First Encounter
It was the morning I was scheduled to welcome a new Savior joining the Journey.
Just as I was about to leave to meet her, Lisa stopped me.
The Savior joining us this time has some seriously impressive credentials.
She's none other than the President of the Morrel Ocean Traders!
She even placed near the top of StarMojo's Top 20 Wealthiest in Lavista!
A seriously big deal! And probably filthy rich!
Why would someone like her even participate in the Journey?
Honestly, I have no idea what someone like her could possibly need from the Journey.
But that's beside the point. You know what you should be thinking about, don't you?
Of course. A Captain should guide every Savior equally, no matter their—
Forget that! For all we know, she might hand you a whole building just for doing a good job!
...
And if this connection pays off, don't you dare forget my share!
A whole building, huh... Just how rich was this woman?
A finely dressed woman immediately stood out among the crowd in the plaza.
That must be her...
Ah, so you are the Journey Captain everyone speaks of.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Cristelle de Montua.
I have no doubt that I shall be in capable hands.
Nice to meet you.
Aside from the odd way she spoke, she seemed perfectly ordinary.
Nothing about her really made her look like one of the richest people alive, and so I—
I thought it fitting to prepare a little something in honor of our first meeting.
A gift?
I waited, ready to turn it down if it was something too expensive.
Yet Cristelle offered me nothing. No assistant appeared with a suitcase full of cash, either.
Not that I'd take the cash if offered... but was this her idea of a prank?
Well? Does it please you?
What gift? I don't see anything.
Is this one of those gifts only good people can see?
Ufufu! My, you do know how to make a joke, don't you?
Why, it's right here!
Cristelle raised her fan and gestured toward a nearby shop.
Wait, you actually bought me the whole shop?!
Ufufu! Two splendid jokes already! You are quite the entertaining gentleman. Surely you know I did not mean the shop itself!
Right, of course. Maybe the present was something inside that shop.
Just then, Cristelle gracefully swept the tip of her fan aside.
From here...
Her fan continued onward, gradually encompassing the surrounding buildings.
...All the way over there. I purchased the entire block this morning. It is yours, Captain.
I can't accept all of that!
Okay, she really IS a tycoon!
Did your thoughts and your words get switched around just now? Ufufu!
The current tenants will remain in place. Only the ownership of the properties has been transferred to your name.
There are a few empty storefronts too. Name the businesses you desire, and I will have them moved in.
Lisa was going to faint when she heard about this. She'd been right after all.
Forget that! For all we know, she might hand you a whole building just for doing a good job!
No, not that part...
Honestly, I have no idea what someone like her could possibly need from the Journey.
What made you decide to join the Journey?
Why, because I require overwhelming power.
Overwhelming power?
I already have wealth and influence. Imagine adding the Star Savior's power to that!
Magnificent, is it not? Life is meant to be lived in pursuit of beauty!
...Hmm.
That look says you find my reason rather frivolous. But there is value in appearances.
Many will spend extraordinary sums for a single fleeting moment of splendor.
And work themselves to the bone for it. I am no exception.
I suppose there's nothing wrong with that...
Hm! It pleases me to know you're a man of such understanding!
I had my staff seek out NOA's finest restaurant. Would you care to join me for a welcome feast?
No, thanks. I have a lot to prepare.
How diligent! I can already feel that our Journey is destined for success!
Then perhaps I, too, should choose rest over revelry.
I look forward to tomorrow's training!
She's a lot to take in, but there's no questioning her enthusiasm.
Still, despite her theatrical laughter and frivolous manner, there was something subdued about her gaze the entire time.
She already has wealth, status, and just about everything else. There has to be more to her desire for power.
Getting to the bottom of it might be the key to making this Journey a success.
With that thought in mind, I headed back to my quarters.