Negotiations
"And what makes you think that Beacon would be willing to accept this girl you wish to...
sponsor, Mister Torchwick?"
Roman raised an eyebrow.
"She's talented. Strong. Certainly an asset, and I don't doubt she'd be a credit to Vale. Why would you
not?"
Brown eyes narrowed slightly.
"Mister Torchwick. Please don't attempt to play games with me. I have a great many things to be doing, but I am here, meeting with you, solely for the sake of a prospective student. If you truly wish her a bright future, then surely it would be better that you
not give me any more reason to doubt your motivation in pushing her for acceptance? Your reputation is hardly...
savoury, now, is it?"
Black-gloved hands spread wide, a smirk crawling over Roman's face behind his cigar.
"Come now, Headmaster. When has there ever been a speck of evidence pointing towards my involvement in anything shady? I am simply a businessman looking to invest in the future of humanity. Besides, I'm sure you've done your background checks; you'll know she's been under my wing for years. Why, she's practically my own daughter!"
He leaned forward, face taking on a conspiratorial expression.
"Besides, for all that you do vital work, there are
always budget issues, right? God knows I've always got trouble getting the money where it needs to go... but I'm sure that, with a little
motivation, I could manage to direct a few donations towards the purpose of ensuring our fair country's future safety."
"And by motivation, you mean the girl's enrollment."
"As I said: I am a businessman. Give something to get something, yes? That's the way it works. You're a man of the world, Headmaster - surely you can see the benefits here?"
Long moments of silence passed.
"Well, I certainly have no
substantiated reason to decline her application. I'm sure she'll do wonderfully - I very much look forward to watching over her progress."
I'm well aware that you intend to get something from this... but you're going to have to work for it.
Roman laughed.
"Why, of course not! Someone as skilled as her would make a wonderful protector, no? But that sense of camaraderie, the bonds she'll form...
those are what will keep her going. It's a tough life, after all... but the strongest fires forge the strongest steel."
Oh, but of course. After all, she's loyal to me. And who wouldn't want their own Huntress?
A thin smile crossed Ozpin's face.
"Indeed. The friendships between teammates are truly a wonder to behold... they often endure far beyond what one would expect of children their age. Though the breaking of such can often be... spectacular."
The emotions of children are mercurial. Four years away, dragged into the world of a Huntress... are you so sure she'll remain yours?
"Perhaps. She is...
remarkably driven. I'm confident she'll excel, no matter who she may end up working with."
Very much so. She'll come back to me, stronger than ever.
The two men locked eyes, one smirking from beneath the brim of his bowler, the other smiling behind the lip of his mug. A moment of understanding passed between them, and as one they inclined their heads slightly further.
We shall see.
