Chapter 1.12: October 2, 2015
"Mr. Kirito. Ms. Whitaker. Please, take a seat. How are both of you today?"
"Fine. H-how are you?"
"Great Scots, you're young. By the way, I'm amazing. Can you tell?"
"I'm well, thank you. I am only twenty-one, after all, and, yes, I can see that."
"Ouch! Susy, that hurt! Oh, Mr. Belmonte, you can call me Ken."
"Very well, Ken. Now, I'm sure you're both wondering why I've asked you to meet me today."
"I suppose I am wondering, but I'm mostly—Ow! Stop it, Susy!"
"Please, shut up."
"In any case, I would like to ask you to go on a business venture with me."
"Explique, por favor."
"Is that a reference to his nationality?"
"More like a reference to my limited Portuguese vocabulary. Why are you whispering?"
"Ahem. Mr. Kirito—desculpe, Ken, would you be interested in becoming Minerva Publishing's officially sponsored and exclusive author? I'm personally a big fan of your work."
"Of course!"
"Hold up. What's in it for me?"
"Ken!"
"No, it's fine, Ms. Whitaker. I was just about to explain that. I've already begun to set up an international book tour for your debut as Minerva's poster author. Here's a list of the countries you will be visiting as well as the schedule. I've heard rumors about your next book that you've been working on, so I was thinking that, if it's possible, you would promote it on your book tour."
"I'm gonna be a big hotshot celebrity, huh? Do I get to plan future events?"
"Of course, Ken. We'll be collaborators on this. It's not something that we've done very often before—or at all, really—but I feel that our authors should have more opportunities to interact with the fans."
"I'm not sure I want my face plastered everywhere, though. I'd rather be recognized for my work."
"And that's exactly what we'll be focusing on. You'll just be more interactive with the fans than you were before."
"Do you have a copy of the contract? I'm going to need some time to consider this."
"Of course. Shall we meet again next week to discuss your decision?"
"By all means."
"Very well. I'll have my secretary send you the details, then. I have a meeting to attend now, so, if you will, please let yourselves out while I prepare for it."
"See you, sir."
"Leo, if you will. Goodbye, Ken."
"Hello again, Mr. Kirito, Ms. Whitaker. Do you need me to make arrangements to drop you off at your homes?"
"No, thank you. I'm taking Susy to dinner."
"All right. Have a great day."
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