A direct recruitment from the Boss.
There couldn't be a more concrete job offer than this.
'The future head of the Montelli family is assigning me a task.Should I feel fortunate, or unfortunate?
Fortunate that my career path would likely be smooth sailing from here on.Unfortunate that I was about to be thoroughly exploited.
Of course, if the effort came with matching compensation... then overtime... wasn't entirely off the table.'
"A task?"
"Yes, a task." Carlotta gave a slight nod. "An opportunity for you to prove your worth to the Montelli family."
Ray pressed his lips together, silent for a moment before asking, "What exactly does it involve?"
"Well..." A faint smile curved Carlotta's lips as she set down her delicate teacup. "Your role would be to assist me in my work. While it carries a certain degree of danger, I will match it with exceptionally generous compensation."
Ray: "..."
The Montelli family.They were the nouveau riche who rose through maritime exploration and trade, rapidly accumulating unimaginable wealth as Ragunna opened up.
On the surface, the Montelli family seemed solely focused on legitimate business, establishing themselves in the market through legal, compliant trade.
But beneath that polished exterior lay secrets not meant for public view.
One had to understand: under the Order's strict secular rule and the Fisalia family's forceful suppression, a weak, incompetent person who only followed the rules could never have led a family to such a meteoric rise in such a hostile environment.
Therefore, the path of the Montellis' ascent was undoubtedly paved with bloodshed. Beneath the veneer of prosperity, who knew how many unseen schemes, covert struggles, and brutal conflicts fought for profit lay hidden.
Even before crossing over, Ray had watched plenty of films about crime families. The internal power struggles, the betrayals and killings among members in those films had left a deep impression on him.
He understood very well that a family like the Montellis' was inevitably steeped in endless blood and treachery. Once you accidentally stepped into those murky waters, escaping unscathed would be harder than climbing to the heavens.
"You seem hesitant?" Carlotta elegantly rested her elbows on the table, bringing her hands together with her fingertips forming a steeple. "Are you afraid?"
This kind of reaction was something Carlotta had seen many times before.
Not all people in Ragunna wished to be associated with the Montelli family; some, upon seeing family members, practically scrambled to get out of their way.
Because getting involved with the family meant inviting trouble. Even the staff working in the vaults and the bank harbored such concerns, reluctant to tie themselves to the family.
"It's not exactly that," Ray said. "I'm just a little curious. Why me, specifically? If you need assistance with your work, surely there are people within the family far more suitable than I am?"
"Naturally, I have my reasons." Carlotta leaned back comfortably in her chair, crossing her legs with an air of ease. "When the time is right, you will understand the reasoning behind it all."
As she spoke, she gently closed her eyes, then slowly raised her delicate hand, bringing the teacup to her lips for a small sip—her movements graceful and unhurried.
"So, what is your answer?"
What now? Accept or refuse?
Ray hesitated. He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked up, meeting Carlotta's gaze.
The young woman remained sitting there with perfect elegance. She opened her eyes; they were as brilliant as opals.
She was waiting for him. Waiting for his reply.
"I..."
"I accept."
Finally, after a long silence, Ray gave her his answer.
"Very good." Carlotta gave a slight, approving nod and made a promise. "The family has never failed to reward those who serve it well. Upon completion, your compensation will extend far beyond mere gold and silver."
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze holding his.
"I will also grant you one request, whatever that request may be, as long as it lies within my power to fulfill it."
...
The dead of night.
Ray finally pushed open the slightly worn door to his home, dragging legs that felt as heavy as lead.
The exhaustion from the entire day's turmoil had completely engulfed him like a raging tide, draining every ounce of his strength with each step.
The moment he entered the room, he collapsed straight onto the bed as if his spine had been removed. His eyelids felt like they weighed a ton, and wave after wave of drowsiness washed over him, nearly pulling him into unconsciousness.
But the events of the evening, both the sudden assault by the Fisalia family and Carlotta's personal invitation, felt like shards of sharp glass embedded in his mind, tangling his thoughts into a chaotic, knotted mess.
"I suppose... I'll just take it one step at a time," he murmured to the ceiling.
Until exhaustion finally won, and he was pulled into a deep sleep.
...
7:00 a.m.
The alarm clock sounded as scheduled.
Urged by the ringing, Ray slowly pried his eyes open, remnants of sleep still clinging to his gaze.
With great effort, he sluggishly hauled himself from the warmth of the bed and reached over to silence the noisy alarm.
"...Haah." He let out a yawn, stumbling his way to the bathroom. Staring at his weary reflection in the mirror, he couldn't help but release a long sigh.
'Ugh, I wish I could just be irresponsible and skip work today.'
Unfortunately, he couldn't. His perfect-attendance bonus was only a few days away.
He didn't want all his previous effort to go to waste right at the finish line.
He turned on the tap, and a cool stream of water flowed out. Bending over, he submerged his face in the water, letting the chill chase away the last dregs of sleepiness. He meticulously brushed his teeth and washed his face. After completing his morning routine and putting on clean clothes, he was ready to plunge back into the grinding, machine-like routine of his workhorse life.
Just as he was about to step out the door to begin a new day of toil, the terminal at his waist vibrated unexpectedly. The faint tremor felt particularly jarring in the quiet morning.
Ray paused, then took out the terminal. His gaze fell on the screen, where a message from Carlotta greeted him.
[Good morning, Mr. Ray.]
[Did you rest well last night?]
[My apologies, but as per our agreement, it's time for you to get to work.]
Oh, right. He'd agreed to assist Carlotta with her work yesterday.
But what about the company's perfect-attendance bonus...?
After a short wait, the terminal screen lit up again with another message from Carlotta. This time, she sent a specific address, accompanied by instructions.
[I'll be waiting for you here.]
.
.
.
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Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 50 powerstones this week, there will be bonus chapter.