>>5168724The doors open, Ulrich and his butler lead the Professor and his assistant Dorothy to this battlefield at long last. It’s taken you so much time to get some progress on the investigation that this doesn’t feel real. You greet and introduce each other very briefly, as Bombastus shakes your hand, he apologizes for the misunderstanding you two went through – he seems like a nice man without the pepper spray in your eyes.
With everyone gathered, Ulrich and his Butler asked you all to come with them to a new room they prepared for the duel, you all walk across the courtyard into another smaller building. Inside, it’s all set up like it’s an Iron Chef Duel from TV, two kitchens in front of the other, a stage with a long table and 3 seats for the judges.
“I thought we just bring cake done.” Bombastus raises his box, utterly confused.
“S-Same.” You raise yours. You didn’t break your ass yesterday to throw this away.
“Please pay no mind to the scenery, we’ll only use the stage! I told my guys about the event, and they must’ve misinterpreted what I said – and we got this. I only asked for a fancy dining table for the judges.” Ulrich doesn’t like feeling like he wasted his money. “So, who are our judges?”
“Oh yes, Mr. Kobashi’s is already waiting at the table!” The Butler points forward to see…
<span class="mu-s">Your old arch-nemesis, “The Lion Tamer” Leon “The Leon-Tamer”!</span>
“It’s a been a while, Leon.” You didn’t think the butler would actually bring him here.
“So it was you, <span class="mu-s">Kobashiiiii!</span> I knew you orchestrated all of this! But to what end?!” Leon the Lion Tamer is handcuffed, and has an iron ball attached to his feet.
“I don’t know, I thought it would be funny.” You shrug.
“Y-You purposefully put your head in between the lion’s teeth for your own amusement?! Ballsy, I have to say.” Leon has found some respect for you.
“Who’s this buffoon?” Marcela looks so confused right now.
“<span class="mu-i">Are you talking about me?</span>” Vanessa wonders, then realizes she’s not the topic of discussion and slowly pretends she didn’t hear anything – going back to catching up with Professor Bombastus.
“Remember the stories Vanessa told you about me? He’s the guy.” You don’t put too much heart into your explanation.
“The tiger guy?” Marcela can’t believe the story is true.
“Lion.” Leon corrects.
“I told you Kobashi is quite the spectacular individual! I recall when I read his antics, I was dying to meet him! And to be the one who saved his badge? It was such an honor! I couldn’t show my excitement due to my rank, but I know Kobashi felt my appreciation!” Vanessa has fond memories from meeting you. Huh, you didn’t know any of that.
“Not right now, Vanessa.” You don’t want to be flattered.
