The Extra's Rise
Chapter 616 - 616: Integration (1)

The Springshaper estate's imposing gates came into view as my transport vehicle navigated the road that led to one of the most influential properties in the Slatemark Empire.

'This meeting could change everything,' I thought, adjusting my formal attire as we approached the main entrance.

'Nervous about meeting your girlfriend's father in a professional capacity?' Luna asked with obvious amusement. 'Or nervous about the fact that you're essentially proposing to absorb his life's work into your own organization?'

'Both,' I admitted silently. The Marquis had built Vakrt from a modest family business into a continental powerhouse over the course of three decades. Convincing him to merge with Ouroboros would require delicate diplomacy and compelling strategic arguments.

The estate's grounds were a testament to both wealth and refined taste. Manicured gardens showcased rare necromantic plants that most people would find disturbing but which I recognized as valuable magical components. Fountains incorporated flowing designs that somehow made water appear to move like liquid shadow, while sculptured pathways wound between groves of trees whose dark bark seemed to absorb rather than reflect light.

My transport pulled to a stop before the mansion's main entrance, where livery-clad servants waited with the kind of professional efficiency that spoke to generations of refined service. As I stepped out, I mentally reviewed my negotiation strategy one final time.

To my surprise, instead of being escorted to a formal meeting room where the Marquis waited, I was led directly to an elegant study where Rose sat behind an ornate desk, reviewing what appeared to be corporate financial documents. She looked up as I entered, her warm brown eyes bright with professional confidence.

"Arthur," she said, rising to greet me with a smile that somehow managed to be both personally affectionate and businesslike. "Thank you for coming."

'Rose?' I thought, momentarily thrown by the unexpected development. 'Where's her father?'

"I was expecting to meet with Marquis Springshaper," I said carefully, not wanting to seem disappointed but genuinely confused by the arrangement.

"Father decided that I should handle this meeting," Rose explained, gesturing for me to take the chair across from her desk. "He's been gradually transferring more operational authority to me over the past year, and he felt that you might be more comfortable discussing sensitive business matters with me rather than him."

'Thoughtful of him,' I realized. 'And probably accurate. Negotiating with Rose will be significantly less intimidating than facing down her father directly.'

"Please thank him for his consideration," I said, settling into the offered chair. "Though I hope he doesn't think I'm avoiding more challenging negotiations."

Rose laughed, the sound carrying genuine warmth that helped ease the formal atmosphere. "Quite the opposite, actually. He said that anyone capable of managing relationships with four princesses simultaneously while building an international guild from scratch obviously doesn't shy away from complex challenges."

'Fair point,' Luna observed. 'Your romantic life alone requires diplomatic skills that most people couldn't manage.'

"So," Rose continued, leaning back in her chair with the easy confidence of someone who'd grown up surrounded by high-stakes business discussions, "I understand you have a proposition that could significantly alter Vakrt's operational structure."

"I do," I confirmed, activating a small holographic projector that materialized detailed displays above her desk. "As you know, Ouroboros has been expanding our operations across multiple continents. We've recently secured significant agreements with the Western continent's governing council, particularly regarding necromantic research and resource extraction."

Rose studied the projections with obvious interest, her analytical mind immediately grasping the implications of what I was showing her. "The Western continent has traditionally been the center of Deepdark magic and necromantic arts," she said thoughtfully. "Any major operations there would require extensive local partnerships and specialized expertise."

"Exactly," I said, pleased by her quick understanding. "Which brings me to my proposal. Rather than attempting to establish competing infrastructure or partner with smaller regional firms, I'd like to integrate Vakrt directly into Ouroboros's expanding operations. Your family's company is the largest necromantic corporation in the central continent—that expertise would be invaluable for our Western continent ventures."

"Integration," Rose repeated carefully, her business instincts clearly analyzing the various ways such an arrangement could be structured. "What exactly are you envisioning?"

"Vakrt would maintain its corporate identity and operational autonomy," I explained, highlighting relevant sections of my proposal. "But it would function as a specialized division within Ouroboros's larger framework. Your expertise in necromantic materials processing would complement our extraction and research capabilities."

Rose nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful as she worked through the strategic implications. "And what would prompt Father to consider surrendering even partial control of something he's spent his life building?"

"Because the opportunities we're discussing extend far beyond traditional necromantic commerce," I said, activating new sections of the holographic display. "As we discussed before, we're moving forward with the Ashen Territories operations."

Rose nodded, her expression showing the familiar mixture of admiration and concern that had characterized our previous conversations about this topic. "I remember you telling me about your plans for the Ashen Territories. I have to admit, when you first mentioned establishing operations in the Arch Lich's domain, I thought you might be overreaching."

"And now?" I asked, curious about how her perspective had evolved.

"Now I think it's exactly the kind of ambitious vision that separates true leaders from people who merely manage existing resources," she replied with a warm smile. "The Ashen Territories represent the largest concentration of Deepdark energy and necromantic materials on the continent. If anyone can turn that opportunity into reality, it's you."

"Unsurvivable for most people," I agreed. "But potentially incredibly profitable for those with the right expertise and resources. The Ashen Territories represent the largest concentration of Deepdark energy and necromantic materials on the continent. Possibly the world."

"You're talking about establishing permanent operations in a region that's essentially a Deepdark wellspring," Rose said, her voice carrying excitement rather than concern. "When you first explained your vision to me, I knew Vakrt's processing capabilities would be crucial for something this ambitious."

"Which is exactly why I need Vakrt's expertise," I confirmed. "Raw necromantic materials extracted from the Ashen Territories would require immediate refinement to remain stable during transport. Your family's techniques are unmatched in the central continent."

Rose leaned forward, her brown eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I remember when you told me about this—I said I'd give you anything you needed to make it happen. I meant that, Arthur."

Rose was quiet for several moments, clearly working through the complexities of what I was proposing. When she spoke again, her voice carried the kind of excitement that suggested the idea was beginning to appeal to her.

"You're envisioning a complete vertical integration," she said slowly. "Extraction operations in the Ashen Territories, processing facilities managed by Vakrt, and distribution through Ouroboros's expanding network."

"Precisely," I confirmed. "But more than that—I'm also planning to establish a permanent research facility in the Ashen Territories. The unique conditions there would allow for experiments that are impossible anywhere else."

Rose suddenly smiled, her expression warm with understanding. "And Kali's transformation," she said gently. "I know how important that is to you. When you told me about your plans to help her become a Zombie Princess, I could see how much you care about giving her that opportunity."

"You remember everything I shared with you about that," I said, touched by her attentiveness to details that mattered to me.

"Of course I do. You trust me with your plans, and I trust you completely with mine," she replied. "The materials required for Kali's transformation—and the research facilities you'll need in the Ashen Territories—Vakrt can handle all of it."

"The materials required for such a transformation..." Rose mused, her analytical mind already calculating the resources involved. "You'd need processing capabilities that could handle extreme concentrations of Deepdark energy without destabilization."

"Exactly what Vakrt specializes in," I pointed out. "Your family's techniques for managing volatile necromantic materials would be crucial for the entire operation."

Rose leaned forward, her brown eyes bright with the kind of professional excitement that suggested she was genuinely intrigued by the challenge. "This isn't just a business merger," she said. "You're proposing to revolutionize necromantic commerce across multiple continents."

"The financial projections are impressive," Rose continued, studying the economic models I'd included in my presentation. "The potential profits from Ashen Territory operations alone would justify significant initial investment."

"Plus the strategic advantages of controlling such specialized resources," I added. "Vakrt's processing techniques combined with Ouroboros's extraction capabilities would create a monopoly on premium necromantic materials."

Rose sat back in her chair, but instead of weighing a difficult decision, her expression showed the satisfaction of someone whose prior instincts were being confirmed.

"We've talked about this before, Arthur," she said warmly. "I told you then that I'd support whatever you needed, and I meant it. The formal merger of Vakrt with Ouroboros isn't just good business—it's the right thing to do."

"I know Father will agree when I present the proposal to him," Rose continued confidently. "He's always respected your judgment, and after our previous conversations about your vision for necromantic advancement, he's been anticipating something like this."

Success, I thought, feeling a surge of satisfaction at having secured such a crucial alliance. With Vakrt's resources backing our operations, the Ashen Territory project becomes not just feasible but inevitable.

"Excellent," I said, deactivating the holographic displays. "I'll have our legal team prepare formal documentation for the merger. Vakrt will maintain its corporate identity and operational independence while functioning as a specialized division within Ouroboros."

"Agreed," Rose replied, rising from her chair and extending her hand in a gesture that was both personal and professional. "Welcome to the Springshaper family business, Arthur."

I stood and took her offered hand, but instead of the formal handshake she'd probably expected, I used the contact to draw her closer. The business meeting had concluded successfully, but Rose was more than just a corporate partner.

"Thank you," I said softly, looking into her warm brown eyes. "For trusting me with your family's legacy."

"Thank you for including us in something extraordinary," she replied, her voice carrying the kind of warmth that had nothing to do with business negotiations.

The kiss that followed was soft and lingering, a perfect conclusion to negotiations that had been as much about personal trust as corporate strategy. When we separated, Rose's cheeks were flushed with pleasure and her smile was radiant.

'Business and romance,' I thought with satisfaction. 'Some combinations work better than others.'

'Just remember,' Luna observed with amusement, 'you're now dating someone who technically works for you. That adds an interesting dynamic to an already complicated relationship structure.'

'I'll manage,' I replied silently. 'Rose understands the distinction between professional and personal relationships better than most people.'

As we began discussing the practical details of integrating Vakrt into Ouroboros's operations, I felt the familiar satisfaction that came from successfully executing complex negotiations. The Western continent's necromantic resources were now within reach, the Ashen Territory project was feasible, and my relationship with Rose had deepened through shared professional goals.