Mr. Quentin quickly glanced over and grew increasingly satisfied. "No problems, no problems at all. I’ll settle the remaining payment right away."
He immediately transferred the remaining half of the payment.
"Um, Ms. Vanquez, may I ask about my artifact? What exactly happened?" Mr. Quentin had been pondering this question. He still didn’t know it was his son’s doing; he thought it was just a coincidence, what he use last time in conversation was just an excuse.
"Your son’s attributes are different from yours and your family’s. He deliberately caused the damage, and when these two attributes collided within the artifact, it caused this situation," Amalia explained as she noticed the payment had been received, providing a brief explanation.
Mr. Quentin still had one question unanswered. "I see, but why would my son deliberately cause the damage?"
Amalia glanced at him. "That’s something you should ask by yourselves."
Mr. Quentin wore a somewhat embarrassed expression. Despite others often referring to his son as mischievous, as parents, he and his wife never saw their child that way.
"What artifact does Mr. Carnales want to have repaired?" Amalia, knowing he had figured things out, turned to ask Martin.
Martin noticed Amalia’s lack of reaction even after looking at his business card. There was no sign of flattery or trying to impress him; he just followed the process as it unfolded and his smile go deeper.
Having climbed up from scratch, unlike those families with centuries-old heritage, he relied solely on himself. He had encountered all sorts of people and could easily tell if Amalia was putting on an act or not.
"This is my artifact, Ms. Vanquez, please take a look," Martin retrieved his artifact.
"A defensive-type artifact?" Amalia glanced at it, and raising an eyebrow.
Martin’s smile remained unchanged. "Ms. Vanquez has a keen eye. Yes, it’s a defensive-type artifact. To be honest, I’m not short of money, but I bought this artifact when I first started making business. Even though I could afford better artifacts later, I’ve been reluctant to part with it. It broke after my child played with it last time. I come here after i heard Ms. Vanquez’s repair skills are excellent."
For people like them, having no enemies was almost impossible, especially since in his early days, he used some rather unsavory means to solve some problem. He had offended quite a few people, and it was normal for someone to come after him.
Amalia took the artifact in her hands, channeling her spiritual energy into it, and she swiftly grasping the situation. "Mr. Carnales’s artifact has endured no less than ten attacks previously. Previous repairs only fixed the damaged parts without strengthening the other areas. They were out of sync, so a slight touch can caused it to break."
Despite it being used casually and not employing much spiritual energy in play, the artifact had broken, indicating its internal vulnerability.
"Ms. Vanquez, your insight is indeed exceptional," Martin had encountered numerous artificers, changing them with each repair, but Amalia was the first to speak such words to him.
"Today, you’re fortunate it was me you encountered. If you’d taken it to those other artificers for repairs, the artifact in your hands would be akin to ceramic decorations," Amalia elevated herself without a trace of coercion in her expression.
Martin smiled, "Please take care od it, Ms. Vanquez."
"Well, come back tomorrow to pick it up. The cost for this repair will surpass the value of the artifact," even though she knew the other party wasn’t short of money, Amalia felt the need to remind him.
"I understand. Please rest assured while repairing it, I’ll come back tomorrow," Martin nodded.
...
"Is the young women who appears to be in her twenties is the Ms. Vanquez you mentioned?" From the luxury hovercar nearby, Mr. Yoder and his son sat inside, arriving almost right after Martin left.
"Absolutely." Yannis brought up a picture he obtained from someone else.
It depicted a young women with a cold and stern demeanor, with beautiful features accentuated by a slightly sharp and formidable aura. At first glance, she is not someone that can be trifled with.
Mr. Yoder’s sharp gaze fixed on Amalia’s figure, his gaze showing nothing but scrutiny and judgment. After a while, he spoke, "If this person is truly as capable as rumored, we might consider pulling her over to our side."
"Father, I believe she does possess some skills, given the way those who’ve met her speak highly of her. It’s just that it still not clear what relationship she has with the Salvador," Yannis remarked.
Mr. Yoder said calmly, "The relationship with the Salvador is not important. As long as she holds some value, any grudge can be resolved, no matter how big it is."
Yannis felt a sinking sensation in his heart. After the huge loss he suffered at the hands of Samuel, it was difficult for him to simply let it go. How could he swallow this pride?
"Those who achieve great things don’t get hung up on minor issues. If one can’t endure even this, how will they inherit the family business in the future?" Mr. Yoder’s tone was stern, exuding the authority of someone in a higher position.
Yannis was pleasantly surprised. Did his father imply that he might be the favored candidate for the family’s inheritance, hence he was severe reprimand in the study?
The more he thought about it, the more it seemed plausible.
"Yes, Father, I will heed your teachings carefully."
But... refraining from acting against the Salvador now didn’t mean he couldn’t later. Once it fell into his hands, the Salvador would regret ever to fight against him.
"As long as you understand. This time, your father is entrusting this task to you," Mr. Yoder’s expression softened slightly as he glanced out the window at Amalia, who was repairing artifacts at her stall.
Yannis also looked over, with determination flashing in his eyes. No one could deter him from his goals. "I understand, Father. I won’t let you down."
With that said, he stepped out of the car and headed towards Amalia.