Meeting Mr. Dethwin

"I'm sure he will. Well then, right this way." She replied with a giggle, leading the three towards the elevator and taking them to the second highest floor.

As they entered the elevator box, Minos couldn't help but look at it curiously, having never been in such a thing before.

He couldn't help but find his thoughts wondering, trying to figure out how such a machine operated.

And soon enough Minos found the answer, and in fact he felt like he could easily create his own with the knowledge he had on hand.

Just as Minos finished creating a prototype in his mind, the doors opened to a large banquet room which was already filled with guests.

Despite the people being abundant, the noise was quite low, everyone making sure to restrain their volume as they spoke.

It was clear this was a room filled with people of high-class, because normal people wouldn't be bothered to keep their voices low in such a situation.

"Sirs, Miss, would you like a drink?" A waiter said, carrying a silver plate lined up with drinks.

Thanking him, Minos took a drink into hand before walking further into the room, Jena and Old Man Joyata following behind him.

Not acquainted with anyone here, Minos just stood in the corner as he sipped his drink, his eyes scanning the room, creating a quick analysis of every guest.

However, it was clear Minos was quite famous now, so it only took a few moments for a distinguished looking gentleman to walk up to him.

"You must be Mr. Minos. I witnessed your match the other day." The man said.

"Oh? I didn't realize I was already so well known." Minos replied.

"Well what you accomplished was a tremendous feat, so it's only natural that people can't help but talk about you." The man smiled, before continuing.

"So Mr. Minos, if you don't mind me asking, what do you do for work?"

"I'm retired." Minos said, though he wasn't completely lying.

"Retired? Well if you are ever interested in some work, my company is looking for someone with your capabilities." The man said, sliding a business card towards Minos.

"Well then, I'll give you a shout if I ever need the money." Minos said, tucking the card into his suit.

Just as the man was about to say something more, the crowds voices suddenly got a little louder, their words soon entering his ears.

"Mr. Dethwin's arrived."

"Mr. Dethwin's here?"

"He's arrived, and he's come much earlier than usual. It must be for that." One man said, discreetly peeping in Minos's direction.

Smiling, the gentleman who was talking to Minos quickly excused himself, smart enough to know that since Mr. Minos was invited here, Mr. Dethwin must have something to talk to him about.

"Welcome everyone, I'm glad you could all make it." Mr. Dethwin said with a large smile, taking his time to slowly travel through the room as he greeted everyone personally.

"And you must be Mr. Minos. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Mr. Dethwin smiled, reaching out for a handshake

"It's nice to meet you as well." Minos said, shaking his hand.

"And these two are?"

"Oh, I'm Loutum Joyata, and this is my granddaughter, Jena Joyata." Old Man Joyata quickly introduced, slightly nervous, much to Mr. Dethwin's amusement.

"Well I must say Mr. Joyata, you've got a beautiful granddaughter." Mr. Dethwin smiled, gently taking Jena's hand into his as he kissed the back of her palm.

"You know, I've got a daughter about your age. You two would make good friends." Mr. Dethwin said.

"Oh no no no, I'm uncultured, how could I be friends with your daughter?" Jena said, waving her hands erratically.

Despite her usual playful behavior, it was clear even Jena knew when things were serious.

"No such thing! Besides, my daughter is a bit spoiled, it would be nice for her to be friends with a girl as humble as you, you would be a good influence."

Hearing the words humble and good influence being associated with his granddaughter, Old Man Joyata couldn't help but nearly choke on his drink, fortunately he caught himself at the last second.

Not noticing Old Man Joyata's strange behavior, Mr. Dethwin just chatted a few more words before finally returning his attention towards Minos.

"To be honest Mr. Minos, I invited you here with ulterior motives."

"Is that so?" Minos said without much concern, having already expected as much.

"Yes, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a word with you privately."

"That's not a problem."

"That's a relief to hear. Well then, shall we excuse ourselves?"

"You're the host."

"Right, right, just follow me then. I'll take you to my private lounge, I've got an aged wine there that I've been holding onto for an occasion like this, I'm sure you'll love it."

Like that, Minos told Jena and Old Man Joyata to enjoy themselves before he headed off with Mr. Dethwin, soon leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the banquet hall.

After taking the elevator up to the highest floor, the two immediately stepped into a large luxurious office, the floor lined with a thick fur rug from some unknown species.

This place couldn't help but remind Minos of his own office, which then reminded him of Tinka and Rinka, causing his eyes to sour for a second.

Fortunately he wasn't a weak willed person, so with a sniffle, he sucked those depressing feelings back inside, chaining them up internally.

Not realizing Minos's change in mood, Mr. Dethwin just kept walking, soon taking a seat by his desk, which was made out of a special wood of very high quality.

"Go ahead." he said, pointing at the seat across from him.

Nodding, Minos sat down, the cushioned seat being extremely comfortable, again clearly made out of some high-quality material.

Smiling, Mr. Dethwin pulled out a vintaged wine from the large wine cabinet behind him, twirling the bottle a few times before popping it open.

Putting the bottle aside, he pulled out two glasses from under his desk, dropping an ice cube in each before pouring the drink.

"Cheers." Mr. Dethwin said, raising his glass.

"Cheers." Minos said, the clink sound spreading throughout the large room.

Taking a sip, Minos couldn't help but nod in appreciation. Despite not being much of a wine guy, he could tell immediately this was definitely a superior vinting.

"How is it?" Mr. Dethwin asked.

"Good, maybe one of the best I've ever tasted."

"Only maybe? You must be very well traveled, I had already thought this was the best wine available."

"You could say that." Minos said, placing the glass back down onto the table.

"Well I'd love to get a taste of whatever you think is better, it would be quite the experience."

"If I have the chance. Anyways, shall we get to business?"

"Oh yes, I nearly forgot, excuse me." Mr. Dethwin said with an apologetic smile before getting to the main point.

"The truth is, my problem is a bit of a complicated one… I'm not quite sure how to say."

"Just go ahead and speak, if it's something I can help with, I'll try my best, and if not, you'll at least have said your piece." Minos replied.

"You're right… Well then, the truth is the problem is with my son, Albon, moreso his bad behavior."

"I just don't know what to do with him, he's always acting out, causing problems, and he seems intent on destroying the success I and his ancestors fought so hard to establish."

"Seems like quite the problem, but I'm afraid to tell you I'm no behavioral expert, so I'm not quite sure how you expect me to help." Minos said honestly.

"I know, but you are a smart man, and I'm confident you can do something. Please at least try, I'll make sure to reward your time generously." Mr. Dethwin said, slightly begging.

"You should know from my previous bet with the Chess Grandmaster that money is no issue." Minos replied.

"I know as much, which is why I never planned on offering you money, but instead, this." Mr. Dethwin said, pulling out a small box from under his desk.

Opening the latch, he slowly uncovered the lid, revealing a single pill lying delicately on a small cushion.

Almost immediately, Minos could catch a thick medicinal smell, causing his nose to twitch slightly.

Seeing Minos's reaction, Mr. Detwhin quickly shut the box closed again, sealing it tightly before tucking it back under his desk.

"What was that?" Minos asked curiously.

"That was a Nine-Moon Nux Burst Pill, and it could be yours."