"Everyone, today, despite your busy schedules..."
Commanding the undivided attention of everyone in the venue, the President of Sawa Electronics—Shoji Satsukawa—began his opening address. He stood with a dignified air, his gaze fixed straight ahead.
Though I was seeing him from a distance for the first time, he overflowed with a vigor that made it impossible to believe his age. His resounding voice was so captivating that even those with no interest would find themselves drawn in. To put it simply, it was on a completely different level from the dry, tedious speeches given by the Principal or Vice Principal at my school assemblies.
"This year, through our new projects and the further expansion of our business..."
He had clearly memorized his entire speech; there was no sign of him checking notes. The fact that he spoke fluently and without a single hitch made him remarkably easy to listen to. A quick glance around revealed none of the usual side-chatter or people fiddling with their smartphones; the audience was rapt.
"Thinking back to that day when my elder brother, the previous President, collapsed..."
The speech moved past the formal greetings to the circumstances of how he had assumed his current role. I already knew the story, so the details weren't particularly surprising—how he had stepped in as an emergency measure following the sudden death of the previous President, Mayumi-san's father, and how he currently held the Presidency concurrently.
However, those events were undoubtedly a painful memory for Mayumi-san.
That was why I...
"...Things were truly chaotic back then, weren't they?"
"Yeah. I never imagined your father would pass away like that."
I had started to worry about Mayumi-san, but they were a seasoned married couple. The sight of Masaomi-san gently staying by her side while engaging in quiet conversation was striking.
Perhaps I was being unnecessarily meddlesome.
"Fufu... that isn't the case at all, you know?"
"Eh?"
As I was secretly feeling relieved by the sight of them, Sara-san, standing beside me, gently placed her hand on my arm and smiled.
Could she have...
"Even if she doesn't realize it herself, my mother is truly fortunate to be the recipient of Kazunari-san’s kindness. No matter what anyone says, I can guarantee that."
"Sara-san..."
I felt a surge of happiness at Sara-san’s ability to sharply pick up on even the smallest gesture and follow up for me. I had to consciously tighten my expression to keep from breaking into a silly grin.
But even that was transparent to her.
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, you’re so cute♪"
She whispered that mischievous killer phrase while looking at me with a dazzling smile that felt like it could draw me in forever.
Uu... I could feel my face turning bright red.
"...Hey, what exactly are we being forced to watch?"
"...Heh, so the Young Lady can make faces like that too."
"...I'm honestly jealous..."
"...Me too..."
"Thanks to everyone's untiring efforts and cooperation, we have greatly exceeded our goals again this year. I am truly pleased that we can celebrate our Final Work Day safely like this. Accordingly, we have held this party again to provide some well-earned relaxation. Whether you choose to deepen friendships with those you rarely meet or enjoy yourselves with your own departments, I hope you enjoy today in your own way. Furthermore, I am planning a very pleasing surprise announcement later, so please look forward to it."
"He said a surprise announcement."
"I wonder what it is?"
"The President seems to be in a great mood, so it must be something good."
"As long as it's positive for us, I don't care what it is."
"It's rare for the President to use that kind of phrasing."
"Yes. Perhaps it’s..."
"It might be the matter regarding 'that.'"
The moment the President mentioned the word "surprise" during his closing remarks, a stir broke out across the venue. Various speculations reached my ears from all directions.
However, since Masaomi-san and his direct team, including Takenaka-san, showed no reaction at all... that meant they already knew.
"Nfufu... of course, it involves the two of you as well, you know?"
"Ah, I thought so. But..."
"By saying 'as well,' that means there’s something else too, isn't there?"
Sara-san took over my question and directed it at Mayumi-san.
Up until now, we hadn't heard about anything other than the announcement regarding the two of us. It was likely something related to the company that didn't strictly concern us yet, but...
"That's right. Strictly speaking, it’s a matter that will involve the both of you eventually... but since it's quite a bit further in the future and the other party isn't here yet, perhaps it's better to explain later?"
"The other party?"
"...I see. So it involves Eri too."
Sara-san seemed to have made a guess. Indeed, when put that way, the only person missing who was likely to be involved with me and Sara-san was Nishikawa-san.
"Nfufu... correct. Well, there are still many uncertain elements, and at this stage, it's nothing more than a future prospect. But since it will be very helpful in stabilizing Kazunari-kun’s position as Masaomi-san’s son, we decided to announce it alongside the news about you two."
"Exactly. Of course, the final decision rests with Kazunari-kun, and since it’s still premature, it’s strictly a prospect for now."
"I-I see."
A story involving both me and Sara-san... or rather, based on the tone, it sounded more like something involving "my future."
If that was the case, no matter what it was...
"...Takenaka-senpai, that talk just now..."
"...I haven't been told the details either. However..."
"...A considerable commotion is expected this time, given it involves the Senior Managing Director."
"...Yeah. There's no doubt it’s one of his moves."
"...I feel like we're caught in the middle of something incredibly massive."
"...Isn't it a bit late to realize that?"
"Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest tonight, recharge your spirits over the New Year, and let us make next year a year of great leaps forward together. Once again, I pray for the further development of our company. With that, I conclude my opening remarks. Everyone, thank you for your hard work."
As the President finished, a thunderous round of applause erupted. Amidst the loud cheers, there was movement on the landing of the stairs, and someone delivered a tray of glasses to the President.
Simultaneously, waiters began distributing drinks throughout the venue. A man carrying a tray of glasses approached our group.
"Beer for me!"
"I'll have something non-alcoholic..."
"Hey now, at least join us for the first one..."
"It's because you push things like that that you aren't popular."
"Shut up!!"
"I think I'll have a beer too."
"Then I'll have just one glass as well. Ah, if I get drunk, I wonder if Kazunari-kun will nurse me back to health? Nfufu♪"
"There is no need for such pointless worries. I will see to it that any troublesome drunks are liberated from this venue immediately. You can rest assured and go home alone."
"An, Sara-chan, you're cruel! Kazunari-kun wouldn't say such a thing, right? You'll kindly nurse your mother-in-law, won't you?"
"Umm..."
What was I supposed to do? Even knowing it was a joke, it was hard to flatly reject Mayumi-san when she made such a pitiful expression.
"Mother, if you intend to trouble Kazunari-san any further... you understand the consequences, don't you?"
In response to Mayumi-san touching upon my indecisiveness—or rather, the near-taboo act of "troubling me"—every bit of softness vanished from Sara-san’s voice. The sharpness in her gaze intensified instantly.
This was bad... we were already at an alarm level.
"...Whoa, s-scary!?"
"...Hieee, the Young Lady's eyes..."
"...Man, you definitely can't tell jokes to the Young Master."
"S-Sara-san, please calm down. I'm fine, really."
"Kazunari-san..."
I spoke while staring fixedly into her eyes, trying to help her calm down and show her I was truly okay. Sara-san finally softened her expression and blushed slightly out of embarrassment.
Thank goodness.
"...Eeeh, what was that?"
"...The Young Lady is completely head-over-heels for the Young Master."
"...Haha, this is incredible."
"Now, that’s enough, Sara, Mayumi. If the two of you keep bickering like that, it will only trouble Kazunari-kun."
"You're right. That would be counterproductive."
"Geez... 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."
"U... O-Okay, I get it. It was my fault. Kazunari-kun, I'm sorry too."
"No, I don't really..."
Since I didn't feel like I’d actually been wronged, being apologized to so formally felt awkward in its own way.
"I apologize for interrupting. Your drinks..."
"Ah... sorry."
I apologized to the Waiter-san—who I felt was suppressed a laugh—and chose an oolong tea from the tray. Sara-san followed my lead. I checked to see if everyone else had their glasses.
"Now then, everyone, I would like to move on to the toast. Are your glasses ready?"
The MC called out to the room, looking around to ensure everyone was prepared. Once they confirmed the room was ready, they nodded to the President, who also held a glass.
"Ahem... Well then, everyone, thank you truly for your hard work this past year. Also, to our Distinguished 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 continued success of everyone here, and sincerely wishing for the prosperity of our Distinguished Guests..."
The President held his glass high. Everyone in the venue followed suit. I held up my glass as well, secretly exchanging a look with Sara-san.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!!"
A thunderous unison filled the venue, followed by the pleasant sound of glasses clinking together from all directions.
"Sara-san."
"Kazunari-san♪"
""Cheers.""
Sara-san and I clinked our glasses together. As I thought back on everything that had happened this year...
The party had finally, truly begun.
............ .......... ...
"No, no, thank you for all your help this year as well."
"The same to you. Regarding the project the other day..."
The moment of peace after the toast was short-lived. A crowd soon gathered around Masaomi-san for greetings. Takenaka-san and his team moved with practiced efficiency to organize the queue while Masaomi-san handled them with a perfect tempo.
On Mayumi-san's side, a mixed crowd of men and women loitered around her for the same reason. As she chatted lightly, I could see a hint of annoyance or weariness behind her smile—something the people around her likely didn't notice.
"I am from Shellfield..."
"I would definitely like to greet the Senior Managing Director's daughter..."
"I am sorry, but the Young Lady is..."
"No, I have legitimate business, unlike the others..."
"Hey, if you're saying that, then I..."
The same was happening on our side... or rather, beyond the human wall of staff. Several young men had been trying to approach for some time, only to be refused each time by the Female Employees on guard, leaving reluctantly.
Their objective was obviously Sara-san. It was exactly why these guards had been stationed here. Even so, the sheer number of them made me feel a sense of restless pressure.
"Haa... as always, this has moved past being bothersome and is just irritating."
"Is it always like this?"
"I wouldn't say always, but it’s like this whenever I attend. It's been especially bad these last two or three years."
"I see..."
Sara-san didn't attend the party every year, and I knew that even when she did, she usually left early. Dealing with this every time must be unbearable, especially given her distaste for men. These guys were all using different excuses, but their motives were transparent and full of calculation.
"Honestly, if they’re going to announce us, I wish they’d just do it. I take no pleasure in being approached by the masses while I am here at Kazunari-san’s side."
"I agree. I feel a bit..."
It went without saying that Sara-san found this annoying, but even if they didn't know about me, seeing it so blatantly was frustrating. It was different from being confessed to by a student at school; these guys were trying to leverage their positions, making their interest feel even more unpleasant.
Plus, the age group was mostly older, with some who were perhaps much too old.
"Kazunari-san, if you cannot endure this situation, please say so. I will proudly declare our relationship regardless of the company's convenience."
"Haha, thank you. But if it comes to that, it’s my job to do the declaring. Besides, Masaomi-san and the others made these arrangements with us in mind... As long as Sara-san is enduring it, I can do the same."
"Fufu... I understand. I’ll give you plenty of 'there, there' pats once we get home later, so let's endure this together♪"
Sara-san looked delighted by my resolve and immediately promised a reward. I wasn't enduring it just for the sake of being pampered... but I certainly wasn't going to complain about it either.
"...'T-There, there'?"
"...Wait, what? What is the Young Lady going to do to him?"
"...To be pampered by such a beautiful girl... a man could die happy..."
"...Those two, what kind of life are they living? They aren't living together, are they!?"
"Satsukawa Senior Managing Director, do you have a moment?"
"Hmm?"
While we were engrossed in our own conversation, a man appeared and whispered into Masaomi-san's ear. Masaomi-san listened in silence before glancing at me for an instant and nodding.
What was that about?
"Everyone, I apologize. Something has come up, so I will resume our greetings later."
Masaomi-san addressed the crowd around him. Takenaka-san and the others added their apologies as the group dispersed.
"Kazunari-kun, I'm sorry, but could you come with me for a moment?"
"Eh? I don't mind, but where to?"
Once the crowd had mostly vanished, Masaomi-san spoke to me with a somewhat tense expression. He didn't answer my question directly, instead glancing toward the stairs.
There was nothing special there... or was there?
"Oh, a summons?"
Mayumi-san had seemingly cleared her own crowd and joined us, looking intrigued.
"...The President wants to meet him first and talk a bit."
"I see. In front of all these people, you wouldn't be able to talk calmly."
"Yeah. There shouldn't be any change to the plans, so it won't be an issue."
"Right. Shall I go too?"
"No, I was told to bring him alone. Mayumi, please wait here."
"I understand."
They exchanged words with a solemn air, both of them stealing glances at me. Several of the words in their conversation made me uneasy.
But for now...
"Then, Kazunari-kun, if you’ll follow me..."
"Wait. I’m going with Kazunari-san."
"Sara, you wait here with Mayumi. The President asked for just me and Kazunari-kun..."
"I refuse. If this involves Kazunari-san, I am not uninvolved. I will not have Kazunari-san shoulder this alone."
"Sara-san, please leave this to me."
"Kazunari-san..."
Sara-san seemed surprised that I would choose to go without her. Her brow furrowed with concern, and she stared deeply into my eyes.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't want to make her look like that or make a decision without her, but...
"Masaomi-san, you’re taking me to see the President, right?"
"Yeah. He wants to talk before the rest of the evening begins."
"Understood."
The fact that the President had called only me was significant. I could guess that it wouldn't be "just a talk." In other words, this was my responsibility.
"Sara-chan, in times like these..."
"I know. I desperately want to accompany him, but I understand that I should let Kazunari-san handle this. Therefore, at the very least..."
Sara-san accepted it, nodding at Mayumi-san's words. Her concerned expression didn't vanish, but she closed her eyes for a moment before forcing a brave smile.
"Kazunari-san... I am always by your side. No matter what the talk is about, we are in this together."
"Yes... it'll be fine. It might really be just a simple greeting or a light talk."
I knew it wouldn't be that simple, but I didn't want her to worry.
"Haha, it's fine. The President understands your situation, and he won't meddle at this stage."
"Exactly. Maybe he just wants to thank Kazunari-kun for the other day. It might be as simple as that."
Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san spoke with forced cheerfulness. That possibility did exist, so maybe I was overthinking it.
"...Mmm, it's kind of dramatic."
"...It feels like a modern-day fairy tale."
"...Isn't that accurate? Especially given the Young Lady's position."
"...In that sense, it might not be an exaggeration after all."
"Shall we go, then?"
"Yeah. Come on, Kazunari-kun."
"Right. Sara-san... I'm going now, okay?"
I tried to act as cheerful as possible to put Sara-san at ease. She nodded with a smile.
"Kazunari-san, I will be waiting for your return."
"Yes. I'll be back."
Suppressing the tension that threatened to leak out, I looked straight ahead.
It was finally time to face the President.