<@Grysar> [Date: April 20, 2004.] <@Grysar> [It's getting to be closing time at the publishing house. Kyon is a bit behind on the chapter for his next book (to be included with the upcoming English edition of the novels). That said, Kaneko until recently hasn't been reminding him about it, so perhaps the deadline pressure lifted slightly.] <@Grysar> [Regardless, there she is now, hustling down the hall with a purposeful look in her eye.[ <@Grysar> [So what what were you doing at the office Kyon, and what do you do now?] <@Grysar> [Start!] * Kyon is waiting patiently in a chair in the hallway for her arrival, legs together, briefcase standing on the floor beside him. He turns his head to register her coming, and then unfolds himself, facing her with a cool expression, and then bowing. <@Grysar> * Kaneko returns the bow. "I'm so glad you're here." * Kyon gives a curt nod, and picks up his briefcase. "Should've made time to come sooner." <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods. "How's the writing?" * Kyon starts walking down the hall. "Coming along. Didn't want to do a full draft chapter without knowing where the characters were going for the book. Gotten some good ideas lately, though. About half done now." <@Grysar> * Kaneko walks along. "Good, good." She then sighs, "There's also a more immediate matter, and I'm afraid it's an inconvenience that has just been dumped in my lap." * Kyon looks down at her sidewise, and says coolly, "What is it?" <@Grysar> Akatsuki-san has begged off this seasons boardmember dinner. Which takes place tonight. * Kyon cocks his head. "And they want you to sit in instead." <@Grysar> * Kaneko snorts, "They want me to find a replacement. Kobe-san apparently proved unable and informed me of such fifteen minutes ago." She grits her teeth, "That said, if effervescent but worldly is what they need, if I can't find another I'll do my best to provide." <@Grysar> * Kaneko grumbling, "She had the gull to tell me that 'his withdrawal should come as no suprise, considering.' What does that even mean?" * Kyon frowns, thinking for a beat before saying, "Let's find a meeting room. Can talk about this." <@Grysar> [One meeting room later...] <@Grysar> * Kaneko gives a brief spiel. Three board members, a guest author, and another guest, often a prospect. All but the authors are to be able to hold up conversation on a different genre of books. Kyon's probably done a different boardmember meeting on occassion, perhaps with a different gimmick. * Kyon sets his briefcase on the table. "First. You want me to attend? Anyone important there I should know about?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko bows again, "It would be a great favor to myself and the house if you did, but I will not have my top writer compelled. The choice is yours." She then digs through the materials. * Kyon nods curtly. "Already behind schedule on the chapter. Least I can do to make up for it." <@Grysar> The guests are OSHIRO Yuuma, construction magnate, MORI Takahiro, 'luminary,' YAMAGATA Katsuro, politician, and... <@Grysar> * Kaneko flips to a different page, "Odd, Detective Lt. SAGARA Kenjii * Kyon frowns again, resting his hand by his briefcase. "Why's a detective there? That's strange." <@Grysar> [Sagara, notably, has interviewed Kyon once before. And the party broke into his office once, but presumably he doesn't know about that.] <@Grysar> Public servents do get invited, but not normally one at his level. ::She makes a fac and looks through a few other assorted papers:: It seems like this was a special request to the Chief, but one made some weeks ago, before the cancellation. * Kyon looks dubious. "Fan of the Council series?" <@Grysar> Possible, but this is actually Akatsuki-san's second year with the three boardmembers. I'd suspect the box for high school supernatural pulp was already checked. * Kyon nods curtly. "Right. So something else, then. Did his editor know?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods. "She's imperious but not incompetant. It does sound like Akatsuki was more leary this year but the decision to withdrawal was made in the past week or so. The guest list was available by the start of April." <@Grysar> * Kaneko chcks her watch. * Kyon thins his lips out, and nods again. "I'll do it. For your forbearance." <@Grysar> * Kaneko gives another bow of thanks. "I'm at your disposal for the logistics the location is a private club and food and drinks will be provided." * Kyon nods back curtly. "Just give me the address. Can take the bike over." <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods. "Is there anything you'd like me to try to figure out this evening? I might be able to get you an answer in time for dessert." * Kyon drums his fingers on the briefcase. "Two things. First is about the next Council book. Got some friends who are interested in hearing about where it's going. If there's any copy around, it'd be good to see. I can keep it confidential among our group." <@Grysar> * Kaneko nods, "I'll try but I know Kobe-san has been keeping a tight leash on it, to the extent that it's actually disrupting our usual review process." * Kyon smirks. "We sure he's actually writing anything?" <@Grysar> * Kaneko grins. "No." Seemed not mentally great, when we met. Could be that's why he pulled out. Just the stress. <@Grysar> * Kaneko loses the grin. "Possible. Perhaps a subject for another time." <@Grysar> [Placeholder for other thing!] <@Grysar> [The club is located in Ginza, on the 13th story of an older skyscraper. There's a valet ready for Kyon's motorcycle. The 60s chic lobby is no longer fashionable but is still quite elegant and well maintained. The club itself has a private elevator that Kyon is directed to and opens to a wood panelled room.] <@Grysar> [The reserved private room is in the corner, with two sets of windows behind partially open wooden shudders. The table and chairs are western style.] <@Grysar> [Sagara is immediately recognizable. He's lost more hair since Kyon saw him last, but still possesses a find moustache.] <@Grysar> [Oshiro is a notably larger gentleman, the restaurant even discretely found a more supportive chair for him. His suit is well tailored and while not more heavy than muscled, he does look like someone that would at least fit in at a foreman's office. <@Grysar> [Mori is wearing tweed and has has a thicker beard than Oshiro's goatee. Neither it nor his hair is yet gray, but that may be due to dye by the look of him.] <@Grysar> [Yamagata hasn't arrived yet. Go.] <@Grysar> [We'll play this as more a series of vignettes than in real time. That said, Kyon does have a power to be recognized that you may choose to employ.] * Kyon sizes up the room, and goes to talk with Sagara first, since he's the only one he's met already. Even if it has been a while. <@Grysar> * Sagara bows but his tone is weary but quiet, "If my memory were a little sharper, I'd have kept both names tied to your face. I hope you've been well." * Kyon bows back to him. "Yes. I'm fine. We don't go out of our way to publicize my dual life. So it's not that big a surprise." <@Grysar> I imagine keeping extra lives straight may be wearisome at times. * Kyon smirks. "If only I could write in the locker room. Everything would be much simpler." <@Grysar> * Sagara nods. "Just so." He seems willing to chat a bit, but is guarded as to his purpose here and definitely seems less trusting than even back when he facing Kyon in a police interview. * Kyon inquires as to whether he's been to any of these before, and if not, what made him decide to come to this one. <@Grysar> No, I haven't. I didn't even realize these sort of things still happened at first. But our department had the opportunity, and this may surprise you, but I'm quite the science fiction devotee. Must have been disappointed when you got me instead. <@Grysar> * Sagara looks at Kyon for a moment, trying to read him. "Well, I'm told that Akatsuki-san also claims to be a writer in the realist mode. So perhaps neither of you write speculative fiction." * Kyon looks impassive. "Might as well say that Harry Potter is real, as this. And if you think my work is speculative, your life's lacking romance, Detective." <@Grysar> * Sagara flinches a bit at that, but recovers quickly. "I can hardly argue you with you there. But, don't late me detain you." * Kyon bows to him once more. "Please let me know if I can be of service." And then he makes his way to Yamagata-san. <@Grysar> [Yamagata-san has just arrived, so Kyon's timing is excellent.] * Kyon bows to him, and says formally, "Welcome. Thank you for attending this meeting." <@Grysar> * Yamagata bows back, replying formally. "And thank you for honoring us with your attendence." His tone then switches to a quieter and slightly more conspiratorial one, "We're lucky to have such a prestiguous replacement given the short notice. I was half expecting they'd send one of the house's delightful editors." * Kyon smirks. "It was close. But I was behind on a deadline. This was my way of apologizing. And so here we are." <@Grysar> [And a course of food has arrived. Yamagata, after checking that he's not imposing, takes a seat next to Kyon and continues the conversation.] * Kyon takes up chopsticks and prepares to talk more! <@Grysar> I'm quite familiar with that. Half the meetings I attend are an apology for something or other. Often just having been late to a different meeting. I fear before too long I'll have exhausted our nation's supply of events. My father would say that's impossible. Particularly when he's in another meeting. <@Grysar> * Yamagata laughs. "Your father sounds like a wise man." <@Grysar> * Yamagata proves quite capable of speaking about anything at all or indeed nothing. The conversation is Kyon's to steer, but getting him to stick to a difficult topic may prove a challenge. * Kyon will try to talk about the Council books first - is he a fan? Has he met Akatsuki-sensei before? <@Grysar> * Yamagata's face darkens for a moment at the question. "We had actually met at last year's dinner, and at a social occassion or two otherwise. He has quite the rapier wit." * Kyon cocks his head. "Really. Only met him the once. But that's not the image I got." <@Grysar> * Yamagata adds obliquely, "Perhaps it depends on the audience. But you were asking about the books..." * Kyon nods, and asks how he finds the books. And also to loop around a bit to the audience question. <@Grysar> I do prefer stories that 'eliminate the impossible.' The public can be to caught up in mystical stories and outrageous scandals. Give me a bit of intellectual stimulation and deduction any day. And this has some of both, even. <@Grysar> Just so. I prefer your style of story, a bit of romance but nothing for the tabloids. Not a lot of showy stuff to try to draw in the young women. <@Grysar> * Yamagata's tone does seems to show mixed feelings about Akatsuki and not real outlet to express them. Knowing that one of his colleagues sympathized might draw him out nicely. * Kyon nods curtly. "Yeah. Have to know your audience. Speaking of which: how'd you meet him before? Seemed kind of strange at my meeting with him. Shifty." <@Grysar> * Yamagata nods, "Well, he seemed trustworth enough to be me, but some people have said similar things. I'd heard about him second hand, he went to the same University as my daughter and wanted to make a big name for himself even then..." * Kyon nods curtly, and cocks his head. "Your daughter? Is she also in university now?" <@Grysar> * Yamagata shakes his head. "No, graduated, which is a shame, I did enjoy University visits, if you know what I mean. But..." He suddenly gets a bit more formal, "She's actually the young adult member on the Tokyo Board of Education now. I'm quite proud of her..." <@Grysar> It's an important time for young people to stand up. Particularly with the Teachers Union standing badmouthing the idea of being proud of one's country. * Kyon nods back. "A very good position for her." He cocks his head, and asks, "What's not to be proud of?" <@Grysar> That's what I say. A bit of civics and encouraging love of country and suddenly everyone's throwing around terms like indoctrination. ::He sighs:: Although her focus has been more positive. ::He continues for a bit, but largely retreads topic she covered back in her address to Taki's graduating class:: * Kyon nods along, keeping his face neutral, and then asks once more about his previous meeting with Akatsuki, if it wasn't at this one. Did he meet him through his daughter? In her young adult position on the board? Or somewhere else? <@Grysar> Yes, she had an ecletic set of friends, particularly in her younger days. But we're all allowed some free spiritedness in our youth, right? I'll confess, Akatsuki is perhaps no more a fan of me than I am of his books. Though at least I feel I got off better than Mori-san over there. Last year the two of them were speaking for what seemed like an hour. Ended with him going white as a sheet. Not a fan of fantasy either I suppose. * Kyon nods back curtly, and looks off towards Mori. "What is he a luminary for? I haven't met him before." <@Grysar> I believe he has a column somewhere and is always off galavanting around the world. Huh. Would you excuse me? I should go make his acquaintance before it gets too late in the evening. <@Grysar> [Yamagata lets him go, the course is finished after all. Mori had been chatting with Oshiro but doesn't seem to mind changing conversation partners.] * Kyon introduces himself formally and offers up a business card to exchange! <@Grysar> [While his dress is scholarly, the gentlemen is fairly well appointed. He even has tie pin with his surname name printed on it, although at least that's a little cheaper when your surname is only a single kanji.] <@Grysar> * Mori exchanges cards, "A pleasure to meet you. I've long been a fan of your family's work, although I confess that I focus more on the libation than the literary side." * Kyon makes a mental note to get a Sorata tie pin. * Kyon looks at the card, and then up at him coolly. "You have gourmet tastes, then." <@Grysar> * Mori shrugs his shoulders, "The finer things are worth the investment, I find." * Kyon nods back at him. "In literature, as well. Our political colleague there tells me you came to one of these last year, as well." <@Grysar> * Mori nods. "It was quite the experience. Akatsuki may write nonsense, but he fashions himself a scholar of the streets. Our conversation was quite stimulating. I was disappointed that he couldn't attend this year, but that disappointment faded when I learned the replacement did not limit himself to excellence in fabulism. * Kyon inclines his head in recognition of the compliment. "From my meeting with him, he didn't seem street smart. What did you talk with him about?" <@Grysar> Well, to study a thing is not always the same as to be able to move safely within it. We build ivory towers for a reason. But we spoke of history. He had some interest in what exactly conspiracies could manage in real actual history. That fits with his work. Which did you talk about? <@Grysar> Court politics, coups. He had some interest in the wartime period, but his knowledge of military affairs and politics wasn't up to snuff to have a decent conversation on the matter. <@Grysar> Still, all and all, a pleasant chat. We were all students once after all. * Kyon nods smoothly. "And he is learning, as you said. What made you say he's a scholar of the streets?" <@Grysar> * Mori frowns for a moment, lost in thought. "Well, unlike our boorish detective guest, apparently Akatsuki's method for writing fiction first involved talking to any number of people and collecting their stories and legends. It seems strange to apply such a method today, particularly to go on to write light novels, but he was quite proud of his approach. * Kyon nods curtly, and in a prompting way, replies, "Very anthropological." <@Grysar> * Mori doesn't seem to have too much more to add on the topic, prefering to redirect the conversation to the drink menu and taking advantage of Kyon's expertise. * Kyon lets Mori take control of the conversation for a moment, seeing what he tries to bring up. * Mori, before too long, is bragging about his various international travels after asking a question or two showing a nominal interest if Kyon has been abroad much himself. "So, Afghanistan is of particular interest to one such as myself as it's in the process of adding another empire to its graveyard. Traveling was a bit of an adventure, as you might imagine, but I have some skill in ferreting out reliable locals, as challenging as that may be." * Kyon tries some of the food, and then asks, "Do you do that here, too? When you need to find someone to talk to? A source for your column? Seems like a skill that would transfer." [The food is a fairly traditional arrangement, showing a bit of fear of offense in trying anything new, but nonetheless made from fresh and quality ingrediants.] * Mori laughs, "Well yes, one can't merely speak to a taxicab driver and expect to gain great insights about a place. But ultimately I find I seek out men of honor, without prejudice as to what their culture honors so long as they adhere to their codes." * Mori happily talks about his methods to an extent, name dropping some business, military, and scholarly greybeards. * Mori isn't necessarily quite as well connected as he thinks, his people are known for being outspoken, but not always for good reasons. [Mori's primary method, in practice, seems to be asking people he respects to connect him to people they respect, and being sure to extract a useable tidbit about each link in the chain as he goes.] * Kyon nods curtly along, being polite enough. "Must lead to some uncomfortable exchanges with people. Once you have those links." * Mori nods. "Oh, I could tell a few stories. Back rooms I walked into that I wasn't sure I'd leave again standing on my feet. But of course, the other part of the method is not just finding people, but having a few high cards up one sleeve should you not immediately hit it off." * Kyon raises his eyebrows. "Any tales you can share? Sounds thrilling." He manages to sound sincere. * Mori tries out some of his upcoming column material, being shown around a few provinces in Southern Afghanistan by a warlord that recently switched alignment from the Taliban. "And once I mentioned the time I knocked the Governor to safety during a mortar attack during his farmland inspection, well, the checkpoint guards put away the kalashnikovs and brought out the cigars. To be honest, I feared more for my own safey than his life, but instinct takes over in a crisis and I wasn't about to tell them that." [Mori also does switch into some Japan stories, but he seems to be picking them very carefully to avoid an opportunities Kyon might have to one up him. The Sorata name and the weight it carries in the country seems to be pushing him abroad.] [Kyon has definitely dealt with this sort of egoist before, and is able to draw him out some with a mix acknowledgement of some of his ties but also calculated shows that certain names are just predictable or commonplace, forcing Mori to go a little deeper on his chain...] * Kyon nods curtly in response to some of the names, but mentions having met some of them himself, or his father having met some, too. [Kyon has a pretty good sense of Mori's connections by the end of that, but perhaps more important, he also has a sense of the gaps. Ever now and then, Mori seems to be suddenly redirect, with the occassional glance over at Lt. Sagara who seems to be trying to keep an eye at all four other men in the room simultaneously. The holes in Mori's web seem to be places where the chain of connections might be dipping into the underworld. Kyon would be able to extract more if Mori had had a sense he was sympicato, but probably not with Sagara in the room.] * Kyon listens along and asks a few questions, and then asks in the end whether they could meet and talk on a different occasion. Particularly since he still needs to talk with other guests, as well. * Mori is up for that, in the process Kyon is able to confirm at least one peripheral Yakuza player that he's used as a source and he almost drops the name of a younger person that helped him get a bead on an article two years a Japanese crime wave, but he demurs and would prefer to speak at a later time, as long as Kyon shares some stories and connections in return. * Kyon nods back curtly, and then asks, "Before I go greet the others, just one more question for now?" * Mori nods, finishing up his meal and wiping at his lips with a napkin. * Kyon points at his tie. "Where'd you get the tie pin made?" <@Grysar> * Mori laughs, "I know a jeweler in Osaka. I'd give you directions, but that section is rather labyrinthian." He does write down a phone number, though "Tell them I sent you." * Kyon takes it, and tucks it in his jacket pockets. "Thanks." <@Grysar> [Mori acknoweldges that and seems pleased with that ending, what's next Kyon, as the meal wraps up and the drinks come out, it's a pretty easy time to switch partners.] * Kyon bows to Mori, and goes to Oshiro, so he can pour him his drink. <@Grysar> * Oshiro is grateful and reciprocates. "Welcome, honored author. A toast to the success of my favorite publisher." * Kyon nods back curtly. "A gracious toast. Kampai." He toasts him, and then offers him a name card, with a proper bow. <@Grysar> * Oshiro is not a particularly muscular man, despite his size, but his tanned skin and deeper voice suggest fit the construction trade, where he has a leading role in his family company, based on the card he returns. * Kyon tucks the card safely into the pocket over his heart. "Hope you've been enjoying the event. Sorry it's taken so long to get to you." <@Grysar> * Oshiro chuckles. "No matter, the good MP knows that conversation is part of constituent service and I'm not yet so old that I don't enjoy a inter-genre fight with our stary-eyed detective." * Kyon raises his eyebrows. "You're quite well read. Heard this wasn't your first of these events, either." <@Grysar> * Oshiro snorts. "Perhaps you had something else to do in high school and college, but that was my solace of choice. I find it's worth keeping up with newer material if one wishes to continue to be surprised and at times discomfited by one's literature." * Kyon smirks. "Did my share of reading, too. Part of the family business, after all. Have you read any of my work?" <@Grysar> * Oshiro nods, "A bit. I do enjoy our modern era." He grins and gives an easy shrug, "Although my tastes normally run a bit darker I'm afraid." * Kyon nods curtly. "More of a fan of the original guest of honor tonight, then." * Oshiro gives a curt nod. "But as I said to the good detective, if we never venture out of our favorites we lose track of what drew us to them in the first place." * Kyon nods back to him. "True. And you probably met him last year. Makes it easier." <@Grysar> * Oshiro smiles at that, aggreeing with a vague, "Isn't it so." * Kyon cocks his head slightly. "You didn't appreciate his appearance?" * Oshiro laughs. "No, that would be our companion Mori-sama, who had his gasbag pierced last time by the look of it." <@Grysar> * Oshiro shakes his head, "I find Aka..tsuki-san's work quite relatable." <@Grysar> Minus the magic of course. * Kyon looks down at their drinks, checking the relative levels. "Of course." <@Grysar> [Oshiro is going a bit faster and there's a hint of flush to his face.] * Kyon refills his glass politely. "So you find the conspiracies and secrets realistic?" <@Grysar> * Oshiro tops Kyon off in turn. "How could I not. Every family has its secrets and as the great Scottish economist once said 'People of the same trade seldom meet, even for drinks, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public.'" <@Grysar> Except in construction, of course. * Kyon snorts a laugh, and nods a thanks to Oshiro. "Heard that from my father before, too. Particularly considering our business." <@Grysar> * Oshiro smiles and clinks glasses. "Ah, yes, I should say except Construction, Spirits, and the Entertainment industries. I should have put it together when a different brand of refreshments was provided this year." He smiles, "Your father must be proud." * Kyon nods soberly. "Do my best. Still planning on taking over the business, once my more public career has ended." <@Grysar> * Oshiro nods more soberly, "Reading the books your father read is not a bad place to start. Although of course it's a terrible place to stop." Very true. Need to grow. Can't stay stuck in the same cycle, after all. * Kyon sips his drink lightly. <@Grysar> * Oshiro nods and sips his drink a little more heavily, contemplative. <@Grysar> [Meanwhile, there is some heavier drinking among the other guests. Mori and Yamagata are batting the poor Lt. Sagara back and forth via bankshot one-upmanship.] * Kyon adjusts his jacket. "Part of what makes the Council books interesting. You're caught up on them?" <@Grysar> * Oshiro smiles, "Greedily so, from your question, I take it you've seen the early proofs of the second book?" * Kyon nods curtly. "Through a friend who got an advance copy." <@Grysar> * Oshiro shakes his head. "Man, that ending. I do hope Kokusensha won't straightjacket the book with young adult restrictions. Aka.. ...tsuki- chan is capable of more. <@Grysar> * Oshiro finishes his glass and refills Kyon, pausing just a moment as he does so, perhaps noting the differences in pace. * Kyon cocks his head slightly. "I think they know their readers will want it. But to refer to him like that, perhaps you know him better?" <@Grysar> * Oshiro waves it off, "Many of your fans no doubt feel the same way about you. For an avid reader, our conversations with authors are often among our most intimate." <@Grysar> * Oshiro snorts, "Which is perhaps the overly poetic musings of an old man. Most likely custodians feel the same way about my buildings." * Kyon nods back to him, and picks up his drink once more, smirking. "But you spend time with a story, and you learn it. Makes you feel closer. I do try to do that." <@Grysar> * Oshiro nods, "I shall have to pick up yours again, it is still a rare perk to converse with an author before coming to know their works." <@Grysar> [Oshiro's tone is one of somewhat polite lying. He isn't making direct eye contact as he evades and he's being careful in his word choice to not *directly* contradict his relationship with Aka even as he implies otherwise. He doesn't actually seem to be worried that Kyon thinks there's a relationship, instead, based on some of his earlier comments, he seems more concerned with hiding something related to the origin of connection which apparently pre-dated last year's meeting.] <@Grysar> [Oshiro's enthusiasm is such that he obviously feels no shame being a proponent of Aka's work.] * Kyon nods back curtly. "Glad to be here. Hard to run into circumstances you get to meet authors at, besides events like these." @Grysar> * Oshiro mmms. Hard to disagree with that. Did manage to meet with the Council's author recently, though. Even if he can be a busy man to find. <@Grysar> * Oshiro leans in and hushes his tone slightly. "Yes indeed, his editor does her job very well in that regard." On that point, his tone is one of bemused frustration. * Kyon nods quickly. "Had to set something up through mine. Still useful, though. You know his editor as well, then?" <@Grysar> * Oshiro nods. "Kobe-san does enjoy playing the game of Questions. So, any tidbits of note?" Kyon nods back to him curtly, and smirks. "You want to exchange?" What are you offering? You've met with him as well, haven't you? And we're both interested. Could just share some information, from the meetings. Flesh things out, hints for the future. * Oshiro nods. "I am curious to hear one one author's insight on another directly. That's a bit more lively than getting the literary supplement. I'll share a story or two to match." * Kyon thinks for a couple of beats, and then says, "At the meeting, I thought he'd want out of the story he's in now. Not to keep telling it the same way. But he feels stuck in what he's doing now. The wheel is turning, after all. Can't stop the momentum. I should know, with my experience." * Oshiro raises an eyebrow and finishes his drink. "Huh." He thinks for a moment. * Oshiro scratches his brow with the index feature of his free hand and keeps a lower tone. "That may be why he is being so cagey, it would explain tonight. He has a real opportunity with the third book but does need the freedom-- ah, but you wanted information and not musings." * Kyon waves his hand over his drink brusquely. "Nah. Tell me more." * Oshiro thinks, "Well, the fear is with such stories is always that implicit promises made in early books will not be paid off later, but our young author has an overabundance of notes and seems to be selectively choosing from it. So his reticence to speak seemed uncharacteristic, he's hardly written himself into a corner." I did wonder if Kokusensha had clipped his wings, is that what you meant? * Kyon takes a sip of his drink. "Or someone. There are a lot of demands on an author. When you get that popular, so suddenly." * Oshiro mmms. "Perhap I shall have to ask my son. They'd both gone to univeristy together and it was my heir's accidentally leaving out a manuscript shortly after I'd finished a book that first brought the Council of Mysteries to my attention." * Kyon looks curious. "Your son? Is he also in your business, then?" * Oshiro laughs, "In a manner of speaking, yes." * Kyon looks slightly bemused. "What's that mean? Not sure who he is." Oh, I suspect it isn't so unfamiliar. Not being in the family business isn't really in the for anyone in the Oshiro trunk line. But his friendship with Aka has been quite the boon, he's reading more, and I have the sense that there was at least one or two scrapes that he might have had a little help getting out of with some assistance. He's an adult now, so I don't pry, but I do always wonder if something from life will work into fiction. * Kyon frowns. "It sounds helpful. A creative author can make a good friend. What's his name?" Fumio. Perhaps you could be a second authorial friend, one with some business sense. I presently hope his handsome face will attract a cunning wife, but no doubt I'm too hard on the boy. * Oshiro may be a little more flushed in the face now, Kyon, you keeping up drinking wise? * Kyon has probably not had as much, but has certainly had at least a drink or so. * Oshiro refill's Kyon's glass and notes that this particular bottle has been emptied. He picks up a nearby bottle of fairly high proof bourbon. "But yes, that was how I first got to know the young Mr. Aka. But the rest, well..." * Kyon nods back, and encourages him to keep talking as he sips at the drink. [And Oshiro and Kyon settle down for a bit. Fumio's activities were a bit of a mystery at times. He definitely learned a few things, but very much a legacy kid. Oshiro never quite got out of him how he and Aka met, but back in those early days Aka was driven but never really fearful or haunted in the manner Kyon hints at now.] [Oshiro got to know them a little better at a Uehara hosted museum party. The young Ms. Yamagata was there as well, and it would be a joy if Fumio could find himself such a woman, another Osaka University alum, Oshiro adds with some pride.] * Kyon nods to him, and acknowledges that Osaka University is a good school. * Oshiro sits down, refilling Kyon's glass on more time. "Ah, but the evening draws late and I've wasted enough of your time. Although I do wonder if perhaps the brother is key to this, quite an eccentric young gentleman. He went toe to toe with me through the Western canon, only to leave for the bathroom and return with another identity. Odd chap. Our author, well, the look of disappointment is one I would dread from a sibling. * Kyon nods back and smirks. "Met him, too. He's..." He searches for an appropriate term for a beat. "... colorful." * Oshiro laughs. "That's one word. I'd say unfit to operate heavy machinery, that's something you have to watch for. But then one of the Council books was dedicated to him, there's love there I think." * Kyon nods quickly. "Family is family. Luckily for us, he's not operating a crane." [And the waitstaff begins cleaning up, still at the subtle hint stage as the evening wraps up. Any last questions you want to get in Kyon?] * Kyon is content to let things settle and leave a hopefully positive impression. [And so he does, end!]