A Meeting

Lenard looks out the window, his thoughts focused on the meeting with Bishop Orvin.

'Is there any way I can decline his offer?' He rolls his eyes, 'Of course, there isn't.'

Albert knocks at the door as he spoke through it "Sir, Mr Michael has arrived for your meeting."

Lenard replies, "Let him in,"

Albert nods as he opens the door, to reveal him and a brown-haired youth.

He wears an unusual set of clothes, with a large black coat, a red inner garment and what seems to be black finely done trousers. He holds a case in his hand.

Lenard widens his eyes in surprise at his age before he stands up, "Hello, Sir Michael. It's quite nice to meet you"

Michael smiles as he lowers his cap with a bow, "The pleasure is all mine, Milord."

Lenard then gestures to the seat in front of him, "Take a seat, Sir Michael."

Michael nods as Albert comes in with a tray of tea. He offers a cup to the two men.

Albert looks to Lenard who gestures him away, Albert nods before closing the door behind him.

Lenard then spoke, "Then Mr Michael, What could be your purpose for today's meeting?"

Michael smiles as he takes off his coat, "Well, I am sure you're heard of the recent development in textile?"

Lenard shakes his head, "Unfortunately not, I've been too busy with other matters."

Michael smiles widely, "I thought as much," He folds his coat and passes it to him, "Then perhaps this could be of help."

Lenard looks to the coat in curiosity and inspects it. "Oh, I see. The cloth seems to be quite strong."

He inspects its inside and was amazed by the craftsmanship, he speaks in shock. "Goodness, this seems to be quite well done."

He smiles at Michael, "I'm sure this will sell quite well."

Michael nods, "Yes, this product is the reason I have come to set up a headquarters here."

Lenard raises an eyebrow, "Here? For what reason?"

Michael takes out a collection of documents, "I wish to start a corporation,"

Lenard tilts his head in confusion as he mutters, "Corporation?"

Michael pushes the documents in his direction, "Yes, it is an entity created with the intention of making a profit."

Lenard reads through the documents, taking in the new ideas. 'And with his great craftsmanship, I'm sure it'll become quite profitable.'

He looks to the smiling youth as he waves the document, "This is quite well done."

Michael nods, grateful for the praise "Thank you,"

"We also plan to release new articles of clothing, perhaps new styles of dresses and"

He points to his clothes "As you can see with this, a bit of a minimalistic style of formal wear, without the gaudy cloths sewed in."

Lenard nods in understanding as he replies "I see, I do despise such frivolities, makes it harder a man to move."

He gestures to the coat, "And with a craftsmanship like this, profits are more than guaranteed."

Michael bows, but before he could reply in gratitude.

Lenard interrupts him, "Then why would you choose to build it here?"

Michael sat straight from the question, a nervous smile displayed on his lips, "Pardon?"

Lenard spoke once more, "Why would you wish to start your corporation here? In Alton?"

Michael stiffly smiles as he loosens his collar "Ah, yes. Well, the recent development in the capital."

He swallows dryly before replying with a hint of desperation, "Has made it less than ideal."

Lenard nods his head, "Recent Development? I don't believe there has been much occurring there these days."

"Well, there have been some actions taken against me." Michael stops before continuing, his frown prominent "The recent buying up of resources has taken its toll in my personal finances."

Lenard intertwines his finger with a smirk, "I see and you wish to enter my protection?"

Michael hurriedly nods, "Yes, that and a protection against copies."

"Copies you say? How exactly do you plan to do that."

Michael grins as he excitedly spoke, "Easy! We shall emblazon a sigil on our products. With that, any counterfeiter can be determined and arrested."

Lenard nods as he watches the excited boy in amusement. 'It seems I can use this to my advantage.'

Lenard nods, "Ok then, it seems that we have reached an agreement."

Michael smiles with childlike joy as he shows his arm for a handshake, "Ah, yes. It would be great working with you."

'It seems that I might have been fooled into overestimating his intelligence.' He thought to himself as the boy fidgets under his scrutiny.

"Then what else is it that you need?"

Michael jolt in shock before checking through his pocket, he mutters to himself, "Where was it, I'm pretty sure Madelaine gave it to me."

He takes out a note as he excitedly exclaimed, "Yes!"

He looks to the amused Lenard before clearing his throat and speaking formally, "Well, w- I was hoping that you would be open to helping us in negotiation for the farmlands in Avern."

Lenards smirks as he takes note of the name Madelaine.

He smiles softly, "Of course, I can certainly recommend you to the Lord of Avern."

Michael fidgets in his seat as he mutters, "What else was I supposed to ask."

Michael's face lit up in realization, "Ah yes," He takes out a piece of paper, "I wish to give you this" He smiles brightly "A sign of friendship."

Lenard looks down and reads, "Proof of ownership, one share of M.T.I, date of authorization, 650 A.F. No. 6500001"

Lenard waves it around, "What is this?" He looks inquisitively to Michael, "Is this perhaps the share, written at your document."

Michael nods, "Yes, it is one of the thousand shares. The thousand shares totalling to a ten percent of the company ownership."

Lenard looks at it with curiosity, "I see, where can I buy more?" The prospect of owning a part of a business, exciting him, perhaps due to its novelty or its implications.

A sheepish smile forms on Michael's face, "I believe we start selling more, once we start building our headquarters here." He takes the coat.

Michael then wears his hat as he bows, he takes his case with him, "Then I shall be leaving Milord."

Lenard nods numbly as he read the information and its print. Something that also amazes him.

He looks at the back of the boy, as he thought, 'Where could he have learned such things.'