Two asian-looking men came in and greeted eachother. They proceeded towards one of the gazebos and sat down at a tea-table.
Mr. Noburu had experimented with herbs coming out of Kyushu and had become quite adept at replicating some of the finest teas of the old Earth.
They spoke quietly, but not so quiet that by-passers couldn't hear.
"So... Is everything as it should be?" "Not quite yet, Noburu-sama... We have yet to move the laboratories and I'm afraid we've had a slight problem with the gunboats." "Huh? What do you mean? This should have been taken care of long ago!" "You must understand, Sir. I cannot deal with all this myself. In all the years I have worked for you, I have never had to manage a whole branch of your company by myself."
*A short uncomfortable silence is followed by the sound of a cup of tea being poured.*
"Hrmphh.. I chose you, because I belive in your abilities, Xanjer.
I'm not getting younger, you know. And I simply do not trust my reckless son to take care of the company when my time comes." "Please... Do not speak of such things..." "I want you to take place as director of the new board. I need someone I can trust to oversee the transformation.
What I'm asking is that you come work for me exclusively" "You know I cannot do this, Sir. I have other clients..." "Baka! I need you to do this! Have I not treated you well over all these years?" "You have indeed. But I cannot just abandon my responibilities to the other people I represent. Surely you understand this..."
Noburu's stare was like knives. The silence resumed while Xanjer looked down into his cup, gently whirling it's contents around and smelling the fresh tea.
"Very well then... Please consider my offer at least.
The cold hands of the Shinigami are on my shoulders and I fear I do not have much time left.
If I cannot find a suitable heir, this company may well die before it has even existed" "I understand. And I appreciate your faith in me.
Now, if you'll excuse me. I have a lot of work to do and not much time to do it.
Thank you for the tea."
Xanjer got up and bowed. Mr. Noburu nodded. The meeting was concluded.
