Episode 400: Commencement

「Everyone, today, in the midst of your busy schedules…」

While receiving the undivided attention of the venue and looking straight ahead, the Chairman of Saba Electronics, Satsukawa Shoji-san, began his greeting with a dignified air.

Even from a distance, seeing him for the first time, he overflowed with a kind of strength that made one completely forget his age. His resonant voice was the kind that would draw in even someone with no interest. To put it simply, it was incomparable to those speeches given by the principal or vice principal at my school assemblies.

「This year, through new projects and the further expansion of our business…」

It seemed he had memorized everything he was saying. He didn’t look at any notes and spoke fluently without hesitation, which certainly made him easy to listen to. Looking around briefly, I couldn’t see any groups engaging in unrelated idle talk or people fiddling with their smartphones, which are common sights in situations like this.

「Thinking back to that day, when my brother, the previous chairman, collapsed…」

Then the content of the speech moved past the initial greetings. He spoke about the circumstances of how he became chairman. This wasn’t particularly surprising since I already knew the story, but he spoke about how he took over the position of chairman as an emergency response to the sudden death of the previous chairman, who was Mayumi-san’s father, and how he currently holds the position of president as well.

However, the fact remains that this story was a painful event, especially for Mayumi-san.

Because of that, I…

「…Everything was so hectic back then, it was complete chaos, wasn’t it?」

「Yeah. I never thought for a moment that Father-in-law would pass away just like that.」

I was worried about Mayumi-san, but there stood the couple. The sight of Masaomi-san quietly staying by her side while engaging in casual conversation was quite moving.

Maybe I was being unnecessarily meddlesome.

「Fufu… that isn’t the case at all, you know?」

「Eh?」

While I was secretly feeling relieved at the sight of the two of them, Sara-san, who was next to me, softly placed her hand on my arm and smiled.

Could this be…

「Even if she hasn’t noticed, my mother is certainly a happy person for receiving your kindness, Kazunari-san. I’ll guarantee that, no matter what anyone else says.」

「Sara-san…」

I felt a surge of happiness at Sara-san’s kindness in picking up on such a small thing and following up with me. I steeled my face to keep it from breaking into a grin.

But even that seemed to be seen through by Sara-san.

「Fufu… Kazunari-san, you’re cute♪」

She smiled at me with a dazzling smile that felt like it would pull me in, followed by a slightly mischievous killing blow.

Ugh… I could feel my own face turning red.

「…Man, what are we being forced to watch?」

「…Heh, so the young lady can make a face like that too.」

「…I’m honestly jealous…」

「…Me too…」

「Through everyone’s tireless efforts and cooperation, we have significantly exceeded our goals this year. I am very pleased that we can welcome the end of the year safely like this. Accordingly, in hopes of providing even a little comfort and reward to all of you, we have decided to hold this party again this year. It is fine to deepen friendships with those you rarely have the chance to meet, or to have a great time within your own departments. I would be happy if each of you enjoys yourselves as you see fit today. Also, I am planning to announce a very pleasant surprise later, so please look forward to it.」

「He said a surprise announcement.」

「I wonder what it is?」

「The Chairman seems in a really good mood, so maybe something really good happened?」

「As long as it’s something positive for us, anything is fine.」

「It’s rare for the Chairman to use that kind of phrasing.」

「Yeah. Could it be…」

「Maybe it’s talk about “that.”」

The moment the Chairman reached the end of his greeting and mentioned the word surprise, a stir arose in various parts of the venue. I could hear different voices reacting to that statement from around me as well.

However, Takenaka-san and the others in the direct team, including Masaomi-san, showed no reaction. That meant…

「Nfufu… of course, it includes the two of you as well, you know?」

「Ah, I thought so. But…」

「Since you said “also,” does that mean there’s something else too?」

In a way that followed up on my question, Sara-san asked Mayumi-san.

Since we haven’t heard anything other than the talk about the two of us… well, it’s likely something related to the company. If we were told it doesn’t involve us yet, that would be the end of it.

「That’s right. Strictly speaking, it’s a story that involves the two of you too… but it’s a bit further in the future, and the person involved isn’t here yet, so maybe I should explain later?」

「The person involved?」

「…I see, so it’s a story that involves Eri too.」

Sara-san seemed to have made a guess, as she let out that single sentence. Indeed, if it’s someone who isn’t here yet and is likely involved with me and Sara-san, the only person who fits is Nishikawa-san.

「Nfufu… correct. Well, it’s a story with a lot of unconfirmed elements, and at this stage, it’s only a future prospect. But it’ll be very helpful in stabilizing your position as Masaomi-san’s son, Kazunari-kun. That’s why we decided to announce it together when we talk about the two of you.」

「That’s how it is. Of course, the final decision will be yours, Kazunari-kun, and it’s still a bit early to talk about it, so it’s only a prospect.」

「I… I see.」

A story involving both Sara-san and me… or rather, based on this tone, it’s likely something involving my future.

But if that’s the case, no matter what it is…

「…Takenaka-senpai, that talk just now.」

「…I haven’t been told the details either. But…」

「This matter is expected to cause quite a commotion, and it is the Executive Director we’re talking about, after all.」

「…Yeah. There’s no doubt it’s one of those moves.」

「…I feel like we’re involved in something incredibly significant.」

「…It’s a bit late for that, isn’t it?」

「Please enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content tonight, and after recharging your energy during the year end and New Year holidays, let’s work together to make next year a year of great progress again. Once more, I offer this as a greeting for the commencement of the party, with prayers for the further development of our company. Good work, everyone.」

When the Chairman concluded like that, a burst of applause rang out from within the venue. Amidst the loud cheers, there was movement on the staircase landing, and something like a glass was delivered to the Chairman.

And coinciding with that, glasses with drinks were being distributed throughout the venue. A man with a tray of glasses came over to our side too.

「Beer for me!」

「I’ll have a non alcoholic one…」

「Hey, hey, at least join in for the first one…」

「That’s why you’re not popular, you’re too pushy.」

「Shut up!!」

「I think I’ll have a beer too.」

「Then I’ll have just one glass. Oh, if I get drunk, maybe I’ll have Kazunari-kun take care of me… nfufu♪」

「Even without such a pointless worry, I’ll quickly liberate any troublesome drunk from this venue. Please feel free to go home alone.」

「Aww, Sara-chan, you’re cruel! Kazunari-kun wouldn’t say something like that, right? You’ll take care of your mother-in-law kindly, won’t you?」

「Umm…」

What should I do. I know it’s a joke, but when I see Mayumi-san’s sad expression, I feel hesitant to just flatly refuse her.

「Mother, if you intend to trouble Kazunari-san any further… you understand, don’t you?」

Against Mayumi-san, who touched upon my indecisiveness… or rather, the taboo like event of「troubling me,」all ease and softness vanished from Sara-san’s voice, and the sharpness of her gaze increased instantly.

This is bad… it’s already reached warning levels.

「…Whoa, t-that’s scary!?」

「…Hieee, look at the young lady’s eyes.」

「…Man, you can’t tell a careless joke to the young master.」

「S-Sara-san, please calm down. I’ll be fine.」

「Kazunari-san…」

To get Sara-san to calm down and to tell her that I’m really okay, I spoke while staring into her eyes. Sara-san’s expression softened, and she blushed a little as if embarrassed.

Good, with this…

「…Ehhhh, what was that?」

「…The young lady is way too in love with the young master.」

「…Haha, that’s incredible.」

「Alright, that’s enough from both Sara and Mayumi. If you two are fighting like that, it’ll only trouble Kazunari-kun, wouldn’t it?」

「You’re right. That would certainly be getting our priorities backward.」

「Honestly… it was just a little joke, you didn’t have to get so worked up.」

「I will show no mercy to anyone who troubles Kazunari-san, no matter who they are.」

「Ugh… alright, I get it. It was my fault. Sorry, Kazunari-kun.」

「No, I don’t really…」

In the first place, I don’t remember having anything done to me that warrants an apology, so if she apologizes so formally, it’s a bit troubling in its own way.

「I’m sorry to interrupt while you’re busy. Would you like a drink?」

「Ah… sorry about that.」

I apologized to the waiter who had apparently been waiting for our interaction to finish (I felt like I was being laughed at a bit) and chose an oolong tea from the tray. Sara-san chose an oolong tea next… did everyone around me receive one?

『Now then, everyone, we would like to move on to the toast. Are your glasses ready?』

Just at that timing, the MC called out to everyone. She looked around the venue, and after confirming there were no particular reactions, she nodded to the Chairman, who also had a glass in his hand.

『Ahem… well then, everyone, thank you very much for your hard work this past year. Also, to our guests, thank you very much for your wide ranging support. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Now, once again, praying for the development of our company and the best efforts of everyone, and sincerely wishing for the prosperity and well being of our guests…』

When the Chairman said that much, he held the glass in his hand upward. The people around… the people in the venue followed suit, each raising the glass in their hand. Of course, we raised our glasses too. I secretly exchanged a glance with Sara-san, and then…

『Cheers.』

「Cheeeeers!!」

Along with the loud chorus from the entire venue, the pleasant sound of glasses clinking rang out from everywhere.

「Sara-san.」

「Kazunari-san♪」

「「Cheers.」」

Sara-san and I clinked our glasses together too, while reflecting on the various events of this past year.

The party had finally begun.

「No, no, thank you very much for all your help this year.」

「Likewise, about the project the other day…」

The feeling that things had settled down after the toast lasted only a moment. People aiming to give their greetings gathered around Masaomi-san immediately. A pattern was formed where Takenaka-san and the others expertly organized them, while Masaomi-san handled them with a good tempo.

As for Mayumi-san, a group of men and women gathered around her, likely for greetings as well. Those people probably didn’t realize that Mayumi-san’s smile while she chatted lightly hid a bit of trouble or even annoyance.

「I’m from Shelfield…」

「I would definitely like to greet the Executive Director’s daughter…」

「I’m sorry, but the young lady is…」

「No, I have legitimate business, it’s different from the others…」

「Hey, if you’re saying that, then I’m…」

By the way, over here too… although it was beyond a wall of people… several young men kept coming over, only to be refused and reluctantly leave because of the female employees handling the situation.

Of course, there was no doubt their target was Sara-san, which is why staff had been positioned in anticipation of this. Still, the sheer number of people made even me feel a bit of anxiety.

「Haa… as always, it goes beyond being a pain and becomes annoying.」

「Is it always like this?」

「I’m not sure if it’s always, but it’s like this at least whenever I participate. It’s been especially bad these past two or three years.」

「I see…」

I’ve heard that Sara-san doesn’t attend the party every year, and even if she does, she leaves quickly. With the situation like this every single time, it must be unbearable for Sara-san, especially given her dislike of men. The guys gathering here have different excuses, but their business is the same, and they’re full of ulterior motives.

「I really wish they’d just hurry up and announce our relationship. What a sad thing, to have to be approached by all and sundry while I’m here by your side, Kazunari-san.」

「Yeah. I feel a bit…」

It goes without saying that Sara-san finds this situation a nuisance. Even if they don’t know about me, being so blatant is a bit too much. This is different from being confessed to by some student at school. The guys gathered here are calculating, thinking about their own positions, which makes the way they approach even more unpleasant.

Also, the age group gathering is basically older, and it’s also quite something that even people who are far too old are mixed in.

「Kazunari-san, if you can’t bear this situation, please just say so clearly, okay? If that happens, I’ll proudly make a declaration without caring at all about the company’s convenience.」

「Haha, thank you. But if it comes to that, it should be my role. Besides, Masaomi-san and the others must have planned things with us in mind. As long as Sara-san is enduring this, I can handle this much.」

「Fufu… I understand. I’ll give you plenty of “good boy” pets when we get home later, so let’s do our best together♪」

Sara-san, who had been listening happily to my resolve, immediately said those wonderful words. Of course, I wasn’t enduring it with that kind of calculation in mind… but the fact is, I’m honestly happy, so there’s that.

「…G-good boy pets?」

「…Eh, what’s that? What is the young lady going to do?」

「…Man, being pampered by such a beautiful girl, a guy could die happy…」

「…What kind of life are those two living? Wait, they aren’t living together, are they!?」

「Executive Director Satsukawa, do you have a moment?」

「Hmm?」

While we were having our interaction (which they likely didn’t notice, so it’s only natural), a man who seemed to be some kind of associate appeared and whispered something into Masaomi-san’s ear. Masaomi-san, who listened silently, turned his gaze toward me for a split second… and gave a small nod.

What was that just now?

「I’m sorry, everyone. Some business has come up, so I’ll have to resume my greetings later.」

Masaomi-san spoke to the people gathered around him, and Takenaka-san and the others followed suit with words of apology. Hearing that, the people left the area one by one.

「Kazunari-kun, I’m sorry, but could you come with me for a bit?」

「Eh? I don’t mind, but where to?」

Once most of the people gathered had left, Masaomi-san immediately spoke to me. He sounded a bit tense, and without answering my question, he glanced toward the stairs.

There didn’t seem to be anything special there.

「Oh, a summons?」

It seems Mayumi-san had also cleared away the people around her before I knew it, and she spoke to Masaomi-san with an interested look.

「…The Chairman wants to meet him and talk for a bit.」

「I see. Well, in front of this many people, you wouldn’t be able to talk calmly, after all.」

「Yeah. I don’t think there’s any change to the plans, so there shouldn’t be any problem.」

「Right. Shall I go too?」

「No, he said for the two of us to come, so Mayumi, please wait here.」

「Understood.」

They exchanged words in a solemn manner, both of them glancing at me. I wonder… a few concerning words appeared in that conversation.

But for now…

「Well then, Kazunari-kun, come with me…」

「Wait. I’m going with Kazunari-san too.」

「Sara, stay here with Mayumi. The meeting with the Chairman is only for me and Kazunari-kun…」

「I refuse. If it’s a story involving Kazunari-san, I am not unrelated either. I won’t let him shoulder it alone.」

「Sara-san, please leave this to me.」

「Kazunari-san…」

It seemed she never expected me to choose to move separately, as Sara-san looked a bit surprised. It wasn’t quite sadness, but she furrowed her brows with worry and stared into my eyes. Of course, under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t want to make her look like that or make a seemingly unilateral decision.

「Masaomi-san, we’re going to talk with the Chairman, right?」

「Yeah. He wants to meet and talk a bit before everything else starts later.」

「Understood.」

The fact that the Chairman didn’t call both Sara-san and me, but only me, likely had some kind of reason. And I can imagine that it’s not just a「simple talk.」So, here…

「Sara-chan, in times like this…」

「I know. I’d love to go with you, but I also understand that I should leave this to Kazunari-san. So at least…」

Sara-san seemed to have accepted it for now. She gave a small nod at Mayumi-san’s words, but her worried expression didn’t change. Still, she closed her eyes tight and gave a brave smile.

「Kazunari-san… I’ll always be by your side. No matter what the talk is about, we will surely…」

「Yes… it’s okay. It might really just be a greeting or some light talk.」

I know it’s not actually such a simple matter, but I don’t want to make Sara-san worry.

「Haha, it’s okay. The Chairman understands the situation between you two, and he won’t do anything to interfere now.」

「That’s right. It might just be that he wants to thank Kazunari-kun for before, something like that.」

While watching our interaction, Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san spoke with extra brightness. There’s certainly a chance of that, so maybe I don’t need to think about it so seriously.

「…Mmm, kind of dramatic.」

「…In a way, it feels like a modern day princess story.」

「…Isn’t that close to the truth? Especially considering the young lady’s position.」

「…In that sense, it’s not necessarily an exaggeration.」

「Now then, shall we?」

「Yeah. Well, Kazunari-kun.」

「Yes. Sara-san… I’ll be going now, okay?」

I tried to act bright so that Sara-san wouldn’t worry even a little. Sara-san gave a nod with a smile.

「Kazunari-san, I’ll be waiting for your return here.」

「Yes. Well, I’m off.」

I suppressed the tension that felt like it would leak out and looked straight ahead.

Now… it’s finally time to face the Chairman.