Building A Business Empire From Scratch In Another World

The sun hung high over Astheria's most prestigious district, casting its golden rays upon the polished marble streets and the opulent facades of towering mansions.

The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of blooming moon lilies, accompanied by the gentle hum of enchanted carriages gliding soundlessly along the road.

Among them, one carriage stood out like a jewel, crafted from dark mahogany with shimmering silver veins, its doors proudly emblazoned with the crest of the Vandross Noble Family: a silver phoenix soaring above a crimson rose, symbolizing eternal rebirth and passion.

This extravagant carriage was drawn by four majestic Tier 5 Stormhoof Stallions, their manes crackling with faint arcs of lightning as their hooves whispered against the cobblestones.

Inside, lounging on plush velvet seats, were Lord Alistair Vandross and his wife, Lady Seraphina Vandross.

Alistair exuded refined elegance; his sharp jawline framed by neatly trimmed auburn hair and piercing emerald eyes that sparkled with amusement.

He wore a deep crimson tailcoat embroidered with intricate silver thread, its buttons crafted from enchanted rubies glowing softly with stored mana.

In contrast to her husband's stately presence, Seraphina was a vision of delicate beauty.

Her platinum blonde hair cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders while her sapphire-blue eyes shimmered with mirth.

Clad in an ivory silk gown adorned with lace and tiny frost crystals that twinkled like stars, she looked every bit the noblewoman.

"My love," Alistair murmured as he lifted her hand to his lips, "your beauty puts even the rarest jewels to shame."

Seraphina giggled and playfully swatted his shoulder. "Flatterer! You say that every time we ride through the city."

"Because it remains true each time," he countered smoothly, tracing circles on her knuckles.

Their playful banter was interrupted when Alistair's gaze caught something outside the carriage window.

"Hmm? What's this?"

A luxurious storefront gleamed under the sunlight, a sight unlike anything he had ever seen before.

The entrance featured a sweeping arch of pristine glass so clear it seemed almost invisible, framed by silver vines pulsing faintly with mana.

Above this enchanting doorway hung an elegant sign glowing softly in golden letters:

"Morningstar Vintners – A Taste Beyond Mortal Craft."

Seraphina leaned forward excitedly; her eyes widened in delight. "Oh! That's the new wine shop everyone's been whispering about!"

Alistair smirked playfully at her enthusiasm. "Shall we indulge, my dear?"

"Obviously!" she replied with a grin that lit up her face.

With a snap of his fingers, their Stormhoof Stallions halted gracefully before the store.

The moment they stepped inside, the air seemed to come alive, cool and crisp, infused with the enchanting aromas of aged oak and magical blossoms.

The interior was nothing short of a modern marvel.

Glass shelves floated effortlessly, suspended by invisible threads of mana, showcasing rows of exquisite wine bottles nestled in delicate, rune-engraved boxes.

The polished black marble floor, veined with shimmering gold, reflected the soft glow of floating mana orbs that illuminated the space like captured stars.

A young woman in a sleek black uniform approached them with a warm smile that radiated professionalism. "Welcome to Morningstar Vintners! How may I assist you today?"

Alistair raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "We were just curious. This place is… unique."

"Indeed, my lord," replied Lydia, as her nametag gleamed under the light. "Morningstar Vintners specializes in wines crafted from the rarest ingredients, each bottle infused with mana to enhance both taste and vitality."

Seraphine's eyes sparkled with excitement. "How fascinating! Please tell us more!"

With a graceful gesture toward the nearest display, Lydia began her presentation. The first bottle she showcased was encased in a crystalline box etched with silver moons; the wine shimmered like liquid starlight, shifting between hues of silver and pale pink.

"This is Moonlit Mirage," Lydia explained enthusiastically. "Crafted from Moonbloom Grapes harvested during celestial alignments and infused with Moonstone Dust and Lunaria Rose Petals. A single sip can expand a cultivator's mana veins, but be warned: only those of Tier 5 or above should partake; anyone weaker risks severe mana backlash."

Alistair whistled in admiration. "Now that's a drink worthy of nobility!"

Next came a heart-shaped bottle that immediately caught Seraphine's eye, encased in a velvet-lined box shaped like a blooming rose and glowing softly in emerald green.

"This is Elven Starlight Rosé," Lydia said reverently. "Made from Emerald Green Grapes, Starlight Sugar, and Aqua Vitalis, a diluted form of the legendary Water of Life, it not only intoxicates but heals wounds up to Tier 7! The elves guard these ingredients jealously."

Seraphine clasped her hands together excitedly. "Oh Alistair! We must have this one!"

Alistair chuckled warmly at her enthusiasm. "Anything for you, my heart."

Then there was a deep ruby-red bottle shaped like a teardrop resting in a black velvet case adorned with silver thorns.

"Maiden Blood Rosé," Lydia continued smoothly. "This blend features Rainbow Deer blood and Crimson Blood Grapes fermented in silver barrels alongside Blood Moon Rose petals,it's said to invigorate the body and sharpen your senses."

Alistair smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Sounds… provocative," he teased, leaning closer to Seraphine.

Seraphine rolled her eyes but couldn't quite hide the spark of intrigue that danced within her.

Before them stood a stunning purple crystal bottle, its surface elegantly adorned with shimmering gold leaf vines, a true masterpiece in its display.

"Rosewood Vintage," Lydia announced with a flourish. "Aged in thousand-year-old rosewood barrels, this wine captures the essence of eternal blossoms. It's a favorite among those who appreciate… the finer things in life."

Seraphine traced the bottle's edge with her fingertip, marveling at its beauty. "It's exquisite," she breathed, captivated by its allure.

After nearly an hour of sampling, where Alistair nearly choked on the potent Moonlit Mirage and Seraphine reveled in the floral notes of Elven Starlight, the couple finally made their selections.

"We'll take two bottles of the Elven Starlight Rosé," Alistair declared confidently as he slid a platinum card across the counter. "And one Moonlit Mirage, for… research purposes."

Lydia smiled warmly. "An excellent choice, my lord. That will be 16 million gold coins."

Seraphine blinked in disbelief. "That's… quite the sum."

Alistair merely smirked back at her, his confidence unwavering. "A small price for a taste of heaven."

As they exited the store, their precious bottles carefully secured in mana-insulated cases, Seraphine let out a dreamy sigh. "Darling, I think we've found our new favorite place."

Alistair kissed her hand gently and replied, "Anything that makes you smile is worth its weight in gold."

With that sweet sentiment lingering in the air, they climbed aboard their Stormhoof Stallion and rode away, leaving behind not just a dazzling store but also plans to return for more enchanting experiences.