Chapter 121: Next Time, For Sure

“Very well, prepare dinner for me, and then you may rest.”
“From tomorrow onward, you’ll need to start arranging these matters.”

Harvey was somewhat surprised when Sonia mentioned that starting next year, dealings with Tony Stark would bring in at least three billion annually.

Sonia nodded slightly upon hearing this and sent a message to the kitchen to begin preparations, planning to pick up the food later herself.

She then settled onto a soft sofa in the main hall, leaning back as she began to review some documents.

She needed to investigate who owned the islands near Void Isle.

All the samples Tony Stark presented today were crafted solely by him.

However, to mass-produce them, numerous factories would need to be established.

Void Isle was a territory frequented by members of the Void Cult, so setting up factories there was out of the question.

It would be best to purchase another island nearby and carry out the development there.

This would also provide a place for the hired workers to spend their earnings, helping retain them while ensuring a small portion of funds recirculated.

Through the elite officers of the new legion, Sonia had come to understand that even without Mr. Kassadin’s intervention, most of the major figures on Sandar Star already knew she was affiliated with him.

Though this was not Sonia’s personal wish—she preferred to manage matters through her own abilities—she could not deny that she indeed enjoyed Mr. Kassadin’s patronage.

With this realization, Sonia understood that she didn’t need Mr. Kassadin to handle the island purchase; she could do it herself.

She also knew that as the steward of Mr. Kassadin, seen by many as his right hand, she had to be even more mindful of her conduct, ensuring it never compromised his dignity.

Finding out the ownership of a small island was not difficult, so Sonia soon identified several nearby islets worth considering.

She then sat upright, pressing a button that summoned a floating desk before her.

She began drafting a plan for the coming month’s itinerary and estimated budget.

Relying solely on memory for so many details risked mistakes, so Sonia preferred to take notes and review them daily to avoid overlooking anything.

Harvey watched Sonia’s focused diligence and felt a surge of admiration; his judgment had been correct—she was indeed a reliable steward.

Sonia was a tireless worker, always reflecting on how she could improve after completing tasks.

When she found shortcomings, she would fervently study new knowledge to ensure her next effort was even more flawless.

Within just over a year, Harvey had grown so accustomed to her service that he had become increasingly lazy.

Moreover, Sonia had joined the Void Cult and would serve him for many years to come.

Although he had never been stingy with her financially—beyond her initial salary, he frequently rewarded her generously—Harvey noticed his own growing lethargy and felt uneasy about it.

He recalled how driven he once was, with clear plans and a hands-on approach to everything.

But after hiring Sonia as his steward, many tasks no longer required his involvement; he simply delegated them to her.

Reflecting on this, Harvey resolved that the next time he returned to Blue Star—naturally seven months from now, in 2011—he would seek to regain his initial fervor.

Coincidentally, Tony would also be returning to Blue Star then, and the planet was about to face its first cosmic invasion, promising many fascinating events. How could he miss witnessing them?

He also saw an opportunity to recruit the Hulk into the Void Cult. With Dr. Banner and Tony joining forces, technological development would accelerate dramatically.

Having made up his mind, Harvey settled back into idleness.

Sonia sensed Mr. Kassadin had glanced at her earlier, but when she looked over, he was leisurely engrossed in his game, paying her no mind.

Even if Mr. Kassadin slept all day, she would not mind—her duty was simply to execute his instructions well.

Though her responsibilities had broadened and required learning a variety of new skills, she found the work enjoyable.

Thanks to Mr. Kassadin’s occasional financial support, she had accumulated over twelve million in savings.

Considering she had worked for him less than a year, she had earned more than what she might have after decades of laboring at a prestigious hotel.

Moreover, Mr. Kassadin rarely issued strict orders and granted her ample freedom, making her recent life quite pleasant.

The only drawback was that she spent most of her time on the island, leaving little opportunity for outside leisure.

Many clothes were delivered directly to her, though she had to be cautious not to wear them in front of Void Cult members to avoid diminishing Mr. Kassadin’s stature.

But Sonia was patient; having joined the Void Cult, she had plenty of time ahead and knew she’d have chances to enjoy herself outside eventually.

Soon the dinner was ready. After fetching it, Sonia reviewed her monthly agenda once more and finalized her notes.

It was already ten o’clock at night.

Stretching as she stood, she let out an alluring sigh. Her figure, wrapped in a fitted dress and skirt, revealed perfect curves and astonishingly fair skin.

Any other man would have felt his blood race at the sight, yet Harvey’s gaze remained fixed on his game console, not even sparing her a glance.

Sonia’s eyes flickered with a hint of grievance as she looked at the unresponsive Mr. Kassadin.

She considered herself not unattractive; after all, she had breezed through the decade-long beauty assessments at the prestigious hotel.

Since joining the Void, she appeared younger, her skin even more radiant and enticing.

Yet here she was, a striking beauty, with Mr. Kassadin never once attempting to grow closer.

“Mr. Kassadin, I will be leaving the island tomorrow to handle some affairs.”

“I will have the chef deliver your meals punctually to the door.”

“You will need to come downstairs personally to collect them.”

Quickly suppressing the grievance in her eyes, Sonia added with some concern:

Before joining the Void Cult, it was one thing to have seen Mr. Kassadin like this, but if others discovered that the esteemed Mr. Kassadin, admired by many Void Isle members, was often so lazy at home, it would surely damage his dignity.

Thus, allowing meals to be delivered directly inside was clearly impossible.

“I understand. Just take care of your tasks.”

Harvey glanced back at Sonia and nodded.

Seeing his agreement, Sonia realized further persuasion was pointless and went off to get something to eat.

—End of side note—

The third update is now available.