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[daemonized]

ARDYN IZUNIA

Ardyn Izunia. Professor of law. Lord of law. Liege of law. The one grading your papers. Leave a message.

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[daemonized]

[Ardyn slips the documents neatly back into the folder, then looks at both Makoto and his father as the situation is explained to him fully. His brow is furrowed, and it's with years of practice does he manage to quell the usual intonation of flippancy behind his words. He knows not to give the wrong impression with two individuals he's just met, much less potential clientele.]

Not at all. Especially if you know someone who knows how to navigate the murky swamp of bureaucracy and litigation.

[He leans back in his chair a little.] Burden of responsibility is a tricky thing; it shifts depending on the situation, and eight years later, I don't think it's you or your father's responsibility to have realized something was wrong when no one told you otherwise.

It can be argued the other way, of course. They'll claim that ignorance is not an excuse, and that you're still liable for the fees and interest. However, I would find this argument laughable. The responsibility also rests upon city hall to make certain everything is legitimate, and they've failed in this eight years straight. Rather embarrassing for them, wouldn't you say?

[A pause, letting this settle before he continues.] If you'd like, I can take this up on your behalf. I'm sure as soon as they hear a lawyer on the other line, they'll relent and let you off with little more than a warning, and the expectation to have the license notarized, of course. Which I can also provide for you.

[splasher]

[makoto's eyes light up with ardyn's explanation, in tandem with his shoulders seeming to relax from their stressed hold. his father insists with a tap to his arm that he translate, but makoto waits until he's done hearing what ardyn says before doing so--just to be sure he's getting the message right.]

[like most things, makoto had walked in thinking that they'd have to forfeit and accept defeat. to hear the opposite washes him over with a sense of relief he hadn't known he was expecting.]

[he translates quickly to his father, explaining with quick hand gestures to accompany his words.]

[after he's done, however, makoto stares expectantly, for satoshi tachibana considers the explanation in silence, raising his glasses over the bridge of his nose once. the considerations are simple to makoto, but for a businessman, there's quite a bit more.]

Douzo.

[is what he finally says, and makoto turns, smiling, at the professor.]

[splasher]

We would certainly appreciate your help, mister Izunia. This is better news than what we expected.

[he's inferring, for the most part, but it's pretty much understood.]

We'll be prepared to pay the costs of your service.

[daemonized]

[There's something satisfying in seeing hope flicker in the eyes of the people he speaks with -- not always does it happen, because not always is Ardyn able to provide good news to all of his potential clients. But when it does happen, he can't help but feel a simple gladness in being able to help, bleeding heart that is secretly is.

And so he nods, but the tugging of a good-natured grin begins to form at the corners of his mouth.]

I am nothing but happy to assist, I assure you. [He leans back in his seat, folding his hands across his lap, and pushes away the impulse to shrug.]

And don't worry about payment. [A dismissive wave of the hand.] Consider this pro bono work; I still have several hours I need to fulfill this year, so you'll actually be doing me a favor with this.

[splasher]

[makoto doesn't need to translate that for his father (which is just fine, dumbfounded as makoto is by the pro-bono offer), and satoshi tachibana instead measures out a serious of words in japanese to his son. makoto replies back, clarifying, and his father nods.]

[the both of them stand, bowing deeply with their hands firm and straight at their sides]

Thank you very much!

[and although they remain standing, now with their backs straight, makoto insists.]

My father says you should at the very least allow us to invite you for dinner, once everything's settled. Please?

[daemonized]

[His grin softens at the display of gratitude, and that satisfaction at being able to help, at all of this appreciation, is... strangely humbling, in a way he doesn't bother dwelling on. But Ardyn Izunia refuses to let warm and fuzzy feelings outwardly show except to only his closest, and thus he just nods.]

Well, who am I to turn down such a generous offer? If you'll have me over, I won't be one to decline.

[But now it's his turn to stand, motioning at the folder of documents as he does so.]

May I hold onto these for now? I'll contact you once I have word from the city. The number you used to get in touch with me initially will be satisfactory, correct?

[splasher]

[makoto nods, ready to reply, when he's cut short by his father's deeper voice. the accent is thick, but his english is not impossible to understand; there are certain sounds he struggles with making, of translating from japanese into english, but it becomes obvious he deems it relevant and important to express his gratitude himself.]

Of course, Izunia-san. [some habits, like honorifics, die hard] And once you call we will be ready to invite you. I hope you enjoy drinking sake.

[makoto smiles, as satoshi does the unusual and offers his hand to the lawyer.]

[still, with his hand still shaking ardyn's, he adds with humour]

We have copies, so if you think running away, we have connections in Japan that will find you.

Dad!

[but satoshi laughs, takes his hand back, and bows]

Makoto.

Ah... [the cue to leave things on makoto's capable hands] The number's the one from the bookshop, but here's my cellphone's just in case. [he hands over a piece of paper with the scribbled information--one he had prepared earlier.] Please let me know if you need any other information, I'm not much for mornings [satoshi's more flippant and disapproving stare] but I'm up late into the night.

[and a smile, again]

We'll await your call, mister Izunia.

[daemonized]

[During the handshake, and the comment about "running away", Ardyn can't help but graciously laugh. Whether or not the two realize it, his own brand of humor aligns well with such a comment.

Still, afterwards, he scales back his urge to say something flippant, and instead accepts Makoto's number, neatly folding the paper in half and slipping it into his coat pocket.]

Of course. I'll be certain to keep in touch.

[And after all the formalities and goodbye pleasantries have been completed, Ardyn will be courteous enough to see them out of his office, or even out of the law building itself, if they're keen on idle chatter.]