desiderata877

Chapter 22: Speaking Out

Emerald Mist: The problem we are having now is what to do about the deed.

Kiss in the Dark: I mentioned this to Tom Collins earlier, but if it’s just the deed then we need not worry.

Sidecar: What’re you saying? Weren’t you happy we didn’t make them our enemy from the beginning?

Emerald Mist: Even if that is so, we can’t help but go to arms with them.

Kiss in the Dark: All I’m saying is that we are in no position to legally do anything right now.

Grasshopper: W-we still are aware that there’s a risk we could take u-using another document and disguising it. H-how does that sound?

Tom Collins: Right. We are in no hurry, but I do want to resolve the situation of them having the deed.

Kamikaze: Since something was stolen from us, we’ll call the police. It’ll be more bothersome than we think to use unorthodox methods.

MC: Kiss in the Dark, is there anything else you would like to say?

Kiss in the Dark: We’re in a position that calls for the registered seal*, certificate of seal impression, and a power of attorney. It’s possible the registered seal and certificate of seal impression were stolen along with the deed, but we must create a new power of attorney. That’s why we can’t legally interfere with them right now.

MC: A power of attorney?
A power of attorney…

Glasses Wearing Male: A power of attorney which acts as proof that I will be working as your representative. Though you are worried, this is not such a strange contract.

MC: (He’s right, it says ‘Power of Attorney’ on it)

*scribble scribble*

MC: So this is a contract, yeah?

Glasses Wearing Male: Right. And you’ve accepted. Now then…

MC: I’m sorry, Kiss in the dark. But we may need to hurry after all…

Sidecar: You’re kidding… How much of an idiot can you be?

MC: That guy with the glasses, he told me to sign a power of attorney indicating him as our representative since he would negotiate with that group.

Grasshopper: Y-y-you signed??

MC: …Yes

Grasshopper: HaaAAaaAAaAaAAAAaaaAAAAAaAaAAAAAAAAaaAAaAaAAAAaaaAAAAAaAaAAAAAAAAAAAaaAAaAaAAAAaaaAAAAAaAaAAAAAaaAAaAA!?!?!?!?

Tom Collins: Speaking of which, you also signed documents without going over the contents when you first came here, huh….

Emerald Mist:….We can’t afford to stand around and do nothing like this.

Kamikaze: Even if we blame her for her mistake, there’s nothing we can do. If we have that kind of time, then we must think of something.

Tom Collins: There’s something I have to say to Master. I’m going to check out the study to be sure the registered seal and certificate of seal impression haven’t been stolen.

*tap tap tap*

MC: I’m sorry, everyone…

Grandpa: Hmm… We’re in trouble…

*knock knock*

Grandpa: Yes, please come in.

*door opens*

Tom Collins: I’m sorry for interrupting you. Master, was there anything other than the deed that was stolen?

Grandpa: No matter how hard I look, I can’t find the registered seal or certificate of seal impression anywhere. It should have been inside this drawer.

*bang*

Grandpa: Huh, what’s wrong?

Tom Collins: I-it’s nothing…. This has become a bit of a difficult problem…

Grandpa: Is that what Grasshopper was screaming about earlier? By the way, is there something you have to tell me?

Tom Collins: Yes. It’s about your granddaughter. The truth is…. She and I got into a fight about this matter.

Grandpa: You did, Tom Collins!?

Tom Collins: Even though you told me you wanted me to be her friend, I am truly sor….

Grandpa: Hohoho, keep your chin up. I’m happy.

Tom Collins: Wha!?

Grandpa: The two of you now have a relationship where you can fight. Isn’t this something to be happy about? Take things slow. Sumire said it too, didn’t she? “Express what’s in your heart until you understand.” From the look of things earlier, it seems you and my granddaughter completely made up.

Tom Collins: Moulin Rouge helped me because I was so embarrassed. When I was having trouble with Martini, she helped me. And after that, so did Salty Dog and Tequila Sunrise. And against my expectations, Emerald Mist was always there for me.

Grandpa: I’m relieved to hear that. If it’s you all, then everything will be alright. You can get through this.
My life of retirement is close by as well.

Tom Collins: Funny story. Well then, I’ll go let everyone else know that the registered seal and certificate of seal recognition is gone too.

*door closing*

Grandpa: Hmph, I guess it’s time for me to do everything I can do.

T/N* In japan, rather than using signatures, people use registered seals, or stamps which bear the individuals name. Each stamp must be approved for use by the government, which is where you can receive the certificate of seal impression. Stealing someone's seal is almost the same as stealing their identity since you can use their seal to approve various legal documents without their approval.