It was silent between the occupants of the house. Esmeralda made sure to sit with her friends while Yhwach sat on the opposite side of them. Yhwach sat alone as he eyed all the group members, and the quiet annoyed him, but it was to be expected. Since he had experience dealing with people in the business world, he knew that intimidation was needed.

It seemed to work on them. 

Yhwach felt a sense of power when one feared him. However, this time was different. Esmeralda was among them, and he had a deep desire for her. Yhwach didn't want her to fear him. "I know you all are wondering why I am here. You see, I was the one who informed Miss. Esmeralda about this position. I was surprised that a band would be playing for the event. I can't wait to hear your music."

The group was silent for a bit, but Elana broke the silence. "Thank you, Mr. Yhwach. We will make sure not to disappoint you."

Yhwach merely nodded in response. His gaze was entirely on Esmeralda. The young woman looked down at the floor. John noticed. "We appreciate the opportunity, Yhwach. We all need to plan our performance and need rest."

Yhwach eyed John, even though he didn't show it. The older man was a bit surprised that John had the gall to speak to him in such a manner. "I understand, young man. In actuality, I came here to speak with Miss. Esmeralda." He then looked at Esmeralda. "May I speak with you alone?"

Before Esmeralda could answer, John intervened. "Sir, I think-"

"Young man."

Everyone sat still as they felt a chill in the room. "John. If I remember correctly, I said I wanted to speak with Miss. Esmeralda. She was kind enough to involve all of you in this event. Don't forget that I was the one who brought up and invited her to this event. You all are here because of my proposition."

Esmeralda felt a chill go through her spine. She stood up. "Alright, we can sit outside if that's okay?"

Yhwach also stood. "It would be perfect."

"Anything to drink?"

"Tea, if you don't mind."

Esmeralda smiled and nodded as Yhwach walked outside the patio."

John stood up. "Esme, I feel that guy is bad news. You can send him on his way."

"John, he has a point in some aspects. He looks intimidating, that's all."

"You're too nice for your good, Esme."

The young woman went to the kitchen; she warmed water and mixed some herbs to make tea. "And you are too hot-headed, John. Whether we like it or not, Yhwach propositioned me the position." With that, Esmeralda took the kettle and cups and went outside, kicking the door behind her.

Yhwach sat beside a small table by the balcony over the hills. Trees, hills, and small towns were seen from afar. He saw Esmeralda walking towards him with the tray of cups and the tea kettle. The young woman laid everything in place and then sat opposite him. Yhwach could tell she was nervous, but she eventually looked at him. "Do I make you nervous, young lady? May I call you by your first name?"

"You may. Also, you look a bit intimidating."

"I get that a lot, and in the business world, you have to keep a tough exterior, or people will take advantage of your weakness. Sometimes, one has no choice but always to be intimidating." Yhwach saw the tension on Esmeralda's body lessen.

"I see. Don't you get tired of it?"

Yhwach raised an eyebrow. "Tired of what?"

"Well, intimidating people."

"I would be lying if I said I am, but it gives me a sense of power."

Esmeralda poured the tea on the cups and motioned him one. He took it gracefully and took a few sips. "You seem to enjoy power."

"I do. Would you rather me lie?"

"No, I do admire your honesty, sir. I would lose respect for you if you became hypocritical."

"Just called me Yhwach. No sir. It would be more appreciated. It can be tiring to be called 'sir' all the time, especially at work."

Esmeralda let out a small smile. "Okay, Yhwach. You have an interesting name. It's German for 'The Almighty.' It suits you."

"I don't like my name."

"May I ask why?"

Yhwach drank his tea to its entirety as he poured himself another cup. "Let's say I didn't like the individuals that gave me the name. It reminds me too much of them."

Esmeralda bit her lower lip. "Your parents? If I had to guess, you don't have a good relationship with your father."

The older man stilled for a moment but then sipped his tea. "Don't people tell you that you're too smart for your good?"

"All the time, especially my father. I never would have imagined that you were Sosuke's father."

"I know we both don't even look alike. He's more like his mother."

"Hm, basically the facial structure and that smirk," Yhwach smirked, making Esmeralda giggle. "See, I told you."

Yhwach let out a small chuckle. "How did you and Sosuke meet?"

"He saw one of my dances. I refused to take a 100-dollar bill; instead, he took me out to eat."

"I see, so you both haven't been together that long."

The young woman looked away a bit. "We're more like acquaintances in a sense. We haven't known each other too long."

"Good, at least there wouldn't be any interference with our business. I was worried that Sosuke would try to lay with you."

"Excuse me?"

Yhwach shrugged. "Forgive me. My son is known to be a playboy. I didn't mean to be any source of disrespect to you. I also don't want others to get the wrong misconceptions. In our world, people can be judgmental."

"Yes, so I've been told."

The older man stood. "Well, I just wanted to ensure you and your friends had everything you needed, and I look forward to seeing your performance. I was hoping that after the festivities, I could take you to dinner. It would be business, of course."

"Yes, of course." Esmeralda stood and motioned out her hand to shake his. Yhwach, on the other hand, got a hold of her hand and kissed it. With that, he left by some stairs that led to the parking lot.

As Yhwach walked away, a smirk was on his lips. "She thinks Sosuke is a good man; every man has his secrets."