Chapter 23: A brief return to happiness

Rebecca's suite was separate from the count's townhouse. It was furnished in half-American, half-Oriental style; that is to say, among the world's top quality facilities. Although the American woman is a 'slave' of sorts to him, Monte Cristo had assigned three Japanese maids & one American to her. She was informed by one of her maids that the master was on his way to visit her.

Like the count, Rebecca wore the finest clothes money can buy. The only difference was that the count was dressed in a very simplified manner, while the American wore an elaborate kimono (she had prepared for the 'formal' occasion). When we had last saw the child prodigy, she was a girl of twelve or thirteen years, but now, she is a woman of twenty-six or twenty-seven.

The reason why Monte Cristo decided to visit his female servant was to prepare himself for situations that was full of one thing that left the count's heart: happiness. If you (my
readers) recall, the count went on a global journey to prepare himself for his mission of vengeance, and to rid himself of any positive human emotion, save for feelings of gratitude.

When the count had entered Rebecca's suite, she was in her study, waiting for him. She had noticed that the count humbled himself before her.

In English, she asked, "Count, why do you bow down before me, master? I thought that I was your slave...?"

The count smiled (a rare sight to see nowadays). "You know why, Rebecca," said Monte Cristo (in English), "it is because you are no longer my indentured servant. Don't you remember that was the deal I have signed for your freedom from your captors?"

"Yes, but... I choose to stay with you forever, Count."

Monte Cristo inquired, "And why is that?"

"Because..." said Rebecca, as she made a gesture that hinted her reason.

"Ah, I see. But, surely there must be someone else you admire...?"

"No, just you, Yu--" said the young woman. Meanwhile, the count has shushed her before she could say the name. Apparently, women have better instincts when it comes to encountering certain people in their lives.

"Rebecca... the reason for your... admiration of me, is because the only people you got close to are me and your grandfather. Speaking of which, do you remember where your grandfather is now?"

The young woman beamed at this question. First, she placed her hand on her eyes; next, it was her heart. "My grandfather is right here, and here, Your Excellency."

"And me?"

She answered, "Everywhere."

"Now... since you know that you are free and are your own person. You are free to leave at anytime, but should you do so, I simply wish for one thing of you."

"What is it?"

"Don't disclose your identity or any information that will reveal yourself to the public. And, by no means, do not let slip his name whatsoever."

"But, Count... I do not wish to see anyone else but you."

Monte Cristo sighed. "Look, Rebecca. This strange behavior is unlike most Americans. In any case, just do as you please, but remember to take heed of my wish."

"Very well, Your Excellency."

The count made a gesture that he was to leave the suite. But, before he left, Rebecca offered the count her hand to kiss it. Much to his surprise, she quickly gave him a small peck on the lips instead. The count smirked at this, and made his leave.

About ten to fifteen minutes later, a black limo had arrived at the Black Crown. Duke, who had received a visiting letter from the count, had eagerly accepted. He was a man of thirty-two years, whose appearance had changed somewhat.

Duke's clothing of choice for the most part, stayed the same. It was primarily in red and black colors, but instead of a red vest, he now wore a red leather jacket. Although not as rich as the others: Kaiba and Wheeler, Devlin is famous for his down-to-earth character.

When the count entered the building, several customers were astonished to see him appear at a place like this. Devlin then realized that his guest is at his shop. He went to his private elevator and welcomed the count with open arms.

"Hakushaku!"

Suddenly blushing, Monte Cristo said, "Mr. Devlin, there is no need to announce my presence."

While the two men were walking together, they were followed by flocks of the store's customers. Coincidentally, most of them were fangirls, who all want to get close as possible with Domino's newest celebrity. Some people continued with what they're doing, because they were appalled by the foreigner's pale complexion.

"My, my," said the count, "Perhaps I should have made my visit later, as I didn't want your shop to be turned all upside down because of me."

Duke chuckled. "Nonsense, Your Excellency. I have to meet with someone later today, so you caught me at a good time."

"Oh... pardon my curiosity, but who do you have a rendezvous with?"

"Someone special, Count."

"I see."

A few minutes later, the two went inside Duke's office. When the count looked around the room, it reminded him of his younger years, hanging out with his friend; having fun... until his eventual, unjust downfall. In Duke's POV, he saw that Monte Cristo was looking at various awards and trophies. Devlin then noticed that his guest was staring intently at a photo that was taken some fourteen years ago...

"These must be your friends, I assume?"

"Why, yes, Count. When we were all teenagers so many years ago."

In a strained voice, Monte Cristo said, "If I'm not mistaken, those two (Joey & Téa) resemble Mr. Wheeler and Mrs. Kaiba, whom I both met a couple days ago. Once again, pardon my curiosity, but... do you visit them, or is it vice-versa?"

"Actually, the three of us haven't seen eye-to-eye for several years now," answered Duke, "Although I sometimes visit Téa on occasion, and Joey--"

"That was his nickname...?"

"More or less."

"I see. Please, continue."

"He rarely visits me nowadays. Everything has changed so much since the incident."

"What incident are you talking about, Mr. Devlin."

"Call me Duke, Your Excellency. You see... Yugi Mutou..."

With much emotion, Monte Cristo stammered, "The former... King... of Games?"

"Yes; he was a good friend of ours (Joseph, Téa, and I). Fourteen years ago, he was arrested at this very building for supposedly trying to overthrow the government with the help of a criminal organization. I learned of the reason for his arrest when I asked his judge, Mr. Pegasus after he interrogating the poor kid."

"How tragic!" exclaimed the count.

"Yes, indeed it is. And for some reason, misfortune befell me a few years after the day of Yugi's arrest. Most of my shipments disappeared without a trace. Consequently, debt began to accumulate, as I couldn't pay taxes and the like. At first, I was going to Joey for help, as he became a banker at the time, but I relented at the last minute. I didn't want to disgrace my friends by asking for money."

"And by the looks of it, you have somehow paid off your debt?" asked Monte Cristo, in an anxious voice.

"Yes, because of that," said Devlin, pointing at a familiar object.

"Why, that is just an opened package, Duke. And there seems to be a letter...?"

"It maybe just a package, Count, but I consider it to be my most precious treasure," said Devlin, "other than... her. You see, this package is the one thing that saved me from financial ruin.

"I can only suppose that it was full of money?"

"Yes; it had contained three billion yen! And for these past seven years, I haven't been able to find my generous benefactor. I only know that some representative from the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. took part in this miraculous event. Although this letter tells me not to reveal it to anyone... I feel as if I have to tell everyone!"

The count pondered for a moment. At the same time, Devlin thought, 'Strange... the count's behavior here seems a lot different than the time I saw him at the Kaiba mansion. Then again, it could be because he's receiving much more attention at a more public place such as this...'

After a few moments have passed, Monte Cristo asked, "You say that a bank representative indirectly helped you in this?"

"Why, yes. Do you happen to know him?"

"It just so happens that I do know who you're talking about, Duke. Now, was he... Chinese?"

"If clothes reflect one's heritage, then yes. I believe that he was."

"Then, my suspicions are confirmed. He is an acquaintance of mine; his name is Wei Lin. He and I go way back."

"Perhaps you can introduce me to him... so that I can give him my deepest gratitude?"

"I'm afraid not, Duke. He is known for traveling frequently, and somehow he is able to avoid all of his business meetings." said the count, with a subtle, sly grin.

"Damn... oh, well. One of the reasons I wanted to see him was to learn how he knew Yugi. According to this letter, Sinbad the Sailor, is a supposed friend of Wei Lin and somehow knew Yugi... and given the strange circumstances... I personally believe that it was truly Yugi Mutou who saved me from the ordeal."

Upon hearing that name, the count shuddered, almost involuntarily. He even became even paler than usual. He then took out his watch, as if he had something else planned, and hurried to the door.

In a stifled voice, the count abruptly exclaimed, "Forgive me, but I'm afraid that I have to take my leave, Duke. Because of this visit... I was fortunate enough to forget my problems... sayonara!"

With that, the mysterious stranger had left the Black Crown.

Devlin said, "Hmm... what a strange man. I wonder why he left, too..."