Early morning.
9:27 a.m.
Ray opened his eyes.
If this were a normal day, he would have already been late by one hour and twenty-seven minutes, facing not only a supervisor's reprimand but also his own mental exhaustion.
But right now, he didn't have to worry about such problems at all.
"Don't worry. Regarding your work at the bank, I'll send someone to inform them that you've been temporarily transferred to another position. Of course, your salary will continue, and your perfect-attendance bonus won't be affected."
That was the promise Carlotta had made last night before they parted ways.
'When the boss says that, what else is there to say? I'll just work for you, then!'
Though… after everything that happened yesterday, he still lacked a solid sense of reality about his current life. Everything felt too abnormal… yet too natural.
But since things had come to this, he could only go with the flow and let life continue.
"So, what should I do today?"
He didn't know.
Usually, his life was filled with busy work. Suddenly having free time, he genuinely wasn't sure what to do.
He slowly got up, his steps a bit sluggish as he walked to the living room. He paused briefly at the cupboard, then deftly made himself a cup of coffee.
Ray took the coffee to the window, took a small sip, letting the rich flavor spread across his tongue, then turned his gaze toward the massive structure across the water from the city district, built to venerate the Sentinel.
That was the Order of the Deep's cathedral, quiet and solemn. He had visited the Order a few times before.
In Ragunna, worship was a deeply ingrained tradition. Most residents would deliberately set aside time each month to visit the cathedral with a pious heart, pouring out their thoughts and seeking blessings from the Sentinel in the sacred atmosphere.
But due to his hectic work schedule, Ray never had the time for worship. Moreover, deep down, he didn't hold a shred of faith in the Sentinel.
His visits to the Order were purely out of curiosity.
"Come to think of it, would Phoebe be there?"
He suddenly remembered the priest he had met once, well, shared a meal with.
A pure, budding lily. Although in some aspects she wasn't as naive as one might imagine, she had her own unique insights and understanding. Ray definitely hadn't forgotten Phoebe's reaction that day.
Should he go to the Order and have Phoebe show him around? Since he had nothing to do today anyway, chatting with Phoebe and learning more about the faith in the Sentinel might even spark his interest in religion.
Just as he was lost in these thoughts, ready to act, his terminal chimed.
A message popped up on the screen, from Carlotta.
[Are you up?]
Ray paused for a moment, then replied.
[Yes.]
Immediately, another message followed.
[Then come to the theater. I'll be waiting at a coffee shop nearby.]
Well, the topic of Phoebe and Order would have to wait. It was time to work.
…
…
An hour later, Ray arrived at the theater as agreed, walking at a steady pace.
Compared to last night's bustle, the area in front of the theater was somewhat quieter now. That was understandable, since most of the time this place served as Giacomo Fasciaspina's private domain.
"I'm over here."
A clear, melodious young woman's voice rang out beside him, instantly breaking the quiet.
Following the sound, he saw Carlotta sitting elegantly in the artsy café by the street, leisurely enjoying her morning tea. Sunlight filtered through the mottled leaves, casting dappled light on her and creating a picture of effortless beauty.
"You're very punctual. Good."
A faint smile touched the corner of Carlotta's lips. The silver spoon in her hand stirred the coffee in her cup unhurriedly.
Ray sat down across from her. His gaze inadvertently swept toward the slightly mysterious theater nearby.
"So, what's the job today? Do I need to infiltrate again?"
Carlotta elegantly lifted her coffee cup and shook her head gently, a meaningful glint in her eyes.
"No need to infiltrate today. We're going to walk right in, openly."
"Walk in openly?" Ray looked puzzled.
"After last night's performance ended, Giacomo reached out to me,"
Carlotta said slowly, savoring the rich aroma of her coffee as she spoke in a soft tone.
"Why?" Ray instinctively pressed.
"What other reason could there possibly be?" Carlotta set the coffee back on the pristine white saucer. "You should know that the orchestra that performed yesterday was making its public debut, right?"
Ray nodded.
"Think about it. Is it realistic for an orchestra's very first public performance to attract such a significant audience?" Carlotta slightly lifted her fair chin, her eyes filled with confidence and pride as she looked directly into Ray's eyes, speaking word by word.
"Of course, that's all because of me. In Ragunna, people call me many things, but the title 'Art Investor' is undoubtedly my most dazzling halo."
"So those audience members weren't really there for the orchestra," she continued calmly. "More accurately, they came for the name 'Carlotta.'"
Art is pure, but the business of art is not.
Investments involving value each one is a promise and a gamble on the future.
Yet even so, she would still raise her paddle for works not favored by the mainstream public. Were they meaningless geometric lights and shadows, or expressions of self-deconstruction… time quickly revealed the answer, with returns far exceeding expectations.
When doubt turned into conviction, people began to chase after her favor, guided by her choices. From that point on, art was established.
But the essence of a merchant is to pursue profit, always seeking maximum gain. From this concert, Giacomo saw Carlotta's drawing power and the immense profits hidden within.
"So he wants to deepen his cooperation with you?" Ray spoke plainly.
"Very clever. Seems you'd make a good merchant, too."
A flicker of light passed through Carlotta's eyes, and a barely detectable smile touched the corner of her lips.
Ray chuckled lightly, neither confirming nor denying.
"But, Miss Carlotta, agreeing to meet him so readily, aren't you worried he might suspect your motives?"
"Of course I've considered that," Carlotta said, extending her slender hand toward him. "That's precisely why I'm bringing you along."
"There's a saying, isn't there? Love makes one blind. I need you to play along, to make him think I'm lost in the throes of a new romance, so he'll lower his guard around me."
"You wouldn't want to refuse, would you?"
Ray looked at the girl's outstretched hand. After a brief hesitation, a knowing smile appeared on his face as he gently took her fingertips.
This was an offer he couldn't refuse.
"Well then… Miss Carlotta, I look forward to working with you."
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Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 100 powerstones, there will be a bonus chapter.
Read advance chapters on [email protected]/lost_moon