Chapter 7
Ryze retired to his room. He would look at the magnificent city. Read a book. Meditate. So and so. His time at The Palace of Royales was extravagant. Ask and you shall be given, said Walker, the owner of the hotel. Ryze could have easily asked anything but the only thing that he ever asked was privacy.
Also lobsters, the hotel provided and all you can eat policy for Ryze personally. Ryze was enjoying all the lobster he could eat.
As time passed by, day became night, a knock on the door. Ryze was sitting and reading his book, he closed his book and put it on top of the table. He walked to the door and opened it. Mr Magny.
"Forgive me for such intrusion but Master Walker would like to have an audience with you." Mr Magny bowed.
"Sure, do I need to wear a certain way or speak a certain way?" Ryze asked.
"Master Walker treats everyone beneficial the same Mr Ryze, with respect." Mr Magny. "That is the only thing that he ever wanted."
"Guess I wouldn't be a problem." Ryze nodded, Walker was someone worth respecting at the very least. "So I guess we should go and meet the big man."
"We shall Mr Ryze." Mr Magny nodded. "Follow me then."
Magny stood aside and Ryze exited from his room. Mr Magny closed the door and went on to lead Ryze to the elevator. They walked through the lobby and Mr Magny pushed the button of the elevator. They both stood in silence for a moment and the elevator door split opened. The elevator operator already inside, welcomed both of them. They entered and Magny whispered at the elevator operator something vague. The operator glanced at Ryze, a doubtful gaze but simply nodded. The elevator operator took the hanging telephone and called someone. He informed something vague and nodding was the only reaction. He hung up the phone and operated the elevator. The elevator slowly rose but this time it created no sound.
"How many floors in this building?" Ryze asked.
"Approximately 70 floor Mr Ryze." Mr Magny glanced at Ryze for a moment. "The higher the floor the bigger the price."
"Is the elevator struggling to lift us up?"
"No." Mr Magny explained. "The two highest floors are reserved only for Master Walker. Master Walker insists on complete quietness so the elevator must be slowed down to accommodate his working needs."
"How often does your Master come to this hotel?"
"Whenever he pleases. He would randomly come to the hotel but most of the time he comes for business purposes."
"Your Master is quite a powerful one."
"Has he told you about his fortune?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Hmmm…" Mr Magny wondered. "May I ask what connection do you have with Master Walker? If it is not rude of course."
"Let's just say we met in the most uncommon circumstances." Ryze answered. "Is there a problem?"
"No Mr Ryze, there is no problem. It is just the guests that Master Walker welcomes know who he is. Then again, perhaps secrecy is something he favours with you."
"Oh really?" Ryze shrugged it off, being ignorant as always. "Perhaps the old man just likes a bit of privacy."
The elevator arrived on the highest floor, Walker's Abode. The elevator operator opened the door in the silent way possible. A breath of air entered the elevator, the fragrance was welcoming. Unlike the marble themed hotel, Walker's Abode had wooden flooring that was polished down to every inch. The atmosphere was warm like a cottage, slightly darkened yet everything was visible. Ryze could hear the sound of people, perhaps butler and maids.
"Follow me Mr Ryze, time is something that Master Walker cherishes." Mr Magny said.
Ryze nodded.
Two men walked together. Mr Magny leading at a short distance. The Directing Manager gave a quick tour around Walker's abode. Honestly from Ryze, it was shocking to see a wooden cottage theme on a hotel that marvelled itself as royal. At the highest floor, the most expensive rate, Walker's Abode should be called Walker's Cottage as far as Ryze is concerned. The grandiose of such hotels, such high skyscrapers, the two floors were humbled and monk-like. The two would encounter a few butlers and maids, all would stop and bow towards them.
"The lower floor is Master Walker accommodation floor. He eats, sleeps and bathes and such. He only is here whenever he needs to, but most of the time, he goes to the upper floor." Mr Magny explained.
"Why is that?" Ryze was getting more curious with Walker.
"The upper floor is his library. That is where he does most of the work."
"Seeing how busy he is, I bet he loved the floor more than his wife." Ryze jokes.
An awkward silence passed by. Ryze scratched his jaw.
"He does have a wife? Right?" Ryze asked.
Mr Magny gave a look that said otherwise.
They went onto a fleet of stairs and got up to the second floor. Same cottage theme with books all around. There was a big door that separates the floor into two. Mr Magny then stopped at the floor. He gestured to Ryze to wait, then proceeded to knock the wooden door.
"Master Walker, 'tis your esteemed guest here with me." Mr Magny said. "May I open the door?"
"You may Mr Magny." Said Walker clearly.
"Before we go in, might I serve any beverages?" Mr Magny asked Ryze.
"If you have some leaf tea and some nuts, I would be grateful."
"So it is then." Mr Magny nodded.
The Managing Director turned down the two door knobs and opened the two grand doors. Revealing another part of the floor which has a stunning view of Zaun at night. At the right was Walker on his working desk with someone discussing him. On the left was a fire pit, two leather chairs and three portrait paintings. Ryze glanced at Walker and his look was ever serious, listening with full focus. Mr Magny put his hand on Ryze's back and pointed with an open hand to the left side of the room. Ryze nodded and went to the fireplace. He sat down at one of the leather seats.
"Excuse me Mr Ryze, Master Walker and your request shall come shortly." Mr Magny bowed.
Ryze nodded and Mr Magny went away, possibly continuing his work managing the hotel. As Mr Magny exited the room and closed the door, Ryze glanced at Walker's work accomplice. The person had a broad shoulder, undeniable presence and raven on the shoulder. His fingertips started to tingle, that man opposite to him, he was no weak man. It was a sign that the man has an abnormal amount of natural magic.
The man turned his back and answered Ryze's glance, a gaze of targeted ferocity. Ryze stood up instantly, not out of fear but out of protective instinct.
Walker tapped his cane, a loud thump that vibrates eardrums, it somewhat neutralized the situation.
The man put his glance away and continued his discussion with Walker, the old man nodded as a sign of understanding. Ryze took a deep breath and sat back down, it was best that he sat still and waited for his turn to talk with J.J. Walker.Ryze looked at the fireplace and pondered on the fire. Then raise his eyes to the portrait above. Three portraits lined side by side. It was none other than Walker himself, three portraits of him in three different times.
The most right was the youngest him, in his 20s, wearing a suave suit and top hat. No smile, a face that was serious for his next objective. The background was akin to Demacia, green agriculture with blue skies. The most left was him during his 40s, no longer with the hat with a slight grey hair, hands behind his back. He stood straight and his charisma was increasing even more. It had subtle menace to it, a controlled ruthlessness that only showed when needed. The middle portrait was Walker in his current age in his 60s, same stoic face holding a cane, but the feeling that portrait emits was different. It had a sense of clarity. The ruthlessness was no longer there but Walker seemed to have the same drive. The background was Piltover and Zaun, with Walker at the centre of the two worlds.
"I appreciate your time here General Swain, you have my backing in the coming war." Said Walker.
Ryze glanced back. Walker and his accomplice stood in front of the door.
"Thank you for the kind words Master Walker, perhaps we could have another conversation that is not about world politics." Said General Swain. "The moment you inform me of coming to Noxus, I shall be there immediately."
"To which I trust you fully, you can stay in my hotel as long as you please, our meetings have been exhaustive for you."
"Talking is nothing compared to the battlefield Master Walker." General Swain opened the door. "I need to return Noxus immediately, Grand General Du Couteau would need to hear that Noxus has funding for the Ionian Invasion."
"If need be General Swain…" Walker put his hand on Swain's shoulder. "I want you to be the Grand General if Du Couteau refuses the war. Funding is not a problem. The war is a small price for humanity."
"We will see then." Swain nodded.
"Safe travels General." Walker put his hands on his cane.
"May you age just as much as your wealth Master Walker." The General bowed low.
General Swain closed the door; leaving Ryze and Walker alone. Ryze stood up from his chair and looked at Walker. Walker slowly approached him with a pace that suited for his age.
"How was the accommodation Ryze?" Walker asked. "Any complaints?"
"Well, honestly, my only complaint is there is nothing to complain." Ryze said.
"And how about your angel friend? Is he not here to join us this evening?" Walker stood right in front Ryze.
"Well about him…" Ryze scratched his head. "He's a bit random."
"Hmmm.." Walker nodded. "If you could reach him, then tell him I would like to speak to him."
"Sure." Ryze nodded. "But before that, who are you?"
Walker gave a dry giggle and gestured to a chess table. "Let's have a game or two while we talk."