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

[burntilldawn]

You say that as though you're displeased with them. [Diluc could read between the lines. If anything the dry response gave him points.

Now it was time to see if they'd be kept. He uncrossed his arms, setting one on the table and leaning forward slightly.]

Kreuzen Corp, your family's company, has been expanding well beyond Europe. Any share holder or businessman worth their salt is aware of this. Even in my company the name has come up to replace one's that have been loyal to us for years.

[He leaned back again, crossing his legs and folding his hands in his lap.]

You have your own business, but are you involved with Kreuzen?

[noblerise]

[Jusis will elect to not reply. That's more than enough as an answer.

As Diluc leans forward, the blond leans back. He crosses his arms casually, though it's clear by his eyes that his attention is fully on the redhead. He's quiet through the explanation and patiently hears him out. After a moment of silence, Jusis shakes his head.]

No. That's the simple answer, at any rate. I'm not set to take over my father's business, nor am I here on behalf of the Kreuzen Corporation. Granted, those are just words and you'd be right to distrust them until proven otherwise. However, I can guarantee you that my father wants nothing to do with me.

[He's the family disappointment, after all. Though he won't tell Diluc that at this time. It's still... Raw, even after all these years away from the man.]

[burntilldawn]

[Diluc offered equal patience, hearing Jusis out on his connection, or apparent lack there of, to his family's company.

It was true. Jusis could say anything and it didn't mean it was how things were. Why would Diluc trust him at face value? But he also wasn't so blind as to miss when someone seemed genuine at a glance. He searched for tells, quirks he could use to call out the deceit and didn't find any.

My father wants nothing to do with me. That tugged at his heart more than it ought to have, even without the full context. It felt wrong. He let silence linger between them for a moment.]

You're right. I have no reason to believe you. [A pause as he uncrossed his legs.] But if you're willing to prove you speak the truth, I do have reason to respect you.

[noblerise]

[Jusis seems to relax a little when Diluc says that. It's easy to get a bit defensive when it comes to his family's business. He still hasn't fully processed his feelings on them after over a decade.]

How fortunate that I do have that willingness. Whatever my father's dealings as CEO, they don't reflect my opinions. I'm my own person.

[He nods at Diluc, softening somewhat. Respect was given to him, and it's only fair to return the courtesy.]

That said, I don't agree with how he's running the company. I wish I knew what he was thinking, or what my brother is thinking for that matter, but I have no answers for you.

[burntilldawn]

You are, that's why I asked you separate from your affiliation.

[And yet he felt at odds with Jusis still. On a deeper level he could not bring himself to process right now. As a man whose actions reflected his family name. His father's name and legacy.

... why did he feel like these thoughts were something out of a novel? No, he didn't have the time for this right now.]

My personal opinion can't always come to light to my company, but I'm afraid I don't ever intend to work with Kreuzen. [His word choice seemed to indicate that he felt bad. His tone however? Almost proud in its sheer indifference.] They operate like a monopoly over all products and I won't compromise my beliefs just to potentially increase profit or productivity.

[noblerise]

[There's a long moment of silence, and then Jusis chuckles. A rare thing from him outside of Class VII.]

Had I been in your position, I would wholeheartedly agree.

[He hopes his father chokes on his greed and ambition.]

Perhaps one day I'll have the courage to say as such to their faces. If a bit less politely.

[burntilldawn]

[... You know what? That got a smirk out of Diluc. It took courage in its own right to basically admit you want your father's company to fall. Even if in the most passive of ways.]

Ha, someone has to. Unfortunately, I can only be so blunt given my position. I begin a correspondence with "as per my last email," and the aftermath becomes my entire month.

[noblerise]

[Jusis shakes his head.]

This sounds depressingly familiar.

[Having finished his sandwiches and tea, the blond gives him a nod.]

I fear I must take my leave. Thank you for reaching out to me, and for the pleasant evening. Should you require me for anything else, feel free to call me. I hope you have a good evening.

[And the sneaky bastard "forgets" the cash he's left on the table to cover both his and Diluc's orders as he leaves.]

[burntilldawn]

Of course. I appreciate you hearing me out.

[He did promise he wouldn't keep Jusis for long. And he got what he needed to get done. Gauging the kind of man Jusis was and parsing how close he was to Kreuzen.

Only time would tell if he's worthy of trust.

... But seeing the stealthily left cash on the table.]

Heh. [Sneaky bastard. Alright, Albarea. If it's games you want to play, he knew them well. Diluc will remember this.]