'Yes, son.'
The boy with black hair and a few red strands, wearing a dark blue house kimono, slipped onto the mat beside a man of forty years old in a similar kimono. He sat next to a coffee table, that had a small teapot and a tea bowl on it. The man was holding a newspaper, which he placed down on the table when the boy addressed him. The conversation took place in an old Japanese mansion on the outskirts of Tokyo.
'Today at school, I was attacked. He's the same age as me.'
'And?' the man raised his eyebrow.
'He's an Apprentice. He couldn't even use Bahir.'
'Ouch,' the man said and was about to reach for his newspaper but then drew his arm back. 'What do you want from me?'
'Explanations. How's that possible and is it possible at all?'
'Eh,' the man sighed and looked at the newspaper sadly. He sighed again and took the tea bowl in his hands.
'Father, you're hopeless,' Tejdzho said. 'Are you looking through the men's magazine secretly from the mothers again?'
'Why would you say that?' his surprised tone was a little exaggerated.
'Yeah-yeah. So what do you think?'
'Possibly,' he took a drink of tea. 'But only with an inexperienced Warrior like you. And, accordingly, your opponent would have to be very good at hand-to-hand fighting. I even have an idea of how the fight probably went. He dragged you all over the ground, hit you with various objects, and your head came in contact with walls, curbs, handrails, and so on. Is that right?'
'Yes,' the boy said reluctantly. 'Alright.. Let's assume that it's not me being a wimp, it's just that my opponent was too strong.'
'Also add the fact that the fight wasn't to the death, and unlike you, he did not restrain himself. Who's your opponent anyway?'
'You don't know him. Although the guy is an interesting cat.' He paused for a moment and then continued, 'A commoner, who lives in the center of the Koyama clan neighborhood. He's a neighbor of the head of the clan.'
'Khh, khh,' the father coughed. 'Is that right?' he asked in a hoarse voice.
'Ah,' he waved his hand, 'I don't know. I just know that he's lived there since birth and is a childhood friend of the heiresses of the clan.'
'Marvellous. Are you sure he's a commoner? Perhaps, you misunderstood something?'
'No, I understood everything correctly. He looked me in the eye when he said it. Everyone knows it’s true.'
'Is he that famous?'
'You bet! He put on an act in the cafeteria the other day. I told you about it.'
'Oh! So that's him. Interesting guy. It's too bad we can't invite him to be our family's butler. The Koyamas wouldn’t accept it though.'
'Do you think that's why they keep him there?' Tejio asked cunningly. 'I doubt it. During the short time that we talked, he made it quite clear that he rejects any kind of subordination. He's not too hung up on it, but he's not gonna serve anyone. I doubt that the neighbors who have known him their entire life will have failed to notice.'
'In that case, I think they might want to offer him to join the clan or the family line, only it’s weird that they hadn't done so already. Although since he has parents, they're probably Koyama's target.'
'He lives by himself. Completely alone. Has been for the last six years.'
'So what? Who knows what his parents are engaged in. He could also be being held hostage, but that's unlikely. Let's just drop the subject of his presence in the neighborhood. We don't have enough information.'
'Hostage? Even in theory... Are you saying that I should stay away from him?' the guy concluded sadly.
'I was kidding about the hostage. I don't mind if you're friends with him. Why not? Good relationships should be maintained with everyone whenever possible. Even a commoner can make something of himself. What's his name?'
'Sakurai Shinji.'
'Sakurai... No, I don't know him. However, Shinji-kun can help us build better relationships with the Koyama clan, which won't hurt a free family line like ours.'
'What if it’s the opposite? What if he's really a hostage?'
'I doubt it. And even if that's true... Our whole life is a series of bifurcations, and mistakes are always possible. In this situation, you're making your own choice. I believe you'll make the right one, son. Now and later.'
* * *
Njemoto Tarot was a blond with a consistently cunning expression, which disappeared only during official meetings. He preferred to wear light t-shirts and dark jackets. He was a twenty-year-old weaselly guy, who'd been helping me for the past two years with my legal and not so legal affairs. He'd been collecting all kinds of information, and lately, his efforts had become more focused. He aspired to be my assistant but never expressed his desires. In fact, he was a jack-of-all-trades in my corporation. With this in mind, he was already something of a 'third-in-command' of the head of Shidotjemoru, that is myself. The corporation was just a part of my life, and he knew that it outweighed other parts of my life.
A call from Tarot and the sudden request for a meeting intrigued me so much that I scheduled it for the same day. So Thursday night, I was waiting for him in one of the hundreds of coffee shops, that I had picked. I always thought that meeting at a favorite spot was a bad idea because it was too revealing.
When I walked into the coffee shop, Tarot was already there, sitting at one of the tables in the corner. He picked out a great place to sit, by the way, from where he had a clear view of everything; no one could sneak up behind us, and the emergency exit was nearby. So he immediately saw me as I entered, caught the attention of a pretty waitress running past him, and, evidently, made an order.
'Hi, boss!' Tarot greeted me cheerfully. 'Milkshakes are on the way. Vanilla flavor, the way you like them.'
'Hello, your thoughtfulness,' I responded, sitting down on the chair he offered. Yeah, it was an excellent spot. 'How are you doing? What's with Somatsu? Is he driving you nuts yet?'
He grimaced. If you knew Tarot, you'd understand that this facial expression wasn’t characteristic of him.
'Have you ever seen his drawings?'
'Not had a chance yet.'
'He's nuts, I'm not exaggerating, boss. His facial expressions at work, constant bursts of madness, talking to himself and someone invisible. When he starts nitpicking the plot, I don't even want to be in the same room as him.'
'He has an artistic personality.'
'Well, his personality... almost ate one of the drawings.' What can I say? I was shocked myself.
'Brace yourself. We need him. Nobody has been killed or bitten yet. The man is older than both of us combined.'
'Yet. That's the point,' he muttered. 'To hell with him. We'll survive.'
'Right.'
'I hope.'
'Ahem. Here are our milkshakes. Ma'am, could you bring some cookies too? Of your choice,' I smiled at her. 'Somatsu isn't bothering you, is he?'
'No, thanks to god and you.'
'Yeah, thank me. Hehehe.'
We goofed around a bit longer, then got our cookies, and finally started on the conversation that was the reason for our meeting.
'Alright, boss, have you ever heard of the Crystal Evening?'
'What's with the pompous name? No, I haven't.'
'They say there are lots of crystals there. So. This party is arranged in Tokyo for the best of the best. A ritzy crowd gathers to play poker. Professionals, even among the aristocracy, are not allowed. At least, they aren't allowed to play. They watch closely for them, like they watch out for cheaters. Given that the recommendation of an influential person serves as a pass to the party, the presence of cheaters and professionals is excluded. The game goes on for as long as there are people who want to play, but there is one subtle detail: no one can fold until the first round is over. If you win, you don't have to stay in the game.'
'Alright,' I scratched my nose, 'What else?'
'Hmm. The organizer of the tournament for amateurs is Prince Oama.'
'The third son of the Emperor? You gotta be kidding!'
'Yes, he's a passionate poker lover—the game itself not gambling.
If someone has no money left for another round, they can use movable and immovable property as leverage, or anything that has value, for that matter. However, it has to be in possession at that moment. For example, if it's a vehicle, one has to have the title on him. The conditions that they have to agree on lowering the actual cost would apply. Money is not accepted unless you bought chips or have cash on you, or bank checks.
However, it is not the poker that is our incentive but what happens afterwards. After the game, everyone moves into a different room where an auction takes place. They don't do it every time, and not every time do they have a lot of goods — it varies. The goods vary from antiques and artifacts belonging to the Ancients to tickets to a private, imperial ball. Now let's talk about the reason for our meeting. At the upcoming auction of the Crystal Eve, Yamashita-Corp will be up for grabs.'
'Well-well-well. This is getting interesting,' I said, leaning my elbows on the table and locking my fingers.
Yamashita-Corp was a direct competitor of Shidotjemoru. We were more engaged in Internet security, while their specialty was software. As Shidotjemoru, they had some authority in the world that made their programs recognized. A year ago, I tried to initiate the merger of our companies, and my proposal was received favorably enough. At the owners' meeting, however, we were treated rudely and had to give up on the idea. Of course, we were offended. While I was simply waiting for a good moment to screw them over, Tarot was taking it one step farther and had started monitoring the situation around the boors.
'How'd that happen?'
'It's actually pretty funny, boss. Yamashita lost it playing cards with the Prince himself.'
'He will surely try to redeem his company. Most likely, not just him alone.'
'I checked. The aristocrats who go the auction have no interest in the corporation. Of course, there will be bargaining: after all, Yamashita Corp is a well-known brand, but the bargaining will be sluggish and frivolous. Mostly its politicians who play on the Crystal Eve, not traders, although we have to be prepared for anything. This is a great chance to screw them over. It's too great. I've been watching that jerk Yamashita for over a year and accidentally found out about his loss.'
'Alright. Let's have a lowdown.'
'First, it's hard to get in on Crystal Eve. You'll need a very influential guarantor. He doesn't have to attend, but the prince must respect his reference. Secondly, as I have said, the game can be ended by either losing or winning. The minimum entry amount is ten million.'
'Darn it! Not too shabby! The chances of winning, even for amateurs, aren't that great, especially for me. Actually, I could send someone who's more knowledgeable about poker than myself.'
'Only if you can find someone you trust to that extent. It’ll have to be someone who is talked up by some big dog.'
'Yeah... You're right. It's not an option. So as it turns out, it'll cost me ten million just to enter. That's crappy. That's just the minimal entry fee. Hmm.'
Taking into account how much Yamashita-Corp will cost you, ten million is not that much.'
'Technically, yes. Practically, I'm having a greed attack.'
In fact, he's right: it's ten million against a couple billion. I guess we'll have to sink into debt. Should we wait? In ten years or so, Shidotjemoru would be like Google in my world. Ironically, that same niche was wide-open here, and I just got lucky. The takeover of Yamashita-Corp would reduce the time of the firm’s growth.
'Boss, I almost forgot something very important.' I looked at him and gestured for him to continue.
'Since the auction in line with the poker tournament is positioned as an elite event, the starting bids will be simply ridiculous. Something like 10 percent of the real cost. Since it is inappropriate to deal with trading matters for most aristocrats, Yamashita-Corp can be bought at half price.' Is that right?
'You're right, ten million is nonsense. I'll survive,' I said, rubbing my palms together. 'Are those the only drawbacks? Let's look at the details then... '
'One more moment, boss. You know, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Those weren't real problems. But I'm sure, you will find a way where there is no way.' Well, as always. 'The problem is that the party is tomorrow night.'
'Tarot, darn it!' I cried out, not able to hold it in. Then I fell silent abruptly and looked around the coffee shop. Apologizing, I nodded to the other customers: it was a public place, after all. 'Couldn't you have told me earlier? Where am I going to find a guarantor at such short notice?'
'Koyama...' the guy muttered uncertainly.
'Koyama,' I mocked him. 'Darn! If only it was that easy!' We sat in silence. Then we ordered more milkshakes and cookies.
'So the option is out?' the blond guy asked me.
'I don't know. I'll think about it. Why did you come to me so late?'
'I just found out myself last night and the information didn’t come easy, trust me. Things I do for my boss.' Tarot shook his head grievingly.
'And the new job position,' I smiled.
'I am more of a jack-of-all-trades,' he said looking into my eyes. 'But, yes, I wouldn't mind a new job position.'
Finally, he has outlined the details. The factors are pretty legit, too. His information is extremely useful, and he was not obliged to obtain it. However, jack of all trades was a real position, albeit unofficial. His degree of confidence and awareness was colossal. In reality, I didn't doubt Tarot's loyalty or competency one iota. But can I trust him to the same level as Akemi or Funtik? I don't know. If it wasn't my patriarchate, there would be no question about it. I had no way of checking his faithfulness because if anything, he could make a quick buck on this information. Perhaps, I'd have a different opinion of him if we had gone through a war together. I just can't be too sure about him.
'Well, your application is accepted. But, you know, I need time.'
'Of course, boss. I'm in no hurry.'
That is, he was ready to wait a few years. Nicely done, Tarot. Slowly, I'll start introducing him to my illegal affairs.
'Okay, we don't have much time. Let's get to it. Stay in touch as you always do. Send the files with the additional information to my email.'
'Will do.'
'Discuss everything with Tanaka.' He's CEO of Shidotjemoru, my main cover. 'Let them prepare the finances just in case. What time does the event start?'
'People start arriving at 10 P.M. The tournament starts at midnight.'
'Great. Find Yamashita and don't take your eyes off him. Let's try to prevent him from going to the auction.'
'Got it. It'll be done.'
'That's it for now. I'll contact if I need you.'
Chapter 9
Why didn't I end up in the States? I thought, being squeezed from all sides in a crowded subway car.
Americans can get a driver's license when they turn 16, but, herein Japan, young adults have to be 18 to apply. Hiring a driver could have been an alternative for me, but he would have to be close by at all times; besides, I'd have to keep him away from the Koyama neighborhood. A private house... eh. It sounds a little funny but I needed to find a small apartment nearby and a loyal person, whom I could trust fully.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a cute, wry face. Looking for the source of her annoyance, I noticed a 40-year-old dude pawing her butt. I knocked him out with my elbow.The girl thanked me with her smile, I nodded and continued staring at the ceiling, waiting for my station and trying to ignore the thoughts of having to deal with this on my way back from The Swallow.
Yes, I was on my way to the club. After Tarot left, I deliberated whom I should ask to score me an invitation to Crystal Eve. It turned out that, besides Koyama, I had no one, and that meant I had to go hat in hand to him. Kenta or Akeno would, undoubtedly, help me, I just didn't want to owe them even more than I did already. I didn't want to owe anyone, for that matter. Therefore, I needed to come up with a present for Kenta. I'
d gift it to him not as a payment for his services but as a way of returning the favor. Had it been a different family, it wouldn't have flown. The Koyama were close to me, and they'd understand everything right. I walked out of the coffee shop, wondering what I should get for them. I needed to find something truly valuable and desirable, and not only in a material sense. Should I just tell them about myself? Everything I could tell them at this moment, they already knew; therefore, the value of this information was close to zero. I had to find the golden mean because everything I owned was either excessively valuable or not valuable enough.
After all, I still had to wheedle a coat of arms out of them, which wouldn't be easy. They couldn't give a coat of arms to a person without a name or money. In fact, this was one of the reasons why I got myself into the whole affair with the auction. If I had to come out of the shadows, I wanted to do it beautifully. Then I thought I hit upon what I could offer them in return for their help. Importantly, I personally didn't really need the object, with the exception of the money I could get for it. I was on my way to The Swallow to pick up the future present.
I entered the club using the employee entrance just in case. Walking through the kitchen, where the girls were already fussing, I noticed Kazuki, concentrated and collected, lugging a box of vegetables.
'So you're a loader today, huh? Funtik isn’t here, I take it?'
'Hello... Sakurai-san,' he panted in response. 'He's in his room. He's busy with something and told me to go to the kitchen.'
'Is that right?' I replied, looking at the watch. 'Okay, go back to work. Not long left.'
'Four hours.'
'Right, right. Don't waste your energy on talking then.'
I did not want to bother Funtik, but after thinking that it would be impolite to appear and disappear without even greeting him, I stopped by and exchanged a few phrases with the grumbling old man. Shortly after, I stood in front of the open safe and looked at the case with my present in it. I opened the case and took out a knife. It had a black scabbard and handle made of some incomprehensible material. It had a small, curved blade with metal edging that was similar to silver. Funtik and I didn't know what metal it was made of exactly. It was an Ancient artifact. The object wasn't that rare, but it wasn't common either. It, certainly, was very expensive.
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