Against Lest's suggestions, Vishnal insisted on coming into work the next day and showed no signs of fatigue. Aside from the light jabs Leon threw his way, he was welcomed back and lauded for his work ethic.
Buzz of activity could be felt all throughout the Earthmate company on the day of Arthur's arrival. While no one seemed particularly nervous, except Vishnal of course, there was an atmosphere of excitement and intrigue.
Lest, Leon and Vishnal had been discussing how to go about appealing to Arthur, and a very structured plan had been set. Arthur's favorite foods had been prepared, and for the finishing touch Leon had suggested they dress up a wooly just for that little extra push. Lest found it mildly absurd, and they had a very minor argument about it.
"Well, as your financial advisor, I can tell you that if you follow this advice, you'll see an increase in your finances." Leon stated lamely.
"Yeah yeah, I get it." Lest grumbled as he placed a pair of glasses on the wooly. "Still, it's such a weird combination. Whatever works I guess."
All the while, Vishnal watched and said nothing. Before him were two formally dressed men, a pickled turnip and a fluffed up wooly wearing glasses. It was such a bizarre scene, and yet Vishnal was taking mental notes and observing how everything was unfolding. Suddenly Leon handed him the pickled turnip and regarded him like he was a pawn in a much larger game.
"Bring this out when Lest gives the signal. You get to act like a butler for now."
"Ah, yes sir!" Vishnal took the tray and stood at the back.
"I'll go get him then. Put on a good show." Leon said with a grin, and then left the office.
Lest sighed. "You know, I'm not worried, but I always find these meetings tiring."
"I can sympathise sir." He probably felt all of the worry for both of them. Being this was his first substantial look at the inner workings of the company, he naturally wanted to make sure everything went smoothly.
Leon re-entered the room then, with a somewhat confused Arthur at his side. Vishnal immediately assumed his position, and Lest stood to greet his visitor. Leon did not remain present for this meeting and promptly left.
"I welcome you." Lest said with a smile. All the while Vishnal was placing some things on a coffee table, including plates and tea cups as if he were setting a table. "Come, join me."
Arthur met Lest on the couch, and Vishnal placed the tea and pickled turnip on the coffee table between them, saying nothing. He bowed, and moved out of their way. Lest gestured for Arthur to take some of the food presented to him, and he did with some mild hesitation.
"I must say, the inner workings of your company seem, unusual." Arthur stated, not with malice or condescension, but with a hint of curiosity.
"Thank you. It may be unconventional, but it works for us." Lest adopted a casual posture. "I hope everyone here has treated you well."
"From what I've seen, yes. Though, I've never seen business being conducted so- casually."
Lest chuckled. "I've always wanted to foster a comfortable work environment. Boosts morale you know?" His expression changed then, to a more sharp and attentive gaze. "Anyway, I take it you have familiarized yourself with the benefits of our energy?"
"I have been informed. If I may, could I take a look at the specifics?"
"Certainly." Lest waved Vishnal over, and he produced the documents. At that, a heavy silence filled the room as their visitor looked over the information. As far as he knew, the document contained the market research and the finances, as well some of the specifics about how his energy worked. As Arthur's eyes scanned the document, he appeared to be pleased with what he seen.
Vishnal remained silent, only doing what Lest required of him, always observing. While he was deadly afraid of saying something, or doing something that might jeopardize the deal, he was also enthralled at Lest's natural ability to draw people in.
As the meeting progressed, Vishnal noticed Arthur becoming less rigid, and more relaxed. At one point Vishnal brought in the wooly that Leon had dressed up earlier, and the atmosphere became even more casual. At that moment, Lest gained the upper hand and started mentioning numbers.
The glasses clad wooly jumped onto the couch next to Arthur. There was a long silence, with a light blush forming on Arthur's face. Lest concealed a grin, knowing he had sealed the deal. "Well, what do you think?"
"I believe I would be foolish to not accept your generous offer." Arthur said while adjusting his glasses. "Can I assume you'll allow me to meet with your research team and your technicians?"
"Certainly."
Arthur cleared his throat. "Very well. Do you mind if your mascot accompanies me?" He asked, lightly petting the wooly.
"Not at all."
"Thank you." They both stood and shook hands then. Arthur bowed his head and Lest escorted him out the door, where he was met with Leon and taken downstairs.
Lest took a seat back at his desk then. He wore a look of contemplation, and a hint of fatigue. "I'll bet Leon will continue sweet talking him while he sees the inner workings of our company. Not a bad day, if I may say so."
"You were amazing sir, Leon's also so perceptive."
"All in a day's work. You don't have to be so tense just so you know. I know this was your first time with a major client, but you looked terrified."
Vishnal's face dropped slightly then. "I'm sorry sir, I hope it didn't affect your meeting. I can't help it sir, but I think I'll be better prepared next time!"
"You sure will." Lest sighed then. "Still, I find this kind of tiring. You want to get me some coffee? Put in a hint of rune energy too, if you don't mind. Give some to Arthur too, so he can have a taste of it first hand."
"Ah, yes, right away sir!" He wasn't feeling any fatigue. Having already long recovered from his farming incident, he was willing to redeem himself in Lest's eyes. The day was still young, and if Lest was starting to slow, Vishnal was ready to work twice as hard.