"W-Why is Hanako-san here?!"
"My father is also a Sawa employee."
"Ah?!"
That’s right. Now that she mentioned it, I remembered hearing that Hanako-san’s father… Tadao-san, worked for Sawa. But if they were attending, why didn't she say something beforehand?
"My father never participated in these parties before, but his department transfer changed things. It was a last-minute decision."
"I-I see."
"Also, Kazunari seemed to have completely forgotten, so this is your punishment."
"Wait, is that the real reason?!"
Leaving aside her uncanny ability to read my thoughts, Hanako-san had a mischievous glint in her eyes—the kind that was hard for most to read, but I knew well. This was definitely intentional. There was no doubt about it!
"Honestly… if you were coming, couldn't you have sent a single message right before?"
"I thought the wife had forgotten too, so I intended to surprise you both."
"I didn't forget," Sara-san interjected. "I simply assumed you wouldn't be able to participate due to your own circumstances."
"Well, that was a high possibility."
It seemed Sara-san had already realized she was here, which meant I was the only one left in the dark. Still, I felt like remembering the specific employer of a friend's father was a tall order; if anything, I was impressed Sara-san had kept track of it.
"So, where are Tadao-san and the others?"
"My mother is staying home. My father is…"
Hanako-san pointed behind her. A group of people was watching us with curiosity, but among them was one man looking over with a worried expression. The moment our eyes met, Tadao-san began bowing frantically.
I really wished he would stop doing that.
"Um… I should probably go over and greet him, shouldn't I?"
"I agree," Sara-san said. "In this situation, it would be inappropriate to skip a formal greeting."
"I don't mind either way," Hanako-san said, "but my father said it was impossible for him to come over here."
"Impossible?"
"He said that the people gathered around Kazunari right now aren't the kind a rank-and-file employee like him can talk to casually."
"…Huh?"
Even if he said "the people gathered around me," the only ones here besides Sara-san were the members of Masaomi-san’s direct team, led by Takenaka-san. In other words…
"…I see. If that is the case, it would be better for us to go to him. Kazunari-san, what shall we do?"
"I’m fine with that. Let me have a word with Takenaka-san first."
Regardless of Tadao-san’s reservations, I needed to explain things to Takenaka-san and the others, especially regarding Hanako-san’s presence.
"Young Master, is she a friend of yours?" Takenaka-san asked.
"Ah, yes. She’s my…"
"I am Kazunari's Big Sister. Thank you for looking after my little brother."
"Wh—?!"
"Wait a minute!"
Hanako-san, who had followed me over, offered a greeting that subtly reminded me of someone else’s style.
"U-Um, Hanako-san is a best friend to both me and Sara-san…"
"She has her own reasons for taking the position of Kazunari-san's Big Sister," Sara-san added, picking up where I stumbled. "She isn't a blood relative, so please don't let it worry you."
"I-I see…?"
Even with Sara-san’s clarification, Takenaka-san and the others looked baffled. It was only natural, given they didn't know the full story.
"A-Anyway, I’m going to go greet Hanako-san’s father now."
"Oh, in that case, shall we accompany you?"
"No, well… about that…"
This was difficult. How was I supposed to explain this? I couldn't exactly drag the very people he was terrified of meeting right over to him. That would be nothing but harassment.
"Haha, please rest assured," Takenaka-san said, seemingly catching on. "We won't do anything so intrusive. We’ll stay a short distance away and simply secure the perimeter for the Young Master and the rest of the group."
"Ah…"
If Takenaka-san was okay with that, then it should be fine. If something happened while we were alone, it might actually cause more trouble for his team later.
"I understand. Then…"
"Yes. Please, don't mind us."
I signaled to Sara-san to confirm, and she returned a silent smile. I took that as a green light.
"Kazunari, this way."
Once our talk ended, Hanako-san took the lead with a sense of purpose. As we walked, Takenaka-san’s team fell into formation around us, once again creating a group that monopolized every eye in the room.
In contrast, Tadao-san and those around him looked beyond surprised—they looked terrified. He was waving his hands at me with a frantic expression, as if desperately trying to tell me to go away. Yeah, I definitely messed this up.
"Father, Kazunari wants to say hello."
Hanako-san ignored his protests and spoke to him just as Takenaka-san’s team fanned out to give us space. Seeing that, Tadao-san and his colleagues began to panic so much it made me feel guilty just watching.
"W-Wait, Riko!"
"It’s okay. The others won't talk to you."
"No, that’s not what I meant…"
"H-Hanasaki-san, who are these…?"
"Wait, what is…?"
"You’ve got to be kidding. What is this?"
"I-I’m sorry," I said, "I just wanted to offer a quick greeting…"
"N-No, no! There’s no reason for Takanashi-san to apologize to us!"
Tadao-san remained incredibly deferential toward me. Now that I understood the weight of being called "Young Master," I could finally grasp why he was acting this way.
"Um… anyway, it’s been a while."
"I-It has. And…"
While greeting me, Tadao-san stole a terrified glance at Sara-san standing beside me.
"It has been a long time," Sara-san said. "Thank you for always taking care of Riko-san."
"Hieee?! N-No, the pleasure is mine, Young Lady! My daughter is the one who is always being looked after by you!"
The intensity of his panic was on a completely different level than when he spoke to me. He was practically trembling. Beside him, his colleagues also continued to bow their heads repeatedly and silently.
"Fufu… that isn't the case at all. Both Kazunari-san and I are truly being taken care of by Hanako… I mean, Riko-san."
"That’s right. I’m the one being looked after, so I actually feel a bit bad about it…"
"I don't mind," Hanako-san said. "It’s only natural for a big sister to look after her younger brother."
"Ugh…"
I knew she was saying that to support me, but she really was "looking after" me.
"It’s just a figure of speech, so don't take it to heart," Hanako-san whispered to me. "You know I do this because I want to, right?"
"Well, yeah…"
I knew that, of course, but whether I could just nod along and agree was another matter entirely.
"As for me," Sara-san noted, "I cannot acknowledge it wholeheartedly, but I will overlook it so long as it remains within the scope of our agreement."
"Yes, I know."
"Then that is fine."
The secret agreement between Sara-san and Hanako-san was clearly still in effect. They nodded to each other meaningfully. I had the distinct feeling this was a conversation I was better off not joining.
"And so…"
"It’s okay. I’ve explained the situation to my father."
"I see."
"Yes," Tadao-san added, "I’ve heard the story from my daughter, so please, do not worry on my account."
I hesitated on how much I should say, but it seemed Tadao-san already understood where the "off-limits" lines were drawn. If we kept the conversation light, there shouldn't be any issues.
"However… I hate to be the one to bring it up, but my daughter has caused so much trouble for Takanashi-san and the Young Lady…"
"No," Sara-san replied, "this is a matter between us. The truth is that we have been helped in many ways, so it isn't a problem. As I just told her, as long as she maintains that minimum line, I am content to overlook it."
"…I am deeply sorry."
Tadao-san bowed his head low to Sara-san. It felt pathetic that I couldn't think of a single thing to say in a moment like this.
"Fufu… please, lift your head. Since Kazunari-san himself has accepted 'that,' I have no intention of saying anything more. Provided only that my own territory is not encroached upon."
"Y-Yes. I believe she is well aware of that herself… right, Riko?"
"I’m fine. As long as I can be Kazunari's Big Sister, that’s enough. A little brother's happiness is a big sister's happiness."
"…Then I have no problem with it."
Hanako-san met Sara-san’s eyes and spoke with absolute clarity. And for Sara-san’s willingness to accept her, I felt nothing but deep gratitude.
"…orry…" "…so, a word…" "Hmm?"
"…It’s getting noisy over there." "A dispute?"
The touching moment was suddenly interrupted by a commotion. Sara-san and Hanako-san looked toward the source with visible annoyance. It looked like a group of people was trying to push past Takenaka-san’s team.
"…As I have explained multiple times, without the Senior Managing Director's permission, a meeting with the Young Master is—"
"Takenaka-kun, I just want to have a quick word with him."
"If even you call him 'Young Master,' then who is he exactly…?"
"Look, dear, that boy with the Senior Managing Director's daughter…"
"I apologize, but I cannot share any details regarding the Young Master."
"Young Master?!"
"Wait, I’m getting more curious by the second."
"Excuse me, I’d like to speak with the Young Lady…"
"I am terribly sorry, but we are currently declining all requests for the Young Lady."
"Come now. I am yosuki…"
"Wait, I was here first!"
"Whoa…"
"Sigh… how tiresome."
It was no wonder Sara-san was muttering irritably. A crowd had gathered again. This time, it wasn't just young men; there were older gentlemen and socialites who seemed to be targeting me as much as Sara-san.
"Kazunari, you’re popular."
"I’m not happy about it at all… Wait, are they really looking for me?"
"Of course they are," Hanako-san said. "A new young man appearing within the Satsukawa family is bound to draw eyes."
"It seems that because the pest repellent is gone, the curious masses are swarming," Sara-san added.
"Pest repellent…?"
Leaving aside who she meant by that, I hadn't expected to attract this much attention. My own awareness of the situation had been too naive.
"My, my, quite the festive scene, isn't it?"
"Mayumi, this isn't the time for such a casual attitude."
"Mother, Father…"
"Masaomi-san… and Mayumi-san."
Appearing right on cue were Mayumi-san, who gave me a wink while watching the chaos with amusement, and Masaomi-san, who sighed while admonishing her. Their arrival created a whole new wall of people as the crowd shifted their focus to the power couple.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. The talk with my Uncle took longer than expected."
"That’s because you kept saying unnecessary things, didn't you?"
"Oh? He tried to test my cute son, so it was only natural to give him a warning, wasn't it?"
"You call that a 'warning'? It was more like a threa—"
"Masaomi-san, did you say something?"
"N-No, it was nothing."
Her eyes weren't smiling at all; if anything, Mayumi-san had an edge to her that made Masaomi-san shut his mouth immediately. I wondered what exactly had gone down during their meeting with the Great-uncle.
"By the way, who is this girl…?"
"Hehe… it’s been a while, hasn't it, Hanako-chan?"
"It’s been a while, Mayumi-san."
Mayumi-san’s expression changed instantly. She offered a genuine, beaming smile to Hanako-san, who returned it with a look of quiet joy. I remembered they hadn't seen each other since Parental Observation Day.
"Hmm? Mayumi, you know this girl?"
"Of course I do! She is Kazunari-kun's classmate and a best friend to both of them. Plus, she’s a key person involved in that incident…"
"Nice to meet you, Satsukawa-senpai's father. I am Hanasaki Riko."
"Eh? Ah, nice to meet you, young lady. I am Masaomi Satsukawa. My daughter is always… Wait, Hanasaki?"
Masaomi-san paused, looking at Hanako-san with a thoughtful expression before glancing at Sara-san.
"Father… she is 'Hanasaki'-san," Sara-san said, emphasizing the name.
Masaomi-san nodded as if a piece of a puzzle had finally clicked into place.
"I see. So you’re the one from…"
"…You were very helpful at that time."
"No, no, I have no idea what you’re talking about."
"…Is that so? Regardless, please let me say thank you."
The two of them exchanged words that were far too meaningful. Hanako-san gave him a polite bow. What in the world was that about?
"U-Um… S-Senior Managing Director Satsukawa…"
"Hmm?"
Approaching timidly—in the most literal sense of the word—was Tadao-san.
"N-N-Nice to meet you. I am Hanasaki Tadao from the Development Section of the Information Systems Department…"
"Ah, so you are Hanasaki-san. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am…"
Masaomi-san spoke with a slightly more reserved tone, but it felt like a normal professional greeting. Whatever mystery existed seemed to be specifically between him and Hanako-san as an individual.
"Hehe… I’ve wanted to have a proper talk with Hanako-chan. I feel like we’re kindred spirits."
"I feel the same. I’ve wanted to talk with Mayumi-san properly as well."
"I’m so happy to hear that."
The two of them were being strangely harmonious. It was a striking sight to see Hanako-san so eager to talk to Mayumi-san.
"Fufu, it’s an interesting group, isn't it? My mother and Hanako-san…"
"Y-Yeah. But we have a problem right now…"
I gestured to the surrounding crowd. Takenaka-san and his team were clearly struggling to maintain the perimeter. We couldn't just stand around leisurely forever.
"Senior Managing Director, may I have a moment?"
A man rushed over to Masaomi-san in a panic. Masaomi-san’s expression hardened as they whispered.
"Managing Director Hoshino has arrived…"
"…Understood. My apologies, Hanasaki-san, we’ll have to continue this talk later."
"N-No, please, don't let it worry you!"
Abruptly ending the talk with Tadao-san, Masaomi-san signaled to Mayumi-san. They both turned toward us. He just mentioned a Managing Director—but wasn't that man Yamanashi a Managing Director too?
"It seems the cast is assembled."
"Now, it’s finally time to begin… Are you two ready?"
"Y-Yes."
"I am ready."
The word "ready" felt a bit heavy, but this was clearly the signal. The main event was starting. I could feel my nerves beginning to fray.
"Fufu… With this, we can finally sweep away the fools who look down on Kazunari-san," Sara-san said with a chillingly happy smile.
"It is the first step toward Kazunari's brilliant future," Hanako-san added.
"Huh?"
Sara-san’s ominous delight was one thing, but Hanako-san’s "brilliant future" felt a bit hyperbolic.
"Hehe… The time has finally come to publicly announce Kazunari-kun as my precious son!"
"Mayumi… you’re not wrong, but isn't that a bit of a shift in the objective?"
"What are you saying? Masaomi-san, you’re the one who is going to declare his position clearly, aren't you?"
"Well, yes, but…"
Masaomi-san pulled back slightly from Mayumi-san’s intense excitement, though he still gave a firm nod.
Finally, it was starting to sink in. Takenaka-san calling me "Young Master," Tadao-san being so humble, and this massive announcement at a super-large enterprise’s party… I was realizing that becoming Masaomi-san’s adopted son meant I would be treated exactly like Sara-san.
I still had a nagging feeling that I was missing a few key details, but there was no time to think.
"Attention, all guests in the venue. Our special guest for today has just arrived, so we shall now proceed with their introduction. We apologize for the interruption and kindly ask for a moment of your time."
The announcement echoed through the hall. Our special guests—given the timing, it had to be Nishikawa-san and her father.
"Well then, shall we head over?"
"Hehe… Kazunari-kun, Sara-chan?"
"Yes."
"Understood."
Now, at last…
The main event was beginning.