Snap!
With a snap of her fingers, the coldness on Suzuki Ayako's face vanished instantly. Her expression quickly became much more animated.
"You're too immersed in the Spectator state. While I can help you with the issue of over-immersion, Miss Ayako still needs to be cautious."
Suzuki Ayako's usual smile returned to her face.
"Sorry, I've recently been seeing through the real thoughts of employees at the company, and I guess I've started to unconsciously slip into that atmosphere during normal interactions."
Ren could understand what that felt like.
"I understand the temptation of power. But Miss Ayako, you must remember the nature of the potion. You're not a true Spectator. You're only playing the role. Never forget you're acting. If you become lost in the sea of power and can't pull yourself out, it won't end well."
"I know."
Suzuki Ayako calmed her spirituality and gave a light nod.
In the past two weeks of experimentation, she had grown quite familiar with the abilities of the Spectator. Once she entered that state, her perception improved dramatically. As her perception sharpened, she started noticing the true thoughts of others with little effort.
When she applied this in her work, she gained clearer insight into employees' attitudes and motives.
It was thanks to this power that she had been able to establish herself so quickly within the Suzuki conglomerate.
But because the ability was so effective and easy to use, she had begun to lose some of her restraint.
"Miss Ayako, you can try entering the Spectator state more frequently. Just avoid maintaining it for too long each time."
"Shorter sessions? Got it, I'll give it a try when I get back."
Suzuki Ayako was still a beginner in mysticism, so she obediently accepted the advice.
After resolving Ayako's issue, Ren turned toward the two elders.
"Uncle, Aunt, nice to meet you."
To be honest, Ren felt a little nervous. After all, this was his first time formally meeting his girlfriend's parents.
For Suzuki Shiro and Suzuki Tomoko, this was also the first proper introduction.
"It is indeed our first time meeting. But even before this, we had heard Sonoko mention you many times."
Suzuki Shiro didn't carry the usual intensity of a conglomerate's leader. Instead, he wore a gentle smile.
"Not just Sonoko, Ayako has also brought you up several times recently. But this is the first formal introduction."
"I just didn't expect it would happen under these circumstances."
Suzuki Shiro looked a little embarrassed.
Honestly, he had hoped to meet his future son-in-law under more appropriate conditions.
The 60th anniversary of the Suzuki Zaibatsu would've been a great opportunity, but the sudden appearance of the Phantom Thief Kid threw everything off.
Still, even if the setting wasn't ideal, the meeting had to happen.
"Uncle, you're too kind."
Ren didn't mind the timing at all.
Though a bit abrupt, this kind of meeting helped ease the pressure. If it had been a formal one-on-one, it would've felt more rigid. At least now, it wouldn't be so awkward that no one knew what to say.
"Your uncle's always like this. He may be old, but he still acts like a child."
Suzuki Tomoko rolled her eyes at her husband, though a smile lingered in her eyes.
"If you think it's not too much trouble, you could give your uncle something to 'play' with. He's been eyeing your powers for a while. Of course, he's too shy to bring it up himself, so I'll just say it directly."
Ren was momentarily surprised, then laughed when he saw Suzuki Shiro's expression of panic.
"While power isn't something to be treated like a toy, if Uncle wants to try it, I can arrange for a temporary gift. Unlike Miss Ayako's permanent potion path, it'll just be a short-term blessing."
"If it's temporary, that's fine."
Suzuki Tomoko let out a soft sigh, looking helplessly at her husband.
"If it were the same situation as Ayako, I'd be worried this idiot would mess around and get hurt. Temporary is safer, less risky."
"What about you, Aunt?"
"Eh?"
Suzuki Tomoko was momentarily taken aback. Unlike her husband, she wasn't particularly curious about power. She valued it, but didn't desire it personally.
Suzuki Shiro nudged Tomoko with his elbow.
"Your son-in-law just offered. What's the point of acting all reserved?"
Tomoko was stunned when she heard the word "son-in-law," and after a brief pause, she realized what that meant—this was a kind of recognition.
"All right, all right, let's talk about it next time. This isn't the right place."
Suzuki Tomoko glanced around.
Although there were no detectives near them, it wasn't the right setting to discuss certain matters.
Of course, there was no real risk of eavesdropping. The sound around them was already distorted through spiritual means, so none of the museum's detectives could pick up anything they were saying.
Sonoko listened to her mother's words, and the bright smile on her face never faded.
"Let's go take a look at the black pearl passed down through our family."
Suzuki Shiro smiled and led the group to a display case, inside which sat a black pearl.
Everyone turned their attention toward the legendary black pearl, said to be the largest in the world.
Its size was indeed extraordinary. The average black pearl was about the size of a thumb. This one was as large as a child's fist.
Its coloration was also rare—pure black, with no other tones mixed in. Though its surface luster was slightly dim, the deep black hue itself was extremely rare.
Seeing the black pearl, Ren looked a bit surprised.
"The real thing?"
Unlike in the original story, this black pearl wasn't a replica—it was genuine.
"That's right."
Suzuki Tomoko wasn't surprised that Ren could tell it was authentic with a single glance.
"That thief talked big, so I decided to show up and challenge him."
You're really bold… Ren hadn't expected Aunt Tomoko to be this reckless. This explained a lot.
Thinking again about the museum's security measures, it seemed like this was the plan from the very start.
But even so, Ren shook his head slightly.
(To be continued.)
***
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