There was a specific term for such a takeover defense measure.
"……A White Knight, was it?"
"Exactly."
Hinako nodded, looking somewhat satisfied with herself.
In the midst of a struggle against a hostile takeover, a friendly acquirer gallantly appears to save the company. For a business seeking salvation, the name was perfectly apt—hardly an exaggeration.
"I will be your White Knight."
Hinako puffed out her chest with pride.
But for some reason…… I couldn't bring myself to agree immediately.
Hearing Hinako's proposal, I was internally stunned. So there was that option! I thought.
But at the same time……
(……Is this really the right move?)
A sense of wrongness lingered.
I felt as though I shouldn't take the hand she was reaching out to me.
If I considered only the company's well-being, it would be better to let Hinako help. As Suminoe-san had said, it was an honor for a venture company to receive an M&A proposal. In Suminoe-san's case, I had declined because our visions didn't align, but Hinako was a friendly acquirer who knew everything about me and Tomonari Gift.
The company I had raised with such care was being scouted by the prestigious Konohana Group. There could be no greater honor.……Or so it should have been.
Even so, the reason I felt this hesitation was……
(……Ah.)
That’s right.
I remembered.
Hadn't I just discussed this very thing with Tennoji-san?
I—want to stand beside Hinako.
Hinako, Tennoji-san, Narika, Asahi-san, Taisho, Kita, and…… Suminoe-san. Wasn't I working hard right now so that I could be their equal in the truest sense?
The reason I was aiming to become a director of the Konohana Group, the reason I was aiming for the Student Council, the reason I was giving my all in the Management Game—it was all for that purpose.
……Then, I couldn't do it.
I couldn't take Hinako's hand here.
I was aiming for equal footing…… I couldn't allow myself to be one-sidedly sheltered like this.
"……I’m sorry, Hinako," I said, bowing my head. "I don't want to accept that proposal."
"……Eh?"
Whether because my answer was so unexpected, Hinako let out a small, thin sound.
"W-Why……?"
"I can't be saved by charity."
To begin with, Hinako's company had absolutely no need to acquire mine. Nor was she looking at my company as a strategic investment. Hinako was simply reaching out because I was in trouble.
In other words, this wasn't business…… it was pure compassion.
That was exactly why I couldn't accept it.
"……I want to be your equal, Hinako."
If I went under her protection now, I would never be her equal.
There were many students at Kikou Academy who admired Hinako. They always watched her from a distance, staring in a daze or offering praises to one another.
It might be a rude way to put it, but I didn't want to be like them.
I didn't want to watch her from afar. I didn't want to be her subordinate.
I wanted to be a person worthy of standing by her side.
"So, won't you trust me? I'll find a way to handle this on my own.……I feel like if I lean on you here, I’ll never be able to stand beside you for the rest of my life."
I poured my heart into those words.
Hinako remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"…………I understand."
She left the room with her head down.
Her ears, visible through the gaps in her hair, were dyed bright red.
……Did I make her angry?
I knew Hinako didn't look down on me. She had reached out with pure kindness. Since I had brushed that aside, it wouldn't be strange for her to be upset.
But—this was something I couldn't compromise on.
From here on, I would have to show her through my actions.
"……Alright!"
Encouraging myself with a "let's do this," I turned back to my computer.
◇
After leaving Itsuki's room, Hinako walked down the hallway with her gaze fixed on the floor.
While staring blankly at the red carpet as she walked, she bumped her head against the wall with a dull thud.
"Owuh."
"Young Lady……?"
Shizune, who happened to be cleaning nearby, noticed her.
However, Hinako hurriedly changed direction and began walking again while staring at her feet……
"Owuh."
"Y-Young Lady? Um, are you alright? Your room is this way……"
"Uuu……"
Shizune looked puzzled by Hinako's strange behavior.
Rubbing her forehead where she had bumped it, Hinako allowed Shizune to lead her back to her room.
Upon entering, Hinako went straight for the bed.
As she buried herself in the duvet and stopped moving, Shizune wore a worried expression.
"If you are feeling unwell, I shall call a doctor……"
"I’m fine…… just leave me alone for a while……"
This was by no means a physical ailment.
Shizune apparently decided it was best to obey for now; the sound of the door closing followed shortly after.
Left alone, Hinako buried her face in her pillow and kicked her legs up and down frantically.
(Uuuuuuuuu……!!)
Her face was hot. It felt like it was going to erupt.
She was surely making a very strange face right now. She couldn't let anyone see her like this, which was why she had kept her head down the entire time.
She was being completely overwhelmed by the emotions welling up from deep within her.
In her head, she replayed the conversation with Itsuki.
—I want to be your equal, Hinako.
Itsuki's words, his voice, and his expression were vivid in her mind.
"H-He was so…… cooooool……!!"
As if to discharge even a fraction of her uncontrollable passion, she thrashed her legs.
She rubbed her face against the pillow repeatedly, but her heart showed no sign of calming down.
(I see…… Itsuki-kun is going to come even closer to me……)
It wasn't conceit. Itsuki-kun had said it himself.
Itsuki-kun's sincere feelings had been properly conveyed to her.
"~~~~~~~~!!"
A wordless cry escaped her.
Hinako hugged the pillow tightly and rolled around on the bed.
(I’m happy…… I’m happy, I’m happy, I’m happy…………!!)
She felt a desperate urge to scream.
Warm feelings overflowed from her chest, racing through her body in search of an outlet.
(But…… uuuuuu……! I wanted to work hard for Itsuki-kun too……!!)
A complex feeling, slightly different from pure joy, welled up.
To be honest, she hadn't expected him to refuse the proposal.
She didn't intend to underestimate him, but to put it bluntly, Itsuki-kun was at an overwhelming disadvantage. SIS was dozens of times larger than Tomonari Gift. A way to survive a head-on collision with them would not be easily found.
That was why she thought she had proposed the best path.
She had come up with that strategy thinking Itsuki-kun would be delighted.
(I even left an executive post open so Itsuki-kun could join me……!!)
If things had gone well, she thought they could have enjoyed the game together.
At the academy and at the manor, the two of them standing side-by-side, absorbed in the Management Game…… imagining such a scene, Hinako had made the proposal while feeling giddy inside.
But…… Itsuki-kun's words about "wanting to be equals" made her so happy, and he had looked incredibly cool when he said it.
(…………So cool.)
Her heart was already full.
Then, perhaps this was for the best.
Things hadn't gone as expected, but she was feeling happier than she had ever imagined.
If there was any lingering regret, it was the fact that she didn't know what Itsuki-kun was going to do from here. He said he would solve it himself, but it likely wouldn't be that simple.
(Maybe I should pull some strings behind the scenes……)
She considered trying to secretly support him so he wouldn't find out.
But…… since he had asked her to trust him, she didn't feel right about doing something behind his back.
"Uuuuuu……"
She was happy that Itsuki-kun had said those things.
But was it okay to leave it like this? The question swirled in her head.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Young Lady, are you truly alright?"
"……I’m fine. You can come in."
Hearing Shizune's voice, she gave permission to enter.
Entering the room, Shizune approached Hinako and placed a palm on her forehead.
"……There seems to be no fever."
Confirming she wasn't ill, Shizune looked relieved.
"See? I told you."
"However, your face is bright red, you know?"
"T-That…… has nothing to do with it."
Embarrassed, Hinako turned her face away.
"Did Itsuki-san enjoy the tea?"
"Mm, he said it was more delicious than before.……Ehehe."
That was another thing that had made her happy.
Hearing this, Shizune looked happy as well, as if it were her own achievement.
"Your efforts have borne fruit."
"It’s because you taught me so carefully, Shizune.……Thank you."
Even though she was always busy, Shizune had kindly stayed with her until the very end to teach her the proper way to brew tea.
Staring straight at Shizune, Hinako expressed her gratitude.
At that, Shizune placed a hand to her forehead and looked up at the ceiling.
"……It was worth living to hear that."
She was moved to the very core of her soul.
Hinako hadn't intended to be so dramatic with her thanks…… but she decided she should try to put her gratitude into words a bit more often from now on.
"But I think Itsuki-kun is also looking forward to the tea you brew, Shizune, so next time, you should be the one to make it."
"I don't mind, but…… are you sure?"
"Mm. It wouldn't be fair if I was the only one being happy."
She didn't want to do anything that would rob Itsuki-kun of his small joys.
At the end of summer vacation, that worry had grown until she was bedridden. The fear that she might have stolen a precious everyday life from him…… she didn't want to harbor such anxiety again. Even if Itsuki-kun said it was fine, she felt it was something she had to be mindful of.
"……I understand," Shizune nodded. "Did Itsuki-san still seem to be troubled by the buyout matter?"
"He was. But he said he wanted to handle it himself."
"I see.……Then, in honor of that spirit, let us refrain from being too strict with our guidance for Itsuki-san this time. In truth, rather than this being his fault, the other party was simply more aggressive than expected."
"Mm.……Itsuki-kun is studying hard. He even knew about White Knights."
Hinako also believed Itsuki-kun was not at fault.
The fact that he knew about third-party allocations and White Knights meant he was likely studying M&A and stocks on a regular basis. His range of knowledge was too broad for someone who had only started researching after Suminoe-san’s hostile takeover began.
"Speaking of which, I heard from the other maids that when the Management Game had just started, Itsuki-san seemed to be working on something with Takuma-sama in his office."
"Itsuki-kun…… with that man?"
The face of her brother, wearing his characteristic wicked smile, appeared in Hinako's mind.
"Takuma-sama said he 'had him help with work,' but he might have been giving Itsuki-san advice on the game.……Given who he is, I hope there isn't some ulterior motive."
Shizune, who had plenty of experience being toyed with by Takuma, couldn't easily trust him.
Hinako shared the suspicion.
"……Shizune."
"Yes."
She wanted to avoid her brother as much as possible.
However, if Itsuki-kun was about to fall into his clutches, she would cast aside any personal feelings in a heartbeat.
"Call that man."
Shizune nodded and took her smartphone from her pocket.
Hinako took the phone as the ringing tone sounded.
At the same time, Hinako pressed the enter key on her computer.
"I just sent some data to the tablet, so please show it to Itsuki-kun later.……I thought helping this much would be okay."
"Understood.……Is it alright if I leave you now?"
"Mm.……I’m just going to have a conversation between siblings."
Though they could hardly be called typical siblings.
Shizune looked worried, but in the end, perhaps choosing to trust Hinako, she bowed respectfully and left the room.
『Shizune?』
Her brother's voice came through the phone.
"……It’s me."
『Hinako, huh? How rare. Did you have some business with me?』
His tone was as elusive as ever.
It was impossible to read what he was thinking. And yet, that man could see through everything she was thinking.……It was incredibly frustrating.
"What do you intend to do with Itsuki-kun?" Hinako asked point-blank. "I know you've been giving him tips.……What are you planning?"
『……Who knows? That depends on Itsuki-kun.』
At the vague answer, Hinako bit her lip.
……How infuriating.
As if sensing her frustration, Takuma laughed.
『You don't need to worry. I just want to support his talent.』
"Talent……?"
When Hinako pressed him, her brother replied.
『He is—the same kind as me.』
◆
A short while after Hinako left my room.
While I was brainstorming countermeasures for Suminoe-san's takeover, there was another knock at my door.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"Ms. Shizune. What brings you here?"
"Earlier, the Young Lady's behavior was a bit odd, so I came to investigate the cause."
"Eh."
Her behavior was odd……?
Does that mean I really did make Hinako angry?
"That was a joke. Well, it is true that her behavior was strange, but it doesn't seem to have been for a bad reason, so there is no problem."
"I-I see……"
Well, if Ms. Shizune said it was fine, there was likely no need for concern.
"The Young Lady asked me to give this to you, Itsuki-san."
With that, Ms. Shizune handed me a tablet.
"This is……"
"It is information on companies that the Young Lady has researched. It contains more detail than what is publicly available.……She said she thought helping this much would be alright."
"……Thank you very much."
"Please express your gratitude to the Young Lady later."
I certainly intended to.
Indeed, this level of assistance wouldn't constitute an one-sided favor. Even if it wasn't Hinako, no one in the Tea Party Alliance would begrudge this level of cooperation. I felt the same way.
Grateful for Hinako's consideration, I looked over the data.
"What are you working on now?"
"I was looking for a company to partner with for takeover defense. This information is exactly what I needed."
I answered while scrolling through the tablet.
There was a massive amount of data—hundreds of companies. I could see now that Hinako's success in the game wasn't just luck or her family name. It was because she was putting in this kind of steady, grueling effort.
"……Companies are fascinating," I said, taking notes with one hand. "Corporate philosophies, investor reports…… when you research from various angles, the company's core nature starts to appear.……I can see the manager standing behind the company."
There was no need to be intimidated by the word "corporation."
In the end, companies and services were built by people. Behind inorganic data, there were always humans with emotions.
"When I look at the data, the other person's face and thoughts somehow come to mind…… after that, I just need to confirm if that person and I are compatible……"
With just that—negotiations would succeed.
I had felt this same sensation when I saw Takuma-san's email and when I found Tennoji-san's partner. The true intentions hidden behind the data were becoming vivid.
"Itsuki-san, that is…………"
Beside me, Ms. Shizune looked strangely grave.
"What's wrong?"
"No, it is nothing major, but……" she said, sounding somewhat hesitant. "You speak…… almost exactly like Takuma-sama……"
◇
On the other side of the phone, Takuma began to speak cheerfully.
『You know about my talent, don't you? My emotional quotient…… my EQ is abnormally high. I can somehow sense what others are thinking.』
Hinako knew that. Even as strained as their relationship was, they were family. She had heard about her brother's talent many times.
"In other words…… a mind-reading pervert."
『How cruel. And here I am called a genius.』
Contrary to his words, he didn't seem bothered.
『One day, I asked Itsuki-kun to organize some documents. Then, Itsuki-kun saw through a lie within those documents in an instant. He said, "This isn't your real intention, is it?"』
That was likely what Shizune had mentioned earlier. When the Management Game had just started, the two of them had worked together in the office. At that time, Takuma had sensed something from Itsuki.
『He can sense the truth or falsehood of data by intuition,』 Takuma stated simply. 『Strictly speaking, he can sense hidden true intentions. When he sees deceptive information, he doesn't need logic; he senses that the data "smells" wrong. Conversely, even if there are flaws in the data itself, he can see if the other party is trustworthy.』
Takuma explained it matter-of-factly, but it wasn't easy to accept.
Did that mean…… Itsuki had the same talent as this man?
"……Having just you being able to do such occult things is more than enough."
『To us, it’s not occult at all.』
Hinako furrowed her brow. She didn't want him to say "us." It felt as if he was claiming Itsuki was already on his side of the fence.
『For example, Hinako, when a classmate invites you to a tea party, how do you judge whether it's a social nicety or a sincere invitation?』
"That’s…… just an instinct, I guess."
『Exactly. It’s an "instinct," right? It seems like ambiguous criteria, but strangely enough, those instincts are often correct.』 Takuma continued. 『For us, that intuitive domain is just wider. Just as you judge social niceties, we judge whether the information in front of us is a lie or the truth.』
Hinako knew about Takuma's talent, but this was the first time it had been explained in such detail. The logic seemed sound…… or at least it did because of Takuma's silver tongue. She was afraid to be easily convinced.
Hinako knew that Takuma Konohana's talent was more than just "sharp intuition."
He provided what the other party wanted, acted out a persona they liked, and sometimes brought up topics they avoided just to steer negotiations in his favor. That was how Takuma had won over the directors of the Konohana Group at an exceptional speed.……If he weren't such a playboy, he would have surely been welcomed as the next Head of the House.
"……But Itsuki-kun has never shown any signs of that until now."
『That’s right. So I was likely the trigger,』 Takuma replied. 『Being around someone like me…… having conversations with me probably served as a stimulus for him.』
Hinako considered that possibility. Takuma was a special person, for better or worse. There were many whose lives had changed under his influence.……Shizune was one of them. Itsuki, too, might have been stimulated by Takuma and awakened to his own talent.
"……So, you're the culprit?"
『Hey now. It’s not a bad thing. I’d rather you call me his mentor.』 Takuma chuckled. 『You understand, don't you, Hinako? This is unmistakably the talent of a leader. Since he can read true intentions, he can avoid risks and dig out hidden profits.』
Coming from Takuma, who had risen to power with that very talent, it was persuasive.
『The only pity is that he lacks ruthlessness. If he could master this talent, he could even grasp the other party's weaknesses. Once he can do that………… he can become me.』
Hearing those words, Hinako was reminded once again of her brother's true nature. He presented this path because he believed his own life was the correct one. To him, it was an act of kindness. But as expected, her brother wasn't thinking about Itsuki's feelings at all.
"……He doesn't need to."
Hinako thought of Itsuki…… of the person most precious to her. Itsuki had always watched over her. He watched her with a gentle smile even when she was being lazy or burdened by her own emotions. There was no way that gentle face should be allowed to disappear.
"Itsuki-kun doesn't need ruthlessness," Hinako said, her voice stronger than usual.
『Ruthlessness is essential in the world of business. If Itsuki-kun can just discard sentiment, he can become a first-rate manager. He could easily become an executive of the Konohana Group—』
"It doesn't matter," Hinako interrupted. "Itsuki-kun won't become like you. He’s not like you, who treats others as pawns."
Takuma often used others to move things in his favor. Hinako knew well what happened to his victims. Some lost their families; some lost their dreams. Even if they initially followed Takuma with sparkling eyes, in the end, only Takuma was left laughing.
It wasn't that Takuma didn't understand feelings; on the contrary, he was more sensitive to them than anyone. This man cut people off while fully understanding their pain.
……Perhaps because he could see it so clearly, he found it trivial. Takuma Konohana always made light of other people's feelings.
『Different from me, huh?……Are you so familiar with Itsuki-kun that you can say that for sure?』
"I know even without being familiar," Hinako said calmly. "Mirei Tennoji isn't in your world."
She thought of that noble, competitive, upright girl.
"Narika Miyajima isn't in your world."
She thought of that clumsy, hardworking girl who strove to better herself.
"Yuri Hirano isn't in your world."
She thought of that warm, meddlesome, unpretentious girl.
"Neither Katsuya Taisho nor Karen Asahi are by your side."
『……They’re all his friends, aren't they?』
"Yes, friends."
She thought of those two who were always secretly supporting others.……She felt a bit miffed that the ratio of girls was unusually high, but she pushed that aside for now. The important thing was that Itsuki had such friends.
"You only build relationships based on mutual interest. That’s why you only have business partners.……But Itsuki-kun is different. He has always worked hard for the sake of others. And because of that, he has many friends."
Therefore—
"Itsuki-kun is already living a different way of life.……There’s no point in trying to lead him astray. There are plenty of people around him who will stop him."
Hinako wasn't afraid for Itsuki's future. she was certain he would be alright. she trusted that he wouldn't become like this man.
『Hmm, what a waste. When he has such a talent for business.……Personally, I’d like him to become my right hand in the future.』
"That won't happen. Look elsewhere."
See? In the end, this man was only thinking of himself.
『……Well, whatever you think is your business, Hinako,』 Takuma muttered softly. 『Oops, it’s almost time for work. Are we done?』
"Mm."
She understood her brother's aim; there was nothing more to say. This man was seeking a "Takuma Konohana II." He wanted to create a clone of himself to serve as a convenient right hand.
If Itsuki wanted that, she wouldn't stop him. But if he didn't…… then stopping it was her mission.
(……Wait?)
As she thought that far, a realization struck her. If Itsuki had the same talent as her brother…… if he was also sensitive to other people's feelings……
Had Itsuki noticed her feelings?
"……Hey."
『Hmm?』
At Hinako's sudden meek tone, Takuma sounded puzzled.
"Itsuki-kun isn't exactly reading minds like you…… is he?"
『No, he’s not quite that sharp yet. He doesn't seem to have noticed your feelings, either.』
"Eh."
Having her mind read so suddenly, Hinako's face twitched. "W-What are you talking about……?"
『Oh, please. It’s obvious. Did you think you were hiding it?』
"S-S-S-Shut up……!!"
Even though she knew it was pointless against him, she tried to cover it up. Her brother laughed amusedly.
『Even we have our weak areas. Itsuki-kun seems blissfully unaware of things like that…… He’s probably the type who’s quite dense about himself.』
Itsuki's childhood friend, Yuri, had said something similar once. That Itsuki was a kind-hearted person, but he had a habit of putting himself last.
When she had heard that, Hinako had felt sad, but………… since she wasn't mentally prepared yet, she felt a little bit "saved" for the moment.