Chapter 77: VOL 2 Chapter 22: Why are we at an auction?
When Laura left the room, Seraphina quickly turned to look at Erik, who had begun to once again examine the design of the place with interest. She then asked in a warm and professional tone, without the slightest trace of the annoyance and vigilance coursing through her heart.
"What building do you want her to design for you, young master?"
"Well, the truth is, I've been seriously thinking about starting my own business. And since the patents are almost fully approved, I decided to take advantage of the upcoming university journal publication to start off on the right foot. After all, they've already confirmed that some of my works will be published in the next issue, and from what I've researched, they'll pay me a good amount."
While looking at the bar with curiosity, Erik responded in a rather cheerful tone. After all, with the confirmation of his work's publication came the announcement of the royalties he would be paid—something that surprised him quite a bit, since the academic journals he remembered didn't operate under that model. But apparently, these journals were incredibly popular in the Arcane Order, so they could afford to share the profits, which he greatly appreciated. After all, this would be his first honest income in his new life.
"Congratulations on being featured in the university journal, young master."
Hearing her young master's joy, Seraphina gracefully congratulated him with a beautiful smile on her lips, not showing in the slightest that she knew this information even before Erik himself received the confirmation. After all, security work is very important, and they can't allow any kind of variables. Yes, that's the reason—and certainly not for things like obtaining information in advance to be able to 'persuade' the peer reviewers of her young master's works in case they rejected them. Yes, it's just a matter of security and nothing more.
"Thank you." Erik replied with a smile as he looked for a place to sit, at which point Seraphina asked with curiosity.
"But young master, why start a business and not just sell the licenses? Won't it distract you from your classes and research projects?"
"Don't get me wrong; I'll still be selling the licenses at a reasonable price so they become popular. But I've been thinking, and I want to develop a brand that represents the best version and maximum quality of my creations."