Chapter 22: A discussion between gentlemen

Although fourteen years have passed since we have seen Maximillion, he still retains his foppish personality and dandified appearance. About a decade ago, he adopted a girl who reminded him of his original wife, Cecilia. Surprisingly, his adopted daughter, Valentine, happens to be his actual daughter.

Before Pegasus and Cecelia were married, the two engaged in a love affair that resulted in a supposed 'miscarriage'. Cecelia, not wanting to tarnish both families' reputations, had secretly sent her baby to the local orphanage. It was only recently that this secret had come to light (after Mokuba's rescue in China).

Nowadays, the DM creator spent part of his time acting as a judge in Japan. Like Monsieur de Villefort, Pegasus was extremely strict when it came to judging. However, this virtually was the only trait both men share.

Like his stepson's savior, Maximillion was also well educated, traveled frequently, and had seen much of the world. In fact, because of this and his key political position, Pegasus is the count's main opposition in the latter's mission.

When he went to visit the count, he wore his trademark fancy, red outfit. While he waited in the parlor, he wandered & looked around at the room's tasteful appearance.

'So he's no nouveau riche after all...'

Once he saw a dark figure enter the parlor, he confirmed his current wife's vivid description of the man.

'I wonder if I should call him Monte Cristo-boy... perhaps not. He may be younger than me, but he's no boy now.'

"Monte Cristo Hakushaku, the brave deed that you have done for my stepson has spared my family and me from suffering a terrible ordeal. As such, I felt obligated to thank you in person," said Pegasus in fluent Japanese.

Coldly, Monte Cristo replied in perfect English, "Mr. Pegasus, it pleases me to save the life of a mother's son, for it is said that there is nothing greater than a mother's unconditional love for her child(ren). In addition, knowing full well that your stepson's life is now safe, brings me more satisfaction than being on the receiving end of your gratitude."

'Oh, my... so the rumors are true. I should have taken this into consideration... for he is indeed a gentleman as I am. I'm not taking this man seriously at all! Maybe I should speak in English as well?'

Pegasus looked around the parlor, in order to find something to continue the conversation. He immediately sees a map nearby.

"Does the subject of geography interest you, Count? It is said that you had traveled around the world and saw much."

"Indeed, I have, Mr. Pegasus. I have made an attempt to study the human species in the same way you put into practice nearly everyday, in psychological terms. You see, there is an algebraic maxim that calls for the transfer of a known variable to an unknown one. And... please, sit down, Mr. Pegasus."

The count pointed a chair for which the judge to take a seat. Meanwhile, he sat in a chair that was positioned to partly face Pegasus, while the other half, the map.

"It would seem that you are a philosopher as well, Your Excellency. But, if I had nothing else to do, I'd rather engage myself in a more joyful recreational activity."

"You are right, Mr. Pegasus. The human race does indeed hold a much controversial role in the world. But I believe that you just said I have nothing else to do. Now, Mr. Pegasus, can you picture yourself doing something? Or, perhaps, to make things more clear, what you do... does it have the right to be called anything at all?"

Hearing this made Pegasus more intrigued about the stranger. Never before has anyone countered his own words like this. Never! The only other person who has engaged in a verbal war, was Seto Kaiba himself, who usually made insults rather than witty sentences.

"Your Excellency, as you are an outsider of Japan... you may not be familiar with this country's laws."

"Not quite, Mr. Pegasus. When I traveled through the numerous countries of this world, I became imbued with many different cultures. In fact, I have taken an interest especially in the various judicial systems. In the undeveloped countries' 'an eye for an eye' form of justice is as close as man will get to the will of God."

"I concur with you, Count. If that was the case for all countries, then everything would be simplified. However, that isn't the case now. And besides, for one to know all forms of laws, one must study arduously for years. In addition, one must need a good memory, as to not make one's efforts in vain."

"I could not agree more, Mr. Pegasus. I believe that you had traveled around the world many years ago, as I have done before, is that correct?"

"Yes, Count, it is true. I merely dabbled in the basics of judicial systems--"

"Then, I'm afraid that you have very much to learn, when compared to me."

"How so, Count?"

"You see, I AM familiar with the laws of each and every single country in the world. Including the smallest of details as well."

"Impossible!"

"Why, impossible? I believe Nero once said: cupitor impossibilium (Latin for: I seek the impossible). All I did was follow Nero's words. You obviously have heard of famous biblical & historical figures such as Gabriel, Michael, Attila the Hun, Joan of Ark... for they have all revealed their holy missions to be known by all. For the angels, one might say: "I am, but an angel of God." As for man or woman, "I'm merely a tool for the Holy Spirit."

"Could this mean that you believe yourself to be among those celestial beings or great people?!"

The count said, "And why not, Mr. Pegasus?"

"Pardon, me, Your Excellency... before I came here today, I was entirely ignorant of conversing with a peerless genius such as yourself. In fact, I have never spoke with someone like you until today. And about those extraordinary beings... if may I ask, is it possible to make contact with them?"

"Only when God sees it fit to do so," replied Monte Cristo.

"All right, then. If only I could see one now..."

"Right now, you are."

"What?! You consider yourself one of them?!"

"Yes, I do. You see, kingdoms are limited by mountains and rivers, or man-made obstacles such as different customs; however, the world is my kingdom. The reason? I'm neither Chinese, nor Korean, nor Indian, nor British, nor French, nor German, nor American, because I am a cosmopolite. No country in the world can declare the place of my birth; only God can, and only He knows where/when I shall die. I know every culture; I can speak any language. You take me as Japanese? Well, my servants: Rafael and Rebecca take me for an American. For Valon, English. And so on, so forth. Furthermore, I feel it is redundant to swear allegiance to one country or its government who will not defend me. Finally, I have only three factors that can actually affect me: time, distance, and mortality. Although I can eventually overcome the first two conditions, it is the third that is a threat."

"A threat to what, Count?"

"My goal, Mr. Pegasus. Which, by the way I shall reach before I get old."

"Surely, you jest? You are not old, unlike me; for I am a few years away from fifty! But, please, continue."

"Very well, but perhaps in the future, I might somehow be against a prominent judge such as yourself."

"What, is this you say? You do know so long as you stay in a country, you must obey its laws!"

"Oh, I already know that, Mr. Pegasus. But, when I visit a country, I always examine those I know, in order to know more things about about them than they themselves."

"So you're saying... that in your eyes, human nature is fragile, and every person has made some mistake...?"

"And crime," said the count.

"And that you alone are perfect?"

Monte Cristo replied, "No. I am simply impassable. But, if you want, we could switch to a different topic. I am not at all threatened by man's justice as I am of you."

"Not at all! Of course not, Count! I have just realized this, but we are not just conversing with one another, but dissertating! But, if I may say so... it would seem that you think yourself better than man, when in fact, you are part of mankind as well."

"Although I consider myself above man, I do know that I cannot surpass God Himself. It was He who made me out of dust after all."

"Oh, yes, I agree with that. But, other than your goal, did you have any ambition(s)?"

"Yes."

"And it is?"

"Like Christ himself and other persons, I too have been brought up by Satan to the top of the world. When we reached the summit, the Devil King said to me: 'You can have anything you desire, and all you have to do is bow down & worship me.' And so I pondered deeply, because a terrible desire filled my thoughts. I then replied, 'I wish to take on the role of Divine Providence, for it is said to hold the greatest influence in man's world: to punish & reward.' Satan then said, 'All right. You shall become one of Providence's agents.' And with that, the deal was made. I might lose my soul, but if the deal had to be retried, I shall make the same deal again."

Simply astonished, Pegasus could barely utter a single word. After a few moments, he regains his senses.

"Count, do you have any family members?"

"No, for I am all alone."

Pegasus said, "How sad. And, I believe you said that you fear death alone?"

"Not exactly; I said that death alone is my obstacle. As for old age, my goal will be finished before then."

"What about insanity?"

"I nearly became insane once, but that was many years ago."

"I see. I'm afraid that I have to take my leave, Your Excellency. Perhaps one day you will visit me at my penthouse. In doing so, we shall continue our dissertation. Although I live in America, my work here as a judge has demanded me to stay here for quite a while. Oh, and by the way, I might also be able to introduce to you my father, who's now a retired politician; he's now paralyzed due to a stroke. Nonetheless, it is an honor to speak with you, Count."

Monte Cristo then bowed and accompanied his guest to the parlor door. From there, Rafael walked the DM creator to the mansion's entrance. Pegasus left soon after.

Meanwhile, Monte Cristo found himself smiling, albeit forcefully. He then ordered his servants to prepare the limo for the Black Crown in half an hour (He already informed Devlin earlier). For the time being, he planned to visit his female servant, Rebecca...