Chapter 403: Acquaintances at the Feast, Respective Goals
The banquet venue was set up in Tokyo's largest hotel, said to have a hundred years of history.
Unfortunately, before Mahiro could even clearly see the name, he was led inside by Mayumi's intimate arm-link.
Within the magnificent hall, nearly all invited guests had arrived, already forming a distinguished gathering of about a hundred people.
Scanning briefly through the bustling crowd, he noticed many familiar faces... Wait.
No, half the people here were actually acquaintances!
Especially those girls without male companions!
"Ah, Mahiro-kun!"
An exclamation from the crowd caught Mahiro's attention.
He saw Honoka, disregarding her high heels, clattering over with quick little steps, arriving before him like a swallow returning to its nest.
Following behind her was the dignified and steady Kitayama Shizuku.
"Long time no see, Mahiro-kun. When did you return?"
"I just came back recently."
Mahiro answered with a smile, unconsciously reaching out to pat Honoka's little head.
Yet, looking at Honoka's adorable face brimming with the joy of reunion, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.
Come to think of it, it really had been a long time since he last saw Honoka.
Unlike Erika and Shibata Mizuki, Honoka had chosen to attend university, and was even at the same school as Miyuki.
But since she didn't live on Shishijima Island, instead residing at the Kitayama residence, opportunities to meet were not frequent.
At this gathering, he noticed Honoka had changed quite a bit.
Today she wore a champagne-colored gown that reached past her knees, looking every bit the elegant young lady—provided one overlooked her rather inelegant little run just moments ago.
Her figure appeared more upright, and the headlights on her chest seemed to have increased by one size.
Perhaps he should find an opportunity to measure them properly sometime.
As for her personality, it remained the same, still as lively as ever.
"My, Honoka-chan's eyes are completely fixed on Mahiro-kun, not even noticing her senior here. How sad~"
Seeing Honoka's demeanor, Mayumi couldn't resist teasing casually.
As a result, Honoka flushed bright red, stammering and unable to speak for a long while.
"Apologies, Saegusa-senpai. Honoka is just like this. I apologize on her behalf."
The speaker was naturally Shizuku, who had followed closely behind, using her usual serious tone.
Compared to Honoka, she hadn't changed much, still maintaining her usual expressionless demeanor.
She wore the same ankle-length dress style seen in the past, revealing snow-white shoulders and delicate collarbones, but the color had changed to sky blue. If it had some patterns, it would almost resemble blue-and-white porcelain.
"Huh?... That Kitayama-kouhai... me?" Mayumi seemed flustered.
"Alright, alright, Shizuku is just joking with you too. Don't take it seriously."
Mahiro patted Mayumi's shoulder to smooth things over.
Mayumi glared at him indignantly.
How could she not understand that Kitayama Shizuku was only joking? But hearing such serious words delivered with that demeanor left her somewhat at a loss.
"Good evening, Mahiro-kun."
After teasing Mayumi, Kitayama Shizuku turned her attention to him.
"Long time no see, Shizuku."
"Mahiro-kun, I wonder what kind of technology you've brought back from your journey this time?"
"Hmm, I didn't bring back much in terms of technology, but I did bring back a researcher and an island—a massive artificial island suitable for commercial use."
Mahiro didn't hide anything, nor was there any need to.
However, their conversation didn't sound like that of a long-separated couple; it felt more like a business meeting.
This was normal.
After all, neither of them was overly sentimental. Only when Kitayama Shizuku was drunk would she show her clingy side.
And to some extent, Shizuku was even better than Mayumi at managing the bigger picture.
Perhaps this was the result of growing up under the influence of her father, who built a business empire from scratch.
"In that case, please take good care of us, Mahiro-kun. Our Kitayama conglomerate hopes to be the first to set up operations there." Shizuku extended her hand to him, her tone strictly businesslike.
"Oh? Are you in such a hurry, Kitayama-san?"
Mahiro reached out and shook her hand.
Shizuku nodded seriously and said:
"Yes, very much so. Because this way, I can get closer to Mahiro-kun."
This girl is as straightforward as ever.
"Hmm, Mahiro-kun, since there's such a good opportunity, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Mayumi suddenly interjected, looking at him with a resentful expression.
After all, she was the one who invited Mahiro to this banquet, and she was the one who sat with him on the plane the whole way.
Yet this infuriating and fickle Mahiro-kun didn't mention this to her!
"Ahaha..."
Mahiro chuckled awkwardly, trying to change the subject.
He couldn't very well say he'd accidentally forgotten, could he? In his eyes, they were all family, and some things didn't seem necessary to mention.
"A-And me too! After I graduate, I can replace Uncle Kitayama and Shizuku and stay there permanently!"
Honoka also eagerly expressed her desire to join in.
"Alright, sure, everyone can come. I'll save spots for all of you."
Mahiro casually agreed.
Just as they were about to delve deeper into the topic, more guests arrived.
"Ah, Mahiro-san!"
"Good evening, long time no see, Mahiro-niisan."
It was the Kuroba siblings.
Ayako, wearing a black evening gown, was accompanied by Kuroba Fumiya in a black suit.
"Long time no see."
Mahiro greeted them with a smile, patting Fumiya on the shoulder.
However, when he tried to reach out to Ayako, she subtly dodged his hand.
Mahiro: "?"
He couldn't help but slowly type a question mark in his mind.
"What's wrong?"
Nothing much, it's just that this humble girl feels life is hard. I thought moving to Mishima Island would allow me to see Mahiro-san more often, but after half a year, I still haven't seen him.
Ayako said with a resentful expression.
Although only half a year had passed, Ayako had changed quite a bit.
She had cut her originally fluffy black hair into layered medium-length locks, and her makeup and attire had become more mature. It seemed she no longer wanted to imitate Maya.
She now resembled a wealthy young lady even more than before.
But the words she spoke, combined with her current appearance, made that little devil impression grow stronger and stronger.
What could he possibly say to that?
He could only smile awkwardly.
Fortunately, she didn't voice the part about Maya wanting to marry her off to him.
That's right, the engagement between Ayako and him had never been dissolved, nor was there any pressure to hurry it along. It felt more like letting things take their natural course.
Afterwards, Ayako used the excuse of having something to discuss with him alone to extract him from the crowd of women and led him to the edge of the banquet venue.
"What is it?"
"Hmm... It's been so long since we last met, doesn't Mahiro-san miss his cousin?"
Ayako immediately put on a teary-eyed expression, her wine-red eyes instantly misting over, looking exactly like someone abandoned by a heartless lover.
Add her age to the mix.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration if a group of people suddenly rushed over the next second, grabbed him, and threw him straight into prison.
Tch, troublesome.
"What exactly do you want?"
Mahiro sighed helplessly.
After all, she was his sister. No matter what, he had to indulge her.
Absolutely must not get angry!
"Hehe, I knew Mahiro-san was the best. If Mahiro-san just gives me a kiss, Ayako will tell you~"
"Alright."
Mahiro didn't refuse. He immediately bent down slowly and lightly pecked the girl's cheek.
But as a result, Ayako puffed up her cheeks in a huff.
"What's wrong?"
"That won't do. What I want isn't a kiss on the cheek, but mouth-to-mouth."
After saying that.
Ayako suddenly jumped up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a deep kiss.
The fresh sweetness of cherry blossoms and a scent similar to cherries instantly washed over him.
Ayako's kissing technique, though inexperienced, was still impressive. Her learning ability was strong too; she instantly figured out how to please the other person.
Coupled with her light weight and the softness pressed against him, it felt very comfortable.
Tch, is this girl an incarnation of a fairy?! kds
She practically oozed temptation from head to toe!
However, thanks to the lively atmosphere of the venue, no one noticed them. Otherwise, someone probably would have taken out their phone to call the police.
It couldn't be helped. Who made Ayako look so young?
Her level of youthful innocence could rival Nakajou Azusa's!
Not long after, the two finally separated.
Ayako's face was flushed with an alluring rosy hue, her cherry lips slightly parted as she breathed slowly, leaning against his chest.
From a distance, the two really looked like a couple.
"Can you tell me now?"
"...Mhm."
Ayako gave a soft, affirmative hum, almost like a coquettish whimper, but she still told Mahiro what she wanted to say.
It was roughly about the purpose of this cocktail party.
This banquet was organized by the Magical United Association, also known as the Magician's Mutual Aid Association, but it wasn't Shiba Tatsuya, and it had nothing to do with him as a representative.
It was organized by a Frenchman.
The goal was to promote and expand the influence of the Magician's Mutual Aid Association, hoping to attract more people to join.
Of course, if they could recruit more members of the Yotsuba Family, that would be their ultimate objective.
So, many people present had connections to him.
However, apart from that, there were also unexpected guests lurking at this banquet.
"You mean people from the new USNA?"
"Mhm."
Ayako nodded slightly, her wine-red eyes slowly scanning the venue as she spoke to him in a barely audible voice:
"They're spies affiliated with the CIA. Their purpose is unclear for now, but it's most likely targeting Miss Lina."
Mahiro remained silent.
The new USNA was a small nation reestablished in North America after the dissolution of the USNA, constantly attempting to reclaim territories that once belonged to the USNA.
It could be said they were locked in fierce conflict with the independent state of California.
Unfortunately, California had the backing of not only some major corporations but also Shiba Heavy Industries. Coupled with the Kinghtmare units jointly sold by Shiba Heavy Industries and Yotsuba Technology, as well as the new models of mechanical implants, the new USNA suffered successive defeats and even lost significant territory.
Currently, the situation is in a delicate stalemate.
"However, what Ayako mentioned is just one possibility. They could also be targeting you, Mr. Mahiro, or Shiba Tatsuya. According to intelligence gathered by the Yamato Society under Fumiya, during the new USNA's final war in California, they excavated a White Stone Tablet in northern Shasta. It's said to record the location of a ruin."
"Oh? Really?"
"Are you interested, Mr. Mahiro?"
Mahiro nodded earnestly, a rare display of seriousness.
The so-called location of a ruin refers to the site of a civilization's remains, either unrecorded or scarcely documented, and is also a place where Holy Relics are unearthed.
He had no interest in the Magical United Association or the goals of that Frenchman.
But he was genuinely intrigued by ruins!
Because he had long realized that the waters of this world seemed deeper than imagined—like a clear, deep pool that appears shallow but can drown you the moment you step in.
Where did so many, and such miraculous, Holy Relics come from?
Why did they contain magical formulas that could be deciphered with modern technology? He was truly curious.
"Since Mr. Mahiro is so interested, why not come to my room for a more detailed discussion?"
Suddenly, Ayako struck an extremely alluring pose, her slender jade-like finger lightly tapping on his black shirt and slowly tracing circles.
"You look very handsome in your outfit today, Mr. Mahiro. Coincidentally, Ayako also has a room booked upstairs in this hotel. How about..."
"How about nothing."
Mahiro reached out and lightly tapped Ayako on the head, instantly breaking the suggestive atmosphere.
"Aren't you afraid that your sister Miyuki will find out and come after you with a knife?"
"Hmph, I'm not afraid of her at all."
Ayako crossed her arms, huffing defiantly.
But truth be told, Ayako's claim of not being afraid was false—she was just putting on a tough front.
These days, Miyuki was formidable not only in magical power but also in her terrifying methods.
In the half-year that Mahiro was away, Miyuki had demonstrated skills no less impressive than those of Yotsuba Maya. In fact, it could be said she had inherited the true teachings of Miya Yotsuba and Yotsuba Maya.
Not only did she thoroughly subdue those collateral branches within the family who wanted to stir up trouble in secret, but even the Ten Master Clans and the Hundred Families who had already submitted did not dare to provoke this young lady lightly. There was not even the slightest possibility of backing down externally. If anyone was dissatisfied, she would directly challenge them head-on, matching strength against strength.
The assassination team, along with the numbered members of the Shadow Garden and the seven children from Arcadia specializing in black ops, were simply more excellent and efficient than the assassins of the Yamashiro Corporation. Even the most outstanding Hazuki could not help but admit defeat, as she could not even defeat Tsukushi, who was not particularly strong in physical combat.
It could be said that Miyuki's cold and cruel nature toward outsiders was already deeply ingrained, and the once elegant and kind top student was no longer seen, replaced by an even colder and more aloof demeanor. Her gentleness was reserved solely for Mahiro.
"Hey, Kuroba, what are you trying to do by dragging Mahiro-nii here?!"
Accompanied by a tender yet furious shout, a petite figure charged forward like a young calf. Even disregarding the high heels she wore, she launched a flying kick at Ayako from a distance!
A familiar move.
Ayako smiled charmingly, gracefully turning like a fluttering butterfly to evade the incoming flying kick.
"My, my, Saegusa-san, I never expected you to still be so rude at such a high-end banquet."
"No matter how rude my sister is, she's still better than this shameless little thief-cat."
The voice did not come from behind but from the direction leading to the banquet.
A girl with a bob haircut, dressed in a gorgeous gown, was seen walking gracefully toward them.
The newcomers were none other than Saegusa Mayumi's two younger sisters, Saegusa Kasumi and Saegusa Izumi.
"It's been a long time, Mahiro-nii. Izumi has missed you very much."
"That's right, Kasumi misses you too, Mahiro-nii!"
The elegant and serene younger sister and the lively and energetic older sister—these two sisters were truly polar opposites. Moreover, like Ayako, they attended First High School and regarded each other as rivals in every aspect. Their relationship could be described as incompatible.
However, accompanying these twins was a group of persistent followers. Instantly, the twins were surrounded by boys eager to curry favor. Kasumi seemed somewhat annoyed, while Izumi skillfully rejected them one by one. She then gave Mahiro a look that said, "Leave it to me, Mahiro-nii. You go ahead first, and we'll come find you later."
Mahiro disliked noisy environments, so he walked away. However, he hadn't gone far before Ayako's followers also surrounded her.
These boys, who had just entered high school, had mixed motives. On one hand, Ayako's appearance was exceptionally beautiful—though not as exquisitely crafted as Miyuki's artificial beauty, she still held the reputation of being a "little beauty." On the other hand, the Kuroba Family no longer concealed being a collateral branch of the Yotsuba Family and maintained a very close relationship with them. Thus, these boys hoped to climb the social ladder of the Yotsuba Family through Ayako.
Unfortunately, since Mahiro rarely made public appearances or attended such social occasions—usually represented by Miyuki or Maya—their efforts were in vain.
This led them to have no knowledge of Mahiro at all.
Coupled with his youthful appearance, they arbitrarily assumed Mahiro was their romantic rival. (In a way, they weren't entirely wrong.)
The glances they cast toward him were also filled with subtle hostility and jealousy.
Unfortunately, their gazes were clearly noticed by both Ayako and Mahiro.
"Shall we handle this?"
"Of course. Please leave all these trivial matters to me, Mr. Mahiro. Why don't you head to the dining area and take a rest?"
Ayako smiled gently as she sent Mahiro on his way.
The moment she turned around, Ayako's expression toward the group of young men instantly turned cold, her eyes brimming with boundless disgust.
A gentle smile slowly spread across her face as she said:
"You've interrupted my precious date with my fiancé. So tell me, how would you like to die?"
That person was actually the legendary Yotsuba Mahiro?!
The young men's hearts sank, and cold sweat immediately broke out on their foreheads.
They thought to themselves, it's over.
There was no way they would get out of this unscathed tonight.
As for the final outcome, Mahiro couldn't be bothered to find out. After taking a glass of juice from a waiter, he headed straight for the dining area.
Whenever he attended such banquets, he never engaged in unnecessary socializing.
His goal was only one.
And that was to eat, eat, and eat some more!
Just as he picked up a lobster pie and was about to put it in his mouth, a fair, delicate hand suddenly reached over, snatched the half-eaten food from his lips, and then handed him a plate filled with exquisite delicacies.
"Mahiro-nii, try these instead. They're all delicious~"