Chapter 30: Summer Plans

It was around this same time (from the last chapter), that a certain Joseph Wheeler found himself in a meeting with his newest client, Mr. Colombo. Afterwards, the financier decided to visit the Count of Monte Cristo later that day, in order to discuss about the younger Colombo. The reason for this visitation was due to the father's supposed lack of awareness of his son's interests. Additionally, Wheeler feels the need for a confidant because of some recent financial troubles.

When the banker arrived at the foreigner's estate, he was told to wait in the drawing-room. He soon realized that the count had another visitor: a Korean minister. Apparently, this stranger was more well-received a guest than most others. This notion was backed-up by Monte Cristo's servants' utmost respect to the man.

The minister took quick notice of the banker's presence, bowed, and left to the count's study. A moment later, the count appeared out of the same room that the religious authority entered. The familiar dark figure appeared before his guest.

"Please forgive me, Mr. Wheeler. That man whom you saw a few moments ago is a close friend of mine. His name is Father Buu Soh Nii. It has been years since he and I have last met, and consequently, I originally wished not to be disturbed for the remainder of the day. Hopefully, this reason will suffice for your waiting."

Wheeler said, "Of course your reason is more than adequate, Hakushaku. It is I who came at the wrong time. I should've consulted you earlier instead; I shall depart immediately."

He then stood up from the elaborate divan. However, Monte Cristo stopped him from walking away from the room.

"You do not have to do that, my good man. My old acquaintance can wait, for he has no other important matters to attend to today... Why, why the long face, Mr. Wheeler?"

"A terrible misfortune, Count. It seems that for about a week, my several of my firm's long-standing clients have been very unfortunate in losing millions of yen. Why, take for example, one of my most loyal and valuable clients: young businessman, Mr. Poe. I don't know what happened, but for the past five or six years, the man always paid off his debts. But, suddenly he became bankrupt after borrowing huge amounts of money. Now, he's unable to honor his debts to me."

"Most intriguing, Mr. Wheeler. Now, how much have you lost so far?"

"Around eleven billion, four hundred seventy million yen (about $100 million)."

"Losing that much in a week," said the count, "can hit pretty hard on a third-class fortune such as yours."

Aw, great... first Kaiba calls me a third-rate duelist before, and now the count says that I have a third-class fortune? I'll show him!

Feeling insulted, the banker replied, "What do you mean that I have a third-class fortune?!"

"Ah, you see, I rank the wealthy into three classes: first, second, and third-class. A first-class fortune comprises of inheritances, treasures, land, and government funds. A second-class fortune is one that consists of the ownership(s) of industrial factories and powerful corporations. For the third-class fortune, it is merely compounded interest purchased by capital, sometimes venture capital. Now, Mr. Wheeler, don't you agree that your wealth is on a third-rate level?"

"I have to disagree with you, Count. My firm's funds may have been founded on risky business ventures, but... should I fall, three successful corporations would have to become bankrupt. So, in a way... I own the fortunes of such factories and companies."

"Hmm... I see that I was wrong about yours being a third-class fortune, Mr. Wheeler; in fact, I now consider your wealth in the second-class rank."

"Ah, my dear Count, since the two of us are talking business, would you be as so kind to advise me how I can please Andre A. Colombo?"

"If the young man has credit with you, loan him some money, then."

"That can be done; I met with his father to open both of their accounts on my firm earlier today."

"It looks like you will achieve that goal, then."

Wheeler said, "It would seem so, Count. But, there seemed to be something weird about those Colombos."

"Oh, and what would that be?"

"It was at your dinner last night... despite their fluent Japanese, they talked very little during the entire evening."

"Well, it has been ten years since the Colombos were accustomed in high society."

"True," said the banker, "But, I have another thing on my mind. Upper-class Italian-Americans usually marry either Europeans or Americans, don't they?"

"It's only natural, however, the Colombos are a unique sort of people. The son, especially finds women of the Far East far more desirable than those of Caucasian ethnicities."

"What of Colombos' fortune?"

"What about it?" asked the count.

"Is it true what they say? Is the Colombo fortune really worth around ¥1 trillion? ($10 billion)?."

"How should I know? Some say that or... that it is worth nothing at all."

"I'm not asking what others think. What's your personal opinion of it?"

"Simply this: just personal. But, answer me this: what is your sudden interest in the Colombos?"

"Well, they are richer than the Kaibas, and I am an opportunist, you know."

"I thought as much."

Feeling suddenly arrogant, the banker confided, "Just between you and me, I thought that you should know this: while my sister and I have always been Wheelers, the Kaibas were Kaibas since they were pre-adolescent kids."

Feigning shock, the count exclaimed, "What?! You mean to tell me that Seto and Mokuba Kaiba were never Kaibas to begin with?"

"Exactly."

"Please, continue."

"If memory serves, I learned about about this before the Battle City Semi-Final matches took place at Alcatraz island. Kaiba's blimp somehow got hijacked by Kaiba's stepbrother, Noah. To make a long story short, all of us eventually learned that Seto and Mokuba were adopted by Gozaburo Kaiba. The two brothers made a bold move and succeeded in the takeover of Kaiba Corp."

After Joseph finished his dialogue, Monte Cristo then pondered for a few moments.

"Just as you asked me what was on your mind, Mr. Wheeler, I wish to ask you on what is on mine."

"Alright, then. Shoot."

"How in the world did Seto Kaiba manage to get all three of the four Blue-Eyes White Dragons?"

"I'd say that he purchased them from their original owners, I guess. Like you, I want to learn about it."

"Given your resources, it wouldn't be difficult."

"Yes, of course it won't! I'll use my connections."

"Oh, and by the way, if you discover anything else regarding Seto Kaiba..."

"Don't worry, you'll be the first to know, other than me."

"Good."

The count had his valet, Valon, escort the banker out of the mansion. In the evening, he received an email from Mokuba Kaiba:

Count, if you are free this Saturday, my family and I would be delighted to receive you as one of many guests for the Summer Ball. The location is at my family's estate . It starts at six o'clock in the evening and ends at midnight.

P.S. My sister-in-law, Téa, highly insists that you accept this invitation.

Suddenly, Monte Cristo found himself trembling. What is this...? Why am I doing this?

After regaining his normal (if one can call a dark & brooding demeanor that) self back, he replied:

My young friend, after much consideration, I cannot find myself able to reject your proposal. Furthermore, since your sister-in-law, Mrs. Kaiba, wishes for my arrival, it shall be done.

-MC