"Let’s get started, then," Sana said, gesturing for Ruby to take a seat across from her desk. "I’ll handle your registration personally."
Ruby nodded, settling into the chair.
Even as Sana began typing, her gaze flickered toward Ruby from time to time.
’She’s interesting... I can see why Mom talks about her so much.’
Sana opened the official portal on her computer, the faint hum of the machine filling the quiet office. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she glanced up at Ruby.
"I’ll need your PIC card. Your graduation certificate is already in the system, so once I enter your PIC details, it’ll show up. We don’t need to worry about that," Sana explained, her eyes shifting between Ruby and the screen. "These are just the basics I need to get started."
Ruby nodded and reached into her purse, pulling out her PIC card and handing it over. Sana took it with a brief, polite smile before quickly typing in the details. Her fingers moved swiftly across the keys, each click filling the room.
After about five minutes, Sana paused, her eyes scanning the completed basic information.
"Alright, that part’s done," Sana said, sitting back slightly. "Now, I’m sure you’ve already thought about your business name, plans, and the general direction you want to take it."
Ruby nodded, her hands resting calmly on her lap.
Sana’s gaze sharpened slightly. "What’s the name of your business going to be?"
Ruby didn’t hesitate. "Ora."
Sana’s hands stopped briefly, and she glanced up. Old Witch Zee, who had been quietly observing from the corner, raised her brows in surprise.
"Ora?" Zee repeated, curiosity flickering in her tone.
Ruby met her gaze with a soft smile. "It means light."
Zee’s lips tugged into a small smile, but she didn’t say anything more.
Sana cleared her throat, nodding as she typed it in.
"And the category?" Sana continued, keeping her voice professional.
"For now, it’ll be clothing," Ruby said thoughtfully. "But I plan to expand into more areas as the business grows."
Sana’s fingers paused briefly again, and she lifted her eyes to Ruby, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.
"You’re planning to handle multiple areas?" Old Witch Zee’s voice held a note of admiration.
Ruby nodded confidently. "Yes. I want to start with clothing, but eventually, I’d like to explore other areas."
Sana exchanged a brief glance with her mother before resuming her typing.
"Very well," Sana said, though she couldn’t hide the slight curiosity in her tone. "It’s ambitious."
Ruby smiled, leaning back slightly in her chair. "I’ve always believed that ambition is the first step. The rest follows with time."
Old Witch Zee chuckled softly from the side. "I like that mindset. It’ll take you far, Ruby."
Sana finished entering the details, her gaze lingering on Ruby a moment longer before she finally spoke again.
"Alright, let’s move to the next step."
Sana pulled a small fingerprint scanner from the side of her desk and gently pushed it toward Ruby. The sleek surface glowed faintly, ready to capture the print.
"I’ll need your fingerprint here," Sana said, her tone calm and professional as she adjusted the scanner.
Ruby nodded, placing her hand on the device without hesitation. The cool surface pressed lightly against her fingertip as the machine beeped softly, processing the data.
"Hold for a second," Sana instructed, watching the screen closely. After a few moments, the scanner blinked green.
"Done," Sana confirmed, sliding the machine back into place.
Ruby wiped her hand lightly on her robe and relaxed in her seat as Sana resumed typing, her focus returning to the portal.
Old Witch Zee, still leaning casually by the desk, watched with quiet amusement.
"Efficient as ever," Zee remarked with a small grin.
Sana didn’t look up but smiled faintly. "It’s easier when the person actually listens and follows instructions. Some of the witch that come through here can’t even keep their fingers on the scanner long enough."
Ruby chuckled softly. "I can imagine."
Sana’s typing slowed as she double-checked the information on the screen.
"Alright, that’s all set. Now I’ll just need your signature for the final step," Sana said, pulling out a form and placing it in front of Ruby, along with a sleek silver pen.
Ruby leaned forward, carefully reading over the form before signing her name at the bottom with neat, fluid strokes.
As she handed the paper back, Sana looked it over and nodded in approval.
"That’s everything. Your registration is officially in process." Sana said with a satisfied tone, setting the papers aside. "You should receive confirmation within the next few days. Once that’s done, you’ll be free to apply for loans or permits as needed."
Ruby exhaled lightly, feeling a small weight lift from her shoulders.
"Thank you, Sana. I appreciate your help."
"It’s no trouble," Sana replied with a smile. "Mom’s told me plenty about you, so I’m glad I could assist."
Old Witch Zee chimed in with a proud nod. "She’s the best at what she does."
As Sana neatly stacked the papers, she glanced up at Ruby, her tone shifting slightly to something more matter-of-fact.
"Oh, and once the registration is confirmed, you’ll need to come back here," Sana added, tapping the desk lightly with her pen. "I’ll need more details—like where your business will be located. There are a few additional forms you’ll have to fill out. You’ll also need to apply for some permits depending on the scope of your business."
Ruby nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I expected as much. I’ll be ready when the time comes."
Sana smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with approval. "Good. It’s better to have everything in place from the start. It makes expansion easier later on."
Old Witch Zee chuckled softly from the side. "Listen to her, Ruby. She knows what she’s talking about. I used to tell her the same thing when she started here, but now she says it better than I ever could."
"Well, I did learn from the best," Sana replied playfully, casting a glance at her mother.
—To be continued...🪄