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Nico LaVey · (03-04-2017)

“So, after months of careful consideration, this is why we don't just believe that we should have a working agreement, but we need to have a working agreement. It will bring about the next generation of gambling. Thank you for your time.”

I knew just how distressed Ophelia was over last night, but as always, my darling still managed to knock down the board room with a good mixture of sex appeal and corporate jargon. I really don't know how she does it, especially with Aijin in the room.

Speaking of Aijin, what the actual fuck was that about? Was it even really her? That dress was custom made to fit Ophelia's curves, she drew it up herself! It was accurate down to the last Swarovski crystal. I mean, Ophelia doesn't even have the drawing anymore. There's no way they could've stolen the design from the designer, had it made, and slapped it on Aijin in the short amount of time we've been in Osaka. Unless, and this is such a long shot that a sniper would have a hard time making it, but that beep I keep hearing back at the suite could be a camera somewhere. It's extremely fucking unlikely, but I'm willing to believe anything at this point. A balding 46 year old executive speaks up amongst the discussion.

“Mr and Mrs LaVey, we do think there is a high chance of our companies coming together to build truly astounding products. Our earnings will be maximized, and we'd gain more compulsive gamblers than ever. It's an efficient, future-proof plan that is full of innovation.”

See what I mean about the corporate jargon? Yeesh.

"We just have a concern about how it'll affect Kuroikoi’s image.”

Even though I don't see her, I can feel Ophelia's eyes widen in sync with mine.

“I'm sorry, sir?”

“Mrs. LaVey, Kuroikoi presents an image of purity and class. We aren't calling your products and services “trashy”, as Americans say, but we do feel that the two styles of our products just can't work together.”

And with that, I feel the wrath start to burn in my pupils. In 2 sentences, this old dickwipe called us lowbrow and their company an “image of purity and class.” This is the fucking gambling industry, and these fucks are worried about image? That was even addressed in the presentation! So, LaVey Entertainment, one of the most valuable companies in the world, isn't classy enough for a company, that, while I've admired for years, has been hemorrhaging money for the same amount of time? But alas, I cannot express any of this, in my eyes nor in my speech. I can only keep a neutral expression and address this bastard like a civilized adult.

“Sir, our offer is extremely generous, and would allow you to keep your image as a company. We are simply asking if you would like to put our engineers and programmers together to form a superteam for both of our companies! We wouldn't put our name on your products, and you wouldn't put yours on ours. Please reconsider.”

How I managed to make it through those words without bludgeoning him with his own mug is beyond me. Thank you, Master. You must've had a hand in this. The businessmen all discuss amongst themselves on the far side of the room as me and Ophelia sit, waiting for a valid response after our 2 ½ hour meeting, which mostly consisted of us justifying our very existence to this company of people who are probably unwilling to change as it is. Thanks for nothing, Japan. At least we still have the Eiko no Sento. They all stop discussing and the same executive speaks up.

“We can talk more about this tomorrow. We have the whole day tomorrow, just not today.”

I put my hands up and shake my head.

“I understand entirely. I hope we can reach an agreement within a short amount of time tomorrow.”

I smile and bow to each of them as they leave. As soon as they leave, I exasperatedly get rid of my smile.

“Let's go. I heard there's a world-class bar a few buildings over. It's owned by a cocktail master.”

“Sounds delightful. Hope you two enjoy your drinks.”

We both turn, frightened at the sudden voice, and we see Aijin, who had stayed in the room while the others left. She chuckles dryly.

“You two look like you've seen a ghost. Hope the bar is good.”

She gets up and walks past us. I put my hand on her shoulder.

“Wait just a second.”

She turns around, practically giving me puppy dog eyes.

“What's the matter, Mr. LaVey?”

I open my mouth, but I catch my words. I know that if what I think happened last night happened last night, I would be in serious danger for asking what I was about to ask.

“Did you happen to be out on the town last night? I swear I saw you.”

Aijin perks up for a moment.

“Yes, I was actually. It was a hard day at work yesterday, so I figured why not have a nice drink?”

Aijin starts walking to the door as she speaks.

“But let me tell you, Mr and Mrs LaVey. I had to really debate myself over whether or not I should just…”

She gets to the doorway and turns to us.

“...let completely loose and get punch-drunk. See you both tomorrow.”

And with that, I feel the wrath start to burn in my eyes. Except this time, I can actually let them glow.

"...what? I mean, what the fuck? Random, you never took me as the type to try hard at making gay jokes. I mean, the trying hard wasn't in vain, as I quite enjoyed some of your lines. But it just came across as…flat. Just, mediocre XWF weirdness. Barely even middle tier.

I dunno if you were expecting that to creep me out enough to convince me to forfeit, or if you're even going to follow up to this by acting homoerotic in our match, but it didn't seem to mean anything. Soldier is weird, but it all makes sense. Crimson Dong is all weird all the time, but it follows a purpose. You're just making remarks that, while flattering, are empty and sophomoric.

Yeah, cool, I'm a Greek God or something, call me Hades. Oh shit, you're going to give me hard unpleasant sex, but your dick is going to be like ecstasy for me. Your dick is so great that it's an oxymoron. Or it doesn't follow an actual train of thought, and it's just described in weird ways because you came up with them. Bravo, you just used the same formula that created Freddy got Fingered. I can't possibly see why they didn't use it again.

I have to say, you were very smart in not giving me much to work with in the way of trash talk. You must've actually done research to see what I was capable of. But, now after seeing what you're up against, you decided to not just forfeit out of fear of receiving a life-shortening concussion. I have to ask; What the Hell are you thinking?

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