Scene #2164: A Business Luncheon

Owner	Pose
Souji Murasame	Souji is going out for lunch. Being the kind of person he is, he's decided to send out a, perhaps unexpected invitation to one Mirielle Edelweiss. The location is a small upscale restaurant: The kind of place that people tell their bosses about to score points with. One can expect reasonably priced, hearty fare, especially the noodle and rice bowls popular with a 'power lunch' crowd. There's a bar along one side of the restaurant, where execs and employees enjoy their own lunches, perhaps with a little extra something. Souji himself sits in a booth, tapping at his mPad while he awaits his companion.
Mirielle Edelweiss	It was not often that Mirielle Edelweiss, Shady Calculator, got invited out for lunch. Now, there was the one time she was invited out for dinner, but she had known about that one in advance. She did not expect Souji Murasame to invite her to dine with him under almost any circumstance so the request catches her off-guard. Not so off-guard as it would take for her to be deny the request. So she arrives very punctually and on-time, wearing a clean uniform and smelling lightly of a fresh shower. Her hair is held up and her large glasses obscure her eyes lightly. She does not approach Souji as a friend, though, sliding into the seat across from him. "Mister Murasame." She offers quietly, leafing through a notebook quickly. "This will be the first time we met like this. Please, do not take this the wrong way, but I don't see a reason for you to entertain me or retain my services at this time. Unless this is purely a social call?" She wonders, drilling to the point. She wants to establish the tone of things. The air about her seems to be mildly charged with a sort of power, but there's nothing untoward going on.
Souji Murasame	Mirielle does not approach Souji as a friend, which is acceptable to Souji. Souji classifies most people into four categories: Peers, Useful People, People to Ignore, and a mysterious fourth group that will not be spoken of here. 'Friend' is a strange, ghostly fifth group that contains basically one person. And that person is probably sleeping in the sun with a bunch of cats sitting on them. Lazy-ass Titanic. "Miss Edelweiss." Souji addresses Mirielle in the pleasant, businesslike tone he uses for people who actually have some form of value in his worldview. "It is a pleasure to see that you are well. While you are correct that I have not had need of your services, I feel that it is important to maintain a working relationship with people of your caliber." The needle sort of waggles around social call with a possible edge towards services, perhaps? As the endless line of pining, ignored kouhai might attest, odds are pretty high that he has no intentions of lowering the bar for the Murasame Challenge anytime soon.
Mirielle Edelweiss	Mirielle approaches Souji the same way a zookeeper approaches a tiger. Even if they are ostensibly calm and friendly creatures, they can also savage you with shockingly little or even no provocation. And, much like that Zookeeper, even if you are sharing a cage or a meal with the tiger, you do so both with care and at your own peril. Mirielle prided herself on being an expert 'zookeeper'. Even with all the money and power at Alexander Academy... People needed things. Mirielle got people things, or got those things done. It was simple. Businesslike. Calculations begin to flit through her head, and she offers a very tiny smile as she meets Souji's eyes. "Normally the people who keep me on retainer want something." She notes, before tucking her notebook into a pocket and threading her fingers in her lap, breaking eye contact to glance around the room. The shadows behind her glasses and hair seem to shift and curl unnaturally as she does. The Murasame Challenge was one of her best sources of passive income, as she maintained some tasteful betting pools and calculated the long odds of it ever being collected on. "a working relationship has implications, Mister Murasame. Unless you require a consultant for your corporate ventures, which... Well, I'm unsure actually. But this is quite a nice resturant. Have you ordered yet?"
Souji Murasame	Mirielle is known for getting people things. While Souji has never needed those things, his own agendas have brushed against the... tangled web that Mirielle has woven on occasion. However, it seems more that Souji keeps the majority of his own work focused on applications of Alexander Academy in the greater world around them instead of the typical (and exceptionally profitable) teen drama that happens even (especially) at Alexander Academy. It's a Venn Diagram of influence, and Souji has thus far respected her grounds, with the notable exception of a subtle shadow war to somehow get the Light Warriors disbanded that has so far met a stalemate. That could change at any time, of course, hence the wariness. While others might be put off at the strange effects that curl out of the shadows around Mirielle, the unearthly aura like pressing one's face against plastic wrap (don't do this at home, kids), or her diffident nature. But then, Souji is famously stoic as well, expressing his emotions only in minutiae, or the usage of tone and stance, a veteran of a hundred formal dinners in the Ramuhan noblity. Such it is. The Murasame heir nods. "I am a purveyor of opportunity in my own way, Miss Edelweiss. I have curiosities and I am wondering if you might be able to satisfy them." At the question of food, Souji gestures, and a waitress approaches. Souji promptly orders a fish and rice dish, having already known precisely what he wanted. Mirielle is given time to place her order as well.
Mirielle Edelweiss	Mirielle did not make any grand gestures or even shadowy ones to shield the Light Warriors - to her they were a means to an end and not so fine a point on it. Landon, and Cirra, and Kyra, and Dominic... Even with the other members - such as Kamon and Soan - who seemed to be more 'normal', the politcal juggernaut of two judges, the prince of the al Cid line, and two massive corporate heirs... Well, some covered more than one base there, but the point stood. Mirielle had her own issues. Mirielle was being at least socially courted by the Murasame heir. Perhaps, on some level, he didn't see her as a /true/ Light Warrior. Or perhaps he did. tMirielle orders some savory noodle dish with beef, running a hand through her hair that bahishes the curling shadows for a few moments. "That would be my specialitiy, Mister Murasame. Satisfying curiousities."
Souji Murasame	Souji nods in response to Mirielle's assertion, but does not speak until the waitress has left. "Indeed. You spend much time satisfying the curiosities and needs of others." He glances up towards Mirielle. "But what of your own? I know that you happened to have acquired an unusually independant method of entry and financing of your schooling in Alexander Academy. What do you plan to use it to accomplish in the future?"
Mirielle Edelweiss	"Financing my possibilities and networking are, usually, aim enough." Mirielle admits, before looking away, around the resturant. "My education allows many things, Mister Murasame. Chief of which is freedom. To choose a life that wasn't the one selected for me. That freedom has been bought at a price, but it requires some upkeep. There are many groups and positions for someone with my skillset and magical aptitude. I don't worry terribly about my future, but my present. I must clear certain conditions to finish my education." Mirielle looks a little confused. "Is that what you wished to talk about?"
Souji Murasame	Souji gestures. "Perhaps." What a delightful non-answer that is. "Have you enjoyed your stay at Alexander Academy? It is rare to see one of your talents in such a position. I can see why your goals are ill-suited for those of the... typical fate, however. Are there any particular classes you enjoy?" He glances to one side, as the waitress brings drinks. Souji receives a glass of ice water, while Mirielle receives her drink order. After they leave, Souji continues to speak. "If you seek freedom, Alexander Academy is an excellent place for it."
Mirielle Edelweiss	Mirielle's little shadow-flickers deepen as she looks down into the tan cup of hot black tea placed in front of her, taking it gently in both hands and bringing it to her lips. She considers Souji's words, not recoiling or even really reacting to his statements until she takes in some of the scalding liquid, thinking on the implications. "The Academy is a place of opportunities." She begins, worry carefully held at bay by reason. She never made too fine a point upon hiding her heritage - she even kept the family name, though it wasn't used much beyond paperwork - and then, usually titles sufficed. "I don't think it's very rare at all for a... calculator to be in the Academy. Though, I do agree, many more are found in the technical schools. I find the classes on magic and theory to be the most rewarding - though theory is a bit difficult to take notes on." She admits, continuing to warm her hands with her tea and letting her shadows run long. "But what, do you suppose, /are/ my talents?" She asks, looking up curiously. "That I would seek freedom. Many - any, I'd dare say - that come to the Academy have freedom of many kinds. Perhaps not all kinds, but many."
Souji Murasame	Could he know? Why would he spend the time to trace her heritage? That would be a colossal waste of time and resource for someone of his stature, unless he were /that/ paranoid... He takes a drink of his ice water. Perhaps it suits the stoic man. "For a... Calculator, perhaps not." He replies, using the exact same pause in tone. "But a Calculator in your precise situation? You have leveraged your ability well, even with your occasional lapses. Your organization and willingness to capitalize on opportunity as it arises is admirable." Souji gestures again, as if to emphasize the point Mirielle had just made. "You are unusual even amongst Calculators, and many of them are quite interesting people indeed. They do not see the world like we do, full of numbers and equations." He pauses again. "But you. You are different. You seem to stand with one foot in this world and one foot in another, Miss Edelweiss, attempting to bridge a gap between the world of the real and the unreal. Such an effort would be ill served if you were heavily constrained." Souji's words bear the signs of being chosen carefully, for all of his smooth delivery.
Mirielle Edelweiss	Of course Souji knows. The question of 'why' was as simple as the question of why he had drawn her here. Because he wanted something. The Murasame Challenge wasn't going to be cashed in today, and certainly not by shadow-casting Mirielle Edelweiss. So it was business. And since it was business, and Murasame was good at Business... He did his research. "Not to put too fine a point to it, Mister Murasame." Mirielle begins, slim fingers moving up to adjust her glasses. "But if you are referring to magic, I would hardly call that un-real. The numbers and patterns of this world are concrete. But if I were to 'straddle' this line, as you say, and be 'different'..." She lets out a little breath, sipping again at her tea. "What aligns my skills and your desires, then? I could give you the odds of me clearing out the rather stupendous running pool on the object of your affections. I would also need a decimal and a goodly quantity of zeroes."
Souji Murasame	The mention of the object of his affections causes puts a mild sharpness his his gaze. "You and I both know that is impossible, but not for the reasons some might think it is." Souji replies, simply. "I appreciate your mind and your drive. Your focus and capacity are dedicated towards achieving what you desire by attempting to fulfill the desires of others. This is admirable. You are much more diligent than many other members of the Academy because you understand how fragile your position can be and are willing to do the work to preserve it." He pauses. "I am willing to assist you with this endeavor. I am going to be undergoing an internal personnel reorganization and I would like to have someone of your talent close at hand to work with us. The position I have in mind is a highly independant one which will allow you to practice your work on a larger scale. We will also assist you with your current issues in regards to the Academy." So there it is, Souji laying his offer out on the table.
Mirielle Edelweiss	Mirielle could explain away the faux pass, but a faux pass her words remain, and there was a very useful saying about simply pressing on rather than pick at a wound freshly re-opened. It would be worse before it would become better. And on this subject, the worse was a vast gulf of potentia. "Of course." She murmurs gently, on the issue of Souji's 'affections', not meeting the sharper gaze. She saw the shift, of course, but didn't rise to meet it. There were better battles to fight. Such as not scoffing, lightly, at the premise of being valued for her mind. Especially when the rest of his sentiment is both true and accurate. "I do not have many avenues of recourse where something untoward to happen, it's true." She muses, before Souji makes his pitch. "You're offering me a corporate position?" She wonders, surprise evident on her face. There are a few moments of indecision. And something else, darker and held more closely to the chest. "I'm... interested. But I'd like to know more."
Souji Murasame	Ah, she is interested. "Excellent." Souji replies. "I am going to be in need of a new secretary." He says simply. "Your responsibilities will involve vetting and organizing those who wish to meet with me, ensuring I am not disturbed without cause, as well as dealing with minor problems that may arise. Just as the previous secretary did, you will answer strictly to myself or my father. I do not foresee problems with the latter."
Mirielle Edelweiss	There is a pause, as the waiter places the plates of food down in front of them, before melting back into the background. They are, at least, good at their jobs in this establishment. "What happened to the old one?" Mirielle asks, toying with the edge of her plate and looking into the steaming offering, her glasses fogging up from the heat and proximity. "Nothing untoward, I hope? It couldn't have been dark magic - I have my own sources for that. So it was either personal or business. Did you find reason to release them? Or did they release themselves?" Mirielle tilts her head, hair hanging down as the shadows chase themselves off her neck. "So it is a personal position. Not corporate?"
Souji Murasame	As the food is placed, Souji removes a pair of lacquered chopsticks from his suit and tests the fish on his plate by picking up a piece and watching the reaction. As it flakes off, Souji appears to find it acceptable, and then replies absently to Mirielle. "She has had to take a leave of absence. She is in good health, but I expect the change in position to remain permanent. I do not believe it was due to dark magic." He replies simply. "Your work will involve mostly our corporate assets. You will be notified of any personal arrivals ahead of time." He gestures. "I do not believe it will be necessary to remind you that this will be a position of great... trust. I will expect you to retain confidentiality in our operations."
Mirielle Edelweiss	A leave of absence. How... mundane. And, perhaps, positive. For her. For Helena, a dereliciton of her duties to the Murasame family, with such close ties to them... It would be no wonder such a change would be permanent. She had proven that the trust that was placed in her was not, potentially, returned absolutely. "Well. There is that. I am also sure you are aware of my, ah, magical consulting services, then?" She notes, not really a question. "Of course it would be a position of trust. You potentially also know I use a personally developed shorthand for taking notes. If it sets your mind at ease I can start a new journal." She nods. "But... You never answered. As your secretary, will I be holding a corporate position? Or a private one?'
Souji Murasame	"Of course." Souji replies to the question of the consulting as if it was an afterthought. No problems here, then. Mirielle is free to continue being shady as hell as she likes. "Record your work as you like. After all, I will trust you to keep your books in order." He replies... And then clarified. "I am offering you a public position within the Zaibatsu, working directly for me with a full pay and benefits package, with all rights, privledges, and expectations therein." Well, that's a thing.
Mirielle Edelweiss	Mirielle nods. "Well then." She notes. "That does quite color things. Not badly, mind you, but..." She nods. "Let me have a few days to familiarize myself with your books and acclimate myself, and then I shall be ready to begin." She finishes, before moving to attack her food. Just. Like. That.