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“Listen to me,” clearing his throat, “-I didn’t finish my thought process. 60 Million, only if they pull the top two sponsors. The Companies from Patek, I want them gone. For the sizeable donation being given, it should sway their feelings.”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“Two things run the world; greed and fear. No one would be foolish enough to have the chance of 10 million slip away, no matter how great a company one is.”

“Mr. Haggard,” his hand rested atop the table, a feeling of nausea came from within. Lady Gaso, ruthless as some say, couldn’t compare to him, not even a fraction. The seamlessly limitless money and the backing of various other mysterious groups – he sure was powerful. “-I’ll transfer the call to the organizer of the event. I trust thee have our best interest in mind?”

“Of course, Director.”

“Hello, is this the owner of Meldorino?”

.....

“Yes, and you are?”

“A member of the sponsor team for Ansoft. I’m glad of you taking an interest in our event. However, as it stands, all spots have been claimed,” the tone felt friendly and experienced.

“Listen to me,” with authority, “-the saying money buys all stays true. I’m here to offer 60 million for becoming the top sponsor of the event.”

“60 million sir, do apologize for my rudeness, isn’t Meldorino bankrupt, how is the company going to afford such a price?”

“Indeed, they are, well, partly. The money isn’t from them, no, far from it. I’ll be paying the amount on behalf of Meldorino. That shouldn’t be a problem, now, would it?” the trailing words felt threatening.

“O-oh, h-how about conditions?”

“I want both Pildi and Denly out of the event. One could say I wish to become the sole sponsor. What about it?”

“S-sir, I’m afraid that isn’t possible. The money involved is enticing, however, there’s no way the Patek Dynasty will remain at bay. Ansoft isn’t going to make an enemy out of them, do understand where we come from.”

“Sure, I understand,” paused to think, “-my deal lays on the table. Could you kindly organize a meeting between me and those in charge of Ansoft? There are some matters I wish to discuss in private. Do invite Pildi and Denly, I don’t want it to seem as if a shady conspiracy is happening.”

“We’ll have to go through the hierarchy...”

“Do pardon me, but it isn’t a request, tis an order, one from Royalty. You best make sure it happens, else, things might get a little rough, do you understand?”

“...” faint muffled gasps escaped out the phone.

“Ok, sir, sorry to have put you on hold,” she returned a few minutes later, “-I have received confirmation from a higherups, representatives from each company will be at Melmark. I’ll forward you the meeting place.”

“Thank you, have a great day, my lady,” the call ended. ‘How insulting, they’re sending representatives instead of their higher members. I best show them what it means to disrespect royalty; Cleopatra, Intherna, and Gophy,’ giving a smirk,”-éclair, have the helicopter return at once.”

“Orders received.”

Out in Melmark, three representatives made it to a very classy and expensive restaurant. The meeting was scheduled for 19:00, and currently, the time was 18:45. Arriving early was a courtesy. Excluding the one from Ansoft, the other two came in expensive cars. Tables laid meticulously; the windows made semi-transparent to give a sense of privacy. The amber lighting, well-dressed waiters, high ceiling adorned with chandeliers, and other decorations.

At 18:58, rumbling a line of cars came to parked at the entrance. In the middle, a jet-black limousine with Phantom’s crest engraved on the side. The door opened gently with three ladies as pretty as Goddess Venus, stepping out. Short elegant dresses to match the formal setting of the restaurant; they were well-mannered and dignified. Behind them stood Staxius in a very, very expensive suit. It left the valets and assistants speechless. The white and crimson hair, the young and pretty visage, a well-built body; he walked at a slow pace accompanied by the ladies.

Prior to them coming, he gave a summary of the event. The first step inside the restaurant had the guests raise an eyebrow – a very, very strong first impression.

“Welcome, do you have a reservation?” asked the manager.

“Yes,” spoke Intherna to which they were guided to the table. Spacious and out of sight from the others; the ladies gently walked to catch the eyes of the men and women. Cleopatra’s seductive nature had her wink and give sweet eyes. It took them by surprise.

“Hello,” said Staxius to which the other three stood, “-I figure thee to be the representatives?”

“Yes, sir,” they nodded, a little frightened by the aura emanating.

“Shall we begin the discussion?” asked he now sat and surrounded by the three ladies. Each of them held glares as sharp as knives. They waited as hunters, waiting to reach out from under and catch the prey by surprise. They began with a short introduction. For the most part, Cleopatra did all the talking – since they didn’t bother to send those of high-stature; she and Intherna spoke heavily. It didn’t come across as rude but the implication was there for they had insulted a good man. Then the topic swayed to the discussion of sponsorship.

“Do forgive me, but, Pildi and Denly have been good to us Ansoft. It would be rude to let them go. We value relations over money.”

“I doubt that,” said Staxius, “-if relations were what Ansoft wanted, would it not have been smartest to get to know he who offered such a copious amount. What I see here is nothing but minds that have been made to not accept whatever I say.”

“Please Mr. Haggard, that isn’t what we meant,” voiced the representative from Ansoft.

“It’s not of great importance,” said he with a grin, “-thee from Pildi and Denly, how much money would it take to back off the deal.”

“Sorry?” said them as if offended.

“You heard me right,” the tone turned cold, “-I said, how much to let me do as I please. Surely, thou mustn’t be that hardheaded.”

“10 million Exa,” said he with a smug tone, it was a big amount, big enough to be called a fortune.

“Is that all?”

“Wait...”

“Order complete, I have found the details on why Ansoft doesn’t wish to have our money,” came éclair.

“I see,” laughed Staxius with the other three left confused. “Ansoft is privately owned by Patek.”

“How did you...” the eyes flared in fear.

“Here’s my next proposition, the 60 million is off the table. I’d like to buy out the spot owned by Meadow Electrical for 1 million.”

“S-sure,” said he from Ansoft, I can have the deal be readied this instant.

“Good, give me the account details and I’ll have it transferred right away.” Thus, came to an end a rather educative encounter. The private ownership of the Patek came to light. Their rein ran deeper than expected.

Returned to the hotel, Intherna and Gophy disappeared whilst Cleopatra stuck around.

“Quite a shame the prince left so quickly.”

“He wanted to make his path, who am I to stop the ambitions of a young man,” a click had the television toggled. “What about you, Cleopatra?”

“Nothing much, majesty, I came into this world to help thee, thus I shall do so. I must ask, why did you insist on giving 60 million?”

“A ruse, I never wanted to get the top spot. Yes, the money was on the table, and yes if they accepted, I would have paid, but sending the representatives meant but one thing, negotiations were off. I figured as much, the Patek did stand behind Ansoft. That’s why I went and choose an easier prey. In their mind, I was fearsome since I came with such a heavy entourage. My mention the title Royalty had their guard up. Then it becomes but a game of fishing, they bit the last offer and here we are. Meldorino will get air time as one of the top five sponsors.”

“Interesting,” said she laid on the couch, “-I’m off to bed, wake me up later, master.”

The more days passed, the more excited became the populous. The concert would take place on the outer edge of Melmark. Construction was completed after two days; artists from all over flew in to prepare. Riot sure was the highlight of the event; many fans stood eagerly waiting for it to begin.

A few timepieces readied for sale were ship from Hidros. Placed on display at the showroom, people wandered in and out – the products from Haru arrived as well. Operation Malk reached completion after advertisement for the concert went live on television and radios. Many were speaking of the possible connection.

The 20th of March came, the roads leading to the stage were jammed. As a sponsor, Staxius got a backstage access pass. He stood prominently as the performers went from places to places, getting sound checked, outfit readied, and more. One man interested him, only one, and it was he who stood at the end of the line. Medium length blond hair, a spotless face with makeup.

“Tolm.”

“Yes?” answered the man staring up.

“Can I have a few words?” to which the band turned.

“Sorry sir, but we have to focus on the concert ahead,” said the leader with a smile.

“I do understand,” returned Staxius, “-it shan’t be long, I need but a few words. Tis concerning the show itself.”

“Ok sir,” they grudgingly accepted. For a popular boyband, their manners were respectful.

“What do you want to speak about?” asked Tolm inside a secluded room.

“Do you remember me?”

“No, I don’t,” said he sharply.

“Tolm, dear Tolm, drummer for the band in which played Sugar. Don’t you remember me? Iqeavea, the masked guitarist – Aceline’s bodyguard.”

“It’s you!” said he in astonishment, “-are you here as bodyguard to Lady Aceline again?”

“No, I’m here as one of the sponsors. Not that it matters, I have one question. Where are Sugar and the bassist?”

“Oh...” he stepped aside; “-I can’t say.”

“Tolm, I don’t mean you or them any harm. I want Sugar to return to the music scene, I want him to sing and play again, that’s what I want, truly,” the sincerity had the drummer cower.

“I still can’t say, I’m sorry, it’s too hard,” to which he bolted out the room.

‘What a pain,’ he sighed.

“Is anything the matter, sir?” asked one of the helpers.

“No, don’t worry about it,” to which he stepped out to catch a glimpse of Aceline. They locked eyes for a few seconds followed by her acting as if they were strangers. A quiet shuffling to the side caught the attention, a muffled like movement followed by black hair running away.

“Hey, wait,” he followed. Dashed down the stairs and outback, it sprinted wholeheartedly.

“Wait,” he caught the arm a blink later using Shadow-step. The hooded figure resisted and tried to stare away, it fought heavily.

“You’re hurting me,” said it with a pistol escaping onto the ground.

“Who are you?” he pulled sharply, the hood gave way to reveal a scarred face, the visage soon linked with a fellow he knew, “-you’re the bassist, Dei.”

“Why are you here,” she broke free, “-WHY ARE YOU HERE?” screams of anger echoed.

“Calm down,” said he picking the gun, “-here.”

“Why are you giving me this?” she moved away as to reject the weapon.

.....

“Didn’t you come to kill someone? Go ahead, Dei, go kill, I won’t ask questions. Go kill, well, that is if you can take the burden of slaying another human.”