Cold Hard Cash [Shiina/Lisa Delivery Topic]

Avaritia tilted her head at the sudden utterance of Japanese. It was fluent and nonchalant, the traits of a natural speaker. There were some uncertainties of her ethnicity, but this zeroed in where the young Cadet came from, especially with her name being of Japanese origin. But what's even more intriguing was that very family name that spilled from the young woman's lips. While a relaxed smile was on her face, an amused one began to spread instead. A soft mutter escaped her lips. "ああ、つりないのかぞくはここにとどいた。そのようなものはなぜここいるかなあ？”

Things were starting to get interesting. To think their kind would finally begin to scramble their grasp to a realm so far out of their own comely isolated abode. Perhaps there was a lot to consider now that one of their own arrived here. Lisa seemed confused and curious of the exchange happening between the two. The District Head chuckled at this, noticing the Princess' expression. "A pleasure to meet you, Tsurinai-san. It isn't everyday I have a chance to meet someone who could speak the language."

It was as much as she figured from what she could tell. Endymion was a city that was the apple of the eye of other places. To think it was as far as Japan, perhaps there were some gears moving in the background somewhere. After all, there were some strange happenings outside of her domain. While she never had much of a reason to care much outside of her realm, the necessity to keep the status quo made this a concern.

The woman shifted back more towards English when she noticed the Princess was growing more curious and didn't really want to make her feel too ignored. After all, it wouldn't do well to offend a member of the royal family, would it? Though having her being so tight-lipped can be a little bit tiresome if there wasn't anything remotely a favorable result to come out of it. So...

"I've been hearing a lot of... commotion lately in the last few nights. I recall hearing the Dragon's Maw was closed and there were explosions in East Eden. My concern for this grows. Are the Cadets currently investigating them by chance?" she began to inquire with her eyes observing their expression.

Lisa made an uncomfortable scowl, but tried to retain composure. That topic hasn't really moved after all of that. She hoped they could. But the explosions? She had no idea about those, maybe her brother was investigating them. "We are currently examining the situation. Everything's under control."

Whether Avaritia didn't believe her or not, she didn't show it. But she made a glance towards Shiina to see if there were any tell-tale cracks from her expression.

Avaritia took all of this information into consideration. Her expression never really changed, failing to betray any emotion from the answer she received from the Tsurinai woman. It was obvious that she understood what Shiina had to say, but how she'd react to it was the other difficult part to discern from her. At best, it can be said the genius from the First Capital Bank was considering several things from the information given to her.

"Very well then. As always, I'll leave it to the Cadets to manage these matters," the District Head finally began, "Please relay to Julius that I am more than willing to lend a hand should he ask for it... And your Highness?"

"Yes?"

Avaritia's hand pat the wrapped package to the side. Its fingers began to explore the surface of the container. "Could you please see if a meeting with your Mother is possible? I would like to have several words with her."

At that immediate moment, the Princess' expression began to sour. There was something about it that significantly brought a bad taste. She was used to seeing sycophants trying to gain the favor of her siblings and this wasn't any different other than a powerful District Head's request. "I'm sorry. I can't do anything about that. It's outside of my power."  

"Surely you can try...? You are her daughter." Avaritia tried to needle her a little bit further as she leaned over closer to the Princess. Julius didn't try to entertain her desires for such a long time. She hoped maybe the younger Lamecia would be another avenue to try.

But the Cadet repeated stiffly and looked square into her eyes, "It's out of my hands."

It was an awkward silence that followed after her forceful words. It would be a lie if the Head didn't feel disappointed. Lisa was still adamant about not fulfilling her request. What's with all the Lamecia's acting like this regarding their matriarch? But she sat back into her seat and heaved a little sigh. "How regrettable. I'll leave it at that."

The shrill noise of a phone began to fill the room. Avaritia took the receiver to answer it and to listen to what the other side of the connection had to say. Her brow twitched as her eyes glanced over at the clock. What horrible timing. "Fine. I'll be over there."

She hung up, looking visibly irritated. But the woman addressed them calmly, "It seems I'll have to put an end to our conversation and bid you both farwell. It was... a rather enlightening exchange. Please give my regards to your brother, your Majesty. And to the Tsurinai's, Shiina-san. If you would please."

"It would be a pleasure, Miss Tsurinai," Avaritia nodded and smiled while returning the handshake to the Tsurinai. Though Lisa didn't waste much time to only give a slight bow before leaving the office, not so much bothering to show if she acknowledged her request. The walnut door was shut once more as the duo exited, assuming Shiina quickly followed after, leaving Avaritia to her own devices. Lisa never said anything as she briskly began to scale through the corridor, she was rather sullen about the whole exchange. But once they exited out back into the lobby, the artist was gone.

The Lamecia was about to walk out, but paused when hearing about what came out of the Tsurinai's lips. Unlike that sappy Maria, at least the silver-headed Cadet understood where she was coming from or would. She began to turn the rest of her body to face her while putting a hand to the side of her hip, near where her katana was nestling near her.


Her tone was blunt, but honest. There was a confident air about her. She knew that it could be a tough battle, but she just couldn't back down now. The Princess needed to prove herself despite the failings of the earlier night and she needed to validate her strength. The Princess for the last time began to turn away from the Tsurinai and left the premises in stride.