Welcome to another excessive episode! I still am just making it up as I go. Anyway, Onward!
Leon pulled up to Elmers in his modified Cadillac and went in. He was somewhat annoyed that he could smoke so much and only hold a light buzz for a few minutes. He would have to check with NINA on that. The old man was at the counter reading an actual newspaper.
"Hey old man. Where do you get those? Didn't think anyone still read the actual news." Leon asked as he entered. Elmer looked up and ruffled his paper.
"Got a lad who prints these out for me. A little low jack but it's easier on the ol' peepers. How ya been, son?"
Leon gave him a quick and vague update, including buying the town, which Elmer seemed pleased with. Leon ordered some more nano materials and some machinery he thought NINA would be able to utilize at the house, such as large fabricators and heavy construction bots so she can practice developing the newly acquired land, as well as some new high powered photonic emitters. In passing, Elmer mentioned a strange black car that has been sneaking around town and was parked at the mini mall. Leon was intrigued and thanked the man as he placed his order. After finishing up there, he went on to the strange flower head shop and stepped in.
Two tall, pale gothic looking girls were at the counter, dancing strangely to the low etherial music playing overhead. Leon cocked and eyebrow but beelined to the counter.
"Hello! My two daughters came in earlier and highly recommended you for exotic plants."
"Coriander, yes?" The two said in sync.
"Yes, Leon." He replied. Thalia went yo the back and rummaged for a few moments.
"I am Dahlia and my sister is Thalia. We are very pleased and honored to be invited to their party and get to know our new owner."
"New owner?" He asked in confusion.
"You have bought the town, yes?"
"Yes. Interesting take." He said skeptically. Thalia came from the back with an octagonal vase with large, glowing mushrooms.
"A rare fungus from the moon Titan." She said as she presented the item.
"Very nice, ladies, thank you. What do I owe you?" He asked. The two looked at each other for a few seconds before nodding and turning to Leon.
"It is free to you, Mr. Coriander." Dahlia said.
"On one condition." Thalia said.
"We will tell you tomorrow at the party." They said together.
"Uh, okay. Thank you very much, ladies." Leon grabbed the vase and left the store, the twins eyeing with devilish grins as he walked out.
As Leon finished up loading the car he sensed someone was approaching him and turned to see a tall, skinny and familiar Japanese man in a black suit and shades make his way from a matte black pill looking vehicle to Leon and he stood to greet him.
"Greetings, Mr. Coriander." The man said.
"You. I don't like you." Leon said.
"Oh?" The skinny man asked.
"You brought my wife back mutilated. We have problems, you and I."
"Ah. I see. It was only business and I am only a mere messenger for my dragon lord. On her behalf I have come to give you and your family an invitation to meet and finish the inheritance transfer."
"Seriously? Just like that?" He asked incredulously.
"My lady has realized that her age prevents her from being as actionable as she once was and can recognize when she has reached an impasse. She offers a bargain. But it must be done within a few days." The man presented an envelope that Leon took cautiously. The meeting was planned to happen in two days.
"Will you be able to attend, sir?" The man asked. Leon gave it a second to think.
"Not likely. I have plans. Maybe another time. I'll call her when I have the time." Leon said.
"Well that just won't do sir, time is of the essence. If not, we will have to provide some incentive, then. I will inform my lady of your answer."
The man bowed and returned to his matte black hover car. Leon got a tinge of treachery from the whole ordeal and had a quick chat with NINA as he got in the car and took off back home.
"I don't trust this at all. Can you track him?" He asked.
"Of course, daddy." She answered and a small marble formed from his hand form the nano particles and zoomed off, skating an inch from the ground and splatting like a paintball onto the bumper before fusing and becoming unnoticeable as the car took off.
"That made me a bit more comfortable. I guess it's time you and I review some new deterrences and tech I've been putting off." He stated.
"As you command, daddy." NINA answered. Leon smiled.
"I have to admit, I was a bit worried having you onboard but I am very pleased with you, NINA. I apologize for neglecting you up to now."