me instructions?
Shou-neechan smiled at me.
She probably is asking about what I have to say after talking to Takahata Marika-san in Kudou-papa’s car.
No, nothing special. I know that Shou-neechan still hasn’t revealed all the cards at hand
I replied.
I’ll just get in Shou-neechan’s plan for now
Okay. Well then, let’s go
We follow Shou-neechan and enter the hotel from the parking lot.
There are Kouzuki SS escorts in front of the elevator too.
They handed over several keycards to the rooms to Shou-neechan.
The guests are in 2504. 2503, 2505, and 2506 are open. These are the keys, please use them as you please. 2513 is the staff room
What about the lawyer?
He hasn’t arrived yet
I understand. Thank you
The Anna couple and Mad Hori are already in room 2504.
The lawyer, it’s probably that lawyer that’s managing Anna-san’s inheritance from her late Grandfather.
Also, I think that Takahata Marika-san will be in 2513.
That’s where they can watch our discussion in real-time.
Do you want to go to another room to calm down before talking to your father? We have prepared some waiting rooms for that
Shou-neechan asks Anna-san.
It’s 2503, 2505, and 2506.
No, we should go
Anna-san replies with a stern expression.
We don’t need to go to the waiting room either. We’ll go with Kou-chan. Instead of peeking from the waiting room, I also want to be in the conversation
Momoko-neechan said.
I understand. Then, let’s go
We get in the large elevator.
Then, we go up to the 25th floor.
Even on the 25th floor’s elevator hall.
There are Kouzuki SS bodyguards.
Ruriko from Kouzuki house and Momoko-neechan from Kaan house are both here after all.
Naturally, they’ll have strict security here.
This way
This is a floor that Kouzuki SS rents regularly, so.
Shou-neechan goes straight to room 2504.
I can see that Anna-san’s nervous.
The heavy atmosphere is in the hotel’s corridor’s air.
We stand before the door.
Ah, wait a second Shou-neechan
I stopped Shou-neechan
Anna-san, you should take deep breaths at times like this
Deep breaths?
Anna-san looked at me.
Even without it, I.
No, you should do it. Calming down your emotions is necessary. Michi
I looked at Michi.
Yes, it will be Kudou style’s breathing exercise
Right. Teach Anna-san that
This is a breathing technique passed on to my family, to calm down our minds when dealing with our enemies
Anna-san should know that Michi is Misuzu’s bodyguard since they both attend the same middle school.
A bodyguard of nobility should have some knowledge of martial arts.
Inhale slowly on the count of eight, and then, exhale slowly on the count of eight
Ooh, I’ll try that too. Let’s do it together, Ruriko, Sebastianus!
Momoko-neechan joins in, so Anna-san had no choice now.
Nei and I joined in.
Then, count 4
Shou-neechan also joins in. Now everyone’s doing breathing exercises.
Then, two counts. Breathe in, out. 1, 2! 1, 2!
Haa, fuu.
One count!
Ha, fu, ha, fu!
Then, two counts, and then four. okay, now go to 8 counts. Then, 16 counts
Our breathing starts to slow down.
Okay, we’re done
Yeah, when you breathe in fresh air, your body feels refreshed.
And yet, it’s relaxing.
Above all, it connects everyone nicely with our breathing.
Anna-san, I’ll say it beforehand, I didn’t come here purely out of my curiosity
Momoko-neechan said.
You’re my cute junior, so I don’t want to see you feel unhappy. I won’t do anything bad
Then, she looked at Ruriko and me.
Kou-chan and Ruriko too, everyone here feels the same way, right?
Momoko-neechan looked at each and one of us.
Michi, Sebastianus (Yamada Umeko-san,) Nei, Shou-neechan, and.
Tsukiko.
Kou-chan even prepared his last card for you
Momoko-neechan smiled at Tsukiko
After talking in the car earlier, you look like someone with a much more simple and good personality than I thought
As long as they make contact and a conversation, I know that Momoko-neechan and Tsukiko will get along.
Although, maybe you already are manipulating my thoughts,.
She smiled.
I won’t do that
Tsukiko replies with a straight face.
I’m joking. Anyway, in the worst case, Tsukiko-san can lend her power to cut a way through so you don’t have to worry, Anna-san
As long as Kou-sama orders it, then I’ll do it
Anna-san.
is that so? I don’t get it, but.
Naturally, Anna-san can’t understand what it means since we haven’t explained Miko power to her, and she hasn’t seen how fearsome it is in reality.
Anyway, we’re here with you, you don’t have to worry
I declared.
Then, shall we?
Shou-neechan asks Anna-san.
Yes
Anna-san seems to have resolved herself.
Knock. Knock.
Shou-neechan knocks on the door.
Then.
Click.
The door opens, and a tall slim man wearing dark glasses shows up.
He’s wearing all black.
Black suit, black shirt, and black jacket.
Yes?
He glares at us with a face that’s in bad mood.
He brings in a threatening atmosphere
I’m Seki from the Kouzuki SS. I’ve brought Anna Erica-san
Shou-neechan replied to the young man.
Anna-san’s hiding behind Shou-neechan’s back.
Oh, Erica-san, we’ve been waiting for you. No, really, isn’t your disobedience to your parents a bad thing?
The young man tells Anna-san.
Well then, Erica-san can enter. As for everyone else, you can wait outside. Okay?
The young man tells us with a bossy tone
No, we will go in with Anna-san
Momoko-neechan tells the dark glasses man with an offended tone.
No, what kind of right do you have to say something that stupid? This is a problem within the family, you don’t want to increase outsiders, don’t you?
Aren’t you also an outsider?
Nei complains.
I don’t think I need to answer you
The man said.
I see. Well then, let’s go back, Anna-san. It seems that this man doesn’t want to have a discussion
Momoko-neechan brings out that card.
Hey, please stop the jokes. We have Erica-san’s parents with us here. Erica-san is still a middle school girl, a minor. If you bring her away, then we’ll call the police for kidnapping a minor
So, go ahead?
Momoko-neechan speaks with a ridiculing expression.
But, are you sure that you can do that?
isn’t that obvious? I’m only speaking of what’s socially just! Come here Erica-san! and you all should go home
Then.
A smart-looking middle-aged man in a suit comes in.
stop it Madohori-kun!
This Anna Erica-san’s father. Anna Kenicirou.
Then.
kaan Momoko-sama. Please forgive his discourtesy. Kouzuki Ruriko-sama too, we apologize. Oh, Seki-san, I’m sorry for the trouble he’s causing
They apologize to Momoko-neechan hurriedly.
As expected of the representative auditor specializing in the large enterprise. They know that they can’t fight Kaan and Kouzuki house.
Then.
Erica. You’ve come
They call to her daughter.
So is it okay if we come in too?
Momoko-neechan talks to Anna Kenichirou.
Ah, yes, of course, please come in
Hey, Anna-san, I thought I’m the one doing the negotiations? If you don’t kick them out it will come back to you during the negotiations!
Madohori Tadashi shouts.
Yeah, he’s definitely not Madohori. He’s Mad Hori.
Shut up for a bit! Besides, I don’t remember ever telling you that you can take care of the negotiations!
Nono, you shouldn’t say that this late in the game, Anna-san!
Mad Hori whispers to Anna Kenichirou.
If we don’t show that we’re a monolith, they’ll pickle us!
And that’s why I don’t want that from you, shut up for now
No, I can’t do that!
They’re the daughters of the president of the Kaan group and Kouzuki group!
Mad Hori’s face went Huh?
Really?
Yep, really
Nei replied.
Yes, we’re in our ordinary clothing today, and besides, we always place ourselves as far away from you as possible when in parties so you probably haven’t noticed, but.
Momoko-neechan smiled unpleasantly.
I thought Erica-san ran away to her school friend’s home?
You weren’t listening, were you? Erica-san ran away to the Kouzuki house!
Eh, I haven’t heard of that?
I already told you!
Nonono, I heard that they’re affiliated with Kouzuki SS, but having a relationship with Kouzuki house itself.
Shut up already!
I wonder when will this skit end?
Uhm
Momoko-neechan looked at Anna Kenicirou.
Oh, I’m sorry. Come in! Come inside
Room 2504’s interior is a mid-size conference room.
Oh, since we increased our negotiating team, Shou-neechan changed the room to a place where a large number of people can discuss.
In the back of the room, is a beautiful woman in her 40s sitting down.
She noticed us and bowed her head.
I’m Erica’s mother. I’m sorry for my Erica causing you trouble on this occasion
This woman is Anna-san’s mother.