The Immortals

TEN - Business And Destiny

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Victor smoothly approached Antonia, extending his hand in a gesture of invitation.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" he asked, his voice low.

Antonia's lips curved into a coy smile as she placed her hand in his, accepting the invitation. They moved with effortless grace, their steps mirroring the rhythm of the enchanting waltz.

As the music swelled, Victor whispered into Antonia's ear, "Lady Antonia, I sense a certain urgency in your eyes tonight. Tell me, what is it that you require of me?"

With a nod, Antonia acknowledged Victor's perceptiveness. She gestured towards a discreet side door, leading to a private room away from prying eyes and curious ears. The duo gracefully made their way through the crowd, slipping into the dimly lit sanctuary.

Inside the secluded room, Antonia wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter.

"Victor, I find myself in need of a ship for my trade ventures," she began, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. "There are certain acquisitions I wish to make. But I require a vessel capable of venturing beyond these shores."

Victor leaned against a nearby table, his eyes fixed on Antonia with keen interest.

"A ship, you say?" he mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "What sort of vessel would you be in need of?"

"A large one, my lord. Capable to hold a lot of cargo. And strong enough to withstand the rough sea. And in case of pirates, I would need it to be armed."

"I see", Victor replied with narrowed eyes. "And where might it be sailing to?"

"London, my lord", she answered.

Victor looked at her silently for a few moments, deep in thought. Then he abruptly said, "Very well. I'll have something prepared. I'd like for you to visit me in my home tomorrow. I have an office there, so we can get the paperwork ready."

"Thank you, my lord. I will look forward to seeing you then."

He bowed slightly to Antonia before turning and leaving the room. She watched him leave, smiling slightly to herself. It was good that he agreed to help her. She could finally expand her business to London.

***

The next day, Antonia arrived at the mansion of Victor Black in the late afternoon. When he opened the door for her to enter, he greeted her courteously and guided her to his study, where he had already laid out the various documents and maps.

"Please sit down, my lady," he urged politely, seating himself behind his desk.

Victor placed a document in front of her. "Here, this is the contract of travel for your ship. It'll be traveling alone, of course. Its captain will be meeting with you in two day's time. Then, you will be able to discuss any further business with him ."

Antonia took the piece of paper, studying it briefly before placing it back on the table. "Thank you, my lord. I appreciate your cooperation."

"You're welcome. You know I am always happy to assist those of my community," he replied smoothly. "And now, shall we discuss payment?"

"Yes. I believe we should do just that."

"Excellent!" he smiled, rising from his chair and approaching the wall of bookshelves.

"How much are we talking?", Antonia asked.

He pointed at a large book bound in red leather. "690,000 pieces."

"That does not sound all too bad", Antonia remarked, raising an eyebrow.

He chuckled lightly. "Not if we are to make the trip profitable."