OLD-WORLD EXTRA-Chapter 148: Evelyn’s Resolution II

"But before I tell you about that, what did you guys plan to do after this whole thing blows over?" Emir asked, his gaze locked on Mariane and Evelyn.

Evelyn, finally finding her chance, proclaimed:

"As you might've guessed, me and Mariane aren't what you would call normal friends. We umm... We grew up together in the same orphanage, and since then we've thought of each other as sisters..."

"What I'm trying to say is that her problems are mine, as are my problems hers."

"So you've got something in mind?" He asked.

She nodded.

"Yes, although I'm not sure if it's possible, I'll apply for a professor position at the academy..."

'Interesting... We might be colleagues soon...'

"I see. You'll be able to gain connections and a stable income-a good one, I must say-but are you sure that you've got the CV for it? You need to have a solid reputation in the field."

'And to be a celestial, which you are.' He added inwardly.

"Don't worry, I've got that covered, and I don't know why, but I feel like my admission will be a success. And well, I've always loved the thought of teaching... So me being a professor would be perfect."

Her words hung in the air with joviality, opposing the previous mood of the room.

But Emir didn't match that energy as he remained in thought:

'Is something wrong with me? ...I keep going back to her being manipulated.'

'It's confirmed that they're very close to each other, so meeting them could be easily counted as a coincidence, after all, Evelyn was only doing a patrol, and we simply met sometime after in this shop, and due to her relationship with Mariane, she would obviously buy her ammo here...'

'So that's not unusual, her liking to teach isn't either. It's normal, women also generally tend to side with nurturing or just any human-related jobs, like health care, education, or whatever. So this isn't unnatural either, but why?'

'...Why do I still feel like this?'

Keeping his thoughts from spiraling too far, he concluded that it would be better to keep an eye on her, she could be trusted but not those around her.

Mariane, looking extremely worried, asked:

"Are you really sure about this? You know that the world of the Elite is incredibly dangerous. And you're walking into said danger with your own free WILL!"

Appearing frustrated, Evelyn let out a long sigh, showing that they'd had this conversation many times before.

"I won't repeat myself again, you've sponsored me all this time, without you, I would've died on my first day as a hunter. And this is my chance to do something for us, you will not take this away from me!"

'So she was a celestial even before she became a hunter, huh? I'd say Evelyn's words are spot on.' Emir commented inwardly while standing aside as if watching a family drama.

But finally, he cut in, not wanting to waste any more time:

"Alright guys, let's stop here. I don't know why you're comfortable having this talk in front of me, someone who could be considered a customer or a friend at most, but I appreciate it nonetheless."

They both shifted and were about to rebuke his words, but they immediately stopped in their tracks as they finally noticed the change in his demeanor.

With his cold gaze fixed on Evelyn, he continued:

"I support your decision; even though there's a low chance that you might actually succeed, but let's not think about that for now."

"I came late, I only saw the notice a while ago on the news channel. And judging by how comfortable you both are with me, it looks like I should've been here during the court hearing..."

"I won't apologize, instead, I'm here to help. Although there is nothing we can do now regarding this shop closing, what we can do is have you merge your shop, mainly your name 'Hunter's Den,' with ours. In turn, this whole debacle could be chalked up to a simple merger."

Mariane's eyes lit up with a burning fire, while Evelyn stood there, holding her sister's hand with a dazed look on her face.

Shaking her head, Evelyn snapped out of it and looked up at Emir, her eyes showing tears once again...

After all, even someone completely inept at business would understand the meaning of his words, no matter how slight.

But Mariane instead looked at this with her business mind, understanding that Emir knew the details of her court hearing and that all that remained to her was the Hunter's Den name.

A name that came with pre-established loyal customers, people that the Prince Europium company needed more so than ever, combined with the fact that they would enter a whole new market with their merger, gaining them even more opportunities to establish a solid foundation.

"How did you know?" Mariane excitedly asked.

Scoffing, he shrugged his shoulders.

"It's quite simple, really; it's just that right now you're still outside, meaning that whatever they had over you wasn't enough to make you work for them for life and that you had the money to pay off the legal fees and bond if they've given you one..."

"In other words, you still hold the rights of your company."

Mariane's eyes held a glint of admiration, clearly impressed by Emir's response, while Evelyn seemed to remain as befuddled as she had been throughout their entire conversation.

With a light chuckle, she released her sister's hand and made her way toward the door.

"I'll leave you guys to it, I better start preparing for my application."

And as she passed by Emir, she playfully gave him a few affectionate taps while continuing on

her way.

Raising his thumb, he gestured behind him and said:

"Now, why don't we find a place to sit? I'm quite hungry... So how about a cafe?"

She nodded in agreement, her smile finally returning to her face.

It was a truly radiant expression that could easily captivate anyone; if someone else were in his shoes, they might have fallen for her right then and there.

"Beautiful..." Emir unknowingly voiced out.

And unexpectedly, his words only seemed to amplify the sweetness of her smile.

He had anticipated a playful reaction, maybe a blush or a light-hearted joke as usual, but instead, she simply accepted his words and proved that they were an understatement.

'I don't know if I'm lucky or not to have this many beautiful girls around me, but I can say this

at least, I will have someone come after me one day, probably a young master...'

Letting out a chuckle, he said:

"Alright, enough of that, Miss Manager. Let's go."