IC Inbox

[noblerise]

If contacting his personal number or via Libra:

"You have reached Jusis Albarea. I'm busy. Leave a message."

If contacting his work number:

"You have reached the office of Jusis Albarea, Esquire. I'm not available at this time, so please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you."

Black Order Inbox and Class VII Group Chat for reference.

Comments

Mid-April | In-Person

[whiteshroud]

[Several days after Jusis has been rescued and had a chance to rest, there'll be a knock on his door. Outside stands Shroud

CRYPTID USPS OPEN UP]

[noblerise]

[Jusis opens the door, in his work clothes this time, and he's slightly surprised to see Shroud. Only slightly. He remembers the discussion they had about after the mission. Can't believe there are technically two cryptid delivery people.]

Shroud. How may I help you?

[The blond sounds about as friendly as he usually does, so there must not be any hard feelings. Right?]

a couple days post-Alcatraz; action

[infezione]

[So.

That was a lot. There was some stuff to talk about, but Fugo wanted Jusis to have a couple of days before to rest before talking about... that. About the whole dad thing.

Mind you, it's actually just because of the rest part of that that Fugo waited. He'd actually made his decision right then and there. Having a couple of days worked out, too, he'd ended up finding something he wanted to give to Jusis anyway! So it's with this Dream Flower in hand that he goes to track Jusis down.]

Ah... Jusis, do you have a few minutes?

[noblerise]

[Jusis did take time off of work to rest, as he promised pretty much everyone. He's not hard to track down, having a cup of tea in the living room while looking over something on his laptop. When Fugo asks his question, the blond man puts his laptop to sleep and closes it up so that he can turn his full attention to the teenager.]

Of course.

[He looks curious, but he'll patiently wait for Fugo to speak.]

latter half of april; voice; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

[This message comes up the day after Xiao shows up in town.]

Jusis, I hope you're doing well. I... apologize for the inconvenient timing. Is there somewhere we can meet?

This isn't an emergency, but it is a delicate matter.

[noblerise]

[Well, this is a surprise. It's not often that Jusis gets called by Zhongli for a matter that sounds serious.]

I'm doing well enough, thank you. If you would like, you can meet me at my office. I'm currently free for 'consultation' hours right now. However, I'm also happy to meet at the park in half an hour, if you can wait that long.

late 5/1; voice; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

As per our last conversation—

I do enjoy debating the loopholes of the law with you. However, before we continue, I want to make one thing clear.

I will never break a contract.

There are such things as unfair contracts, and those are dealt with using the spirit of the original contract to prove the malevolence in its creation.

But for those contracts made in good faith, there is no lenience. There is no, "Just this one time." For if a man cannot be trusted at his word, then what does he have? If the God of Contracts cannot be trusted to keep his word, then no one's contracts have weight, and there is nothing remotely resembling order to be found in this world.

If you would rather end our little agreement then you have my permission. We can settle the matter this way, unfair as the consequences might be to Patrizio, and never speak of it again. It was my expense and my unfair choice to lean on you for that request. I will accept any anger he wishes to throw in my direction, and I will endure whatever assumptions you might have about my personal matters. [Call him poor! He doesn't care!]

... However, I will not tolerate being accused of breaking a contract. You should know that I hold them to be inviolable.

[It's a sad truth that one day, the contract with the Black Order could put Jusis and Zhongli on different sides of the same line. What can be done then?]

I see the value in things: the beauty of your vase, the expert stitching in your suit, and yes, the inherent value in our continued friendship and cooperation. Despite our disagreements, I'd like to continue that friendship.

[He just wants Jusis to know he toed a line, that's all.]

That's all I have to say.

Take care.

[and he hangs up, jeez, most dramatic email reply ever]

[noblerise]

[Zhongli has perhaps said more than he thought in this basically verbal work email. Jusis can connect the dots to form quite the tapestry. To him, this is both a threat and a cry for help. This is a man who has forgotten that Rex Lapis is not meant to remain, but for Zhongli to step out from those ashes and live without those shackles.

He has to wonder if the man truly sees the value in friendship and not as just another contract. Another agreement to be shackled to.

There is no wisdom from a god being hurt by his own dogma.

Jusis sees no point in replying to this. Not just because Zhongli has made it clear he doesn't want to open a discussion on it today, if ever. Lines are being toed, certainly, and Zhongli has made his own misstep with the blond, but that won't be called out. Not today. Later, when Zhongli has cooled off.]

text | May 7th

[switchaxe]

you home?

[noblerise]

Yes, I have a few hours before Rean and Elliot are expecting me.

early may. text; un: eunietheboss

[medicgunner]

hey you

didn't you owe me a tea day?

[noblerise]

I do, indeed, owe you a tea day. Honestly, this comes at a good time. I've been in need of a break soon from preparing to move. Is there a time and date that would work for you?

late May | un: kissmyash

[switchaxe]

hey if things go to shit for me or even if they don't, talk to Zero

[noblerise]

Understood. How bad is it right now?

text; un: tsubaki

[kanka]

Please pardon the interruption, Albarea-san. May I have a moment of your time, whenever you’re available?

[It’s not a big question he has to ask, but he feels he should get it out of the way before the month really starts or possibly ends up turning on its head.]

[noblerise]

Of course. I'm free this afternoon, if you'd like to meet somewhere in particular. Otherwise, I'm available right now if you'd like to discuss this over the phone.

[Since he's not sure how sensitive this conversation is, Jusis will leave that to Ayato's discretion.]

email; early june

[lapislazily]

[Attached is yet another invoice... God damn it Zhongli.

And it's for another FUCKING musical instrument.]

Jusis,

You have my word that this purchase was an extraordinary circumstance that will not be repeated. Please deduct it from my pay as necessary. We can talk about other options if that is inadequate.

Zhongli

Text; UN: jalbarea

[noblerise]

[What. In the fuck.

It's not as much as the cello, but what.

The fuck.

Jusis grabs a cup of rose tea, reading the invoice over again more closely, before he sends a text to Zhongli.]

Good evening, Zhongli. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I've received your invoice. While it can be covered, I just wanted to confirm the reason behind the purchase. I see that this seems to be an extenuating circumstance, both from the letter you attached and the description of the saxophone. Is this a personal matter?

text; un: freelancer; late july

[lapislazily]

Jusis. Do you have time to meet?

I have a peculiar request, but it would be better if we spoke in person. Given the sensitivity of the topic, somewhere private would be best.

Without our phones.

[noblerise]

I do have time, as a matter of fact. Court has adjourned earlier than expected, so I'll be working from home the rest of the day.

I'll have tea ready for you. Stop by my house whenever you like. The kids should be out.

text; un: 000000

[scryption]

[Here comes another ominous text.]

Jusis.

I met someone strange.

[noblerise]

[Girl, why do you have to unintentionally invoke Jusis' dad instincts?]

Strange in a way that I should perform my duties as law enforcement or strange in a different way?

voice

[drewthetower]

Hey, it's August Villareal from the app. Jun's told me what's up, and I'd like it if you could keep me in the loop. I promised his dad I'd help keep him out of that hellhole and I plan on doing that.

voice

[noblerise]

[Ah. Jusis should've expected that this would happen. Oh, well, it's a poorly-kept secret and that's alright. The more people with eyes on the Krusnik escapees, the better.]

Hello, August. I'd be happy to keep you in the loop. Quite frankly, depending on what my investigation turns up, I may be obligated to give a Libra-wide warning. We have at least three known escapees from that hellhole, and I'm not about to let any of them be without protection.

Un: Shroud | August, after the Krusnik takedown | Text

[whiteshroud]

Hello Jusis Albarea, I hope you are well.

I would like to formally request the Black Order covers the medical and counseling expenses for Takame Kesi, Vergil Vittore, and Rose. Also, I'd also request a payment reimbursement to Zero to cover the wages she lost while she was unable to work at her job at the Vogue.

Finally, Nicholas D. Wolfwood requires a new pair of shoes. I had to destroy his only pair during the mission.

[noblerise]

I'm doing as well as I can be. I hope the same can be said for you, Jun.

I'll be sure to put in for that coverage immediately. I'll reach out to each of them privately in regards to this. As for Zero, I will need to speak with Zulius first, but I'll ensure that she's fairly compensated for her lost wages.

Understood. Rest assured, his shoes will be replaced.

[Jusis will have to do some gymnastics in order to get The Black Order to cover shoes, but he can do it.]

voice; un: 000000; mid august

[scryption]

Jusis. Do you have a minute?

[noblerise]

I always have time for you, Zero. What's on your mind?

mid august, text; un: eunietheboss

[medicgunner]

[There's no actual text in the message. Just a result of a specific part of her findings from Krusnik's files.

Specifically that mention who has provided them with funding and subjects in the past.

"Kinsley's Kids Home" in England among those listed. In another sent file, there are several subjects with the same last name with notes on what has been done to them, if they are living or deceased, where they currently reside.

All with no text accompanying it. All having Eunie's last name.]

text; un: blade

[unreachableside]

It's done.

[Attached are two pictures. The first is of restored saddle and tack, the leather looking almost brand new, and a set of horseshoes. The second is of a fine silver and emerald rapier laid out on a table as well as a matching scabbard. All of these items have been crafted to Jusis' specifications.]

I still need my gas forge installed as well as electricity. Do you know of anyone on the app who would be able to help with that?

[noblerise]

[Just from the pictures alone, Jusis can admire the skill and passion that Blade has put into these projects. However, he wants to be thorough. He'll need to test how the rapier feels in his hand.]

I would recommend you talking to Varian. I imagine he'd find that a challenging enough project. Just don't let his age fool you. He's created a portal that brought dinosaurs into the modern day once before.

That being said, I would like to test how the rapier feels, if you don't mind. Once I've determined that, I'll let you know my final verdict.

[Granted, he has his verdict right now, but... again. He wants to be thorough. He won't disrespect a master craftsman by looks alone.]

Text | UN: ecraig | 9/09

[fiddlestick]

You don't plan to leave the Black Order, do you?

[noblerise]

[Well. If anyone can figure it out, he knows Elliot and Rean will.]

I don't, but this is perhaps a discussion best had in person. Do you mind if I come over?

un: Shroud | text | After SoS

[whiteshroud]

Hello Jusis,

Sorry to bother you, but I need to request a 20% pay increase due to unexpected hazard pay for myself and my partner Mikleo. Zhongli requested I send all invoices to you.

If you want more information, you'll also need to discuss it with Zhongli.

Thank you.

1/???

[noblerise]

[Jusis is just going about his day all normal and shit. It's a nice, easy mission this month. Nobody's being a bother. Nobody's being thirsty on his ace ass. He even got out of court early. Today's turning out to be a good day.

He's enjoying a nice, relaxing rosehip tea when he gets this text. After years of being in The Order, Jusis has learned to never sip a drink while looking at his texts.]

voice | un: laluna

[crisantemo]

[ There's two things wrong with this call.

The first is that it's from Lapis; she's never had a need to call him before. The next is that she sounds awful, wrung out and exhausted. But she needs to let him know of the potential storm approaching his door. ]

Jusis, I need to speak to you. [ She pauses, before deciding "Fuck it just tell him outright". ]

It's about Velvet.

[noblerise]

[Jusis feels an inordinate amount of dread when he picks up the phone on the way back from his shift on patrol. The only reason he's walking is to make absolutely sure he doesn't see anyone that might be sketchy.]

Lapis.

[... Unfortunately, he sees and hears Velvet at his door, screaming at him to open up.]

She's at my door screaming. Call Eizen.

[That's all he's going to say before hanging up.]

Action | Around the same time as Lapis's call

[gotbadblood]

[Velvet wasted no time once she was back in the city, going directly to Jusis's place. She had questions she needed answers for, she had to find out how deep this conspiracy ran. Did Jusis know the whole time? Had he been stringing her along too?

When she reaches Jusis's door, she'll test the lock before pounding on the door]

JUSIS ALBAREA! OPEN UP!

[noblerise]

[Yeah, Jusis is walking down the street and takes the call from Lapis. He hangs up after giving her some instructions before picking up his pace. His people have been fucking missing for four days and suddenly this is what happens? What the actual fuck happened?!]

Hey!

[That's absolutely his dad voice he's using right now. His kid is in there alone, and he frankly doesn't trust Velvet in this state.]

Step the hell away from there, Crowe.

text; un: blade

[unreachableside]

Question for you.

Let's say hypothetically I was making an array of wind-aspected weapons for use in the protection of the city by the Black Order and its allies. I can imbue them myself, but it takes a lot of energy, so I want to supplement that with a lower-level enchantment. That requires more expensive reagents.

Is this something you could find the budget for? I can dip into my own funds for this, but I thought I'd run it by you first.

[noblerise]

[This is just Jusis's life, now, isn't it?]

In this hypothetical scenario, we would have the budget for such materials. You would send the invoice to Ayato for approval in this scenario.

un: Shroud | text

[whiteshroud]

[Being the PROFESSIONAL he is, Jun will send a text to update Jusis because well let's be real even if Zhongli is technically the client, Jusis is the one handling the finances and the logistics]

This is Shroud.

The voyage has been going well and we're currently still making good time. The Captain knows what he's doing and morale on the ship is good.

However there was an incident I feel you should be aware of that I only recently became aware of. The night before we set sail, Zhongli and Neuvillette met up to discuss matters and the situation became violent. I don't know the full details, but Zhongli suffered what I assume is a stab wound from Neuvillette.

I doubt Zhongli would be interested in pressing charges, but I think you can agree that this situation is getting out of control.

[noblerise]

[As Jusis reads this text, he suddenly feels... very tired. Maybe taking the whole month off in December isn't a bad idea after all. Still, the headaches and complications are worth Zhongli's freedom.]

This is excellent news. I appreciate the update, Shroud.

That said, this news about their violent dispute is worrying. I doubt that the stubborn man will take any sort of offer of help in this situation. If anything, he might downplay it as "deserving what was coming."

[He's going to strangle this old lizard, he swears.]

I'll take this time to think on a course of action and what options we have available to us. Regardless of Zhongli's personal feelings, if this continues, the lives of the people here will be at stake and that's not a price I'm willing to pay.

sometime in october; un: tsubaki, text

[kanka]

I'm beginning to suspect I understand how you feel whenever surprise invoices are sent from what seems like the ether.

[Is he talking about Blade's invoice or something else? Who knows, it doesn't matter.]

Jusis. Is there a chance you may be available in person sometime?

[There's been a lot on his mind, recently.]

un: ecraig | voice

[fiddlestick]

Hey Jusis.

I'm sorry, I know you have a lot on your plate so I feel bad bothering you but....well, uh...

You know that blacksmith you hired? He kinda, maybe.... made a Soldat with my student.

Just thought you'd like to know! Love you, stay safe.

1/2 not quite here

[noblerise]

[Jusis gets this voicemail, and will take a moment to get somewhere safe to go back into human form so he can take a listen. It's from Elliot so it's gotta be important.

There's a resounding echo of:]

Blade did what?!

un: silverrose; 10/22ish

[fionnuisce]

Albarea, sorry to bother you, but Takame and I stumbled across an odd mutual development. Have you had anything peculiar happen recently, perhaps involving a headache?

[noblerise]

Hm, is that so? I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific about which particular headache. I seem to have acquired a third recently.

[Ardyn is the replacement Zhongli. This seems to be about right, though. Jusis can't work here without at least one immortal headache brought to life.]