The Incubus System Chapter 988. Foreign Businessman

The Incubus System Chapter 988. Foreign Businessman

With that, we took a deep breath and prepared to approach the stage. The queen sat on her throne, her regal presence commanding the room. The nobles around us were still engrossed in their own conversations, their attention diverted by the presence of Pearl and Diamond.

We stepped forward, the sound of our footsteps muffled by the rich carpet leading up to the throne. The guards at the base of the steps watched us intently but didn't make any move to stop us. Mia's presence and her status as royal gave us the necessary authority to approach the queen.

We ascended the steps. I felt a mixture of nerves and determination. This was a crucial moment, and I needed to make a good impression. We reached the top of the steps, and I followed Mia’s lead, bowing slightly from the waist in a show of respect.

"Your Majesty," Mia began.

I followed Mia's lead, bowing slightly from the waist in a show of respect. “Your Majesty,” I greeted, my voice steady and respectful.

The queen gave us a slight nod, acknowledging our presence. "Mia, it’s good to see you," she said, her tone warm but reserved, a delicate balance of formality and affection. Her gaze then shifted to me, curiosity evident in her sharp eyes.

Mia smiled, stepping slightly closer to her sister, her demeanor relaxed but respectful. "Your Majesty, may I introduce Damian Lucio, my partner. He’s a businessman from Aeros."

"A businessman?" Zalira repeated, her interest visibly piqued. She tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "And what sort of business are you involved in, Mr. Lucio?"

I straightened up, meeting her gaze with calm confidence, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. "I deal in ancient artifacts, Your Majesty, particularly those related to demons and angels. My focus is on relics from the battle that took place two thousand years ago between the two demon lords."

Zalira's eyes sparkled with genuine interest at the mention of ancient artifacts and the historic battle. She leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped elegantly in front of her. "That’s quite a specialized field. Are you a collector?"

"Not exactly a collector, Your Majesty," I replied, maintaining my composed demeanor. "While collectors tend to amass items for personal enjoyment, my business also involves the selling and trading of these artifacts. I find and procure these items, then match them with buyers who have an interest in such rarities."

The queen nodded thoughtfully, her curiosity deepening. Her expression softened, and she seemed more intrigued than before. "That’s quite fascinating. And how did you come to be involved in such a unique trade?"

I took a moment to consider my response, wanting to provide an answer that would both intrigue and satisfy her. "I’ve always been fascinated by history, particularly the ancient conflicts that have shaped our world. My interest in artifacts began as a personal passion, but as I learned more, I realized there was a significant market for these items. People are often willing to pay a high price for a piece of history, especially if it holds magical or historical significance."

Zalira’s expression softened even further, her formal demeanor giving way to genuine curiosity. She rested her chin on her hand, her eyes never leaving mine. "And have you found anything of particular note? Any artifacts that stand out?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty," I said, nodding. "One of the most remarkable finds was an ancient sword believed to have been wielded by one of the demon lords in the great battle. Its blade is said to be forged from a metal not found in our world, and it holds an inscription in a long-forgotten language." Of course what I meant was my sword, Nightmare.

"Interesting," Zalira murmured, her eyes gleaming with fascination. She glanced briefly at Mia, then back at me. "And what do you do with such artifacts once you acquire them?"

"I evaluate their historical and magical significance, then find buyers who appreciate their value," I explained. "Sometimes, they end up in private collections, museums, or in the hands of scholars who study them for their historical importance. But for this sword…” I paused and smiled confidently to put a bit of emphasis on my next words. “It is still in my hand. I find it hard to let it go,” I stated.

Zalira's interest was clearly piqued. Her gaze sharpened, and with a calm, composed demeanor, she asked, "Because you haven't met a good price?"

I hesitated, allowing a look of confusion and uncertainty to cross my face. "No," I said slowly as if I let my voice carry the weight of my internal struggle. "I feel... so attached to this sword. I don't know why," I admitted. I could see Mia glancing at me, her concern and curiosity evident.

The queen's lips curled into a smirk, her eyes narrowing slightly with amusement. "Are you trying to bait me, Mr. Lucio?" Zalira asked, her tone a mix of amusement and challenge, a playful glint in her eyes.

I held her gaze steadily, a small smile playing on my lips as I shook my head slightly. "Not at all, Your Majesty. I'm simply sharing the truth. There are certain artifacts that resonate deeply with me, and this sword is one of them. It’s not about the price; it’s about the connection I feel to it." I allowed my voice to soften, conveying sincerity.

Zalira leaned back slightly in her chair, her eyes never leaving mine. She studied me intently, her curiosity evident. "A connection, you say? That’s quite intriguing." She tapped her fingers lightly on the armrest, pondering. "Tell me more about this sword," she continued, her tone softer but still commanding. She then glanced at Mia and back to me. "But not here. Maybe later, with Mia."

Mia's eyes flickered with a mix of anticipation and concern, and I nodded respectfully. "With pleasure, Your Majesty," I said, my voice steady. I could feel the weight of Zalira's scrutiny, but I welcomed it. This was my plan after all. I wanted a private meeting with the queen without directly asking for it.