me, I don't know. I... I really don't. "Lira."
"Y-yes?" She flinched as her lips twitched, the faintest hint of a nervous smile breaking through her suddenly confused countenance. "Y-you should decide! You are the man..."
"Your man?" I asked because I couldn't help teasing her a little. I watched as the blush spread to her ears, making her fidget and moan while pouting. But she didn't complain. "Let's keep it that way. Most look at us that way anyway, and it will be the easiest to keep up."
"You sometimes are a bully..."
"Maybe." I chuckled, watching as she tried to look at me, but any time our eyes met, hers wandered to the side.
"So... um... I'll be the one running the shop..."
"I'll be too when I can," I said, reaching out and patting her hands. "And our little orphan kid."
"Huh?"
"We will recruit him. Besides running errands for us when we have something, I do plan on running an actual shop, too. Actual profits make it easier to launder any money we get through... other methods."
"You already have an idea?" She asked, probably reading my expression.
And yes, I did. There was one thing I already observed, something that was missing from this world. Probably.
"We will do deliveries. Well, the kid will."
"Deliveries..." She muttered, a sudden lightbulb appearing above her head.
"Yeah. Not everyone has the time to go to the bakery. Not every morning... so what if they can order ahead of time? And then our quick-footed little kiddo can run around, delivering them right as the sun rises."
"That... that's genius!" She exclaimed, making me laugh, as it wasn't a big deal. But maybe it was for this place. Huh.
"Thank you!" I posed proudly, making her laugh. "But... let's go. For that to work, we need to recruit him, don't we?"
...
....
...
Our travel through the city, at least this part of it, was now much more fluid, remembering most streets and shortcuts, arriving at the meeting point where our orpha was already waiting. The young boy had found a comfortable perch atop a stack of crates, swinging his legs absently as he whistled a quiet tune, clearly in a good mood. When he spotted us approaching, he quickly hopped down and grinned, his face lighting up with excitement.
"So? Oh..." He flinched, realizing he was seeing our faces and suddenly unsure who we were or what we wanted.
"Relax, we are working with Shade," I said while I exchanged a brief glance with Lira before stepping forward. "We were told to come and gather you. Which means you are part of our group now."
"Really?!" The boy's eyes lit up with happiness, his confidence returning at once. "Cool! I am Puck, by the way!" He said with great enthusiasm, glancing back and forth between us.
"I am Auriel, her name is Lira."
"Um!" He nodded his head, bobbing it up and down.
"For now, we are still in the middle of getting everything ready, but we will be setting up a proper base of operations, and you're going to be a part of it. But for now, you need to lay low until all is ready to go."
"It shouldn't take long," I added, looking into his eyes, trying to read his thoughts. "For the next three days, keep out of sight. After that, come to the adventurer's guild to meet me."
"Oh?!" He gasped, looking at me, finally noticing the bronze bracelet on my hand. "I see, I see! Okay!" Puck's excitement was immediate and uncontained. "I'll make sure nobody even sees me for three days!"
"Just don't get into trouble." I chuckled, "When all is done, you will have a proper job, kid. With actual pay and a place to stay. Sounds good?"
"That sounds great!" he laughed, bouncing. "Don't worry, Mister Auriel, Miss Lira! I will do my best!"
"Mhm. Don't forget. Three days." I patted his shoulders, "Don't be late."
...
....
...
With Puck recruited, there was really just one thing to do: Visit Veren & Sons, this time, as ourselves.
We arrived at their compound's headquarters early the following day. It wasn't hard to get in, but it was enough to tell the guards we were here to see Mister Markus Veren about an offer he had made a day prior. Then, we were ushered in a moment later.
As we entered the building, no unnecessary questions were asked, and we were guided directly to Markus's office. The atmosphere was exactly how I expected it to be—businesslike. There was not much for decorations; everything was more utilitarian, clearly a sign that this was a workplace and not a home.
When we were finally in probably the main office, Markus was already there, waiting, hands behind his back, looking out of the window, turning to us with a broad smile. Of course, he wasn't alone. After a quick introduction, I shook hands with his brother Willem, who then sat down nearby, his sharp gaze settling on us with blatant scrutiny. Not that I minded it, keeping my demeanor neutral yet professional. This wasn't the first business meeting I was taking part of. Well... in this life, it may have been. Heh.
"Welcome," Markus repeated as we all sat down. "I take it you have come to discuss my offer?"
"Indeed," I nodded, letting out a small but confident smile. "And I must say, it's quite a generous one. My employer appreciates the initiative. A good partnership is always built on trust and mutual benefit."
"Of course!" Markus raised an eyebrow, keeping up a smile. "Your employer."
"You know his name." Lira inclined her head slightly. "Shade."
There was a brief silence. Markus exchanged a look with Willem, who simply huffed but said nothing.
"Yes, I do," Markus said, keeping up his friendly demeanor. "So, you are the main representatives of Shade, I assume?"
"That's right," Lira answered smoothly, her hands clasped on her lap, projecting the image of calmness, but I knew she was more than nervous. Still... She was doing great, better than I had ever expected. "Shade prefers to remain... unseen. It's better that way, don't you think?"
Markus studied her for a long moment before looking at my adventurer bracelet, thinking about something, and nodding.
"I assume you wouldn't be here if you weren't prepared to prove that," Willem interjected suddenly, making me only glance at him for a moment.
"Do you want me to draw out where you found your stolen shipment in the sewers?" I asked with confidence and ease. "I will say this only once. Shade's interest in this city is long-term. The property you've offered is a good starting point. From there, we can establish a stable foothold, one that benefits both sides. And my employer wouldn't forget that in the future."
"Of course..." Markus tapped a finger against his desk, some kind of signal, making his brother's answer get stuck in his throat. "Just, out of my personal curiosity... What exactly do you plan to do with the property? Maybe we can help you set it up. For a reasonable price."
"Maybe..." Lira muttered, looking at me because this was not in the plans, but things like this were normal in meetings like this.
"A legitimate front," I answered without hesitation. "A bakery."
Willem's expression barely changed, but there was the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth as if he wanted to scoff. Markus, however, seemed intrigued.
"A bakery? Hooh."
"Yes," Lira spoke up after clearing her throat. "I have experience in the craft, and it makes for an excellent... front. It provides stability, community engagement, and, most importantly, a reason for people to come and go without suspicion."
"That it does..." Markus leaned back in his chair. "Not a bad plan. We can help you make it happen on the cheap side."
"As I said, we wouldn't say no to it." I smiled. "I guess we can start drafting up the details now?"
"My people already did so!" Markus nodded. "The property is as good as being yours." He pulled out a document from his drawer and presented it to us. "It only requires your signature."
From the corner of my eyes, I watched as Lira tensed slightly, but I merely nodded.
"That is great. Give me a moment to read it..." I picked it up and began going over it, glad that I was doing more in my previous life than I signed up for. If there were hidden clauses in his document... I would find it.
"Of course!" Markus gave me a knowing look. "I would expect nothing less."
I didn't answer; I simply smiled, reading it from start to finish, feeling satisfied that there were no actual pitfalls planted in it. It was... straightforward. Interesting. I was starting to like this man...