Chapter 12
Cid stood in the luxurious office on the second floor of the newly renovated Mitsugoshi store, gazing out the window with a sense of satisfaction. He held an expensive wine glass filled with rich, red wine, appreciating the view below. The bustling street was filled with witches and wizards eagerly waiting for the store to open. Mitsugoshi was about to make its grand debut, and Cid could hardly wait to see the reactions of the customers.
Behind him stood Zeta, her presence a comforting reminder of their shared mission and unwavering dedication. The two of them had worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and today, they would finally see the fruits of their labor.
Cid turned slightly, glancing at Zeta with a hint of a smile. "Zeta, it's amazing how far we've come. Mitsugoshi is a marvel, unlike anything this world has seen."
Zeta nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "It is, Master. The products we've created and the environment we've built here are truly unique. I'm confident the wizarding world will be captivated by what we offer."
He took a sip of his wine, savoring the taste. "You mentioned you found a way to transport our products efficiently?"
"Yes," Zeta replied. "With your help, we created a portal in a secure area of Mitsugoshi that is off-limits to anyone but staff and us. The portal is activated by a small amount of magic and teleports directly to Alexandria."
Cid nodded, pleased. The portal system they had devised was brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness. The portal in Mitsugoshi was surrounded by intricate runes and wards, ensuring its security. Only trusted members of their newly formed Shadow Garden could access it. On the other side, the portal in Alexandria was housed beneath a grand statue of Shadow and his seven shades, a tribute to their old city.
The portal room in Alexandria was heavily guarded by armed servants, and anyone exiting the room would be greeted by a breathtaking view of the developing village and a lush, green park. It was a place of beauty and serenity, a stark contrast to the chaotic world outside their barriers.
Through this portal, they transported their products to Mitsugoshi. The store's shelves were stocked with a variety of unique items, many of which were not available anywhere else. Magical snacks, enchanted trinkets, and exotic foods lined the aisles. At Zeta's request, they had even established a Tuna King, offering an array of fish products that were sure to be a hit.
In addition to the retail space, Mitsugoshi boasted an extremely fancy restaurant, the only one of its kind in wizarding Britain—possibly the entire wizarding world. Security was a top priority, with numerous wards and protections, many of which were unknown to the wizarding world. Their staff, all part of the Shadow Garden, wore slime suits that absorbed the impact of spells, making them nearly impervious to most attacks.
Cid and Zeta had used the last of their funds to promote Mitsugoshi in the Daily Prophet, ensuring that the store's opening was the talk of the town. Now, as he looked out at the eager crowd, Cid felt a sense of anticipation.
"They're like sheep," he mused, swirling his wine in the glass. "Easily controlled, more so than the muggles."
Zeta, standing behind him, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Master. The anticipation and excitement will only work to our advantage."
"When does school start for you, Zeta?" Cid asked, still gazing out the window.
"In a week, Master," she replied.
Cid nodded thoughtfully. "Good. We have some time to solidify our operations here before you leave." He took another sip of his wine and then added with a smirk, "A single spark can ignite a wildfire in the hearts of those ready to believe."
Zeta's eyes gleamed with understanding. "I'll ensure everything is in place before I go."
Cid turned and gave a slight nod to one of the servants standing by the door. "Open the store."
The servant bowed deeply and left the room. Moments later, the doors to Mitsugoshi opened, and the eager witches and wizards began to pour in. Cid watched from his vantage point, unseen by the crowd thanks to the spell he had placed on the room. From the outside, it appeared to be a normal office, but inside, he had the perfect view of the grand opening.
As the first customers entered, their eyes widened in awe at the store's sleek, modern design and the array of unique products on display. The elegant layout and welcoming atmosphere were unlike anything they had ever seen. They marveled at the enchanted items and sampled the delicious snacks, their excitement palpable.
Cid took another sip of his wine, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. "Zeta, we've done it. Mitsugoshi is a success."
She smiled, her tail flicking with happiness. "Yes, Master. This is just the beginning."
They continued to watch as the store filled with customers, each one more impressed than the last. The grand opening was a resounding success, and Cid knew that Mitsugoshi would soon become a cornerstone of the wizarding community.
As the day progressed, Cid and Zeta kept a close eye on the operations, ensuring everything ran smoothly. The staff, trained meticulously in customer service and combat, handled the influx of customers with ease. Their slime suits, a unique feature from their old world, offered them protection and enhanced their abilities.
The security measures they had put in place were working flawlessly. The wards and protections ensured that no unauthorized magic could be used within the store, and the staff was always ready to handle any potential threats.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over Diagon Alley, Cid and Zeta stood together, watching the last of the customers leave. The day had been a monumental success, and Mitsugoshi was already making a name for itself.
As the final customer exited, a servant approached them with a respectful bow. "Master, Mistress, the store is now closed for the night. I have a report on today's sales and inventory."
Cid nodded, his interest piqued. "Let's hear it."
The servant unrolled a scroll, revealing a detailed summary. "The most sold items today were the enchanted snacks, especially the shimmering chocolate frogs and the sparkling sugar quills. The least sold item was the self-writing quill, though it still garnered some interest. Our total income for the day amounts to 8,578 galleons."
Cid and Zeta exchanged a satisfied glance. "That's an impressive amount for our first day," Cid remarked, taking another sip of his wine. "Well done, everyone."
He then commanded, "Everyone but Zeta, leave the room."
The three servants bowed deeply and exited, leaving Cid and Zeta alone in the luxurious office. Cid walked over to a plush couch and sat down, motioning for Zeta to join him. She complied, sitting close to him, her tail swishing contentedly.
Cid leaned back, lost in thought. He pondered whether sending Zeta to Hogwarts was truly a wise decision. The potential dangers loomed large in his mind. If they discovered her true identity, things could quickly become perilous for her. But the opportunity to be part of the final battle and reveal their true power to the world was too enticing to pass up.
"Zeta," he began, gently petting her ears, "I've been thinking about your mission to Hogwarts. It could be dangerous if they find out who you really are."
Zeta looked up at him, her eyes full of determination. "I understand the risks, Master. But I won't fail you. I'll be careful and learn everything I can."
Cid nodded, continuing to stroke her ears. Her purring was a soothing sound in the quiet room. "I want to be part of the final battle. To reveal our true power when it matters most. Imagine the three most powerful wizards clashing, and then we appear."
Zeta smiled, her tail curling around his arm. "That would be amazing, Master."
Cid sighed softly. "It will be lonely here without you. I need to find a way to communicate with you while you're at Hogwarts. Maybe a magic mirror or a crystal ball."
He thought back to the time when he first saved Zeta. She had been full of anger and a desperate need for power. Her rapid growth in strength was a testament to her determination and drive. Cid knew he had to train her even more in the next seven days, teaching her some of his own techniques to ensure her safety and success.
"I'll train you over the next week," Cid said, his voice firm. "We'll make sure you're even stronger before you leave for Hogwarts."
Zeta's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Master. I'll learn everything you teach me."
As Cid continued to pet Zeta, he found himself reminiscing about the other shades and the time they all lived together in the cottage he built for them. He missed those days, the camaraderie and the sense of purpose they all shared. He hoped there was a way to either return to their world or bring the shades to this one.
"I miss the others," Cid admitted quietly. "I miss the time we all spent together. We need to fund the research department to find a way back or to bring them here."
Zeta cuddled closer to him, her purring growing louder. "We'll find a way, Master. I believe in you."
The moon shone through the window, illuminating the dark room with its soft, silvery light. Cid took a deep breath and began to tell Zeta his backstory, something he rarely spoke of.
"I came from a different world before I found yours," he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I trained to become powerful, seeking magic in any form. But in the end, I died during my search."
Zeta listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face. "How did you end up in our world, Master?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Cid admitted. "But when I woke up, I was in your world, and I knew I had a second chance. I vowed to make the most of it, to become the strongest and protect those I cared about."
Zeta's purring grew even louder as she cuddled against him. "You've done that, Master. You've protected us all and given us a purpose."
Cid smiled, feeling a warmth in his heart. "And I'll continue to do so. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe we can achieve anything together."
Zeta looked up at him, her eyes filled with unwavering loyalty. "I won't fail you, Master. I'll learn everything you teach me and be careful on my assignment at Hogwarts."
As they sat together, bathed in the moonlight, Cid felt a sense of peace and determination. He knew the path ahead would be challenging, but with Zeta and the rest of Shadow Garden by his side, he was ready to face whatever came their way.
The night wore on, and eventually, they both drifted off to sleep, the bond between them stronger than ever. As the new day dawned, Cid and Zeta were ready to continue their journey, determined to uncover the secrets of the magical world and secure their place within it, one step at a time.