FAQ:

TakabiTenshi: Yubel is the main antagonist of the third season in Gx. That's pretty much all you need to know if you don't watch Gx.

Chapter 26: An Intriguing Visit

For the next few days, almost everyone in Japan was talking about the exhibition match between Seto Kaiba and the Count of Monte Cristo. While dozens of news reports covered the event, various fansites zealously posted up details, albeit sometimes exaggerated.

About a week had passed since the tournament began. It was around this time that Mokuba and his friend, Yasuhisa Shiozaki III (Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary) went to visit the count.

When the two young men arrived at the count's abode early in the afternoon, they were simply astonished at the vast structure. Originally the same size as the Kaiba Mansion (as seen in Episode 9), Monte Cristo's house was now 1.5x larger. Other than a change in size, the mansion retained its basic design, save for some palatial qualities.

While Mokuba's reason to see the count was to make good on his word, Shiozaki was sent by his 'business' associate, Mai Valentine, the wife of Joseph Wheeler, to examine the foreigner's place of residence.

The three men were already engaged in a conversation, although it was mostly between Monte Cristo and Mokuba; Shiozaki was admiring the mansion's rich and tasteful interior.

"Because of your engagement, I assume that you regularly see Mr. Joseph Wheeler?"

"Yes, Count."

"However, it is not the same with your fiancé, Serenity Wheeler; how strange."

"I know it's kind of ironic. Despite her beauty, I feel as if I'm not her type. For instance, she's about two years older than me."

The count said, "I don't believe age has anything to do in a relationship if the people involved are within four years apart in terms of age."

"I was getting to that."

"Then, continue, my young friend."

"You see, my fiancé likes older men, rather than ones younger than her. Plus, she's rebellious, almost too rebellious. And she can very condescending to me at times too. To top it all off, both of us have agreed that we are just friends at best."

The count pondered for a moment. "You once told me that while your sister-in-law doesn't approve of your upcoming marriage, your brother does. How come?"

"Many years ago, my brother frequently disdained my soon-to-be brother-in-law because of the latter's poor talent in Duel Monsters. However, as the years passed, Seto eventually respected him, although he won't admit it publicly. As for my sister-in-law, Téa, she has been good friends with the Wheelers for years, but believes that Serenity and I are not right for each other."

"Hmm... perhaps your sister-in-law shares your beliefs as well."

"Maybe, but if the marriage was to occur, Téa would not be happy; if it doesn't, then Seto would be disappointed. Damit! If you and I could've changed your arrival in Domino from three months to one month... then maybe we could've done something about this dilemma."

Monte Cristo inquired, "When is the wedding to take place?"

"At the end of next week... man, what I'd do to become single again."

The count smiled at this. He then turned to where Shiozaki was sitting. "Well... if one of my guests wanted some paper to draw...?"

The Cabinet Secretary said, "Me... draw? No, no. I was doing some calculations regarding how much money Wheeler's banking firm has made in the past few days from a certain stock. And according to my calculations... he's made 34,438,499,550.67 yen ($300 million) In this case, the day after he sells a valuable stock, the stock's value drops significantly."

"Mr. Wheeler must be very fortunate, then. He must think that buying and selling stocks is a game where you either gain or lose money. Why, it's practically gambling!"

"That is where you are wrong, Count. It is not he who 'gambles', but rather his wife. Because of her numerous successes, she's become quite addicted," retorted Shiozaki.

Mokuba said, "But, Yasuhisa... you practically abuse your political position by giving privileged information to a banker's wife. So, you're directly responsible for her gambling addiction. I believe that you should discourage her from gambling."

"I tried to dissuade her countless times, but she wins me over... and besides, your future brother-in-law has failed as I have."

"But, I were you... I'd..." said Kaiba.

Shiozaki asked, "You would do what?"

"I would teach the woman a lesson that she'd never forget."

"You mean like a form of punishment?"

"Yes. Just use your key position to your advantage. Once you learn something significant, tell Mrs. Valentine an... altered version of the news. With her various successes in the past, she'll obviously trust your word, and instead of gaining money, she'll be losing money. Naturally, she'll come to her senses once she loses enough capital."

Upon hearing this suggestion, Yasuhisa let out a forced laugh. Monte Cristo, however, seemed indifferent to the conversation between his guests. In truth, he missed not a single word. A little later, the Cabinet Secretary took his leave. But, before he left the estate, he was escorted to the door by the count himself. The older man whispered something into the politician, and (the count) was given a brief reply: "It's agreed."

The count then returned to his other guest.

"You don't think that you spoke about your future sister-in-law in a wrong way in front of her 'partner', Shiozaki, Mokuba?"

"Hakushaku, I implore you to stop teasing me like this."

"Very well, then. Ah, before I forget, I would like to invite you and your family to dinner in my country house in the Tohoku Region this Saturday. I also intend to invite the Wheelers and the Pegasuses within the next few days."

"I accept your invitation. In gratitude, it would give me great pleasure if you would be so kind to visit Téa and me tonight for dinner since you are free."

"On what occasion is this event for?" asked the count.

"Just to be more acquainted to one another. My brother won't be joining us, because he is involved in an important business meeting tonight. "

"I see. As much as I would like to, I'm afraid that I must refuse your offer, Mokuba."

"Why, Count?"

"Because, my young friend... I already have an important meeting with someone later today. Unfortunately, I am not always 'free' as you may think I am."

"Hmph! This is the second time you have refused an offer from me or my family, Count. I must say, I feel as if you are somehow biased towards my family and me. For instance, you complied to Pegasus' request to visit his family last week."

"I did accept your brother's invitation to go up against him in the exhibition match in his tournament about a week ago, didn't I?"

"Well, yes... but..."

"But you want proof? Well, here it is!" exclaimed the count, as Valon suddenly appeared at the door, "and remember: I was neither able to know about your visit today, nor could I have learned that you planned to invite me tonight."

Mokuba sighed in defeat. "You do have a point."

"Exactly. Now... Valon, what instructions did you receive from me earlier today when I summoned you in my study?"

The valet answered his master, "To have His Excellency's door shut at five o'clock in the afternoon."

"And?"

"To allow only Mr. Bartholomeo Colombo and his son, Andre A. Colombo to see you," added Valon.

"Good, Valon. That will be all; you may leave now," said Monte Cristo, "You see, I have given you proof of why I cannot accept your invitation today."

"I understand, Count. But, it looks like I'll have to take my leave now; for I fear that I may have bored you for the past couple of hours."

"Not at all, my young friend. Perhaps I might even see you tomorrow, but until then... farewell."

Like with Shiozaki, the count personally walked Mokuba to his mansion's entrance. He watched as the young man leave his estate. Once his guest had left, the count summoned Rafael.

"You called for me, Your Excellency?"

"Make sure that the preparations have been made for the house in the Tohoku Region."

Rafael slightly shuddered upon hearing his master's command. "As you wish, Your Excellency."

He then made a bow and left his master. The count went back to his study, waiting for his other guests sometime that day.