Ottawa — High-Security Luxury Suite
King Edgar stepped into his private penthouse suite, closing the heavy doors behind him. He unbuttoned his formal jacket, sinking into a plush leather armchair, and poured himself a glass of water.
Hopefully my three daughters have made it back to their rooms safely by now, Edgar thought, taking a slow sip.
"Tonight was exhausting," he murmured to the quiet room, "but it was a successful evening nonetheless."
He leaned his head back against the cushion, reflecting on the gala.
It was good seeing old faces... though the most surprising encounters were Sasaki... and Jake. I had no idea Jake had a younger sister. That was quite surprising.
"Though his sister... doesn't seem anything like him," Edgar mused softly.
A polite knock echoed at the suite door.
"Father, it's me," called out First Princess Anna.
"Come in, Anna," Edgar answered.
Princess Anna stepped inside. King Edgar stood up to greet her with a warm nod. "Welcome back, my daughter."
"Thank you, Father," Anna replied, stepping into the living area. "I came directly after finishing the briefing."
"Did you look into that massive smoke column from earlier?" Edgar asked, his brows furrowing.
Anna nodded gravely. "Yes. Our investigators couldn't determine the exact cause on-site, but the experts confirmed it was a high-yield chemical detonation."
Edgar nodded repeatedly, his gaze drifting as he fell into deep thought.
"We did manage to pull some intelligence regarding the site itself, Father," Anna added.
Edgar raised his head. "Go on."
"That complex... it was one of strongholds belonging to one of the underworld's primary powers. An organization known as Loop."
Edgar listened quietly, offering a slight nod.
"Furthermore, our reports indicate that a certain scientist was also there," Anna continued. "According to experts, another party breached the facility prior to the explosion. It appears they were hunting for that scientist... or her research files."
Edgar sighed, making his decision. "Leave it be, Anna. Let the Canadian authorities handle the fallout. It is outside our jurisdiction."
"Understood, Father," Anna bowed her head slightly. She paused, then added, "There is one more thing..."
"Speak."
"Commander Sasaki Shinomiya didn't arrive alone," Anna said, watching her father's reaction. "That guy's son... came along with him. He is a grown man now."
Edgar's eyes widened slightly. "Hayato..." A soft exhale escaped his lips. Yes... he would be a grown man by now.
"I noticed him speaking with Helena earlier during the event," Anna noted.
Edgar chuckled softly, shaking his head with a nostalgic smile as he settled back into his armchair.
"Father...?" Anna asked, confused by his reaction.
"There's no need to worry, Anna," Edgar said, his smile broadening. "The boy is just like his father."
Anna raised an eyebrow. "His father?"
"His father was notoriously popular with women as well," Edgar smiled warmly. "I imagine Hayato was simply bored and looking to kill time. He probably had no idea he was talking with a Princess."
Anna looked at him curiously. "Father... you sound as though you knew these people personally."
Edgar nodded, looking toward the faint city lights outside the window. "Decades ago, when my father sent me abroad to train to their family estate... I spent a considerable amount of time there. Those were incredible years."
Anna smiled gently at her father's expression.
"Takashi Yamamoto's father was the family head at the time," Edgar reminisced. "We formed our own little circle back then—myself, Hayato's father, the current head Takashi Yamamoto, and Sasaki..."
He paused, his eyes softening. "...And there was one more fellow among us. Hideki... Those years were truly the best of my life."
Edgar's nostalgic tone faded, replaced by a quiet solemnity. He shook his head slowly. "Hayato's father was the first of us to leave..."
Anna's smile fell, her eyes softening with sympathy.
"...Taken suddenly by an illness," Edgar murmured. "He was gone far too soon."
Anna lowered her gaze in respectful silence.
"He passed away very young..." King said.
Anna remained silent.
Edgar shook off the heavy mood, offering a firm smile. "We depart for the home capital tomorrow morning. Make sure your sisters are packed."
"Yes, Father," Anna nodded, turning to head back to her quarters.
As the door clicked shut, King Edgar leaned his head back against the seat, looking up at the ceiling.
Sasaki... you should have told me the boy came along. It would be great to meet that guy's son.
In Tokyo, Japan
The private transport touched down smoothly on the runway. Shisui was immediately transferred via specialized ambulance to a private medical facility. Hayato insisted on riding along to handle the admission paperwork, telling Commander Sasaki to head home and rest.
Sasaki and Mei took a secondary estate vehicle into the private residential sector.
Pulling up outside the secondary estate, Sasaki showed Mei inside so she could clean and prepare the house during Shisui's stay in the hospital.
After helping her settle her bags, Sasaki turned and walked down the cobblestone path toward his own home nearby.
As Sasaki opened his front gate, the front door burst open.
"Father! You're back!" Akira called out, rushing down the steps.
Sasaki smiled warmly, placing a hand on his daughter's head and patting her hair softly. "How's my girl?"
"I'm fine!" Akira said, searching his face. She frowned slightly. "Father... you look completely exhausted."
Sasaki offered a reassuring grin. "I'm fine. Just need a few hours of proper sleep, that's all."
"Why?" Akira pressed, her eyes narrowing. "Did something happened out there?"
"Shisui suffered severe injuries," Sasaki explained gently.
Akira's expression hardened for a second before softening with concern. "How is he now?"
"He's stable, but he requires total rest," Sasaki said. "Hayato took him to the central hospital for his full check-up. Also, Mei arrived with us. Be sure to let Himari and the others know she's in town."
Akira nodded sharply. "Got it."
"I'm going to head inside for a rest," Sasaki said, walking up the porch steps. "Let me know if you need anything."
"Will do, Father," Akira replied. As Sasaki went inside, Akira turned on her heel and trotted down the pathway to greet Mei at the secondary estate.