story_bison_1_1

Butler, you're taking your annual leave tomorrow. You should go home early and get some rest.

Please do not worry, Young Master. I am on the last of my tasks for the day, and shall be finished in no time.

More importantly, why are <i>you</i> up so late at night? You've worked overtime for days now. You need to rest when you can as well.

I was planning to, but... Father has been trying to expand his business in Columbia.

And I think... I should make an effort to do something ahead of time too, to work with him.

As I recall, he merely brought it up as an aside at the dinner table.

If I wait for him to tell me formally, there'll be basically nothing left for me to do.

*sigh*... You really have it too rough.

It'll be worth it, if it means I can take over for my father in the future.

Goodness, look at the time. Bison, what are you talking to Butler about?

Nothing, Father. We were just discussing holiday plans.

Sir, has the young master told you his?

Not a peep. He's been so busy lately I haven't even seen him much. So, any big plans, Bison?

Um... I want to learn something new. Or start preparing for my projects next year. I haven't thought it through yet, but I need to find <i>something</i> to do.

But it's a holiday...

Bison, if you really must keep yourself busy, why don't you go see your friends at Penguin Logistics? I brought a lot of things back from Columbia. Bring them something as a present.

Alright. Of course, Father.

Great. Now get some rest. You've got an early day tomorrow, and Butler won't be here to help you. You'll need to prepare the presents yourself.

Yeah, I know. I can handle it on my own.

I can stay to help you wrap your presents before I take my leave, if you like.

No no no. You should head home and spend time with your family. You've worked so hard this whole year; you don't have to work overtime for me.

Besides... I'm sure Father is expecting more from me than just going to see some friends.

I've known the girls at Penguin Logistics for a while now. Sometimes I forget they're actually our business partners.

I think what he's trying to tell me is that relationships need to be maintained over the long-term, and that the work doesn't end just because we're friends now. I need to remember that.

Butler?

Oh, nothing. I was just thinking back to when the lady of the house was still with us.

Exusiai, we're going on a picnic. What do you need all those guns for?

Because you never know if you'll be served a butter sandwich or a special surprise!

Ugh, so heavy...

Croissant, why are you bringing all that food? Again, we're going on a picnic! We can't eat all that!

No can do... It's sunny out. There's gotta be loads of other folks out picnickin'.

Ain't no way... I'm missing... a business opportunity.

Texas, can you help me out here?

Oh, I tried. She wouldn't listen.

You know me. So long as there's money in it...

Nothing's... too heavy... for yer gal Croissant... Ugh!

(Holy cow...)

Hm...?

Hey Bison. What are you doing here today?

Hello. Happy New Year.

I brought you girls some presents. I hope you like them.

Wow, what a pretty lamp.

Huh, Bison? Hehe, since yer here, why doncha come picnickin' with us?

Hah, you just want someone to haul your wares.

*cough* I appreciate the invitation, but I'm just stopping by to say hello, since I have some free time over the holidays.

But you've been so busy lately, and it's been so long since we've seen each other. Has it been that hectic at work?

Actually, we've already got everything sorted out. But I didn't want to slack off just because of the holiday.

I thought slacking off was the whole point of a holiday?

Right, right. And I got us this really pretty new picnic blanket just for this! Come on, Bison!

But I—

Hello, how may I help you?

What...?

Okay... I don't quite understand, but no problem. We'll take care of it. Yeah, okay. Bye.

Who was that?

The boss. The situation's changed. Looks like we'll have to cancel the picnic.

No way, don't tell me...?

Yup, sounds like we got that special surprise.

Anyway, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we officially have an urgent request on our hands.

No—!

Huddle up. I have something to say.

Sheesh, why so mysterious?

(Their conversation is really heating up... I guess this is my cue to leave.)

Um, if you girls are busy, I think I'll be heading out.

Wait, Bison.

Huh?

We need you for this job.

Me...?

Yes, you.

First, go buy a CD at this record shop?

Er... Wouldn't Sora be a better pick for this? I don't know much about music.

Excuse me, do you carry any—

Shh... Quiet, kid. We're all listening to our grooves here. Take whatever you want from the shelves. We have everything.

Any recommendations?

Most folks who come here don't need any. Just pick what you want, kid.

I'm an adult...

Good. Then you can head on over there, too.

What's in there?

Hm...

Okay... sorry.

He put the headphones on.

Really? Great. I knew it.

That's my favorite shop. The owner never bothers you with sales pitches or questions. He just leaves you alone and lets you find what you like in his massive collection.

Sometimes, when I'm getting stressed out from my performances, I stop by there to relax.

Sounds like a good place to catch a breather.

Trust me. He'll be absolutely relaxed in there.

Hold up...

What's wrong?

He set the headphones down.

Are you okay, sir?

Oh... Apparently I have way too many CDs in stock.

That mountain of them was an accident waiting to happen. I wouldn't have gone near it, if I were you. How long have you been piling up CDs there?

A year? Two? It's been too long... Couldn't be bothered to clean it up.

Sounds like you need someone to help you sort them out.

...I guess so?

I see.

(This must be what they wanted me to help out with... Sheesh... they could've been clearer with the job description.)

(I don't mind listening to music... but now's not the time.)

Let me take care of it. I used to be a mail sorter, and I've sorted things much more complicated than these CDs.

Kid, you...

Trust me. I'm a professional.

Uh... hold up, how are you gonna sort them?

What's going on inside the store? Hello? Hello?

...The pile of CDs came crashing down. He's helping clean them up.

What about the music? Is he not listening to music?

He's going all-out with it. Music's probably the last thing on his mind.

Ugh... my shoulders hurt. I didn't expect him to have so many CDs.

I think I did pretty well with the sorting, though. It's been a long time, but I've still got it.

Let's see, what's my next job... Haggle the price down like mad at this weapon shop?

Why did they give me this one? Croissant seems like she'd be much better at this.

How'd it go? He inside?

Yeah.

Heh, last time I drove the price down so much they blacklisted me and don't let me in no more. But heck, ain't no skin off my back. I got other ways.

I'm not so sure this is what the client had in mind.

Aww, you don't think hagglin' helps ya relax? You rack yer brains to argue with the shopkeep and snatch victory in the end. It's a real thrill.

Just trust me. He's gonna be feelin' mighty relaxed, after this.

Heh, I sure hope so. That'd get this over with quickly.

What are you buying, kiddo?

Hold on. I have a shopping list.

Hmm... Hoo. That's quite a long list.

I'll need one of everything on here. I'll take them as soon as you have everything packed and ready. Thanks.

Alright. Here's the invoice. 160 grand in total. Cash or card?

(That's pretty reasonable... Do I really have to haggle this down?)

(Oh well... It's what the job calls for.)

Do you think you could you give me a discount?

No can do, kiddo. We're already known for our low prices around here.

Never mind, then. I'll go to another store.

Tsk, fine. You're buying in bulk. I'll give you 10% off.

(10%... Is that 'mad' enough?)

I'm selling them at cost already. Don't push it.

(I'm not the best at business negotiation, but maybe I could try to put what little I know into haggling.)

Come on, let's be honest here. This is nowhere close to cutting into your bottom line.

And what would you know, punk? All these parts are imported straight from Columbia.

(Shakes head)

Sure, they have stickers from Columbian brands, but the manufacturing immediately gives it away that they were made in Bolívar.

The prices you're asking are way above the actual cost. By my estimate, these things are worth no more than 60 thousand LMD.

Beastshit. I sell the real deal here!

You're sure?

Of course.

Then you were probably scammed when you ordered them. My family's logistics network has been delivering for this company for years. I remember every lot, every model, and every manufacturing plant of theirs.

You shouldn't trust just anyone. You can't do business that way.

You calling me stupid?

I mean, the other possibility is that you're not stupid, but actually pretty smart. After all, there's a huge difference in price between knockoffs and the genuine article.

...What are you getting at?

80 thousand. You'll be earning more than a fair profit, after expenses.

That's just cruel...

Please don't cry.

*sobs*... Too cruel.

Someone just stepped out.

Hah, and I bet that someone's stress-free and fulla confidence, pride, and a whole lotta parts.

No, it's the shopkeeper.

He ran out of the store crying.

...What?

I gotta say, what's with the crazy schemes you two came up with?

You want him relaxed and destressed? You just gotta par-tay! There's no easier way than partying hard!

Sorry, could you repeat that? This crowd's pretty noisy.

<b>I SAID. HAVING HIM GO TO A PARTY IS THE BEST WAY FOR HIM TO DESTRESS!!</b>

Ugh... Now you're being loud.

You're at the biggest party in Lungmen on New Year's Eve! I was worried you couldn't hear me.

What's the matter? Is he there?

(I wonder if I could've haggled for an even lower price...)

(Looks like I still have a ways to go to when it comes to negotiation.)

Oof! S-So many people.

(I still have one last task to do... Deliver a present to somebody at this party.)

But there are so many people here. How am I supposed to find them?

(They're wearing an iron mask and a menacing cape, both impervious to all kinds of weapons... This isn't a character from a kung fu novel, is it?)

*sigh*... A Messenger's job is to brave difficulties. I can do this.

He's pushing into the crowd. You sure he's not going to find anyone matching that description?

Of course not! I took it straight from a novel I used to read, <i>The Iron Swordsman</i>. What are the odds someone would be cosplaying as him on New Year's Eve?

Not like it's Sauin.

...They aren't pulling my leg, are they? Who would dress up like that in this crowd?

Maybe I should go back and double-check with them.

No way?!

They weren't lying! He's really here!

Sir? Sir! Please stop.

Hm? Who are you?

Hello, sir. I'm a Messenger. I have a package for you. Please sign for it.

Interesting. A package for me, delivered to this place?

Right. They had me look for the recipient in the middle of such a big party. I almost thought there had to be a misunderstanding. But thank goodness I found you.

Please go over the contents and sign for it.

I wonder what it is. Never expected to get a package while I'm out of town. What delivery company do you work—

(*gulp*)

Sir?

(Clenches fist)

What's wrong?

(Shudders)

Are you okay?

Who are you?

Too bad... He found someone that fit the description.

What? No way!

There's a Kazimierzian knight in the crowd.

...What? How's that possible?

What did you put in the package? The guy looked like he saw a ghost the moment he opened it.

Hmm... I don't really remember. I just grabbed whatever and stuffed it in there.

Let me see... Looks like Croissant ordered a bunch of special arrowheads, so I grabbed one.

(Good thing there are bushes here...)

Weird... I saw the kid heading this way... but I don't see him anywhere...

Shit... Where'd he go?

What did I even do? And how did the Armorless Union find me all the way out here in Lungmen...?

Phew... Is he gone?

Why did he attack all of a sudden?

Oh well. Never mind. I finally lost him...

I'm exhausted... I-I need to find a place to catch a breather.

Bison leans against a tree and thinks about everything that has happened today, in an attempt to come up with anything that could explain this absurd turn of events.

But right now, he isn't very keen on thinking too hard.

Perhaps the chilly New Year's Eve breeze has left his mind completely blank.

Perhaps the strange events that unfolded throughout the day have numbed his thought process.

Or perhaps... he simply doesn't want to think, and just wants to lean against the tree.

That is, until a ball comes tumbling toward his feet, rousing him from his daze.

Hey, buddy. Kick the ball back over here, will you?

Hm?

Hello? What're you blanking out for? Wanna join us?

There are no goals here, and barely any grass... How would we even play?

You just play.

But there are no lines on the ground. How do we keep score? How do we determine if anyone's breaking the rules?

Rules? We don't care about rules.

Bison suddenly recalls that it's been a very long time since he played football.

His father forced him to join the family business before he had even graduated. And he had to sacrifice a lot for it.

He lifts his head up and gazes at the child in the distance waiting for him to kick the ball back.

They have no grass field to play on, but a dirt pit is more than enough.

They have no goals, but a couple of tin cans will do the trick.

They kick erratically, and their play is all over the place, but what does it matter as long as it's fun?

Bison suddenly realizes that it has been a very long time since he last did anything just for fun.

Pffhaha––

(Is this the answer? The answer to everything?)

(Never mind. It doesn't matter. I've got something more important to deal with.)

Hey, count me in!

Then kick the ball back over here!

Kid, I used to be my school's ace player. Are you sure you can catch it?

In the end, he's still a kid...

Hey! How come it took you so long to say anything? What's he doing?

Alright, our job here is done.

I'm heading back.

Hey, you're the only one there. Tell us what's going on! Hey!

I'll see you later. I need to report to the client.

Hey—

Mr. Eurill, you sure gave us a difficult problem.

Still, we managed to successfully finish the job.

So he's playing football, huh?

It's been years since he played. And with a couple of kids not much younger than him. Haha.

I know, I know. He's still a child... Thank you for your work, ladies. I will come visit and bring all of you gifts in due time.

...Why didn't I tell him myself?

Good question... I wish I could've.

Alas, I couldn't...