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A Merchant's Antics [Part 2]
The Iron Fang Pavilion's restaurant stood tall and imposing, its grandeur evident in the intricately carved wooden doors and the subtle golden glow of spirit lanterns hanging from the ceiling. As Orion, Elara, and Laura stepped inside, the enticing aroma of sizzling meats, exotic spices, and fragrant wine filled the air. The establishment catered to Valeria City's elite, its interior adorned with elegant silk drapes, polished marble floors, and private dining chambers separated by enchanted partitions that muffled sound.
As Orion, Elara, and Laura stepped inside, Laura smoothly took charge, as expected.
"A private room, as always," she instructed the attendant before turning to Orion with a charming smile. "We wouldn't want prying eyes disturbing our little meal, now would we, my lord?"
Orion, completely unbothered, simply nodded. "Fine."
Soon, they were led to a luxurious chamber with a round dining table, plush seating, and warm candlelight flickering from elegant crystal holders. As the attendant gestured for them to sit, Elara instinctively moved to take the seat next to Orion—only for Laura to slide in effortlessly, settling herself right beside him before Elara could even blink.
The audacity!
Elara's fists clenched as she hesitantly took the seat on his other side, glaring daggers at the smug merchant, who had the nerve to give her an innocent smile.
With a graceful flick of her wrist, Laura signaled a servant and leaned slightly closer to Orion. "My lord, what do you like to have? The Iron Fang Pavilion is renowned for its exquisite dishes—perhaps a delicacy that suits your refined taste?"
Elara's eye twitched. She's sitting too close. Again!
Unaware to Elara's rising temper, Orion gave his usual indifferent response. "Anything is fine."
Laura chuckled; her golden eyes gleaming with mischief. "Such a simple answer for such a rare man… How charming."
Elara nearly choked on air. Charming? She whipped her head toward Orion, waiting for him to scowl or at least react, but, as usual, he remained unfazed.
With an amused hum, Laura turned to the servant. "Bring us the best selection—grilled spirit beast meat, phoenix rice, moonflower stew, and an assortment of side dishes. Oh, and a bottle of your finest celestial nectar wine."
The servant bowed and left swiftly.
Elara crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "Wine? Brother doesn't even drink."
Laura rested her chin on her palm, smirking. "It's not just for drinking, young Lady Elara. Celestial nectar has medicinal benefits, aiding cultivation and soothing fatigue. Of course, if my lord would not want drink then... it's okay."
Orion, meanwhile, remained unaffected by Laura's words. To him, this was expected.
Merchants often sought to strengthen their ties with valued customers, using charm and hospitality as natural tools of business. While others might view Laura's demeanour as overly forward, Orion saw it for what it was—a calculated game played by an expert in her field.
Whether it was wealth, influence, or favour, merchants thrived on connections. This was simply her nature.
Orion, having long understood Laura's nature, simply brushed her words aside with an indifferent glance. "It's okay... I take drink with you."
Laura tilted her head playfully and smile and look toward Elara like she trying to said "A small victory look."
Elara could feel her blood pressure rising.
A few moments later, the food arrived, the aroma of expertly prepared dishes filling the room. The grilled spirit beast meat sizzled invitingly, coated in a rich, savoury glaze. The phoenix rice was fragrant, each grain shimmering with golden hues, while the moonflower stew emitted a soothing warmth.
As they began eating, Laura wasted no time resuming her antics.
She picked up a perfectly grilled piece of meat with her chopsticks and, with an almost dangerous smile, held it up toward Orion plate. "Here, my lord. A taste of the Pavilion's finest. I insist."
Orion thanked her for her kindness but Before Orion could say anything more. Elara said "I'll serve my brother! You don't need to worry Miss Laura." she declared, swiftly grabbing a piece of meat and placing it in Orion's bowl. "There. He's already taken care of."
Laura blinked at Elara's bold move before letting out a sultry laugh. "Oh my, how protective."
Orion, still calm, took a bite of the food Elara and Laura had serve him. "It's good," he commented simply.
Then, Laura leaned in closer. "Perhaps my lord would enjoy a sip of celestial nectar as well?" She poured a small amount into Orion's cup, her fingers brushing against his ever so slightly.
Elara's glare could have melted metal.
However, Orion, ever composed, simply picked up the cup and set it aside. "Not now after food I take it."
Laura pouted but accepted his response with a sly smirk. "Such discipline… admirable, but a little wine with food wouldn't hurt, you know."
Elara muttered under her breath, "What would hurt is me throwing it at you."
But, both Laura and Orion don't able to hear what Elara said.
For the rest of the meal, Laura continued her flirtations, and Elara countered every single one like a warrior on a battlefield. Orion, on the other hand, remained completely indifferent, responding only when necessary, making it all the more frustrating for both women in different ways.
Finally, as the meal concluded, Orion placed down his chopsticks, feeling pleasantly full. He turned to Laura. "That was good. Thank you for the recommendation, Miss Laura."
Laura leaned back, smirking. "A compliment? My, my… this meal was worth it, then."
Elara rolled her eyes. "Can we leave now?"
Laura chuckled, standing gracefully. "Of course. But I do hope this won't be our last meal together, my lord."
Orion simply gave a neutral nod, standing as well.
As they stepped out of the restaurant, the afternoon sun casting warm golden hues across the streets of Valeria City, Elara exhaled loudly, as if finally, she and her brother free from an invisible cage of Laura Valtor.
Orion, noticing her action raised a brow. "Something wrong?"
Elara huffed, crossing her arms. "No. Nothing at all, Brother."
After Orion, Elara, and Laura return to the entrance of Iron Fang Armory premises, where Commander Black hands Orion a pouch containing the leftover gold from his purchases. He also informs Orion that all his purchased items have already been loaded into the carriages.
Then Laura come toward Orion take a pouch from her attendant and give to Orion said, "Take this, my Lord."
Orion in confusion look her why she gave him pouch but Orion look her smile and take the pouch from her hand to saw what inside of pouch held. But when he opened pouched, his attention is drawn to a set of vials within the pouch. His fingers brush over the cool metal as he recognizes them instantly—Vials of Eternal Tears. Unlike ordinary healing potions, these vials contain a rare and precious elixir capable of fully healing anyone below the Magister level, regardless of the severity of their injuries. Due to their extreme rarity, a single vial is valued at one to two Platinum Coins, making them a luxury even among nobles. For Viscounts and above, possessing a Vial of Eternal Tears is a sign of immense wealth and influence.
Orion's brow furrows in suspicion. Why would Laura give him something so valuable?
Turning to face the mysterious merchant, Orion's blue eyes reflect his curiosity and doubt. "Miss Laura, these… they're Vials of Eternal Tears, right?"
Laura simply smiles, tilting her head slightly. "Of course, my lord."
Orion narrows his gaze in confusion. "Why you giving this very precious thing to me?"
Laura chuckles, stepping forward with a graceful sway. "For you and the young miss. A gift from me."
Elara gasps in surprise, while Orion remains silent, studying Laura's expression carefully.
"A gift?" Orion echoes, his tone laced with scepticism.
Laura smirks playfully. "Yes, my lord."
"For what reason?" Orion presses.
Laura meets his gaze, amusement dancing in her golden eyes. "For our friendship."
Orion chuckles dryly, folding his arms. "Friendship? And why do you want to be friends with me?"
Laura leans in slightly, lowering her voice to a teasing whisper. "Why wouldn't I?" Her words carry an almost flirtatious edge. "Tell me, my lord… does no one wish to befriend a Golden Blessing user?"
Orion pauses. Think about the world where Golden Blessing user one day reached on top of the Eldora and merchants who are clever from nature and always think to make contacts he feel she doesn't have anything different maybe she invested on Orion today for thinking maybe when he became stronger she asked something then. He saw this tactic many times in his past life. So, he accepts her gift said, "Then… thank you, Miss Laura."
For a brief second, Laura's playful smirk softens, but she quickly regains her teasing demeanour. Taking a step closer, she leans toward Orion, her lips almost brushing against his ear.
In a sultry whisper, just loud enough for both Orion and Elara to hear, she murmurs, "And… there's another reason, my lord."
She pauses deliberately, her voice dropping into a seductive tone.
"Which woman wouldn't want to be close to someone as handsome as you, young master?"
Orion stiffens slightly, clearing his throat to mask his reaction.
Elara, on the other hand…
Her hands tremble with irritation. Her blue eyes darken with barely contained rage as she clenches her fists so tightly that her knuckles turn white. A deadly aura radiates from her as she glares at Laura.
Yet, Laura remains unfazed, smiling with mischief.
Orion exhales slowly, shaking his head. "Once again, Thank you for the gift, Miss Laura. Now, we'll take our leave."
Laura places a hand on her hip and gives a playful nod. "Come again, my lord. This humble shop is always open for you." Orion nodded and climb into the carriage. But, Elara, before climbing into the carriage, shoots Laura one last glare—a glare so sharp and murderous that if looks could kill, Laura would be dead on the spot.
Laura simply smiles, raising a delicate hand in a casual wave. "Bye-bye, young miss."
Elara huffs, flipping her Black hair in annoyance before stepping into the carriage.
As the carriage rolls away, Laura watches until it disappears from sight.
Her teasing smile fades slightly and only remain little smile.
Her golden eyes darken.
She whispers to the shadows behind her, "What an amusing man… right, Shadow?"
A faint voice from the darkness responds, "Indeed."