OLD-WORLD EXTRA

Chapter 141: Weird Couple

Chapter 141: Weird Couple

?

...

-

Lyra stood before the vacant shop in the lower district, her sharp ruby eyes scanning every inch of the premises, searching for even the slightest imperfection.

The sunlight cast a golden hue on the worn-out façade, highlighting its aged charm.

Turning her attention back to the previous owner, she spoke with a cool and calculated demeanor, her voice laced with a touch of sympathy:

"I must admit, this is a truly charming place. It has great potential, regardless of how far from the wall it is. However, if we were to buy it, we would need to invest a substantial amount in refurbishing the interior, and revamping the exterior displays."

Arcanists are expensive after all, and without them, this shop wouldn't stand a chance against a suicidal celestial...

Since all materials used in any type of structure come from their rune's work.

Although incredibly subtle, their aspects are imprinted into every single material around them.

Moving closer to the woman, Lyra's expression remained composed, but her words held an undeniable firmness.

"Regrettably, considering the costs involved, we find ourselves unable to afford such

extensive renovations at this time. It seems you'll have to continue shouldering that debt for a little while longer..."

The woman's breath hitched, her face contorting with a mix of surprise and apprehension.

It was immediately evident that Lyra had delved deep into her background and dug up information that the owner had hoped to keep hidden.

Letting out a sigh, she replied:

"...I understand. What would you like me to do?"

Internally scoffing, Lyra thought:

'Seems like Miss Rachel over here knows a thing or two about negotiating. Well, she wouldn't have become a shop owner otherwise.'

Shaking her head, she said:

"Well, let's see... If we take all the things I would have to fix in mind, then how about 600 million UC?"

Looking quite frustrated, Rachel almost screamed at Lyra's ridiculous demand.

But she took a moment to regain her composure, exhaling heavily.

"So you're suggesting that all the 'fixing' you mentioned would cost you 200 million?"

Lyra simply nodded to her question, only further fueling Rachel's frustration with her behavior.

However, she managed to compose herself once again and stated:

"That is unacceptable, the lowest I can go for is 750 million."

Lyra chuckled.

"Are you sure? You know, with the current market, no one would buy this shop. It's too volatile right now. It might die down in a few years, but by then, you would lose this property, wouldn't you?"

Halting Rachel's potential reply with a raised hand, Lyra continued to apply pressure:

"I seriously wouldn't want to be in your position. The UEF would take it all, you know? They would settle your debt, sure, but would it be worth it?"

"No. The money you'd receive from me, although lower than the average market price, would still be a better option than what the UEF is offering. So, what do you say? Are you in or not?"

Rachel's face appeared shattered, her half-white, half-black hair clenched in frustration as she desperately tried to hold herself back.

Tears welled up in her light brown eyes, reflecting a blend of hatred and anger directed towards Lyra.

Meanwhile, Cameron, who had maintained silence throughout the exchange, approached his wife and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

Sensing her turmoil, he drew her into his embrace, holding her like a teddy bear, restraining her from losing her composure and going ballistic.

Both Cameron and Rachel knew that her actions would only jeopardize any leverage they might have had over Lyra, something that Lyra wanted and planned for.

But it seems with Cameron around, Lyra's plans wouldn't succeed, so she would have to settle for 600 million instead.

'Not bad at all.' Lyra inwardly snickered.

Seeing her reaction, Rachel began twisting and turning in his arms, attempting to break free.

And noticing Rachel's growing and imminent outburst, Cameron swiftly covered her mouth with his hand, muffling any potential scream.

Then, with a stern expression, he lightly spanked her bottom, as if a parent reprimanding his child, and pleaded:

"Rach, please, calm down. We both know this won't help us."

Rachel gnawed at his hand in retaliation, causing him to flinch slightly, but he maintained his grip, determined to prevent any further escalation.

Lyra, witnessing this unexpected turn of events, struggled to contain her laughter, amused by the resemblance to the many dramas she had heard Laura talk about.

She watched as Rachel's resistance gradually subsided, finally ceasing her futile struggle against Cameron's embrace.

Cameron released his grip after sensing her surrender, allowing Rachel to stand back up, her expression still a mixture of frustration and resignation.

Then, with a determined yet restrained demeanor, Rachel stepped forward until she stood mere inches away from Lyra, their eyes locked in an unspoken exchange.

Extending her right hand, she initiated a handshake, signifying her acceptance of the

transaction.

Suppressing any hint of a smile, Lyra reciprocated the gesture, their hands clasping firmly.

However, as the handshake lingered, Rachel's grip tightened, as a last act of revenge.

But this action only caused her to realize the vast power gap between them.

It wasn't about Lyra not flinching-Rachel knew about her limited strength-but rather the absence of any reaction from Lyra.

This struck Rachel deeply, causing her to fully understand what she was up against.

And at that moment, she knew it was in her best interest to sell the shop, disappear, and ensure she never appeared on Lyra's radar again, afraid of what might happen if they met

again.

Lyra held Rachel's terrified gaze, her eyes conveying a subtle message-a warning, a reminder that their encounter must be forgotten.

Reluctantly stepping back, Rachel's defeated tone filled the air as she conceded:

"Alright, it's yours for 600. Just... just leave us alone, alright?"

Lyra nodded in agreement, her expression conveying a sense of finality.

"No worries. Once you sign the contract, you won't have to see me again."

She observed the couple let out a sigh of relief as they proceeded to sign the digital contract

she had sent to Rachel's terminal.

Within moments, the transaction was completed.

Lyra swiftly transferred the forcibly agreed-upon funds, and without further delay, the couple hastily retreated from her presence, their fear of potential repercussions pushing them

to make a swift exit.

And they were correct in doing that, as moments later, a man with gray hair and piercing

green eyes approached the shop, dressed casually as if he were simply running errands.

Lyra had anticipated his arrival, having arranged the meeting time after he had contacted her

the day before.

With a subtle nod, Nathan followed her into the recently acquired store.

Walking through the empty space, Lyra led him to the back of the shop, past the counter, where she opened a concealed door, revealing an office-like area with a central desk and a few

chairs for meetings.

Taking her seat behind the desk, she gestured for Nathan to do the same-a small gesture that he loved to do, and that spoke volumes about her knowledge of him and his habits.

As he complied, he silently affirmed the correctness of his decision to come here. Leaning back in her chair, Lyra asked, her voice dripping with a poisonous undertone, more

potent than any toxic substance found on the planet Emir was training on: "And what brings you to my humble establishment today, dear customer?"