With Scroogeux's backstory out of the way (or at least beginning to be brought to light), the path was now clear for Valentine's meeting with Bob to take place.
Valentine was a respectful person and mentioned that he would be happy to meet him at a place of his convenience, like at his home, which already got things off to a good start.
Scroogeux reasoned that it was also a good chance for Lucy to showcase her more feminine attributes, like being a pretty and kindhearted daughter...!!! Hehehe...
___
In the Oversons' backyard, overlooking a scenic view of mountains, rivers, and pristine nature, Valentine was admiring the view, as they began to discuss about a possible partnership.
"I'm grateful for our chance to meet and chat, Mr Overson."
"Just Scroogeux is fine."
"Okay… well, Mr... Scroogeux, can I ask you something?"
"You must know that I am a student, a disciple of The Art of Rizz…"
"It so happens that I can't help but wonder… whether you also might know anything about this?…"
"Would you happen to know anything about a certain… Max O' Scooru?"
So much for keeping things in suspense.
I mean, author reasoned, this was bound to happen anyway, so why the need for filler? Full steam ahead!
The esteemed readers felt a warm and fuzzy emotion in their hearts as they realised how good of a person author truly was was, how much he cared, saving them having to wade through countless chapters of waffle, countless sleepless nights wondering whether or when Valentine might confront Scroogeux over his potential dual identity as Max O' Scooru, and countless other contrivances designed solely to pad the chapter count and with no actual substance.
Valentine for his part, reflecting Bob's high Respect and Morals Level (currently at level 167), simply didn't like to conduct business with deception.
Trust was always his motto, and that was why he just decided to cut to the chase.
It was indeed effective.
Scroogeux for his part kept calm like the true professional Rizzmaster he was, but Valentine noticed that behind him, his butler person, Ukan Trustmi's hands had shook, as he placed down a drink on the table, and his eyes had widened involuntarily in shock!!!
Scroogeux sighed, immediately realising that Ukan had, owing to his forthright nature, given him away, before letting out a chuckle.
"...Well… Well done!!!"
"You are the first person to make that connection, and I'm impressed."
"Yes. The truth is…"
Here, Scroogeux took out a small leather bound folio, which shone with golden lettering.
"The Art of Rizz… The Art of Touch. These were the legendary arts passed on by the Divine-level Grandmaster of the Gigachad Arts, the original Founding Rizzmaster."
But did you know… that in addition to these two branches… that there was also… a third, secret branch of the Divine-Gigachad-level Master's teachings?
Inwardly, Valentine inhaled sharply. W-what?!?! This was the first time he was hearing of this!
Outwardly though, as usual, having been taught by a master of bluffing himself, Old Man Li, Valentine kept on his calm poker face on and exuded calmness, like a calming calm of consummate calmness, as if all of this were within his expectations.
Scroogeux nodded, acknowledging the presence of another seasoned veteran at the psalm-of-calm game.
"Indeed…"
"...Handed down from generation to generation…
"I am the current last-in-line, the recipient of this secret third branch of the Divine Arts of Rizz-mastery…"
"Time is short though, and I have been searching for a successor to pass on these teachings!!!"
Valentine knew this was his cue.
"What kind of Arts are you referring to… and what about passing them on to your Lovel- ahem, to your daughter Lucy?"
Lucy had politely opened the door to welcome Valentine into the Overson's residence, and then left them to their meeting. Yes, it was just common courtesy, but she would be lying if she said she didn't make sure that she wasn't exuding some... 'natural feminine aura' in choosing an elegant, flowing and tasteful dress that just happened to show off her flawless features, and a light makeup, all of which just happened to both simultaneously enhance, and also match perfectly with her lustrous blonde hair and showed off the subtle colours in her vibrant, sparkling eyes...
Scroogeux nodded. "Yes, I considered it, but Lucy was not compatible with channeling the Arts of Rizz… rather, her talents lie more in the area of Anti-Rizz… of course, we ensured that her Anti-Rizz talents were nurtured in the best ways possible…"
"But now, as to your question…"
"Well that is what I'm here to offer you."
"I like what you are doing with the Future of Humanity Project. It's something that I wish I could have done, when I was younger, had the technology and opportunity been available back then..."
"Age is just a number." Valentine offered obligingly.
Scroogeux continued as if somewhat satisfied with this remark.
"Good lad. Well, all in all, I feel you would be worthy to receive the legacy of this third secret branch of Rizzmaster Arts..."
"But!"
At this, he waggled a finger, this disclaimer was all textbook stuff to both of them since they were highly skilled Rizzmasters at this point, but it still had to be done.
"As you know, with great power comes great responsibility. Are you prepared to take on… this responsibility?!"
Here, a lesser man than Valentine might have blindly agreed, but, thanks to Bob's abilities, he knew it wasn't so simple.
He knew what to do. He hadn't found out what these secret Arts were yet, and was expected to ask about them!
"Uh, thanks for the opportunity Scroogeux. I'd be more than likely happy to agree, but before that, can you tell me what these Arts are, and what this responsibility involves?"
This was of course what Scroogeux Overson was waiting for, and he gave a nod of approval.
This boy, this guy… he gets it! He thought inwardly.
Yet outwardly, he kept a none other than - you know it by now, esteemed reader - calm countenance as always, befitting of a true master as he continued.
"That's right."
"What I will teach you and impart to you…
"In addition to The Art of Rizz… and the Art of Touch…
Is...
"the Art… of Bizz…"
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