I immediately forwarded this information to the President of the USNA. A reply arrived shortly after, stating they would inform Senator Curtis. Three hours later, the President arranged for the Senator to be dispatched to the completion ceremony party of Saika Shin-Island. I pulled a few strings with the government to ensure Maimoto and Laura were invited to the same event. In a worst-case scenario, we have Lina here; assigning her as their bodyguard wouldn't be a bad move.
After that episode, I had lunch with Maimoto's group. Once we parted ways, the car carrying Miyuki and me headed toward a renowned pearl boutique.
"I am Kagurazaka Yugen. I believe I have an appointment."
"We have been expecting you, Mr. Kagurazaka."
The clerk led us to a private table at the back of the store with practiced grace. Miyuki followed behind me, her expression betraying a hint of suspicion. The clerk disappeared for a moment before returning to carefully open a jewelry case.
"Is this... for me?"
Miyuki's breath hitched. Inside was a magnificent multi-colored necklace—a composition of white, black, and gold pearls. Even to an untrained eye, the lack of flaws or distortion marked it as a piece of extraordinary quality.
"Yes. I know Tatsuya already gave you his gift, but I wanted to give you this for your birthday. Could we check the length?"
"Of course, sir."
In the original timeline, Tatsuya had gifted her a necklace, but in this world, he had opted for a bracelet. He'd grumbled something about being a "layman when it comes to such accessories," which had made me chuckle. When I consulted him about the necklace, he had asked me, "What if Miyuki asks for a choker instead?"
Let me be clear: no matter how much I love Miyuki, I have absolutely no intention of treating my future wife like a slave. When I told him as much, Tatsuya just sighed. "I don't think she'll give up on the idea, though," he said. The sheer conviction in his voice had sent a cold sweat down my spine.
"To receive something so precious... I am so happy, Yugen-san. I will treasure it forever."
...Seeing the unnervingly passionate gaze Miyuki was directing at me, I—Yugen—decided it was best to simply give in.
On a related note, Tatsuya arrived later and gifted a gold pearl necklace to Lina. Watching that scene with a "lukewarm" gaze is a story for another time.
"Joe, thanks for today."
"Don't mention it. I had a relaxing time myself. Tatsuya, make sure you make her happy."
With that lighthearted parting, Joseph hopped into an automated taxi and departed. The moment the taxi was out of sight, my gaze shifted to a building across the street.
"...Yugen."
"Yeah, they're there. Lina, don't stare too openly."
"I know. It feels a bit boorish at a time like this, though."
Naturally, Tatsuya—ever sensitive to being watched—had noticed, and Lina, a former soldier, wore a grim expression. The tension naturally spread to Miyuki and Minami; the latter moved instinctively into a position to shield Miyuki.
"Minami, it's fine. They aren't projecting any hostility."
"If you say so, Brother Yugen..."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"