Chapter 526: Alicia Raze

How dare he,' startled to the point of tears, words paused on her tongue. Voicing the fury aloud felt impossible, a knife got drawn to her neck in an instant. She blinked and there it was, the cold tip pressed onto her fair skin. An experience that would most definitely invite official actions was left untouched. 'The personality swapped frighteningly quick, how in the world did he manage that?'

"Igna," said Lia in a dossal mood, "-the prank's gone too far."

"Oh please," returned he strongly, "-do I look like the type of person to care about people who don't take time to evaluate another?"

"Did we touch on thy nerve?" added Amsey.

"No," he refused per a sigh, "-I just wanted her to have a taste of what could happen."

"What do you mean?" inquired Lia for he knew the boy to not do things haphazardly.

"An honest personality can only take one so far. Words can sometimes hurt more than actions, and in said case, the opposing party could take her anger out in form of rage and violence."

"I see," her mind calmed, "-I don't like you one bit," voiced she.

"Same here," added he, "-as for a manager," he turned to the stars, "-I think I can manage on my own."

"No," firmed she, "-going solo and without contacts here is a big mistake."

"She's right," added Amsey followed by the obligatory nod of Lia.

"So," turned to the still blushed lady, "-you agree to be my manager?"

"Obviously," said she holding a handshake, "-I'll make sure to get you to unprecedented heights." 

"Fine," he accepted, "-Miss Alicia."

"Mr. Haggard."

"Igna is fine."

"Alright, Alicia is fine too."

"Look at that," chimed Lia, "-two not so popular wonderchildren joining as one."

"Very cute," said Amsey. "From here on, I'll contact you, Alicia, for jobs pertaining to Igna being a model."

"Understood," she nodded.

"I'll write an article on the matter soon," said Lia. Thus, someone rather curious entered the circle. One could say a new partner of sorts. One thing remained true, the adventure in the famed city only begun. Dinner ended on dessert assorted by the cold-breeze moving through the skies onto the restaurant's balcony. 

"Igna," said Alicia, "-just a reminder. I'm not that well respected in the entertainment industry. Said it yourself, most know me as a whore, someone who'd suck another for a chance at success."

"Oh please," said he taking a scoop of ice-cream, "-coming from your mouth it tears my guts into pieces. Don't degrade yourself, it's unbecoming. Yes, I know, I said those things earlier – didn't mean it."

"I get it," said she, "-I only hope it gets better from here." Her long and soft fingers went on the rest against the balustrade, the cityscape had her lost in thoughts. There was a very pleasant feeling of elation when turning to the lively flickering of lights. A calling of some sort.

"Hey, Alicia," a gentle bump against her shoulder.

"Sorry, what?"

"Don't worry about making me a star," said he, "-doesn't matter. I came here to find an answer."

"Answer to what question?"

"That's the problem," setting aside the emptied plate, "-I don't even know the question. Maybe it's something about me finding myself?"

"Oh," she warmly gazed in acceptance, "-I see."

"Anyway," changing the topic, "-any recommendation on places to stay?"

"Forgot about that." And soon, the duo of Lia and Amsey arrived with second servings.

"Why look so glum?" inquired Amsey.

"Thing is," she approached, "-my apartment was seized after the last incident. I'm homeless at the moment, savings are nearly low from jumping hotel to hotel."

"Oh," he paused, "-don't look at me. Thy employer is Igna."

"Igna?" she turned; "-can you even afford a place to live?"

'Why did he have to pin this on me,' he glared Amsey who chuckled and ate ice-cream, '-that grimly old fool.' Lia conveniently made herself distant. 

"I guess," he shook the head, "-how much were you paid in the last job?"

"Around 70 Exa per week."

"70 Exa per week?" he coughed, "-seriously?"

"What," her brows knitted, "-it's the common-rate. I know managers who are getting 100 Exa per week. Most of us have to take part-time jobs to make ends meet."

"Igna," commented Éclair, "-life in Odgawoan is cheap compared to Plaustan. Depends on the area. Normal office workers make around 250 exa per month."

'Put into perspective… ok, let's not think about it.' 

"How about 50 Exa per week for the first month. I'll decide whether to increase the rate per performance?"

"Going by merit?" said she, "-deal. Don't be alarmed when I start racking in the big work."

"And about the apartment," he stared, "-was it yours or given by the agency?"

"Mine, the debt sort of went overboard, and then…" she gulped, "-here I am?" a confused shrug had Lia laugh under her breath.

"Can you reclaim it?" wondered he.

"Yeah, only if I pay around 3000 Exa. I can't spare that even if I sell my organs."

"3000 Exa. And if you pay that, does it become yours?"

"No, it's just the cost to unseize it. Around 50,000 Exa to buy the whole property. I've already chipped away at 25,000 from the initial; 75,000."

"I suppose," he took a deep breath, "-a new city means new items, and new items require money."

"I'm not lending you cash," said he seeing Igna approach.

"No, I just need a ride."

"Sure," said he, "-ask the driver; I've got few friends coming later tonight."

"Are you going already?" added Lia, "-stay for the party?"

"No," he turned to the city, "-I have the feeling I'm not going to leave anytime soon."

"Let me say this," glared Amsey coldly, "-I was selfish in bringing you here. That much I agree. Don't expect me to babysit or pay you unless work is done."

"Yeah," he held a handshake, "-don't fret, Lord Amsey, it's a new start for me. I better adjust for the future's sake."

"Good sentiment," smiled he, "-I knew I could count on you."

"Alright, I'll be off then." 

"Are you sure about this?" inquired Lia watching the duo's amble out of view.

"The boy is strong. The city is dangerous – I want to see what he can do."

"Are you going to hire him for the modeling job?"

"No, not now. He realizes what I meant. Climbing the ranks on his own is the test to see whether he's worthy. The young lass did voice some important points earlier, there isn't a lack of people wanting fame and fortune. We'll see."

"Yeah," added Lia, "-we'll see."

Although the profession didn't change; the mindset sure had taken a different turn. Cooking seemed a burden lately, the change of pace and scenery would settle the mind, or so he'd hoped. A new land, a new city, and a new start. Underlying the presented narrative, another agenda of digging for information kept Éclair occupied. 

"Where are we headed?" asked the driver.

"The nearest dealership for bikes."

"Which brand?"

"Denly," said he, '-I ought to pay respect to mother.'

"Denly?" repeated she in dismissal, "-the prices far exceed my apartment."

"Whatever," he laughed, "-the apartment has parking?"

"I suppose. It is in the upper-district."

"Don't lie to me, it's in the modest upper district."

"Whatever," she lowered her window to let the wind caress her hair. Albeit the personality was a little weird, her beauty was concrete. Tis was further acknowledged by men and women locking onto her visage. Cut across the middle, turning here and there, they arrived at Stanley's Homage stapled in the middle. The roads were large, the pavement less busy and the buildings classier. It had taken around 2 hours due to traffic on an otherwise 1-hour drive. Time showed 22:00, shops were still opened. 

The driver turned onto Shinder Street – dealerships from cars, to bikes, and even private-jets were laid one after the other. Sharp, pretty, and expensive. Costly cars were often sighted parked adjacent to the shops.

"We're here," said the driver.

"Awesome, thanks for the lift."

"Pleasure was all mine," said he speeding off into the distance. 

"What are we doing here," complained she.

"Getting settled in the town." The cheap outfit and overly obnoxious bags didn't add to their repute. Whilst Alicia bearly fit the requirement of 'good garment' Igna fell short. The rare visitors side-glanced in sympathy for it was an area frequented by the rich.

"Igna, let's just get a taxi to an inn nearby," the glances against her back made way for discomfort.

"No wait," they strolled about until 'Denly Motor' came in sight. Glass-panned windows gave onto the prestige sharp-colored interior. 'This feels awkwardly familiar,' thought he. 

"Look," signaled a salesman on the inside,"-we got another window shopper."

"Don't mind him," said she, "-let them dream."

"Dream?" the speech halted. Automatic doors parted as Igna walked in.

'Another dreamer,' sighed she, "-hello, how can I help you today?"

"Hello," replied he courteously.

'The torn outfit, where did he come from, the zoo? The ripped backpack, dirtied shoes, damn, does he have no shame?'

"-do you perhaps have the Spuntna X8?"

'Asking for the brand's best model from the start?' her eyes rolled, "-yes, please, over here."

A rotating platform displayed the beast in all her beauty. Buffed and streamlined for speed, '-might as well show the special model too.'

"Here we have the Spuntna X8V2 SST."

"Sports standard tuning," he paused. Alicia chose to remain outside in embarrassment. 

"How much for the normal version?" wondered he.

"250,000 Exa."

"And the SST?"

"350,000 Exa. It's a rare model, we've got the only one in the whole of Alphia. It just came in today as luck would have it."

"Red and black," thought he, "-it's awesome."

"Yes," said she, "-though, please don't touch it."

"It's very rude," said he, "-judging people on appearance. Nevertheless, I'll buy it."

"Excuse me?" she coughed, "-sir, the price is 350,000 Exa, the same as a mansion…"

"Did I stutter?" he facepalmed.

"Alright," she moved to the counter, the other salesmen were baffled.

"Could I have your name?" asked she.

*Ding,* all the information filled and signed.

"The payment has been approved…" 

"Alright," he turned.

"Will you be taking it out now?"

"Yes, and please hand over the bodysuit. I'd like another helmet for my friend outside."

"As you pleased," the atmosphere changed the moment payment was confirmed. Money talks, the saying was concrete and truthful. 

"Hey, Alicia."

"What is it now?" she turned preoccupied with what to say to the salesperson.

"What do you think?" he stood with a very expensive looking body-suit bearing the brand and logo of the Spuntna X8V2. 

"How?" she stomped up the stairs, "-Spuntnas are expensive; some go the same as a fucking mansion!"

"Yeah," he patted her head, "-don't judge people so much," the bike was brought by a handyman, "-come on, let's head out." 

"Here's a helmet for the young lady," said the attendant.

"Thanks." 

"Connection made to the bike," commented Éclair, "-I'm sorry about asking to buy this expensive a vehicle."

"It's fine, as long as you can use it too, I don't mind. Besides," he laughed; "-this is nothing compared to what Phantom makes in a week."

"True."

The manager reluctantly approached, the vehicle screamed of prestige and power. She feared putting a dent or scratching the paint. "Sit already," exclaimed he, "-where's the apartment?"

"On the outskirts of Eldow's high."

"Got it," by that, he meant Éclair found it. It didn't take much to repurchase the lot and transferring the ownership to Alicia. 

The engine bared down hell on the streets. Traffic didn't matter, and thus, in less than 45 minutes, in which he drove like a mad-man, they arrived at the sloped hill. The apartment stood at an intersection next to which rested a shopping complex. 

"Why are we here?" they stopped.

"Because I bought the apartment," commented he, "-I'll be staying with since I paid most of it."