"You did well. Your acting was impressive."

"…"

"Even I was surprised."

"…I'm dying."

In a milk tea shop, Hayasaka relaxed on her chair playing with her phone while Kaguya collapsed on the table looking mentally broken.

Even though he was her most hated older brother, she had been trained in strict etiquette for years. Today she had thrown away everything she learned, cursing at him openly.

And she even shattered his finger on the way out.

Though she didn't fire the gun, it happened because she broke the cup.

"Anyway, we've gotten everything we needed. Mr. Wilson will be satisfied. You can enjoy a long stretch of peaceful daily life now."

"Ugh…"

Seeing Kaguya still lying limp on the table, Hayasaka continued, "Think about happy things. Tomorrow you get to tour Kyoto with the president you love, and after the trip comes Valentine's Day."

"…Hayasaka, if the president knew what I looked like today, he'd definitely hate me."

"Don't worry. He won't find out."

"And besides, you can trust your boyfriend a little. The president won't hate you over something like this."

"But…"

"Relax."

Hayasaka stroked Kaguya's head.

After living together ten years, she knew Kaguya's personality well.

"Hayasaka… why do you know exactly what Rinji would say?"

"It's a talent of mine," Hayasaka said.

Because of her past experience, she could disguise herself as any personality and infiltrate any group, like when she pretended to be a gal at school.

To predict what Rinji would say, she had to understand his character and simulate his environment.

Hayasaka imagined herself as Rinji, recreated his environment, power, lifestyle, and combined it with her understanding of him to form a complete internal model.

Because of this ability to simulate others, she thought she really might have talent as a spy.

"Anyway, enjoy your date with the president and start preparing for Valentine's Day. Like what chocolate you should make."

Hayasaka sighed.

"At least the president is in Japan. I have to wait for Rinji to return before I can even give him chocolate."

"…That's true. Forget the annoying stuff."

Kaguya didn't want to think about the main family anymore. Just the thought gave her a headache.

This school trip only mattered because she was with Shirogane.

---

Kaguya was relaxed now, but Oko was the opposite.

Not only had she taken a chunk of his assets and transport routes, but he had also lost a finger.

Holding his bandaged hand, Oko was filled with hatred and bitterness, and his face looked pale from blood loss and stress.

"What's wrong, brother? Feeling unwell?"

Walking through the courtyard corridor, he ran into the third son of the family, Un'yo.

"Oh, Un'yo."

Oko forced a smile.

He knew his younger brothers and sister disliked him.

As the eldest with the greatest resources and highest chance to inherit the family, he was the enemy.

Un'yo was the least threatening of the siblings, but he would certainly enjoy seeing Oko's misery.

"I'm fine."

"Really?"

Un'yo glanced at the bandaged hand, blood faintly soaking through.

"You're injured? Should you go to the hospital?"

"No need, just some minor injury."

Oko said with a smile, though inwardly he thought:

'Seeing me in this state must make you happy. After all, you and Kaguya are just old men and some lowborn concubines' offspring. Even if I take a loss now, don't think you can ever touch the position of head of the family.'

"Since it's nothing serious, make sure you rest, brother."

Un'yo walked past Oko and moved behind him.

But after a few steps, he stopped, turned slightly, and said to Oko behind him: "By the way, brother, you already investigated Kaguya's backers, right?"

"Indeed."

"All the targets were aimed at Miyuki Shirogane, correct?"

"…You know that?"

"The deal with Amano Pharmaceuticals was handled by me, so naturally I know," Un'yo said. "Then I assume you also know the background of that Miyuki Shirogane."

"…"

"Seems like you do. His father's bankruptcy was orchestrated by the Shinomiya family, with your involvement," Un'yo said with a smile. "By now, he's probably already begun his revenge."

"What are you implying?"

"Just a word of advice as your younger brother: don't think of confronting him directly. Rinji Takamine is with Shirogane, going after him is certain death," Un'yo said. "Oh, and stay away from the Hayasaka family too. You probably guessed the connection between Ai Hayasaka and Rinji Takamine. Too bad—if four years ago you had arranged for Ai Hayasaka to be with Rinji Takamine, your situation now might have been much better."

"…"

Oko suddenly turned around and saw Un'yo waving goodbye as he walked away.

Neither Kaguya nor Un'yo showed any of the old reverence toward him.

'Enjoy your arrogance. As long as I remain the eldest son, the Shinomiya family will never abandon me.'

Oko thought this as he continued toward his room.

Meanwhile, Un'yo face twisted into a cold smile as he walked away.

"True, the Shinomiya family won't give up on you because of your status, but Rinji Takamine certainly won't either."

All of Oko's small maneuvers in Kyoto had been reported to Rinji by Un'yo. They had already established contact during previous dealings.

"Keep playing the eldest son of the Shinomiya family. Time is short. When the time comes, Brother… you'll…"

Descend into hell.