The twins arrived exactly on time, just as I had instructed. Graceful, composed, and sharp-eyed, Emi and Aiko stepped into the real estate office as though they owned the place. Every man in the building turned to look, but they ignored the stares. Good—professionalism mattered.
The man handling the paperwork immediately stood, his smile polite but eager.
> "Ah, Mr. Kane's assistants. Please, this way—we can finalize the contracts."
I watched silently as Emi handled the signatures with her usual calm efficiency. Aiko hovered close, double-checking each detail. They didn't need my guidance. That was good. It meant they could be trusted to handle matters while I observed.
Once the documents were completed, we stepped outside. That's when the small issue appeared. My car. A luxury model, sleek and sharp—but only two passenger seats. With me driving, I could take only one person. That left three.
The salesman cleared his throat nervously.
> "Mr. Kane, perhaps… one of the ladies can ride with me in the company car?"
I studied him for a moment. He was polite, but too eager. I didn't like leaving both of my assistants in his hands. Finally, I shook my head.
> "No. You follow in your car. Emi, with me. Aiko, you ride with him."
The twins exchanged glances, then nodded. They knew better than to question me.
We left the city together. Halfway through the drive, I slowed, pulling into a large glass-fronted showroom filled with gleaming cars.
The salesman looked puzzled.
> "Mr. Kane? Did something happen?"
I stepped out of the car, voice calm and firm.
> "No. I just remembered something. My assistants shouldn't rely on my car—or anyone else's. They need their own."
Emi blinked in surprise. Aiko's eyes widened, the first spark of excitement breaking through her calm mask.
> "Sir… are you saying—" she began.
> "Yes," I interrupted. "I'll buy one now."
Inside, the employees practically tripped over themselves to greet me. They smelled money. I ignored their flattery.
> "Show me something practical. Reliable, safe. Not the most expensive—but the best value."
They led me to a sleek, modest luxury model. Comfortable, durable, discreet. Price: 2.5 million. Pocket change.
I didn't ask the salesman for approval—I looked only at Emi and Aiko.
> "What do you think?"
Emi's eyes betrayed a rare flicker of admiration.
> "It's more than sufficient, sir."
Aiko, on the other hand, nearly vibrated with joy.
> "It's beautiful! I've never owned a car before… thank you, sir!"
Her enthusiasm made the corner of my mouth twitch upward. Not quite a smile—but close. I signed the papers and paid in cash, ignoring the stunned look on the salesman's face.
When the keys were handed over, I tossed them lightly to Emi.
> "It's yours. Share it as sisters should."
They bowed in unison. Emi's gratitude was steady, respectful.
> "We'll use it wisely, sir."
Aiko nearly bounced where she stood.
> "I'll drive carefully! I promise!"
The salesman muttered under his breath, envy dripping in every word.
> "To think… a boss who buys cars for his assistants on the spot…"
I turned my gaze on him, calm but piercing.
> "Envy is natural. Loyalty earns rewards. Remember that."
He stiffened and bowed, unable to meet my eyes. Good. Lesson learned.
We continued the drive as a small convoy—me with Emi, Aiko in her new car, and the salesman following behind. Soon, the mansion district rose before us.
Wide streets. Tall trees. Twelve mansions spaced like jewels on a crown. Seven for sale, five already taken. My eyes scanned each property, weighing not beauty but practicality. Security, space, privacy. The kind of things most buyers never thought about.
Finally, I stopped before the largest, most luxurious mansion. Marble floors, vast windows, private pool. Secluded, yet commanding.
> "This one," I said. "Pay for everything."
Emi tapped away on her tablet, transferring the money in moments. No hesitation, no questions. Exactly as I wanted. The salesman's bow deepened as confirmation arrived.
> "Mr. Kane, thank you. The other five mansions will be vacated in a few days. You'll have full access."
I nodded once. Transaction complete.
As the salesman left, I turned to Emi and Aiko.
> "This is your workplace now. My new home. You'll report here, manage operations, and assist me directly."
They nodded immediately.
> "Understood, sir," Emi said smoothly.
"We'll make sure everything runs perfectly," Aiko added with her usual spark.
Inside, the mansion was vast but empty. Walls bare, rooms hollow. That would change. I stood in the center of the great hall, hands in my pockets, and gave my next order.
> "Buy every essential electric appliance. One of each. Refrigerator, oven, washer, dryer, blender, coffee machine—everything."
Emi hesitated, cautious.
> "Sir… one of each? Wouldn't it be more efficient to buy only what you'll use?"
I cut her off with a look.
> "No. Efficiency is having everything ready, not scrambling later. Preparation is key. Do as I say."
Both sisters straightened immediately.
> "Yes, sir," Emi said firmly.
"We'll take care of it right away," Aiko echoed.
I allowed myself a faint nod of satisfaction as they left.
Alone, I stepped onto the balcony. The estate stretched before me, glowing gold in the setting sun. Seven mansions soon to be mine. Resources falling into place.
Everything was moving according to plan.
That night, the glow of the city filtered through the glass walls of my new mansion. I leaned back in my chair, the leather creaking under me, and dialed the number only a handful of people knew.
The line clicked.
A gravelly voice answered, suspicious.
"Who is this?"
I spoke calmly.
"The man who sold gold last week. I need weapons—all kinds. Rifles, shotguns, pistols, explosives if possible. Fully loaded with magazines. The more firepower, the better."
Silence. Then a low chuckle.
"Hah… so it's you. I remember. You moved that much gold like it was pocket change. Now you're after guns? What are you, building an army?"
A faint smile tugged at my lips.
"Something like that. Can you deliver?"
The tone on the other side hardened.
"If the money's there, the guns will be too. Tomorrow. Same place as before. But this order isn't cheap."
"Price doesn't matter."
I cut the call before he could say more.
Leaning back, I let out a quiet breath.
Five days gone. Twenty-five remain.
I switched off the lights and went to sleep.
---
Morning came. Sunlight streamed in through the curtains, golden and sharp. Emi and Aiko entered the study, their movements precise, folders in hand.
"Good morning, sir," Emi said, placing documents on my desk. "The appliances you requested will be delivered tomorrow. We coordinated with multiple suppliers to make sure it's on time."
I nodded.
"Efficient. I expected nothing less."
Aiko stepped forward, her tone eager.
"Sir, what's next? We're ready for further instructions."
I studied them for a moment, then spoke.
"Contact a battery manufacturing company. And a generator production company. I want meetings arranged for noon. I'll inspect their products myself."
Their brows shifted, barely noticeable, but I caught it—surprise.
"Generators, sir?" Emi asked carefully.
"Yes." I let a faint smile show. "You'll understand soon enough. Make the calls. No excuses."
They bowed their heads in unison.
"Understood."
---
By noon, I drove to the arranged meeting. The warehouse sat in the industrial district, quiet but heavy with tension. As I pulled up, men in black stepped out. Rifles hung lazily from their shoulders, but their eyes were sharp.
One of them—a tall man with a scar along his jaw—smirked at me.
"You really came. Most would've backed out after hearing the price."
I didn't bother answering. Inside, crates stacked high lined the warehouse walls. One was pried open, revealing assault rifles, shotguns, pistols, even explosives. The metallic scent of oil and steel filled the air, sharp and familiar.
"Ten billion," the scarred man said. "Cash only. No questions asked."
I gestured toward the car. My men wheeled out briefcases, opening them one by one. Crisp bills stacked to the top, neat, clean, undeniable.
The black-market men stared. Some muttered under their breath.
"This… this is insane."
"Who is this guy?"
The scarred man gave a low whistle and snapped his fingers.
"Deal's done. These crates are yours. You want delivery, or you'll handle transport?"
I stepped closer to the rifles, running my hand along the cold steel before speaking.
"I'll handle transportation. Make sure no one else knows of this."
The man smirked.
"Heh. Discretion's our business. Don't worry."
I looked over the crates one last time. The weapons gleamed under the warehouse lights, silent promises of power.
Perfect. With this arsenal, no one will dare stand in my way.