Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 274: Proposal and Negotiations [1]

"Sorry, I will be back in a while, you two can continue," Adrian said and quickly left the aviary, heading straight to Mrs. Rena's office.

Adrian hurried through the hallways, his mind racing with a new idea. There might not be cameras or phones in this world, but there are definitely other ways to capture moments. Just like the surveillance spells the academy uses or there might be more he doesn't know about.

The thought of using a magical item or some form of enchanted artifact to record or photograph Ignis and Noxy struck him as both practical and innovative. If Mrs. Rena was willing to collaborate, this could not only be a way to solve the current problem but also create something beneficial for the sanctuary.

Reaching Mrs. Rena's office, Adrian knocked on the door with a renewed sense of purpose.

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"Come in," Mrs. Rena called, her voice as calm as before.

Adrian stepped inside, and Mrs. Rena looked up, a bit surprised to see him back so soon. "Adrian? Did you forget something?"

Adrian shook his head. "No, but I had an idea. Earlier, I mentioned the odd scent and how it might be connected to the beasts' behavior. While I was thinking about that, something else occurred to me. I think we could use a magical artifact to document what's happening in the aviary or in the whole sanctuary."

Mrs. Rena's eyebrows lifted slightly, intrigued. "A magical artifact? What do you have in mind?"

Adrian sat down, leaning forward. "There are ways to capture images or even record events using enchanted items or spells, right? If we could create something like that—or if it already exists—we could monitor the aviary without being there physically. It would give us a clear view of what's going on, and it might help us identify what or who's causing the strange behavior."

Mrs. Rena tapped her chin thoughtfully. "You're talking about a type of enchanted crystal or mirror. They do exist, but they're usually used in high-security areas or for official purposes. Acquiring one might be difficult and expensive. I would have done so if our sanctuary...

Never mind, still, thank you for the suggestion."

"What is it? Is the sanctuary in some kind of trouble? Do you need help?" Adrian asked relieved she finally talked about it.

"...No," But it seems Mrs. Rena was more stubborn than he thought.

But he wasn't the type to give up easily either.

"If you have a financial problem, I can help with it." He said, his expression solemn.

Mrs. Rena raised her eyebrow, clearly suspicious. Well, he was just a student in her eyes after all.

Adrian understood from her gaze - it was like she was saying 'You?'.

Mrs. Rena chuckled softly at Adrian's offer, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and appreciation. "This is big, student Adrian. I appreciate the thought, but you can't help with this one."

Adrian smiled inwardly, thinking, 'Should I throw the bait?' He decided to take the plunge.

"Mrs. Rena, have you heard about the mysterious person who made a huge amount of money during the academy tournament period?" Adrian asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp, watching her reaction closely.

Mrs. Rena paused, her expression shifting slightly. "I have heard a few rumors about someone like that. But those are just stories, aren't they?"

Adrian leaned back in his chair, keeping his tone light. "Stories, yes. But sometimes, stories are based on reality. What if that person wasn't just a rumor? And, what if they could help the sanctuary?"

Mrs. Rena's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity piqued. "And you think you can connect me to this mysterious benefactor?"

Adrian smiled, finally seeing a crack in her guarded demeanor. "I might be able to do more than that. I could be that person."

Mrs. Rena's eyes widened, but she quickly masked her surprise with a polite smile. "Student Adrian, that's quite the claim. You must understand how serious such matters are."

"I do," Adrian replied calmly. "Which is why I wouldn't bring it up if I weren't confident. But you are right, I can act as the bridge between the mysterious rich man and your sanctuary."

Mrs. Rena studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she sighed and leaned back in her chair. "Very well, Adrian. You've piqued my interest. But I have a question.

Why are you, no, the person behind you going to such lengths to help our sanctuary? Everyone knows that there's no such thing as a free lunch, am I wrong?"

Adrian met Mrs. Rena's gaze with a steady look, understanding the weight of her question. She was right—people rarely offer help without expecting something in return. But he had thought this through, and he knew what he was offering wasn't just charity; it was an opportunity for both of them.

"You're absolutely right, Mrs. Rena," Adrian began, his voice calm and measured. "There's always a reason behind every offer. And in this case, it's not just about helping the sanctuary—though that's definitely a big part of it. The person I'm representing is interested in long-term investments, ones that align with their principles and goals.

They believe that supporting a place like the Wild Heart Sanctuary could benefit everyone involved, especially when it comes to the preservation and care of magical beasts."

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes serious. "The sanctuary has also a unique value. It's not just about the financial return—it's about what this place represents: the famous and reputable history and the potential to regain their former glory, or even surpass it."

"..." Mrs. Rena went silent as she heard him and stared at him.

Adrian could feel the weight of Mrs. Rena's gaze as she assessed him. Her silence was palpable, filled with a mixture of skepticism and contemplation. She wasn't one to be easily swayed, and Adrian knew he had to tread carefully.

Finally, Mrs. Rena spoke, her voice measured. "You speak with conviction, Adrian. And while I appreciate your confidence, I can't help but wonder—how do they know so much about our sanctuary? And what exactly does this person expect in return for their investment?"