บท 19: Business
Viona's gaze remained steadfast on her wristwatch, each passing second heightening her anticipation. Stationed in front of the café, she projected an aura of unyielding confidence and refined sophistication. Adorned in a striking crimson blazer, complemented by impeccably tailored black trousers, chic glasses, and makeup that gracefully hinted at maturity, she personified the poise and grace of a seasoned career woman in her thirties.
The purpose behind Viona's poised stance was a clandestine meeting with individuals meticulously chosen for an imperative mission. These were no ordinary individuals; they were members of the enigmatic Dawn Lights Organization – a legal entity that teetered on the edge of society's acceptance, burdened by a reputation forged by their unflinching methods when executing tasks. Their assignments often revolved around the arduous collection of debts from unscrupulous loan sharks or addressing matters that necessitated an unapologetic demonstration of power and aggression.
Viona's ethical compass might have veered far from the callous world these associates inhabited, yet a complex web of obligations compelled her to tread these murky waters, even if the undertakings left a bitter taste in her mouth.
The echoes of the bustling city provided an apt backdrop to Viona's contemplations. Time seemed to stretch and contract as she mentally traced the intricate threads that had led her to this juncture. An unexpected alliance had been forged, woven by the strings of destiny that she now found herself entangled in. It wasn't merely about seizing control of circumstances, but about orchestrating the symphony of fate itself.
In her silent reverie, Viona envisioned the intricacies of her plan. The rendezvous outside the café was but a fragment of the elaborate tableau she was crafting. A symposium of interlocking pieces that, when brought together, would shift the tides of destiny itself. Angkasa's imminent voyage to Country C held pivotal significance, aligning with the nuanced mechanisms she had set in motion. Parallel to this, the need to isolate specific players from the unfolding drama demanded equal attention. The road to Country C might be rife with obstacles, but Viona's foresight had prepared her for the labyrinth of challenges that lay ahead.
The memory of Angkasa's response to her proposition resurfaced, the skepticism etched upon their features as they pored over meticulously prepared documents.
"Is this venture truly prudent?" His Brother had queried, their voice a tapestry of doubt.
Viona's conviction had shone resolutely as she affirmed that the journey's value transcended the confines of predictions. Even if the outcome deviated from projections, the sojourn had the potential to catalyze uncharted avenues of growth for Angkasa's enterprise.
A wistful smile tugged at Viona's lips as she recalled the incredulity that had etched Angkasa's expression, their query resonating with a mix of curiosity and jest. "Who have you become, and what sorcery propels you – the same Viona who once reveled in youthful pursuits?"
Suppressing the urge to chuckle, Viona's answer had been a sincere admission, "I am Viona, reborn from two decades hence."
The air was ripe with the irony that laced Angkasa's scrutinizing gaze, a glance that seemed to question the authenticity of her words. Viona mused momentarily on the persistence of cultural nuances, wondering if the concept of memes still held sway in this era.
As three figures navigated the thoroughfare toward her, Viona shed her mask, her demeanor unwavering. Adjusting her glasses with a calculated flourish, she beckoned the men to approach – a motion laden with authority.
"Sei?" one of the men ventured, his tone a cautious blend of recognition and uncertainty.
"Indeed," Viona confirmed, effortlessly slipping into the role of Sei, a pseudonym endowed with significance that resonated across time.
"Why have we been summoned?" The man's words held an undercurrent of wariness, as though treading on unfamiliar terrain.
"I seek your discrete expertise as guardians for Micka Aruni," Viona's declaration held a note of gravitas, reflective of the importance she ascribed to the task.
"Guardians?"
"Unbeknownst to her. Your mandate is to safeguard Micka from scandal, particularly with influential figures or those within the entertainment realm. Furthermore, she must abstain from romantic entanglements for the upcoming fortnight. Completion of this task will secure the remaining compensation," Viona enunciated, her gaze unwavering as it bore into the men.
In the weeks that had elapsed since her immersion into this era, Viona had adroitly maneuvered through the intricacies of the stock market, leveraging her prescience to navigate market fluctuations. The future had bequeathed her an unparalleled advantage – an oracle guiding her investment decisions, an instrument of financial alchemy that had enriched her beyond her family's ken.
"Why?" Skepticism tinged the man's query. "What ties you to her?"
Viona's eyes rolled in a display of mild exasperation. "Is that of consequence?" The cadence of her fingers tapping rhythmically upon the table's surface formed an impromptu melody, the staccato beat echoing her impatience. She raised an eyebrow, her gaze tinged with a challenge that dared them to probe further.
"But..." uncertainty still lingered, a flicker of trepidation betraying the man's resolve.
With a measured arch of her eyebrow, Viona probed, "Does trepidation overshadow your conviction?" The weight of her gaze conveyed a subtler assertion – a silent reminder of the role they were to enact.
"N-no. We shall ensure her safety for the stipulated two weeks," his words emerged more assured, a semblance of resolve piercing through the lingering doubt.
Viona's lips curved into a triumphant smile, a silent affirmation of her mastery over the unfolding tableau. "Precisely. Two weeks, and a reward of substantial magnitude shall be bestowed upon you."
"Agreed. How do we maintain contact?" He yielded, following hushed consultations with his companions.
"Use the email I've provided to relay regular reports. I expect naught beyond safeguarding Micka from embroilments. Should challenges arise, rest assured, solutions shall be furnished," Viona disclosed, her demeanor poised even as she rose from her seat.
"But... is this the extent of your request?" The man's query hung in the air, a whisper of curiosity carried upon the breeze.
A sly smirk danced upon Viona's lips. "Fear not, extraneous endeavors need not occupy your efforts." With a parting wave, she quipped, "Until our next encounter, gentlemen," leaving in her wake a residue of intrigue mingled with a captivating allure.
Her steps echoed through the city's bustling cadence, a testament to her deft manipulation of circumstance. She reveled not merely in the control she exerted, but in the symphony of destiny that resounded through her actions. With a wisdom gleaned from her past and the future intertwined, Viona had evolved into a maestro of intricate orchestrations, the weaver of her narrative, entwining threads that spanned eras.
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