Episode 399: A Mysterious Presence

Since the men left with their associates, only we’re left standing here.

But the onlookers around us are still hanging around in their own way.

「…So, who the hell is that guy anyway?」

「…Who knows? It’s clear he’s on good terms with the Executive Director’s daughter, at least.」

「…Idiot, that’s already a shock in itself!! This is that young lady we’re talking about, right?」

「…Nah, isn’t he probably just a relative or something?」

「…True. The Madam was talking to him pretty casually too. It’s more natural to think he’s family, right?」

「…A relative. Well, if that’s it.」

「…It seems that young man is someone close to those two.」

「…But to call the Executive Director’s daughter by her name… a girl who was rumored to hate men and never had a shadow of one around her…」

「…I’ve never heard of a boy that age being among Executive Director Satsukawa’s associates or relatives.」

「…In that case, who on earth is he?」

The topic of the onlookers, who are staring at us while talking intensely, isn’t Sara-san or Mayumi-san. There’s no doubt they’re talking about me, standing right next to them.

After all…

They’re looking at me very bluntly.

「Madam, it has been a long time.」

「Oh, Takenaka-san. Thank you for always taking care of my husband.」

Takenaka-san, who seemed to have been waiting nearby, appeared and exchanged bows with Mayumi-san.

However, while Takenaka-san’s attitude is respectful, Mayumi-san’s is fairly casual… they must be quite well-acquainted.

「No, not at all. It’s I who should be thankful. The Executive Director is always a great help to me.」

「Nfufu, you don’t have to be so modest. Oh, that’s right, congratulations on your promotion.」

「Thank you. I’m still anxious about whether someone like me is truly fit for it…」

「You’ll be fine. Takenaka-san has supported my husband for a long time, so you’re definitely the right person, right?」

「Haha… it’s a greater honor than I deserve.」

Mayumi-san and Takenaka-san share a smile, and the atmosphere becomes peaceful… but the situation around us hasn’t changed at all. I really wish they’d move somewhere else before continuing the chat.

…Not that I can actually say that out loud.

「More importantly, I am very sorry. I intended to step in immediately when the young master was being pressured, but…」

「Oh, did we happen to take the wind out of your sails?」

「N-no, certainly nothing like that…」

Takenaka-san shakes his head in a panic… it looks like she hit the mark.

「It’s fine. Takenaka-san, you’re a company employee, so you should avoid trouble with other companies as much as possible. Especially since I was there, it’s even more true.」

「…Even so, I am sorry.」

「Honestly, I told you that you really don’t have to worry about it. Let’s just end this topic here. Okay?」

Mayumi-san says that and gives a soft smile and a cute wink to the dejected Takenaka-san.

As usual, the way those gestures suit her is just like Mayumi-san… or maybe I should say it’s a bit unfair.

To think she’s in the same age group as my own mom…

「Young master, I am sorry I was of no use at such a critical moment.」

「P-please stop!! I don’t think anything of it, and it’s all thanks to Takenaka-san that I even made it this far!! If anything, I’m the one who’s sorry for being useless after you set everything up for me…」

I’d rushed there with all the courage I could muster, but in the end, it was Sara-san and Mayumi-san who settled everything. They even handled the men’s hostility toward me.

In other words, I practically didn’t do a single useful thing.

「Kazunari-san… shame on you, okay?」

「!?」

Poke… Sara-san suddenly pokes my forehead with her finger from the side, smiling with her usual gentle, dazzling smile.

In that moment, I feel like a fairly large stir breaks out around us… but never mind that.

「It was because you rushed to my side that I was able to take such bold action. Do you not already know how much strength I find just by having you near me?」

「Sara-san…」

「I’m late in saying it, but thank you so much for rushing to me earlier. The sight of you appearing so gallantly was truly dignified, reliable, and dazzling… I’ve fallen in love with you all over again♪」

「U-um… well.」

Sara-san gazes at me dreamily with a heated look. Hearing her say such wonderful things makes my embarrassment accelerate.

「Fufu… making me fall for you like this over and over, making my heart race every time I look at you, making this love unstoppable… Kazunari-san, you’re truly unfair. But I, for someone like you…」

「Sara… san.」

「Kazunari-san… I…」

I can’t take my eyes off Sara-san’s eyes as she looks straight at me, as if about to confess her love once again. As our gazes lock…

Sara-san murmurs my name with a pained expression…

And so, I…

「Alright, that’s enough!」

…Just as I think that, Mayumi-san suddenly cuts between us (physically, too), and the mood that was drifting between Sara-san and me vanishes instantly.

Returning to my senses, I see Takenaka-san staring at us with wide eyes, and what’s more, we’re the center of attention for the onlookers around us… maybe?

That was bad… that might have been really bad just now.

「What was that for, so suddenly?」

Sara-san seems quite offended that she was interrupted, and she immediately snaps at Mayumi-san. But for this one time, the truth is that we only stopped thanks to Mayumi-san.

If she hadn’t stopped us, I would’ve broken my promise to Masaomi-san and ruined everything.

「You can’t do that, Sara-chan. Did you forget your promise?」

「Promise? …Ah.」

Sara-san seems to remember it too. She shows a startled reaction for a moment before her face quickly turns awkward.

I guess she was in the same boat as me.

「S-should we move away from here for now? If we stay here any longer… well, the possibility of people prying into things will only get higher.」

「True. Since Sara-chan tries to flirt regardless of where she is.」

Takenaka-san makes a slightly awkward suggestion, and Mayumi-san agrees while adding a bit of a complaint.

「I do not want to hold back even a little when it comes to being close with Kazunari-san, though?」

「Honestly… think about the time and place. It might be fine for you, Sara-chan, but Kazunari-kun has a position to think about from now on.」

「Um… I want to be close with Sara-san whenever I can too.」

「Kazunari-san♪」

When I immediately follow up (which is my honest feeling), Sara-san’s face lights up with joy.

By the way, Mayumi-san slumps her shoulders, and Takenaka-san gives a forced smile.

「Haa… you really are a couple who are alike. I suppose this is what you call a typical “foolish couple.” Right, Takenaka-san?」

「H-haha. As for me, I never imagined the young master and the young lady were this close, so honestly… the shock is so large that I don’t know what to say.」

Takenaka-san murmurs that last part with deep feeling. The way he’s still staring at Sara-san and me with a shocked face… it tells me that it’s not a lie or an exaggeration.

Well, I’ve seen this reaction plenty of times by now, so it’s not unusual. It seems like a path everyone who knew the old Sara-san has to walk, so it can’t be helped.

「A-anyway, let’s leave here quickly. I’ve kept the seat we secured earlier, so let’s head there for now…」

「We’ll guide you, please follow us!」

Ueyama-san, who appeared out of nowhere, stands next to Takenaka-san. The female employees who were by Sara-san’s side earlier quickly deploy to our left, right, and behind us. Then that group stands around the outside as if surrounding us, and in an instant… a very exaggerated procession is completed.

Even if we’re moving through a crowd, isn’t this a bit much?

「Well then, here we go.」

Takenaka-san starts walking in front, just like when we arrived. Sara-san, Mayumi-san, and I follow along as a group.

The onlookers around us watch with the same intense curiosity.

「…Hey, it looks like that guy is moving with them after all?」

「…From what I overheard just now, it seems he’s a distant relative of Executive Director Satsukawa.」

「…I see. Well, that makes sense. If that’s it, then.」

「…Why are you the one feeling relieved?」

「…No, it has nothing to do with me, but it’s better if no one new appears, right?」

「…Ah… I can understand that feeling.」

「…Haa, this is why unpopular guys are.」

「…This is quite a surprise.」

「…I’ve never seen a man get that close to the Executive Director’s daughter. But still.」

「…From what I caught, it seems he’s a distant relative. That would explain it…」

「…Distant relative. I see. That’s why the Madam seems to like him too.」

「…That’s interesting. I never thought there was a young man of that age among Executive Director Satsukawa’s relatives, but to bring him now…」

「…That boy seems very close with the young lady.」

「…He seems close with the Madam too, and I heard Takenaka-san was acting as his personal attendant until they got here.」

「…My, what kind of position does he have?」

「…There’s talk that he’s a relative.」

「…A relative of Executive Director Satsukawa!? T-then, by any chance…」

「…My, my, this is getting a bit interesting.」

They’re still looking this way, whispering to each other, or sending meaningful… and in some cases, strangely intense… looks our way. I don’t know what they’re talking about, but it doesn’t feel great to be treated like an exhibit.

「Kazunari-san?」

「Kazunari-kun?」

「Ah, sorry.」

There’s no point in worrying about the onlookers one by one… let’s just get moving.

We moved to the seats secured earlier and finally took a breath, even though the attention from around us remained.

Since it’s relatively close to a corner seat, having a few people stand in a line creates a bit of a wall. This state where we don’t have to worry too much about our surroundings is actually quite helpful… I really can’t handle being the center of attention all the time.

「By the way, Takenaka-san, are you calling Kazunari-kun “Bocchan”?」

「Yes. I was thinking of something like “Ojo-sama,” and it seemed like calling him “Bocchan” would be best…」

「Nfufu… Bocchan, huh?」

「…W-what is it?」

Mayumi-san turns her gaze toward me with a strangely mischievous chuckle.

But I’m the one who thinks that’s an extremely unfitting title for me… I’d really prefer if everyone just ignored it.

「Sara-chan, what do you think?」

「Isn’t it fine? There’s no ulterior motive in using that title for Kazunari-san… right?」

「Y-yes, of course.」

For a second, I felt an ominous air when Sara-san asked「right?」…but Takenaka-san is surely just calling me that purely, so I don’t think I need to worry.

「Wow… we’re standing out more than ever before.」

「Can’t be helped. We’ve got the Madam and the Young Lady here, and plus…」

「I still can’t believe it.」

「Haa… being this close is seriously bad…」

「Hard agree…」

Next to Takenaka-san, that group from earlier is staring at Sara-san and me with intense curiosity. Every time Sara-san smiles, they get surprised or turn red. They’re certainly busy.

「Um… sorry, Takenaka-san. We should probably do a self-introduction…」

「Ah, that’s right. …Wait, was that why you were finding it hard to talk?」

「No, it’s not really like that, but…」

The man in the group who seems to have the roughest attitude says that while looking at me nervously. …Wait, didn’t these people make a big fuss about me earlier? I was so focused on getting to Sara-san that I completely forgot.

「Um, sorry I’m late, but I’m Takanashi Kazunari.」

When I give a light introduction, the man in front of me opens his eyes wide as if taken aback and starts bowing repeatedly in a panic.

「T-thank you for the polite greeting! I’m… no, my name is…」

The man… apparently his name is Tanabe-san… trips over his words several times while giving a light self-introduction including his position. After him, the others take turns introducing themselves.

I already knew, but they’re all from the same department directly under Masaomi-san.

「And so, once again, we look forward to working with you.」

Takenaka-san finishes the introductions. Including the women who were with Sara-san, the self-introductions… well, just the names… are done.

We all exchange「I look forward to working with you」and bow one more time.

「Seriously… because Takenaka-san didn’t contact us properly, I was seriously panicked thinking I’d “messed up” from the start.」

「Hmm, what are you talking about?」

「The thing with the Bocchan!! If he was moving separately from the Executive Director, you should’ve contacted us properly!!」

It seems they’re unhappy with the lack of communication. Tanabe-san, who looked the most panicked earlier, suddenly snaps at Takenaka-san.

But for me, thinking they「messed up」over something like that feels like an exaggeration.

「Ah, that. It’s true I was at fault for failing to communicate, but wasn’t it clear from the start that the Bocchan was coming as a guest today? Even if you don’t know his face, wouldn’t you normally notice when a boy around high school age is with me?」

「Look… Takenaka-san, last year, the year before, and even before that, you were suddenly looking after or guiding some executive’s kid, or taking some kid of an acquaintance you happened to meet and introducing them… it happened all the time!! Because you said they’d be joining the company next year.」

「A-ah. Well, when you put it that way…」

「When there’s a boy whose face we don’t even know, who’s supposed to be with the Executive Director, and he’s right there… it’s natural to think it’s happening again, isn’t it!?」

「I-I see. Sorry about that…」

Takenaka-san is pushed back by the excitement of the group following Tanabe-san’s lead. He looks surprised and gives a small bow.

It seems there were various reasons why they didn’t realize who I was when we first met… but there’s no need to get so worked up.

「Nfufu… well, they’ve got their own reasons.」

「H-huh. I see.」

Even being told that with a smiling face, I only half-understand… or rather, Mayumi-san. Please don’t read my thoughts as if it’s perfectly normal.

「I think I roughly understand what happened, but I have just one thing. I’m sure it’s not the case… but you didn’t do anything rude to Kazunari-san, right?」

It seems Sara-san has made a guess too. She isn’t angry, but her question carries a relatively strong pressure.

Since it’s about men (other than me) and involves me, it’s probably natural that her eyes have turned a bit cold.

「N-n-not at all!! It was just that our greeting was a bit late…」

「Sara-san, nothing really happened, you know?」

Since nothing actually happened, I tell her the truth. She seems satisfied with that, and her expression softens.

「I understand. If Kazunari-san says so…」

「Yes. But… thank you for worrying about me.」

「Fufu… it’s only natural for me to think of you.」

「Sara-san…」

Even with such a trivial thing, Sara-san thinks seriously when it’s about me. She gets happy for me.

How happy and fortunate that makes me feel…

「…Wait, the Young Lady’s attitude changes way too much!?」

「…Even though she’s dating someone, her dislike of men doesn’t seem to have changed at all. If anything, the Bocchan’s special status just stands out more.」

「…How on earth did the Bocchan win her over?」

「…That’s the biggest mystery of all.」

「Now, now, don’t just start creating a mood like that. You try to flirt the second you let your guard down.」

「I don’t know about that. Or rather, if we’re going to announce our relationship, could we please just do it quickly? Restraining my expressions of love for Kazunari-san any further is nothing but painful, you know?」

「It’s only just started… honestly.」

「Ahahaha…」

The way Sara-san doesn’t waver even in a crowded party venue is just like her… I really am a lucky guy.

「Um…」

「No…」

「…Ah.」

The people watching us… or rather, Sara-san’s words and actions… with stunned expressions, and the ones creating a slightly awkward atmosphere… I guess it can’t be helped.

「Thank you for…」

「Nice to meet…」

「If you have time…」

「Oh…?」

Suddenly, Mayumi-san makes a sound as if she noticed something. Looking where she’s pointing… a noisy group is heading this way.

And at the center of it… that is.

「Executive Director!?」

Takenaka-san sees it too and lets out a surprised cry. The people who hadn’t noticed yet all turn around at once.

And in that group, the person at the center… Masaomi-san, gives us a small wave.

「I’m sorry, can we talk later? I’m going to be with my family now…」

「Executive Director!!」

Takenaka-san immediately rushes to Masaomi-san’s side, and Tanabe-san and the others follow.

「Executive Director, I asked you to contact me once you finished with the guests…」

「No, you don’t have to go that far. I left you in charge of things here…」

「Are you not bringing your secretary either?」

「Yeah. I left them to handle the follow-up.」

「I see… at any rate, good work.」

「You too. I’m sorry for asking you to follow up so suddenly. It was a great help. Good work, everyone.」

Masaomi-san smiles at Takenaka-san and gives him a light pat on the shoulder, then offers words of appreciation to everyone.

Then he turns toward us.

「Kazunari-kun, I am truly sorry. I never imagined it would turn out like this…」

「No, Takenaka-san came over right away, so I was fine.」

「That’s good. But originally, you were supposed to have joined Mayumi and the others by the time you arrived at the hotel.」

Masaomi-san turns his gaze toward Mayumi-san with a slightly exasperated look.

Sara-san does the same, and Mayumi-san, being blamed by both of them at once…

「W-well, it couldn’t be helped. We’re appearing in public this time, so we couldn’t just do things as usual. Besides, it’s a rare opportunity, so I wanted Kazunari-kun to see how beautiful his mother is…」

「Um… I think Mayumi-san is always beautiful, though.」

「…!?」

I tell Mayumi-san my honest thoughts as she looks visibly sulky.

Of course, I’m sure that’s not exactly what she meant, but I’m happy she was thinking of me… so at least this much.

「Kazunari-kun, Mother is so happy!!」

At my comment, Mayumi-san’s eyes moisten as if she’s overcome with emotion. In the next second, she starts to shift her posture… wait, bloodlust!?

「I won’t let you.」

But before I can brace myself, Sara-san cuts in with an incredible reaction, as if she’d teleported, and completely blocks Mayumi-san.

In response, Mayumi-san, unable to touch me with even a finger, puffs out her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

「Aww, Sara-chan, don’t be so mean!! Mother was about to give a look of love…」

「Haven’t I always told you that I won’t allow such reckless behavior? Or rather, didn’t you just say to hold back yourself?」

「Ah…」

At Sara-san’s sharp point, Mayumi-san shows an awkward face this time.

She looks around and gives a cough as if to pull herself together.

「…W-what was that just now?」

「T-the Madam…?」

「Eh? Eh? Wait, was that just now a fight over the Bocchan?」

「E-Executive Director?」

「H-haha. Just now was… well… please pretend you didn’t see that.」

Masaomi-san looks even more awkward than the person herself, while Takenaka-san and the rest of the team are wearing expressions of shock.

By the way, I’m being watched closely too, so it’s awkward for me too… maybe.

『Attention to everyone in the venue. Since it is time, we will now hold the opening ceremony for the Saba Group All-Company Fellowship Party.』

At the perfect timing, the female MC begins her announcement, and elegant classical BGM starts to play in the background.

The noise in the venue dies down instantly. Everyone around me… Takenaka-san and the others, Masaomi-san, and Mayumi-san… turn their eyes toward the staircase landing where the MC is. Sara-san, standing next to me, gives a small smile when our eyes meet.

I guess I’m saved… for now.

『Prior to the start, there will be a greeting from the Representative Director, Chairman and CEO of Saba Electronics, Shoji Satsukawa. Everyone, please listen closely. Now, Chairman Satsukawa, this way please.』

As the announcement is made, I watch to see where the Chairman will appear… and as expected, the large doors on the right side of the second-floor terrace open, and a single person emerges.

Looking straight ahead, he seems to radiate a unique atmosphere. Even from a distance, he has a cheerful smile that shows he’s relaxed even in front of this many people. He walks down the stairs one by one, very calmly…

「…That person.」

「Yeah. That’s the Representative Director of Saba Electronics…」

「He is my uncle, the younger brother of the previous chairman… the current Chairman of the Saba Group, Satsukawa Shoji-san.」

「I see, so that’s the man…」

He took over after the sudden death of Mayumi-san’s father, the previous chairman. He reigns at the top of a world-class international corporation. Until last year, he was someone in the clouds I would never have had any connection with.

Representative Director and Chairman of Saba Electronics, Shoji Satsukawa…