Chapter 432: I'll pay for it. [1/2]
Harry, obviously offended by Tildi's slap, was like a bomb ready to explode. He raised his hand again, intending to strike her. But before I could move, I felt more familiar soul signatures.
The doors opened and out stepped Warren Bryant, Mike Walker, Scott Davis, Santiago Gonzalez and Adam Baker. I had to note that with the exception of Santi, who was maybe 2 inches less than 6 feet, the rest of them were huge.
Warren in particular was almost as tall as Liv. Adam was even taller than my 6'6" Northerner. And it was not like they were skinny either. Scott, though smaller, was fucking jacked. Mike, though lean, was obviously working out.
Harry, on the other hand, was about my height. Maybe an inch taller? And because of his rich lifestyle he was slender without much muscle. But that was not the interesting part.
These burly men were Phantoms and right now they all felt the hostility of Tildi. When she slapped Harry earlier, she unknowingly released death resonance. So now the men came out to kill.
They were all wearing suits, but I could see the bulges of gun holsters on their bodies. Of course, most people would be intimidated if dangerous men suddenly appeared with fangs bared.
Harry was no exception.
He froze like a mouse the moment the guys saw that he was about to slap Tildi. Without a word, the men approached and formed a wall of muscle behind Tildi. As if to say "Do it motherfucker, I dare you".
"Ughk..."
The son of the Evan family swallowed nervously as the men watched him like vultures. Feeling that this was a waste of time, I tried to smooth things over.
"Tildi, drop the matter. Give us the tables Harry reserved so we can get on with our reunion. As for attending your event, I refuse."
"As you wish, my lord," Tildi acknowledged with a bow.
As she replied, the rest of the men turned to see me. Obviously surprised, they suddenly struck their right fists against their left chests. My so-called bro salute.
"WE GREET OUR LORD LIMITLESS! HAIL!"
"Shut up, you idiots! You are attracting attention!"
"What are you doing here, boss? You joining the party?" "Nigga, we got grub! Boo is cooking!" "Hefe, you know these people?" "John, are the ladies coming?"
"No, I got a reunion with my old class from high school. The girls should be coming too, I think."
As the burly men all suddenly became cordial with me, the peanut gallery began to buzz.
"Dude, why are the bouncers so damn good-looking?" "Do you think any of them are single?" "They all called John their Lord, is that like a cult or something?" "Maybe it's a handle on YouTube or twitch?" "These people look like MMA fighters, how the hell do they know John?"
Annoyed at the nosy people, I walked over to Tildi and whispered.
"Tildi, get us a table already. I don't want any special treatment. Tell that to everyone here."
"My lord, shall we serve this Harry person as well? I have a feeling the Sirens will tear him to pieces the moment he opens his mouth."
Hmm. If he continued to insult me, there was a good chance they would. As I imagined how they would react, my heart filled with affection. I remembered that I did not come tonight because of my old classmates. But because of the Sirens.
'Although I have no idea why we couldn't just go out to dinner or something.'
"Never mind. This will probably be the last time I see them anyway."
"Understood, then, since you are among the guests, my lord. We will waive all expenses. Please enjoy."
"What? No! How are you going to make money if you act like that? We will pay the original amount, Tildi. How much is it?"
"Ah, my lord, that is usually settled at the end of the evening. In terms of costs, the tables reserved by Mr. Evans would be treated as a corporate event, since Hellsend has booked the entire venue. Please pay for everything in advance."
"That's fine," I said curtly.
"That would be $4,250 for 50 people. If we take into account the food, it would be around $6,000 to $7,000. Since the cooks are from Inari's kitchen."
"Tildi, are you messing with me? You mean Eva is here too? I've tasted her food, it's not worth 2,000 dollars."
My clerk smiled innocently as she made a troubled gesture.
"My lord, the price was set by Phillip. Would you like to take advantage of the 100% Limitless discount instead?"
'Ugh, was everyone from Administration like that? Gifted in the art of bullshitting.'
As I hesitated, a man suddenly cut in front of me, rudely interrupting.
"$7,000 too much for you, John? Fortunately, I am here! Woman, put it all on my card," Harry practically shoved a black card at Tildi as he tried to show off his wealth.
"Harry, please stop!" Caroline begged meekly as she tugged at Harry's jacket.
"Woah! Isn't that a Centurion?" "A what?" "Dude, that's the millionaire's credit card from AMEX! That thing is practically a myth!" "Why? What does it do?" " That card has no spending limit." "WOW! That's amazing!"
As the peanut gallery raved about Harry's card, I became curious.
'Exa?'
[What they say is true. The Centurion has no spending limit. To qualify for one, an account holder must spend between $250,000 and $450,000 per year. This is on top of a $7,500 application fee and a $2,500 annual fee.]
Instead of being impressed, I found the thing worthless. But then again, when I was human, having good credit was a must for me. After I died, however, I preferred to use cold, hard cash.
Tildi swiped the black AMEX card through a card reader and frowned.
"Mr. Evans, your card has been declined. It says to contact your local bank. Do you have another card you can use?"
"What? That can't be right! Run it again!"
"The answer is the same. If you cannot pay, I will not allow your party to enter."
"Declined?" "Pfft! So, Harry's broke?" "For all his grandiose posturing, that's embarrassing." "Uwa! I would bury my head in the ground if I were him."
Obviously, Harry heard the peanut gallery mocking him. Caroline cupped her hand over his ear and whispered to my ex-best friend. I inadvertently used {Listen} to hear their conversation.
"Harry! Stop it! You are already in the red! Didn't your father tell you to stop spending frivolously? You have a lunch with investors tomorrow! All your available credit is not even $500!"
"Then give me some cash! Hurry up! I am going to look like a poser if this keeps up!"
"You think I have $7,000 on me? You haven't even paid me for this month!"
"Greedy bitch! Your haircut and massage cost me $2,000! I'm broke because of you! And you keep shitting the bed!"
"What! You were the one who told me to pull out all the stops! And I said I was sorry, didn't I?"
'This is getting ugly.'
Ignoring Harry, I approached Tildi and pulled out my soul card.
"Tildi, this is getting tiresome, I'll pay for it. Here. Do it quickly."
"Wow! Certainly, my lord! As expected from an Octad!"
Ignoring Tildi, Exa replied before I could even ask.
[Soul cards are based on your Reaper Id. Octads are black, marking the highest rank, there are four other colors ranging from gold, silver, bronze, and green].
Tildi swiped my card and gave it back to me. After printing the receipt, she greeted our group politely with a smile.
She then opened the door and led us in. The other Reapers were also smiling as they stood around like bouncers.
"Wow! John is fucking rich!" "I know, right? I didn't expect it at all!" "Then he really does know the owner?" "What did John do again?" "I think he was an auditor in the government or something." "No way, hon! Those guys are poor as shit!"