As we walked to the table of the one who we were supposed to meet tonight, I recalled Mizukis words earlier when she was explaining everything in detail to me. It was long and I remained mostly silent during it.

Looking at your expression, I can easily guess what is on your mind right now, Ruki.

Youre wondering. Wondering why Im letting you be the main character in this seemingly important meeting.

Allow me to preface with this: In this world, theres the saying Nothing gained. Nothing Ventured. If youre not ready to take a risk, you cant really achieve anything in life.

Im risking my reputation to give you the spotlight. And truthfully, its not only because I believe in you wholeheartedly. One other reason is... whether you met with success or failure, this night would be giving both of us the necessary experience to continue treading on this path.

One cant always stay winning. Because once you gain the mentality that youre invincible, youll be exposing yourself to a bigger weakness. The devastation you will face when you lose once can topple everything you built from the ground up.

Therefore, theres no better time to feel that way right from the start than wait until you showered in success.

Ending my recollection at that, I glanced at my girl, and somehow, as though she had read my mind, she put a finger on her lips and smiled.

Although it took me a while to fully understand what she was trying to do, the reality that we were a few steps away from that eventual experience made everything she said sink into my head.

In other words, its also similar to ones infatuation or love towards someone. Waiting for your opportune moment will leave the other person open to other competitors. Like how I swooped in between most of the girls I stole recently. Or specifically, the situation I dealt with when stealing Satsuki, Nami, and Saki.

They didnt risk the possibility of failure so... they gained nothing from it. And because they were too late to make a move, they couldnt salvage this situation anymore.

Well, in simpler terms, Mizuki was also gambling with me as her chip on the board. But as they say, life itself is a gamble so... theres that.

We have arrived, please ring the bell when youre ready. The man, or lets call him the waiter, stopped before the table and bowed in two different directions successively. Once to the pair sitting next to each other and once to us standing behind him.

Right. Were not meeting just one person but two.

The representatives of the Mitsui Family. A pair of cousins, one from the direct lineage who is probably at least third in line to be the next Patriarch, and the other, someone like Mizuki; a talent acknowledged by the main branch.

As soon as that waiter left our area, one of the two parted his lips.

Huh? Well, this is indeed a surprise. I was skeptical when they returned a message that the prodigy of the Hasegawa Family will be bringing someone else with her. I considered the possibility but to think that it is really a lover. Ane-san, you won this round.

Instead of an introduction or a greeting, he started with that. His eyes lingered on our joined arms. Moreover, with the way he scanned us with his eyes without even trying to match our gazes, he was definitely something else. He doesnt seem to care at all.

From his appearance, he is, more or less, like someone cut from the same cloth as Ichihara Jun. He also has the looks to capture the hearts of women. The difference he has with Ichihara Jun is... This guy is probably not just a spoiled brat whos doing anything he wants because someone is backing him. Hes someone with the right ability and experience even if its not as much as the two women on our table.

According to Mizuki, he has just finished high school. And instead of going to college to get a degree, he postponed it and requested to start working in one of their subsidiaries to gain experience in managing.

His name is something easier to remember. Its a number.

Mitsui Hassen or 8000. I dont know where they referenced that name from or if it has any meaning. And Im not invested enough to know.

Hmm? Why dont you introduce yourself first, Ha-kun? Our side is the one who requested this meeting. Youre being rude for skipping that part. The other one spoke in humility while reminding the guy next to her. She also bowed slightly in respect and perhaps an apology.

But then, her eyebrows lifted slightly as a hint of interest surfaced on her face. Her scrutinizing gaze only lingered for a few seconds at Mizuki before it became fixated on me.

Rather than be intrigued by the prodigy of the Hasegawa Family, shes more interested in the person Mizuki brought with her.

Unlike 8000, this womans name is known publicly. Mitsui Kyoka. Shes a TV personality. Not an actress but someone who appears in some shows to be interviewed or to be asked for advice. I even remembered catching her on one of those segments. However, I couldnt remember the content. Maybe its about business. Maybe not.

But according to Mizuki, shes here only as an observer. Or perhaps a mediator.

The one needing advice is 8000.

Anyway, judging by the way they called each other, they probably have a closer relationship than just being cousins. If Im not wrong, shes already the guys advisor.

And from that, the foreboding sensation that I felt earlier somehow intensified. Theyre not here to thrash Mizuki, right? Or to make it seem like shes a fraud and she did not deserve to be called a prodigy.

Maybe they wanted to test her.

However, that begs me the question of... For what reason?

Theyre not based in the same location and theres no rivalry between them.

They also didnt look like they were here to ask for her hand in marriage.

Strange. What is their motive?

While I was lost in that thought, I felt Mizukis elbow digging into my side, pulling me back to my senses.

Yep. She noticed that I was slipping into overthinking again.

Oh. Right. I apologize. Its nice meeting you... While looking a little embarrassed, Hassen, who was spurred by Kyoka, stood up from his seat and extended his arm for a handshake while introducing himself. Kyoka also followed suit to do the same.

Mizuki and I returned the greeting with a smile before taking our seats. The girl also didnt say anything else apart from that introduction. Shes truly letting me take control of this conversation in her stead.

As perceptive as they were, the Mitsui duo understood her intention.

Onoda, is it? Ive heard of this surname from the South. Can I take a guess that you are part of that family?

Ah. I knew it. If the scale of their conglomerate was much bigger than the Ichihara then its not really hard for them to hear about that prefecture where my fathers family side is lording over.

Mizuki didnt react to that which means, she was already aware. I mean, she probably knew about it ever since Ive stolen her. Just that, shes also aware that our family is not in direct contact with them. Hence, she never brought that up to me.

But for this guy to bring that up... I guess hes taking that as my qualification to appear here.

How should I answer then?

Theres no denying it anyway. So, I better just go with the flow. Until we get to the main topic, Ill accommodate them to the best of my ability to socialize.

I believe so. However, I was born and raised in this city. The only connection tying me to them is my fathers blood.

Oh. Interesting. Hassen smiled in response. Hes not faking that look of interest on his face.

On the other hand, I noticed Kyoka frowning slightly. Whether thats because of my surname or not, I had no idea.

A while later, Hassen clapped his hand and suggested, Oh, where are my manners? Why dont we eat first and talk business over it?

No problem. Im also about to suggest that. We cant have a proper discussion if were starved, can we?

As I said that, I also lightly pushed my elbow on Mizukis side, teasing the glutton whose stomach was already churning. Yeah. At least, its not making a loud noise yet.

With the two parties agreeing, we rang the bell placed at the side of the table and no longer than five seconds later, the waiter returned to receive our order.

I dont know what I should expect here but this first few minutes cant even be called the start of this challenge...