Orario and balance 2.303

Viggo and Hitomi were in the third-floor meeting room in a mansion that functioned as the headquarters of Semiramis' multiple companies. Both were standing, in front of the window, looking at the streets traveled by the noble and wealthy merchants of the northern region of Orario.

Viggo saw a man with blond hair, short hair and what he defined as an abandoned puppy look advancing along the sidewalk towards the building. That person was Edgar and he no longer dressed in top quality clothes as when he was an earl, but he still retained a certain elegance. Viggo looked at Hitomi next to him, small compared to him, hip-length red hair, pointed elf ears, and an emerald one-piece dress.

—Are you ready?— asked Viggo in a thick, hearty voice.

Hitomi looked to the side, saw Viggo dressed in the black coat with white embroidery, the sleeveless jacket, cloth pants, and black knee-length boots. She had to lift her face so she could look into his eyes. His large stature and red hair were the most eye-catching, along with his golden-iris eyes —yes, I'm ready— she replied.

—In that case, remember what we talked about and whatever happens, don't fight with Semiramis. We do not seek to compete, but to help us as a guarantee to start our company—

—I still think you'd better talk to the lady—

—I can't, and this is also to give me peace of mind. I'm going to leave the whole business to you. I must know that at least you have the guts to get ahead. I've already told you my situation—

Hitomi swallowed and examined the golden iris in Viggo's eyes. "King of the gods" that was already too much. She felt that she was talking to a great emperor or something, although Viggo told her that the title he would obtain in a short time would bring him more problems than benefits. However, "king of the gods" thought again. She could also be queen of the gods if he asked her. Hitomi shook her head sharply and pushed such thoughts away. They had a business deal, it's not like this heartless man proposed anything to her. She still doesn't forgive him for giving her to his brother, although Tatsumi was fine too, but not as much as Viggo. Again, Hitomi shook her head sharply, but this time she got dizzy.

Viggo watched Hitomi bring her right hand to her head and stagger as if she was dizzy. To begin with, he didn't know why she was moving her head from side to side so abruptly. Was she going crazy or having mental problems? Viggo preferred not to think about it, approached Hitomi, put his hand on her back and guided her to a seat, in front of a long oval table that they occupied for company meetings.

—Shall I bring you water or something?— asked Viggo, approaching Hitomi from the side while the latter remained seated and clutching her head with her right hand.

—Not at all, let's just wait— Hitomi replied.

Viggo sat next to him, five minutes passed, and there was a knock on the door.

—Go ahead— said Viggo, stood up and Hitomi imitated him. Both with a straight back and a calm, but attentive attitude.

The door to the meeting room opened, Semiramis entered wearing a white quiton with gold edges that highlighted her dark hair and eyes with a yellow iris. Her face was heart-shaped, thin, outlined eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, thin nose, slender body, but thanks to the birth of Uriel and Gwynevere her breasts and hips had grown giving her the appearance of an hourglass. Behind her came Scheherezade, dark hair as night to the hips, dressed in a beige quiton that fit her voluptuous body, but which in turn highlighted her green eyes.

Finally, Edgar entered, blond, dressed in fine clothes, but of low quality, demonstrating it in his opaque and lifeless colors. Although of course, Edgar could have fallen from grace, squandered his money and been saved by little pallum, but he was still a good-looking guy. He was slightly taller than Semiramis and Scheherezade.

—Good morning— Viggo said with a broad smile.

Everyone responded, Semiramis and Scheherezade smiled with a knowing smile, but Edgar showed his disgust in his eyes. Semiramis walked to the oval table while looking at Hitomi. The look was calm, but in the center of the eyes there was a cruel brilliance. That made Hitomi shiver in fear, but she tried to stay calm.

Viggo quickly moved to the head of the table, opened the chair, and waited for Semiramis to sit down. She sat down pleased and Viggo arranged her seat. Viggo then went to do the same with Scheherezade while Semiramis looked at Hitomi and gave her a mocking look, as if there was a world of difference between the two.

Hitomi reacted by squeezing her small hands but try to keep a calm expression. Annoying woman, she thought. At the same time, Edgar circled the table and sat next to Hitomi. Both looked at each other, their eyes met, and nodded to each other in greeting. Viggo returned to his seat, between Semiramis and Hitomi.

Semiramis put his hands on the table and intertwined his fingers —good morning, my husband has explained some of his project to me, but I hope to hear more detail from the person who carried it out. Hitomi, you can start whenever you want— she said.

—Well, if you allow me— said Hitomi, standing up, taking her folder, and distributing a set of documents to each of those present —the project proposed by Mr. Dragonroad is interesting, and I have proposed to explain it in detail...—

Hitomi developed easily, it was her forte, she had the theoretical knowledge and knew how to project it. She was impeccable from beginning to end in her explanation, but when she added several projects of her own ingenuity, she generated several expressions of astonishment.

—Printing press?— asked Semiramis with a raised brow.

—Yes, the printing press is a machine created more than a hundred years ago in the empire, but without an objective or ideas of how to implement it more than just producing books, it did not get anywhere and was discarded. This machine was lost in time and for some reason the plans and details went to the library of the kingdom of Alf. I found it and I think it's something with infinite potential. Let me explain...—

Semiramis remained silent and listened to Hitomi's summarized, but interesting explanation. All this seemed so new and innovative that for a moment she looked at Viggo and intended to break her initial agreement. She wouldn't give up Hitomi and her brilliant ideas, but she realized something. Without Viggo, these ideas would never have surfaced. No, it wasn't Viggo, it was the situation that made Hitomi express herself openly. If she had been under her command, she would never have thought of sharing her projects. Damn Viggo and his luck, thought Semiramis. She let out a sigh, but, anyway, she wouldn't make it so easy. Hitomi finished explaining her ideas and sat down.

Semiramis looked at Viggo, then passed by Hitomi and ended up looking at Edgar —you're supposed to handle the commercial situation, right?—

—No, ma'am— replied Edgar, shaking his head —Mr. Viggo asked me to be of help to Miss Hitomi and to guide her in social relations and business dealings—

Semiramis looked at Viggo, and the latter showed a sly smile. She frowned; something was in her husband's hands That cheeky smile!

—Human life is finite compared to that of an elf— replied Viggo —that's why it's my interest that Hitomi develops in several areas. She has the intellect and the time it is only a matter of practice for her to acquire the social friction and the commercial treatment. In addition, I plan to invoke a new goddess in Orario and have Hitomi work for her—

Semiramis and Scheherezade widened their eyes, frowned, and questioned Viggo with their eyes. However, the latter smiled as if to tell them that he would not tell them anything else apart from this. Semiramis got upset and as she was close, she kicked him under the table.

—Those things are important, dear— Semiramis said with a smile that wasn't.

—Oooh, you don't need to worry, it won't affect your company. Now, with all this said, are you going to be our endorsement?—

—Three hundred million valis in exchange for fifty-one percent— Semiramis replied with a mocking expression, then passed her gaze from Viggo to Hitomi and waited to see her reaction.

—With all due respect— Hitomi said, rising from her chair, her hands on the table and an annoyed expression —this is not a small business and if you are not willing to finance it, we can go with someone else—

Viggo closed his eyes, wanting to get into a hole. The first thing he told her and repeated until he was tired was not to fight with Semiramis. His intention was not to antagonize Orario's richest woman.

On the other hand, Semiramis frowned in an annoyed expression as Scheherezade was impressed by Hitomi's rection. As an elf, the latter was calm, thoughtful, and respectful; she never expect it. Finally, Edgar stared in amazement as Hitomi ruined her first and perhaps only business opportunity. Now he wondered if Viggo was going to keep his proposal to help him from his business or had to say goodbye to that opportunity.

—Well, in that case, go and do what you want— Semiramis replied with a scornful smile, got up from her seat and said —I hope your business in Orario works—

Then Hitomi realized her mistake and that her words weren't the best —wait— she said regretfully —I didn't mean it that way—

—No, I know— replied Semiramis, pausing and looking back at her —but I will not tolerate this treatment of a slave whose only value is her intelligence. Go and find someone to help you, I'm not interested. Aaaah, yes, from now on I will apply an interest rate to your debt. Work hard and see if you can make money, otherwise, you will be a slave for eternity—

Semiramis walked to the exit door, opened it, and slammed the door loudly.

Viggo stayed in his seat, lowered his face, and clenched his septum with his right hand. He had asked Semiramis to antagonize Hitomi to hinder her, but this came from her soul. Surely it was not because of his request, and she did it out of greed. Viggo shook his head, he wouldn't hand over Hitomi so easily, but this road had become uphill.

At the same time, Hitomi seeing how Semiramis left, shed a tear, then looked at Viggo with his head down and with his right hand squeezing his septum. He had been given a chance, but she had spoiled everything at the first opportunity. Then she looked at Scheherezade, who was getting up from the table and breathing a tired sigh.

—I'm sorry, Hitomi— said Scheherezade, looking into her eyes —I wish you luck and if you need any advice, don't hesitate to look for me—

—I, I'm sorry— Hitomi said in a weak voice.

—Yes, it shows— replied Scheherezade, left the documents on the table and left the meeting room.

—Mr. Viggo— said Edgar, got up from his chair, walked behind Hitomi and arrived in front of Viggo —our agreement, you can give me a chance—

Viggo raised his face, looked at him weirdly, and said —Don't talk idiocies Haven't you helped Hitomi yet, and you want I to pay you, plus help you form your own business?—

—But this— said Edgar, pointing to the meeting room with his hands.

—What?— replied Viggo, stood up and turned around. He looked to the right at Edgar and then at Hitomi, who was shedding tears in silence —this only means that we have it more difficult, but in no case does it mean our defeat. Also, my wife may be the wealthiest woman in Orario, but she is not the only one with whom we can negotiate. However, first things first— he looked at Edgar and continued —you, teach Hitomi to shut her mouth and control her moodiness. Just because someone says something, doesn't mean it's true— then he looked at Hitomi and said —it's a basic principle of negotiation to offer the minimum sum. No one offended you; they were just testing how much was the minimum they could afford—