Chapter 6- presentations

The weekend came all too soon, and Nia was over the jetlag from her long flight to Akihara to present the cheque, the presentation was all set out, and the large cheque was at the bank to be taken discretely. She dressed smartly then took a taxi to the centre. The path to the podium in front of the centre was surrounded with reporters taking photos and asking questions. Nia gave little in reply until she walked to the podium and waited for the management of the centre. Soon the two men came out and sat next to her. Nia stood up a moment later and walked to the podium to give a short speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, ever since the Program Emporium opened as a small summer time shop it has encouraged customers to donate to a charitable cause, each year I have collected an increasing amount and put it towards such a cause. This year is the first year that the shop has been running full-time, and I am happy to say that I have collected the biggest amount yet, and on behalf of the Program Emporium and its customers I'd like to present this cheque of 10 million zenny towards the care of children with handicaps at this centre!" she told the reporters and families in front of them, and she held the cheque up with the two men for a moment so that the photographers could to their work.
"Excuse me, coming through!" called a voice, Nia looked around to see a redhead with a green frog-like hat emerge with a cameraman, "This is Midorikawa Kero of DNN news, where I'm happy to report that Liona Harmonia has donated a huge cheque to this care centre for children with handicaps, Liona-San, please tell us about how you put together 10 million zenny."
"Every year I have kept a collection tin by the entrance of my online shop for customers to insert money, and they have. I owe every single one my thanks for this."
"Is it true that the Program Emporium is the only one that sells the current huge craze of hoverboards for navis?"
"It's a mixed blessing, but yes it is."
"And there are also rumours that Blues has been talking to your navi Iris after hours, what is that about?"
"We're just good friends, well, recently anyway."
"Would you care to elaborate on this?"
"I don't want to give any criticism here, but I can say that he has definitely warmed up on the inside."
"Domo arigato. Well you heard it here folks, this is the face you want if you want to lend a helping hand or buy your navi a sleek new transport."

As Nia left she saw Enzan lean against the wall, "That's a lot of money Nia."
"I know, but I couldn't have done it without everyone's help, including you."
Enzan smiled and looked at her outfit, "You really do dress for the occasion."
"And you really do rebel with that camo with the red and black."
"Why do you think I wear it?"
"Let me guess, to annoy your father?"
"Not really, primarily because it is a subtle message for him."
"Which says…?"
"Do what you like old man, I'm my own person and there's nothing you can do about it."
Nia burst out laughing, "You really are becoming a rebel."
"Well, everyone does at one point, I just still do."
"I guess you're right."
"Now, about that lunch, I imagine a big event like that leaves one feeling hungry."
"Somewhat, I was so nervous I missed breakfast except for a coffee." Nia replied, as Enzan led her to a sushi bar in the centre of town.
As they ate the two talked about the 16 years after they met, "So I passed a combination of courses including PE, advanced virus busting, business and law with distinctions, what about you?" Enzan asked.
"Dad took us out to different places every month, beaches, countryside, woodland, you name it. Once I sniffed an iris flower and I asked so much about it Dad said that he'd make something that I could take anywhere to remind me of that day and much more."
Enzan smiled, "I see, Iris, did you know that they are nicknamed Sword Lily?"
"I heard about that, mind you, Iris is more of a defensive navi, we don't battle much unless there is a good cause behind it."
"That's noble of you."
"I've heard that before."
"So what subjects did you take at university?"
"Retailing, advanced programming, a 101 in virus busting, media studies and law, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do."
"But you pulled a number of them together."
"Yeah, I think the metools got the ideas for the channel from my media work, I had my laptop since High School and they have redecorated it five times so far."
"They certainly seem to like you."
"I'll say."
They finished their meal and Enzan paid the bill, "Well, it was nice seeing you face-to-face before the party Nia, not that we have properly before."
Nia smiled, "Yeah, we met once, but although we were in the same room we only made eye contact for about 5 seconds."
Enzan cringed a bit, "Yeah, I'm sorry that I was such a jerk."
"Don't apologise, it wasn't your fault that you were poorly raised as a child."
"Arigato."
"Anytime."

Meanwhile Netto was picking out an outfit for the dinner party, "What do you think Rockman, the traditional black with a white shirt and black tie, or blue with no tie and a white shirt?"
"That's a tough one, any idea what Enzan will be wearing to this?"
"Probably something that is smart but reflects his rebellion."
"Probably, I'd go for the blue, but wear the navy tie, then Enzan can spot you in the crowd better if he wants to talk to you."
"Good thinking."

In her room Meiru was having a similar trouble, "What do you think Roll? Simple black with a low-cut back, white with a high back or red with the frills that cover the shoulders?"
"You had to pick ones that are the best in your wardrobe."
"It's a formal dinner Roll."
"Maybe you should've just kept one."
"That'd be boring."
"Well, go for the black one and wear that white fake fur coat that your mother gave you, you'll blow both boys off their feet."
"Thanks, sounds like a good idea, what about jewellery?"
"A silver bracelet and pendant, maybe the one with the invisible wire."
"Great idea!" she looked at the jewellery box, "I'll throw in that ring Netto gave me for my birthday, I wonder where he got it."
"Finding out is no fun Meiru."
"I know, but I can't help but wonder, it looks so expensive," she said, looking at it, the diamond, which was a pure brilliant cut, gleamed in the light.
"Maybe he gets a lot of cash from his Netsaviour duties."
"With the police strikes about a lack of funding?"
"Netsaviours are one below the top of the police ladder, I did a little research."
"More like poking around."
"Netto could command a whole district if he needed to."
"I don't think I want a repeat of the time that their praise got to his head."

That evening Enzan was raiding the wardrobe in his room, "I knew I should've done this sooner, I've got way too much camo!"
"If I may be of any help Enzan-Sama, you did put your suit in the other wardrobe."
"Thanks," he replied, opening it and picking out a black jacket and trousers, "I don't want to go all traditional, I think the red shirt would do the trick."
"Sounds interesting."
"Yeah, tell me, would it look better with the tie or without?"
"I'd say without with the first button undone, gives a slight relaxed air that will blow Nia over."
"You make it sound like a date."
"You invited her."
"As a friend, come on Blues, I met her face-to-face once at that time."
"So?"
Enzan looked like he was going to strike back, but then swallowed it, "It will look like you are inviting Iris you know," he said eventually in a calm manner.
Blues went red, "I just sent the invitations off on your orders!"
"Relax before the rest of you looks like a tomato."
"What does that mean?"
"Have you looked in a mirror? You flush worse than a girl when she finds out she tucked her skirt into her shorts in the middle of PE."
"Do not!"
"See for yourself." Enzan replied, holding the terminal facing the mirror.
Blues stared at himself, "I think I need my programming checked."
"You don't flush often, so you didn't know that, come to think of it, the first time I really noticed it was when you first met Iris."
"What does that mean?"
"Whenever it comes to her or talking about date problems, you go bright red. Tomatoes don't look that red even when they're ripe."
Blues calmed down, and the red faded as fast as it came.
"Well, we better get some sleep before the big night, it's going to be a long one."
"I'll say, Ijuuin-San tends to go overboard sometimes."
Enzan nodded, put the clothes onto a single hanger in the wardrobe and changed into his pyjamas, "Sometimes sleeping is the only way to get away from the old man."
"No wonder, you can choose whether or not he walks into your dreams."
Enzan smiled at that as he climbed into bed, "Well, goodnight Blues."
"Goodnight Enzan-Sama." Blues replied, as Enzan turned out the light.

Next time:

Nia prepares for Enzan's big evening, and soon chaos strikes the kitchen.

Stay tuned for chapter 7 'Formal Parties and Culinary Disasters'