Marius "Dream of Thebes"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 1. Marius is not yet in a relationship with the MC.

At a pharaoh-themed photo shoot for Pax Fashion Week, Marius' pick for top model is running late; Marius, suspecting this is on purpose as a power play, has the main character contact the model's agent and terminate the contract. When Marius has difficulty selecting a replacement model, the MC jokingly suggests Marius could try it. The photo shoot staff is immediately enthusiastic.

The photo shoot staff begin making adjustments to the pharaoh costume used in the shoot so it will fit Marius. Outside the studio, the original model's agent causes a disturbance; the MC recognizes him from on her way into the building, where he was on the phone with his model coaching him to come late on purpose as suspected. Marius avoids exposing the agent's plan, asking to see the model instead.

The original model shows up with poorly overdone pharaoh makeup, claiming the photo shoot staff didn't like his old makeup and asked to redo it. The agent begs for another chance, and Marius grants it on the condition that the late model competes with the replacement model they already found. When they leave to prepare, the MC recounts what she'd heard before entering the building, confirming Marius' suspicions. Marius then gets changed and models for his photo shoot first.

The agent for the original model (now revealed to be named Giovanni) forfeits after Marius' performance. Marius says Giovanni can still be the lead model for Fashion Week, but due to the agent's conduct and attitude, he must terminate his agreement with Giovanni or Pax will cut ties with the whole agency. The MC hands over a pre-prepared termination of management agreement, which Giovanni signs immediately; soon, the MC realizes this had all been pre-arranged.

Marius and the MC leave Giovanni to his shoot and discuss Marius' pharaoh hound. During a break, Giovanni finds them and explains that while his agent was capable and skilled, his poor attitude and controlling nature were limiting, so he used his previous connections with Marius to help break the arrangement more easily.

Marius reveals more about Giovanni's identity: it's a stage name for the youngest son of a wealthy and powerful family. He admits to admiring people like Giovanni, who can give up everything to pursue a dream, stating he can never do the same thing but finds comfort in helping make those others' dreams come true. On the opening day of Fashion Week, the MC stays home reading a great deal of positive press for Giovanni.

Illustrations

None

Text Messages

Text Message		Marius: Trip for Two (After Story 3)

Text Message script

You: Someone from your sister company told me that you guys are going to Egypt for team building?

Marius: Yeah, I think so.

Marius: Trips abroad are a benefit shared among all sister companies under the group.

Shocked

You: All the sister companies???

You: The rich really do live in a different world...

Marius: Haha, you're exaggerating.

Actually crying

You: ...The more I hear about it, the more I want to cry.

You: That has nothing to do with me... I love my job... I love my job...

Marius: Don't be a workaholic. Work hard, play hard.

Marius: Hmm... Now I want to go myself after hearing you mention that.

Wake up, boss!

You: Mr. von Hagen! Snap out of it and take a look at your schedule!

Marius: You're terrible for shattering my fantasies about a vacation just like that.

I want to as well

You: Me too... Wait, no I don't!

Marius: Hahaha, you have to face your true self!

Marius: They're going to Egypt, though... I've always wanted to go there.

Why do you want to go?

You: Why Egypt? Because it's one of the ancient civilizations?

Marius: Yeah. The pyramids, temples, and the Thebes ruins. I want to see it all.

You haven't been to Egypt yet?

You: You've never been to Egypt? I figured you would have gone to all the tourist hot spots already.

Marius: You know how busy I get. There's a lot of places I haven't been.

Marius: That does it! I'm gonna go look up the best tourist routes to take in Egypt.

I want to go too

You: Now I wanna go too!

You: It's all your fault for making me not want to work!

Marius: Haha, my plan worked!

I need to work

You: Good luck with that! I'm going back to work!

Marius: Wait! I was gonna share it with you once I found it!

Marius: When you finish what you're working on, take a few days off and I'll take you on a road trip. How about it?

Marius: The CEO will accompany you on vacation. The amenities will be much better than what they get on the team building trip. Just you wait!

Text Message		Marius: Pet (After Story 6)

Text Message script

Marius: You seem quite interested in pharaoh hounds.

Marius: Want me to get you one?

Stop!

You: Stop! Don't! It's more expensive than what I'm worth!

You: I can't accept such an expensive gift.

Marius: Why not? Isn't it fine so long as you like it?

Well... But...

You: Though I really like it, I can't afford it! Forget it...

Marius: Don't worry. It's actually really easy to take care of.

Marius: Pharaoh hounds are smart, outgoing, and loyal to their owners.

Marius: It's an excellent breed.

Noble national beast

You: I remember that not only is it the national beast of Malta, but it also has its own silver coin portrait?

Marius: The pharaoh hound is great at hunting rabbits in Malta. They're also called harriers.

Most ancient dog breed

You: I remember it's one of the most ancient breeds of Egyptian dogs?

Marius: Yeah. Many people keep them for their royal heritage.

Marius: Walking a dog like this will definitely turn heads.

Marius: Wanna take me up on my offer?

I do want to accept

You: I really want to! But... it's just too expensive.

You: If I really wanted a pet, I'd probably choose something normal... and smaller...

Marius: I see...

No, better not

You: Let's not. I heard they don't do well in cities.

You: And, I'm really busy with work. If I really wanted a pet, I'd probably choose something more normal.

Marius: Hmm... That makes sense.

Marius: So, what kind of pet would you want?

A little kitten

You: I'd be a proud cat owner!

Marius: Haha. I can definitely see you owning a cute cat.

A small dog

You: I want a small dog, so I can walk it every day after work!

Marius: I'm getting a little excited hearing you say that.

Marius: I want to take walks with you too!

Marius: I know a great pet store. Let me know when you're ready for a pet.

Marius: I'll come with you. I guarantee we'll find the one you like!

Story Locations

Pax Group
Studio

Pax Group
Corridor

Pax Group

Main Character's Residence
Your Residence

Story Characters

Marius von Hagen

Giovanni

Photographer

Staff

Modeling Agent