The Ranch

Phillip's Master (1)

After the meal, the three parted ways, with Theodore and Victor being busy with other plans. Victor nodded his head and left in the direction of the dormitories. Theodore waved," Bye Boss!" Before heading towards the training grounds.

With no one to tell him where he should go, Tih ended up wandering around for the next hour, eventually landing himself in the Central Market.

Walking around, he spots a familiar back and walks closer. Even as Tih stands next to the figure, he is too short to be noticed. The person in question, Phillip, stops by a stand to overlook new products. Turning his head down to look at the objects on the table, he finally notices the silent Tih in his peripheral. Moving his sight from the trinkets, he calls out Tih's name in surprise," Tih?"

Crouching to eye level, he pets Tih's hair," Good job yesterday, your performance was quite a surprise! Even Master- Ah! That's right! I told you how I wanted to introduce you two yesterday, are you free right now?"

Tih only understands the word "free" as something that doesn't cost money. As he's never been given a price tag, Tih assumes he's "free" and nods.

Phillip gives a warm and dazzling smile," Good. Shall we go?" He softly grasps Tih hand and they walk side by side as Phillip leads them by the fountain in the center of the market. The two enter a large three story building adjacent to the magnificent fountain.

The first floor is a receptionist hall. Phillip passes the reception desk, heading up the stairs. The workers are already familiar with the Boss's disciple and don't attempt to obstruct them.

The second floor is filled with cluttered desks filled with stack of papers and busy workers rushing about. The seemingly chaotic atmosphere actually has its own rhythm and is quite efficient. If the workers had to complain about anything, it'd be the tight deadlines that come one after another. At least they have paid vacations, unlike some of the other businesses.

These workers are in charge of overlooking data and adjusting accordingly for each shop under their Boss's management, making sure each shop is making a decent profit, cutting unnecessary costs, and overall management of the shops.

Tih watches papers and people fly about as he's dragged up the next flight of stairs. The lively atmosphere of the second floor is in direct contrast to the quiet, ambient third floor. A soft piano tune enters Tih's ears as he takes in the mellow colors of the walls and floor.

Phillip looks toward a closed door and knocks politely," Sensei?"

A soothing voice is muffled by the wooden door," Come in."

Phillip softly opens the door, stepping inside with Tih. Tih glances around the room. To one side, books sit atop shelves lining the entire wall. The wall next to the door holds a whiteboard with scribbles of ideas and notes. The longer wall to Tih's right brings natural light from its large wall connected to a balcony. A couple feet from the window lays a long mahogany desk. A few books, papers, and writing utensils lay atop.

The room gives off a warm librarian atmosphere and as the owner of the room, the middle-aged man with crows feet looks at the two guests with a soft smile.

The kind-looking man has a loose ponytail in a warm auburn brown, held by a scrunchie. Round, wire glasses adorn his face, widening his light brown eyes.

Readers would most relate him with the kind school nurse or calm novelist type. The older gentleman gives off wise, middle-aged man vibes.

He's wearing a Light brown overcoat over a dark green, long-sleeved turtleneck, tucked under a black belt and grey pants. The well-fitted clothes show an outline of the middle-aged man's pecs and mermaid lines. The soothing man is on lean side with long fingers gracefully holding a pen, the skin pale from being inside all the time doing paperwork for his many business ventures, but not nearly as pale as Tih.

This is the first thing the gentleman notices. He softly chuckles," Phillip, it looks like you found someone with a paler complexion than I. That's quite a feat." He smiles toward the expressionless child staring at him.

"Sensei, this is Tih. The one from the tournament." A happy grin covered Phillip's face the moment he laid his eyes on his teacher.

"Oh? He's much younger up close." The man gets up from his seat to walk in front of the two. He bends his waist to gaze at the child with a soft smile. He stretches his right hand out," Nice to finally meet you Tih, I've heard many good things about you. You may call me Sinclair, I'm a businessman in the central district, as you can tell."

Tih stares at the outstretched hand. Copying the posture, he stretches out his left hand. Sinclair squints and his smile widens, thinking the boy is nervous. He smoothly switches hands and shakes Tih's small appendage.

After his master releases Tih's hand, Phillip brings Tih to sit on a nearby leather couch, the type with only one arm. Phillip sits down in a comfortable posture, like he's used to sitting in this couch.

Tih is pulled to sit next to him. He feels the cool, smooth texture of the dark brown couch. He hears Sinclair ask," Did you finish you're outside observations for today?"

"Yep!" Phillip places a notebook scribbled with notes and a date. "No new products as far as I can tell. Siev's businesses seem to be suffering due to the sudden change in management after the old bastard's accident. He glances at Tih.

Sinclair looks toward Tih with an awkward smile," I guess I should be thanking you for being the cause of my rival's "out of commission" state. Though...that might be an understatement."

"Last I heard, the old mans still in the hospital recuperating. But worse than his...missing part, is his deteriorating mental state. Apparently he's been diagnosed with PTSD."

The two look at the naive but eerie looking child sitting quietly. Sinclair talks to the boy," No matter what happened, you still did me a huge favor. If there's anything you want, you just need to speak up."

"Ah...I haven't told you yet Sensei. This kid doesn't speak." Phillip unconsciously ruffles Tih's hair as he look at his teacher.

"I see...Then, if there's ever anything you need help with, come find me." Sinclair smiles.

"To bother Sensei...Tih can just come to me." Phillip disagrees to his master's favor.

"This is also a 'thank you' for being friends with my student. I'm fairly aware of his current situation and I'm just happy there's someone willing to throw aside his reputation to be friends with him."

A faint blush appears on Phillip's cheeks as he averts his eyes from his teacher," That's..."

Tih looks at Phillip's redness, thinking he should have saved some of that aloe Vera he used on Major Jax.