Chapter 390 - Éclair

"There isn't a need for such a misunderstanding."

"Fine, whatever, tell the lass to keep her mouth shut next time," pulled inside, the beastman's attitude reflected most of the adventurers.

"Why did you step in," flailed Serene shamed for the insolence.

"Undue trouble will but stop a man. Come, let's go, I need to speak to Haru." 

Roth in the many years changed to accommodate more machines. The circular center desk was replaced for vague space. Registration was moved to the upstairs. The vacant office of the ex-Guild Leader allowed said change. The ground floor was more of a waiting lounge area for planning and regrouping. Many adventuring parties, people dressed in armor whilst others wore military-grade outfit and weapons. Amidst the crowd, few humans were spotted mingling with the bunch. Adventurers from Oxshield, in search of jobs and such. The same could be said for the Ardanian fighters – few moved to the hunt near the Azure wall or climb the Tower of Aris. Achilles, after losing her way by Deadeye's death, returned to the tower. Last of her was heard leading a new expedition atop the fortress.

"Here we are, the fifth floor," a double door stood with *main office* written on the frame. Blinding as they came, the light from the sun flashed against the opening door. Two tables on either side with the respective guild leaders and faction written on notices. Smiting, Fighters, and Mage's guild were empty with a load of paper scarred along the shiny desk.

"Hello, how can we be of assistance?" said a figure stood near the door.

"We'd like to meet with Guild Leader Haru," said Serene taking a strong step forth.

"Any appointments?" asked the guard. Almost unnoticed, the four desks were separated by a transparent barrier.

"Appointments?" snickered she who soon pointed at the King, "-will the visage suffice?" 

"Majesty," *gulp,* the barrier opened allowing passage.

"Thank you," said she with a smug expression.

"I'm busy, what is the guard even doing, I told him to not let anyon-" 

"Hello, Lady Haru," the massive shadow peering down to her table had her speechless. 

"Cat got your tongue?" 

"Very funny," said Haru with a straight face, "-what brings you here, majesty?" 

"I've come to discuss business," he sat, "-mind giving us some privacy?" 

"Sure thing, majesty," she bowed out the room. Transparent to shut, a singular light glowed on the ceiling.

"Should we skip the formalities and get to the deal?" 

'Her attitude has changed. She's stronger and sterner. I can't imagine what happened to her.'

"Lady Haru, I came to propose an idea. Since thee are the mediator for all craftsmen around the province – you're the only person who can decide."

"Go on," said she with a pen rolling around her fingers.

"I, or should I say, Phantom, has acquired a luxury company in Alphia," her face lit in anticipation. "From thy expression, I guess thee knows what I wish to say. The new company is being rebranded; fashion and attire are very much the rich's favorite past time. The Ardanian culture is very much unknown to the continent where the princess's going to live." 

"I understand what thee wants," her fidgeting stopped, "-thee want us to have items readied to be sold at Alphia."

"Yes, that is the idea."

"I'm interested, what products are thee thinking off?"

"Clothing, but, not common clothes – I want tradition noble garments fitted with jewelry and gems."

"It's going to cost a lot."

"The mine is at thy disposal for sourcing the gems, and yes, thee will have to buy it."

"Give me a moment," soon to take her phone, "-will accessories do?" 

"Yes,"

"Ok, hold on," she kept on ringing people whilst typing – multitasking at its finest.

"Done," paused to take a breath, "-for accessories, I'm thinking of leather bags made of wyvern scales and leather. We could add the fur from the plant Motus. It's rare and should fetch a few gold pieces on the market – there's bound to be someone hoarding that stuff."

"Back up," he halted her fast-paced lips, "-isn't wyverns ranked tier 3-2?" 

"The more reason for it being called luxury. Majesty, I'll have a skill artisan work on having five readied. The clothes – I'll have the price sent forth in two to three days, how does that sound?"

"Perfect actually, what of the price, a rough estimate?"

"Let me see," her fingers sprinted across the keyboard, "-10,000 Exa per bag and 30,000 Exa for the attire without a gemstone, the price will vary accordingly."

"Expensive, I like it, have the orders be ready by next week."

"Sure thing," she slid a card, "-my contact info. Majesty, let the journey of trades begin."

"Yes, let's," shaking hands, the partnership was settled. In said manner, the King went around the capital searching for potential workers and products. It took a few hours for them to return due to a phone call. The watchmakers were at the castle. Upon arrival, the five of them sat around a warm drink – they soon took to conversing about clocks and mechanisms. Dressed poorly with abandon for how they looked, it showed dedication to their craft.

"Greetings, majesty," stood the five with a bow. 

"Yes, take a seat."

Settled with some unknown to how to act, legs moved, fingers fiddling to keep a sense of peace, "-I'll jump right to the fact," spoken strongly, time seemed to stop. "Are you five the best watch-makers in Arda?" 

"Y-yes," said one checking on the others.

"W-we are," added another, "-we can vouch for one another in terms of skill."

"I don't care about that, what contribution has thee made?" inquired the King. Thus, one by one, they explained their skill and what innovation they brought. Using the Arcane Library, he knew about the intricacies of watch-making as to not be fooled. Preparation is what leads an army to victory, a thought applying to everything. 

"Good, here's my offer. I want the five of you to join forces. Become a part of my team, I'll grant thee money, a laboratory, and most importantly, an audience to have the work shown. What of it, interested?" a moment of silence followed, "-please excuse me," he left the room with Serene as overseer. Lightened, discussion about the deal took a turn for doubt. 

"Hello, yes, majesty, what are you saying? The other watchmakers are willing to join our company and for free. What of the five here? What, if they don't accept, we'll have other more competent take their place, ok sure," said in a way for them to barely hear the call, the faces changed. 

"Did you come to a conclusion?" 

"Majesty," said one, "-we accept the proposal."

"Welcome to Phantom, watchmakers. Go home and pack thy stuff, you'll be staying at Rotherham from today forth. Not to worry, there will be rest periods. Understand, I want but one thing, and tis excellence," turned to Serene, "-do you mind?"

"On it," she winked as they were subconsciously pressured. 

Settled, King Staxius returned to Alphia in the company of Prince Julius. Creation's heir was adamant about staying by his side. For the next few weeks, as the workers of Meldorino took a vacation, the watchmakers moved to Rotherham. Each was given a big enough apartment with a common workshop built expressly for them. The pay would be based on how good a watch would be manufactured. The new office of Meldorino underwent a few renovations as did the showroom – Skokdrag took to personally supervise the constructions.

Over yonder, Aceline's movie concreted her talent as an actress. She was made a superstar with more than a few followers. The Pride of Hidros grew to be a worldwide favorite, her cheery attitude and sticking to roots. She differed from her co-workers as they were mostly smug, not caring for their fans. Not her, she adored every single one.

Crime and villainous activity turned out to be slow due to Luna's involvement. Date, 8th of January, Meldorino returned to work, the showroom was set to open next month. Leaving the Gaso Group did have speculation arise in news. The news which was overshadowed by Luna's exploits. Rumors of her being a ghost had the excitement piqued. 

'Isn't that the Feline force?' mumbled Staxius browsing the multiple information from trusted sources. A video made an impact; the Feline Force's name soon came onto breaking news. A scandal; a leaked video of one of their members shooting an illicit movie surfaced. It took the whole continent by storm as the trio were very attractive individuals. 'What a shame,' he watched it with no feeling, a blank gaze upon the demeaning video. 'It looks staged, the acting is atrocious, her expression isn't of joy, no, it seems forced.' 

*Calling Cake.*

"Hello Boss, did something happen, why are you using the secret line?"

"I need status on Éclair, is the AI ready for action?"

"Yes, the researchers have validated the use of the AI. What are the orders?"

"Patch me directly to Éclair's conscience, I want complete control over the spirit." 

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, the AFR will be a sub-program, the real reason I want Éclair is to have a virtual Butler."

"Ok Boss, I'll send you to the lead-researcher." 

*Changing Channel,* 

"Hello?" spoke a soft familiar voice.

"Hello, Clarise, is that you?"

"Boss," her tone raised, "-how long has it been!"

"Six years, I think."

"Has it been that long, no matter, need something?"

"Yes, I want to be patched to Éclair's mainframe."

"Oh…" she paused; "-you want to have access to his mind?"

"More specifically, I want Éclair to be my personal assistant in the virtual world."

"I understand," her voice felt cheerful, "-what of the AFR?"

"He'll control both, come on, the spirit isn't such a weakling."

"Yeah, I know, the mid-tier demon. He'll only activate using thy mana. I've linked him to a few accessories; with them, the world should become even easier to control."

"Good, how will it be transported?"

"Teleportation of course," a black box suddenly materialized on the dashboard.

"Finally mastered the Teleportation spell?"

"Took a few years but I did it. The box has a pair of earrings and glasses. The former is a direct communication to Éclair, he has memories from being a demon paired with unlimited access to Arcanum. The latter is an interface through which the AI can interact visually."

Glasses and earrings on, a simple touch-activated the spirit. The world through the glasses was different, it displayed information about everything focused on. 

"Master, Lord Death," came a gentle voice, "-why have I been awakened?"

"Take a look around, thy conscience should have a plethora of tools at thy disposal."

"I understand…"

"Boss, is it working?" asked Clarise.

"Yes, better than expected. Good job, Alchemist, I'm proud," the phone cut. For the past few years, Clarise led experiments on altering and creating an AI to help in controlling the entirety of Phantom. Limitless access to files and vehicles; only one man had the authority of giving orders, the leader of Phantom, Staxius. Not even Cake nor Courtney had the right to do so.

'Intherna's going to be mad if she ever finds out the one she fought against is now my assistant. She wanted another fight; I should probably keep to being ignorant.

Touching his earlobe, "-Éclair are you ready?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good," staring the video, "-analyze the origin of this film. I want to know who leaked and where it was shot." 

"Orders confirmed." 

'I knew it,' the details displayed onto the glasses, '-the AHA leaked the video for publicity, they don't want Luna to get more attention. The location is… I see, not that far from their main office. Arkta, why does it have to be so far away.'

*Knock, knock,* the windows rolled, "-father, are you going to stay in the car or come see what Guild Leader Skokdrag has done?"

"I'm coming, there's no need to be in such a worry."

'The AHA are making their move, Luna might be in danger.' 

"Éclair, tap into the AHA's communication, most specifically, I want a certain man to be investigated."

"Orders Confirmed."