"Silverwill...? I have never heard of it." Mr. Castellanos took a deep breath his eyes looked at mine with uncertainty before asking. "Are you trying to scam us, young man?"
Elena's eyes widened as she heard her father's words and turned to look at me. I could see a hint of desperation hidden in her eyes.
And who wouldn't doubt such an offer...
This offer came from nowhere even for me. But it's true, I had been planning to invest in many places to begin with. And now I had a reason as well.
I glanced at Elena then smiled before replying back to her father in my best business smile I could muster.
"Silverwill is a newly established organization to invest in several businesses and helping people get employment with stable jobs and giving them skills which can make them not rely on others for help... Sir, I am not planning to scam you—So, I hope we can discuss this offer of mine."
Mr. Castellanos pursed his lips and leaned back on his chair, his eyes squinted in pain but small breath of relief he turned to look at his daughter Elena.
"What do you say we do, Elena?" He asked.
Elena hearing this hesitated her eyes darted toward me then again at her father before asking. "I don't think, I should make such an important decision Father... You should do it."
He sighed and replied while rubbing his injured hand over the bandage. "I– I am not confident in making the right decision. That's why I was hoping you could make this choice... And no matter what choice you make, I won't blame you."
Castellanos knew his daughters harbored some kind of affection for the boy with silver eyes. Asking her to make a logical choice should be a foolish decision.
Yet he had asked her to make this choice for one reason only— Trust. He has more faith in his daughter than in himself right now.
Elena turned to look at me, her eyes filled with desperation and the pressure of family expectations.
But I also can't decide for her. Not directly at the very least.
Before she could have said anything I interjected between their conversation.
"You don't need to make a decision today, how about hearing the offer first? After that, if you like it you can tell me about it tomorrow." I said with a small smile.
Mr. Castellanos nodded in agreement, the tension in his eyes slightly lifted.
They were desperate and I was going to use it to my advantage. But I don't plan to destroy them, the only thing I wish for is mutual cooperation.
"I will help you with all the repair costs, plus the supplies you will need to run the restaurant. not only that but I will also offer you workers to help the only thing you will need to do is train them for me." I said.
Mr. Castellanos's eyes widened in disbelief at first. It was too good to be true, the kind of help that rarely comes to a person in desperation. But he knew that desperate times called for desperate measures. He took a moment to mull over the offer.
"And... what else do we need to do in return?" He asked."
I smiled.
"I want fifty percent ownership, you will lead your business like always and help me train people I will send to you. Not only that even if the business failed I won't ask for the money back. Instead, I hope you can keep your cooperation."
The room was silent for a moment, Mr. Castellanos looked at me with a mix of shock and skepticism. "Fifty percent? And why would you do something like that?"
"I don't want to make you a worker in your own shop, but I also want profits so a fifty percent deal was the best I could give." I thought for a moment and leaned back crossing my legs and added. "Is there anything else you would like to ask me, Mr. Castellanos?"
Elena's father looked at me for a long moment, his gaze unwavering as he considered my proposal. The candlelight danced in his eyes, reflecting his tumultuous thoughts.
"What kind of training do we need to give? To how many and to whom? And what will you do with those who get trained?"
Mr. Castellanos's questions were sharp and direct, cutting through the tension like a knife through butter. I knew that he was trying to understand the full extent of my offer and what it would entail for him and his family.
But it was also a part I had expected to happen...
Even though the man in front of me was desperate he was being cautious, too much if I say so. A normal person in this situation would have taken the bait on my first offer but it looks like he has been scammed too many times by now.
'Poor fellow.' I mused over such thoughts and replied with a hint of doubt.
"That's sure a lot of questions but let me clear your doubts." I smiled and added without giving him any chance to speak.
"I want you to train them on how to work like cooking, cleaning, management or things needed to run a business. The people will mostly come from slums... But don't worry I will choose them myself and only proper people with respectable behaviors will be sent to you."
Mr. Castellanos nodded thoughtfully, his gaze still sharp but the skepticism in his eyes was fading. "And what will you do with them after they are trained?"
He sure is not letting that part go...
Sigh...
Taking a deep breath I said.
"I will expand either your business or start a new one with them based on your efforts and results but I won't abandon you and your shop. So you can be rest assured regarding that."
As I spoke, I watched the tension in Mr. Castellanos's shoulders ease slightly. His eyes searched mine, looking for any signs of deceit. I kept my gaze steady, projecting sincerity and confidence.
People don't trust a sage at once but they do trust a fool only because they think they are in control of the situation. Acting high and mighty will lead me nowhere.
Right now it's better to act as humble or even air-headed sometimes for me. But I also can't act as a complete idiot.
The difference between a fool and an idiot is only paper thin. A fool and idiot common definition comes as someone who is silly and maybe even dumb sometimes.
But what truly differentiates them is instincts. Those instincts can make a difference in heaven and earth based on different situations.
And people will precisely think of it as good luck.
That's the kind of impression I was trying to establish among people.
Elena was watching me, her eyes filled with hope and a hint of doubt. She was the wildcard in this whole situation. Her trust could either seal the deal or break it.
"What do you think father...?" She asked.
Mr. Castellanos took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin with his uninjured hand. He glanced over at Elena, then back at me.
"Fine," he said finally. "We will accept your offer. But I have one condition."
My heart skipped a beat, I had anticipated a lot of things but not another condition.
"And what is that condition, Mr. Castellanos?" I asked, trying to keep my excitement in check.
He leaned forward, his expression serious. "We will accept your help and your terms, but only if you agree to train and help Elena as well. She has the potential to be a great chef and manager, but she needs guidance. I want to ensure that she is not left behind in this deal."
"She is your daughter, so I don't think I have any say in this.... And as I said you are the one teaching but if I get new teachers I will ask them to teach her as well along with others."
Mr. Castellanos nodded a hint of pride in his eyes. "Good, it's a deal then."
I frowned at his words and tapped the table.
"Don't you need more time to think, You have just met me today."
The deal was going well, so well that I was growing skeptical of his agreement.
Mr. Castellanos chuckled at my skepticism. "I may not know much about Silverwill, but I know a good opportunity when I see one. And more importantly, I trust my daughter's judgment."
'What judgment is he talking about? She has not said a word since the start of the discussion.' I wanted to say it aloud but... Asher keeps it inside. I can't afford to just provoke people I just met.
Instead, I nodded in understanding. "Very well, it's a deal then."
"When can we start then?" He asked.
I thought for a moment and said.
"I will send someone tomorrow in the morning named Albert, make a list of the all things you need and give it to him. I should be able to arrange all the things needed by evening and also send someone to start the repairs."
Mr. Castellanos nodded, his expression a mix of relief and excitement.
"Very well," he said, extending his hand toward me. "It's a deal."
I took his hand firmly, sealing the deal with a handshake. "Excellent," I said, standing up from the chair. "I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
Elena stood up and, said, " Ah, please don't leave have someone desert for this occasion I will go get them."
Saying that she left the shop in a hurry before I could have stopped her. Her steps could almost be seen as bouncing at the tips of her toes. A big smile etched on her face.
I stared at her going figure in disbelief then at Mr. Castellanos unsure what to say.
"Just sit." He said with a sigh.
He was tired and I couldn't blame him, seeing his daughter's unusual actions must be a heavy blow for any father.
And I was also uncomfortable with her actions but could only play ignorant.
"Ah, yes," I said and followed his words.
"So, have you met Elena before?" He asked quietly.
Playing dumb I tilted my head sideways and gently shook my head in denial.
"No, it's my first time meeting her. May I ask why you would ask such a thing, Sir?"
Mr. Castellanos studied my face for a moment before speaking, "No reason."
Elena's affection or maybe some kind of plan came from the fact that I had saved her twice in the past. She was aware of my identity due to a mishap on my part.
I needed to keep an eye on her or even contact her to not reveal my identity to anyone.
Telling it to Rose and Peter was a different thing than telling it to Elena. Unlike them, she was a normal girl who under pressure could Spill the beans easily.
Now that I knew someone had been the mastermind of all the incidents revealing my identity would be the worst move possible.
At least until things calmed down.
"Ah, I will also send a contract for our deal later on maybe tomorrow or the day after it."
"Contract?" Mr. Castellanos echoed, his eyes widened.
"We can't just keep our word right? A contract filled by a lawyer and Guild would be much appreciated."
"Hiring a lawyer would be way too costly... Are you sure about that Asher?" He asked.
"Don't worry I will take care of it," I said with a smile.
"Do you know a good lawyer by the way," I asked with a small smile.
Mr. Castellanos shook his head. "How can people like us even afford lawyer fees? They are a bunch of money-hungry monsters.No, maybe even worse than creatures of beyond. They will suck your money dry." Saying that a small smile finally appeared on his face.
Seeing his reaction I couldn't help but smile and answer back.
"I will see what I can do then."
Following that the conversation moved smoothly the stress and desperation of Mr. Castellanos slowly but surely lessened as our conversation moved forward.
He informed me about his family's living conditions on how they had taken a small loan in the past but in a bad twist of fate they were betrayed and the loan went beyond what they were capable of paying back.
How later on when he was out at night someone from Raiven's gang tried to force himself on his daughter but she safely came back.
His tale was heart–wrenching, showing how the twist of fate had made his life a living hell in mere days.
Elena soon joined with treats on the tray she had brought.
The conversation from a grim tale soon turned into a trivial talk on how the business was supposed to be run and how a single misstep could take away your standing on the market.
It was enlightening to hear such a thing for someone like me who knew nothing about business and had been doing everything on institutional thinking and guesses made based on the observations I had done in the past.
He told me about local businesses and Elena informed me about the people of importance that reside in the city or have come back after some time.
Soon evening was about to start seeing outside the window I stood up.
"I should take my leave now Mr. Castellanos and Miss Elena."
Elena nodded as she placed the tray aside. She had been quietly listening to our conversation, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and admiration.
"Please come visit us again." She said softly pursing her lips and bowed her head respectfully.
I was left standing there for a moment in disbelief.
It was new to see someone so well-mannered.
I thought about all the women I knew till now and all the men as well.
'Yeah let's leave it at that.' I stopped my thoughts in the middle afraid I would make a bad conclusion.
Sighing silently I nodded.
"Yes, I will try to come here as soon as possible later on."
The time to leave soon came, leaving through the door I gave my final glance toward Mr. Castellanos and nodded.
"So much work is left..." I mumbled.