Just added FAQ section (for those who might not receive my replies via email, or if I'm just plain lazy to email, but I digress):
Lara The Dark Angel: My answer for your first question is a resounding: 'maybe'. For the second question, if you recall, all the millennium items were returned back from whence they came... in a way. They're somewhere buried in Egypt once Yugi beat Atem(u) in the Ceremonial Duel at the end of episode 224.
kyunaru: Well, I guess August 7th 2007... for this chapter anyway.
Chapter 20: Limitless Credit
The following day, at around 2:00 pm, the count's limousine was on its way to the mansion of Joseph Wheeler, Domino's most prominent banker. Meanwhile, the same banker was in the middle of a business meeting, that involved the Shinkansen (Japan Railways). Surprisingly, he's very proficient in the realms of finance.
However, one of Wheeler's servants interrupted the meeting. He informed his master about the Count of Monte Cristo's visit. "Excuse me, gentlemen, but I have a client waiting for me." He then heads to his office, in order to reconfirm the information regarding his newest client. Now alone, he reverts to his normal speech pattern.
"Who exactly is dis Count of Monte Cristo?" he asked his computer.
The machine replied, "Not much is known, but he seems to be a Chinese aristocrat."
"Just great... da Chinese are invadin' everywhere now. But, have da results of da credit assessment on him finished yet?"
"Yes, Mr. Wheeler. Two of our three investigative agencies have rated him, AA+, while the third, AAA. And his title is indeed authentic."
Wheeler chuckled, "Hehe... I bet dat he paid a lot a money for it too."
The banker then went to the parlor room, where the count was already waiting for him. As he entered, he saw his client had examined some paintings, which to Joseph, seemed to be real, but in reality, were not. When he noticed that the banker had made his entrance, the count turned around.
"I'm assume that I have the honor of speaking with Monte Cristo Hakushaku."
"And I, Mr. Joseph Wheeler?"
After the formalities were over with, the two men decided that it was time to start the meeting. The banker then motioned his client to a chair opposite to his own, with a table in between them.
Once they were settled, Wheeler began, "I've received a letter from the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. But, quite frankly, Your Excellency... I'm surprised that the firm actually acted as a guarantor for one of its customers."
"It is the largest banking firm in Asia, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. However, there was something that I couldn't exactly comprehend."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, Count. I believe that it's... on me right now..." said Wheeler as he produced the letter from his folder, "Ah, yes... the letter says that it opens limitless credit on my firm on your behalf, Your Excellency. In other words, it seems as if my bank would have to continue to give you limitless credit for an indefinite length of time. And with any amount you wished for, no matter how colossal it is."
"So, what need is there for an explanation, Mr. Wheeler?"
"Nothing, except for the word: 'limitless', sir."
"That's the only problem you have, then?" asked Monte Cristo.
"Why, yes..."
"It would seem that in your opinion, the Bank of Tokyo isn't a reliable firm? And I invested some money with them too..."
"No. I didn't mean that, Count. It's just that in the financial world, the word, 'limitless', is... ambiguous."
"That it represents the literal meaning of having no limit?"
"Exactly, Count. There was some saying, 'when in doubt, don't do it', or something like that."
"So, what you're saying is... although the Bank of Tokyo opposes that saying, your firm is unflinching to follow suit?"
"I don't seem to follow." asked the banker.
"While the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd doesn't question the ambiguity of the word 'limitless credit', your firm does."
Wheeler replied, with subtle arrogance, "But, Count... no one has ever found my firm's vast resources to be insufficient."
"Apparently, it would seem as if I'll be the first person to do so."
"What makes you think that, Count?"
"Well, Mr. Wheeler, the constant explanations you require me to answer... which, if I'm not mistaken, seems to suggest much reluctance, if not hesitation."
When he heard this, the banker restrained his volatile temper. Never before has one of his clients question him like this. Although his own fortune is comparable to that of the Kaiba's, Wheeler thought that he would have the advantage due to his financial position.
Meanwhile, Monte Cristo was smiling, not haughtily, but rather innocently. He did this in a stern manner, however, as to not give away anything that might reveal his real identity.
After calming down, Wheeler said, "Alright, then, Count. But, to make things more clear, how much do you think you'll need?"
"Ah, my good banker, that is the problem. The very reason why I asked for limitless credit, is because I haven't a clue of what amount I may need."
Upon hearing this, the banker believed that it was in his best interest to finally turn the tables in his favor. Sitting back into his chair, he smiled & said, "My dear, Count... there is no need to be afraid to ask me of the amount you desire to draw out."
"There isn't?" asked the count, innocently.
"Yes, indeed. Despite the limitations of my firm... I can assure you, can meet even the greatest demands. I'll even be generous to offer you... 120 billion yen."
"120 billion yen, you say?" asked the count.
"Yes, 120 billion yen. Which I believe in America is..."
The count added, "Around one billion dollars. But, what might I ask, do with that amount?"
"What do you mean?"
"What I am saying, Mr. Wheeler, is that I shouldn't have opened up an account for such a minute sum. You see, I always carry five billion in American dollars with me in my portfolio or wallet."
Monte Cristo opened his briefcase, and inside, were five bonds. Each one was worth $1 billion American dollars each.
"Five billion dollars?!" exclaimed the banker. He then looked at the count with much astonishment.
'Impossible! Who da hell is dis guy?'
The Count said, "Oh, dear... it seems that a man of your stature is surprised by all this?"
"Better that... than to be suspicious of you, Your Excellency," said Joseph, with his pride tarnished.
"Very well, then. Since we are at an agreement... perhaps now you'll send me some money?"
"Yes, Count. We are indeed in an agreement."
"I also hope that you're no longer suspicious of me?"
"Not at all, Your Excellency! I merely wanted some proof."
"I see. All right, since we are almost at quits, and because I won't be staying in Domino for more than a year... we'll begin at say: $6 billion dollars?"
'$6 billion dollars?! That's worth my entire fortune!' cried Wheeler in his mind.
"Fine, if you wish for 6 billion, you'll have 6 billion, Your Excellency."
About a minute later, the Wheeler held the 5 bonds in his hands and said, "I'll deposit these into your account ASAP."
"And for my first loan, I shall send my right-hand man, Rafael, to pick it up."
"All right. But, I must say, Count... I believed that I knew all the fortunes in all of Asia... and although yours is quite colossal, I knew nothing of it until today. Did it come out recently?"
"No, Mr. Wheeler. It's actually from a family treasure that was forbidden to touch. As such, the sum's interest had tripled. In addition, I began to make use of it just a few years ago. Because of that, it is only natural for you or for anyone, to not know of its existence."
While they were conversing, the count had his eyes fixed on something outside the mansion. "It has also come to my attention that you, Mr. Wheeler, own the finest car in all of Domino."
"Ah... so you have an interest in Japanese cars too, Count?"
"Yes, and my personal favorite is the Lexus brand," said the count, "And the thought of buying your Lexus has indeed crossed my mind. Name your price, Mr. Wheeler."
The banker laughed, and said, "Surely, you jest? Because that car belongs to my wife, Mai, I have no intention of selling it whatsoever."
Monte Cristo smirked, and turned around.
"However, isn't there a saying: 'For the right price, anything can be bought'?"