The Ranch

Luncheon (3)

The atmosphere in the room is low. Conversations are lowered to a murmur. It's an all around awkward situation.

"Apologies for being late. I was in an unscheduled meeting." Someone walks through the doors.

"Instructor! Good to see you. Thank you for the investment last time." A scientist shows a happy smile.

"Welcome Welcome, come in come in. The food is a little cold. Should we have it reheated?"

Before the newcomer can answer, Chef Raphael barges through the kitchen doors," No need, I have kept a portion of food especially for Instructor Maddox."

"Then I'll thank you in advance, head chef." The man extends a polite nod.

"I'll bring it out right away." The rotund man disappears back into the kitchen.

Maddox has a bad reputation. Not because he's a bad person or an evil businessman or anything of the sort, but because of his strict attitude. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Although he is feared for his personality, he is respected for his business strategy and tactics.

That's why even Chef Raphael, who doesn't lower himself just because he's a chef, is eager to please him.

Every product he's invested in has been a hit. He's never lost money in an investment. Including ones that have had outsider influences trying to bring it down.

That's why everyone wants his favor. That is why the science community humble themselves in front of him. They can't get a product out into the public without money, right? Plus, if their product is approved by him, is a sure-fire success, and the entire business and science community know that as well.

Tih's team looks surprised. As the most familiar to the instructor(that talks), Kai speaks up for the team,"Ah? Instructor Maddox, you were a sponsor?"

"Hello Kai. I see some familiar faces but it seems you've expanded your team?" As always, he talks in a professional way. His neutral expression reveals nothing.

"Yes, this is Victor, Theodore, Pierre, Basile, and Abel." Kai acts as a bridge.

"So you are the famous five aces. It's a pleasure to meet you children." Instructor Maddox walks around the table to shake their hands.

When he reaches Tih's chair, his expression softens," Tih, your performance was very well done. Congratulations, all of you."

The other sponsors look at the image of Instructor Maddox softly smiling at the child, shock in their eyes. When Instructor Maddox smiles, it means a calamity is about to ensue. This smile is different though. It's not like his rare, cold smile. They're not sure if anyone on the island has ever seen Instructor Maddox smile kindly.

Sherlock glances at Victor and whispers," The prize might have been not as important as we thought." Tih's already connected to Maddox, even if only a little. But if his status is higher than the researchers, he probably knows more about the island. Plus, he's involved with the political business side of the population, unlike the scientists and researchers. Getting on the researchers' good sides isn't needed if this is the case.

Instructor Maddox sits down at the table and eats his warm food brought out by Chef Raphael. He eats with the etiquette of royalty. The sponsors around him start talking about whatever latest product or invention they're working on. They won't go into too much deal, in case someone gets the bright idea to copy it,

Instructor Maddox calmly eats his meal, occasionally answering back. The atmosphere is rowdy. Nothing like what it was right before Instructor Maddox came in. Because of the rumors, most people assume Instructor Maddox is the type to kill the mood of any party with his strict rules and his unwillingness to let things slide.

But that's not the case at all. Maybe if he was not as popular and sought after, but he is and people surround him because of it. It's more, unintentionally lifting the mood, that being the life of the party or anything of the sort.

The conversation eventually comes back to the winners of the tournament. More specifically, Instructor Maddox can't stop praising Tih. The always serious and unbiased man goes on and on about every moment Tih was in the spotlight.

"Grabbing the camera at the beginning was a great way of grabbing the audience's attention for the rest of the competition. It was a first impression that set your team apart from the rest. Not to mention the skill it took to catch the camera, isn't that right Gaylord?" He asks the inventor of the cameras.

The man strikes his beard with a frown, but his eyes twinkle," Indeed. We've already tested and touch-proofed the device with many veterans. The idea that a newbie was faster than all of them... did you use some sort of trick?" The man looks at Tih unabashedly. He means nothing rude by asking that question. He's purely curious. He needs to if there's any type of loopholes.

In fact, he's partially grateful. This defect could have been discovered in a better environment, but it's better than releasing a bunch of defective products to the masses.

The sponsors look towards Tih, forgetting a key point.

Instructor Maddox doesn't waste any time bumping in,"The child doesn't talk. If I had to guess, it has something to do with outmaneuvering the camera's sensors."

The sponsors go into a debate on what they think is the cause, once again ignoring the team. The conversation goes on for a half an hour before it's again turned into a talk about how amazing Tih is.

Patrons already had a good impression after watching the show, but Maddox takes over the conversation to boast about Tih with a righteous expression. After meeting Tih a couple odd times, he has a better understanding of him.

He's also watched all the videos and looked into all the rumors concerning him, which one-sidedly furthered Maddox's closeness and good impression of Tih.

"Shame about what happened to the other contestant. I wonder what became of him." They bring up the finals.

"He survived. He's recuperating in a hospital as we speak." Answers Instructor Maddox.

"That's good. It's still a little early to-" have someone's death on his hands. He doesn't finish his sentence as he feels the piercing glare of Instructor Maddox's eyes behind his rimmed glasses.

They spend four hours at the table in total. Any leftover food has gone completely cold. They all thank Head chef Raphael before departing.

Tih's group says goodbye to Henri before leaving by themselves.

"So Maddox was a top dog." Pierre scratches his belly.

"Well, he wouldn't get away with the way he acts if he wasn't in a high position." Victor explains.

"We already knew the instructor, so was there a point to entering the tournament?" Lucien asks Sherlock.

Kai nods," The tournament racked up some fame and cred for us. The prizes...you can never have too much money or connections.

"Now that that's settled, take a few days off and rest up. Good work everyone." Victor takes Basile and they walk to their housing district.