60th Dawn - Untold Magic

For some reason, that particular word popped out again.

Lewis once told me about something similar before - a kind of spell that makes dreams come true. I only took that as his way of consoling me that time, though. It's nothing but a word of solace for when reality became too much to handle that I hoped for something non-existent to barge in between and make the impossible happen. After all, I never had any personal encounter with magic before.

"What's with that face? You don't believe in magic?"

Then, I gape.

I wonder what are the odds that the two of them would spout out the same response to my skeptical reaction. Lewis also said that to me when I only lifted a doubtful eyebrow at his uncalled-for speech about magic. Now, I'm starting to get curious about the topic even more. I may be dubious when it comes to matters like this, but I'm still an open-minded individual.

"Didn't you sign a contract with my old man?" Alexander continued, making me blink at him in bafflement.

"Yeah? Why?"

"Then, you should've seen how one works. Transactional contracts make use of a special type of ink, after all. That's magic."

"What?!"

Flummoxed, I inadvertently raised my voice and threw on my most flabbergasted expression. I recall that Lewis did tell me how it's not just any ordinary contract signing, and there was this glowing light that appeared out of nowhere when Baron Pierre and I made a pledge. It's so not like me to just gloss over this small, yet bewildering detail like that since I'm supposed to be a curious cat. Now that I learned that it was such a big deal after all, I suddenly find myself feeling a sense of disappointment for some reason.

"Now that we're on the topic, may I ask how much you sold those hair accessories for? As your new instructor, I at least have the right to know," Alexander inquired, snapping me out of my train of thoughts.

"Well, it's..."

As soon as I dropped the amounts, he erupted like a once dormant volcano all of the sudden. He seems to be flummoxed and extremely miffed about something. This dude could actually flip over this whole place while he's at it. Confounded, I just gawk at him as if I have been told that the world is flat after all.

"You sold them for such measly amounts? What were you thinking?! Those are originals! They're supposed to be worth a hundred thousand or something!"

At this point, I'm no longer certain which part I should react first - whether it's to the fact that he easily bursts into a fit of pique or when he chided me for settling for a lesser price. Despite his qualms, I still don't find any issue with my chosen sum nor am I convinced that Baron Pierre had swindled me by allowing that. Lewis was even there to serve as a neutral party and help me decide on the amounts.

"You're really an idiot. Then again, it's your first time signing a contract. You've got no clue..." Alexander trailed off, which annoyed me a little.

"Precisely," I just deadpanned, too enervated to explain myself any further.

"Let me tell you what, then... In business, you have to take as much as you can from those you can take from. Don't hesitate. It's how it should work in the first place. If you keep being satisfied with such a small price, someone might take you for granted one day."

At that, I just blink at him in surprise and enlightenment. I can't believe that the first lesson he taught me is about money. Though I appreciate him warning me for the near future, the way he worded that somehow gave me the impression that he's the true swindler around here.

"Thanks for an overview, Sir. I'll be more careful from now on," I replied, straight-faced.

"Also, you can always ask me about it. I bet your creations are going to catch the eyes of many, so signing contracts is very probable to happen again. Although my atelier will be the one housing your originals, other kinds of offers might pop up a number of times in the future," he explained, seemingly deep in thought.

"Sir Alexander... You really got high hopes for my works?"

"Of course. That's why I took you in."

Stare turning soft and lips slowly curling into a smile, I just look at him as different kinds of emotions swell in me. I'm grateful and relieved that he thinks highly of my designs and isn't revolted about it, though I'm also aware that it's simply because he envisions some life-changing revolution and has found my designs as pivotal to that. At the same time, I'm a little afraid that I might cause him dissatisfaction in the end just like what I did to Baron Pierre. I'm still not sure about getting more offers, but going by how confident he sounded when he said it, I discern that he has a certain plan in mind.

"Anyways, just put the mop away for now. I already noticed that you've been wanting me to join you clean," Alexander blurted out before heading to the door, much to my surprise.

"But, Sir-"

"Let's just do it together tomorrow. You have to rest already. Seriously."

Sparing one last stern glance at me, Alexander then finally takes his leave. I only stand still in silence, taken aback by his unpredictable actions. He doesn't look like he's joking when he said he'll help me clean, though. Then, that's when I realize that he really just wanted me to take a break and not to overwork. This must mean that he'll have no need to hire cleaners anymore.

"That's quite an intricate way of giving in and finally agreeing to learn how to mop, though..."

With that, I decided to proceed with carrying my briefcases upstairs and lodging into my new room. Its door is unlocked so I can easily find out which one is mine among the rooms in a corridor. The second ground is indeed less messy, and I can make out the interior layout unlike when I'm downstairs. The floor and its handrails stretch out into this cube form, leaving out the middle part. An array of mannequins, ornate wall decorations, some ancient engravings, marbled flooring, an alabaster wall interior, and above all, that stunningly archaic, colorful stained-glass at the center - contrary to my expectations, this place has a lot of charming points. Unlike the overwhelming Freya's headquarter, I feel cozy and unrestrained here as if it's some kind of a freedom metaphor. Aside from that, I also sense something strangely uplifting and wondrous.

"Like... Almost like this place is magical..."