Chapter-62 Mari's Birthday Meet-up
Chapter:-62 Mari's Birthday meet-up
(3-Weeks after the Nine-School Competition)
(Mayumi's P.O.V)
"Mayumi…! We are here...!" (Mari)
I turned towards the source of the sound as I stepped out of a sedan, dad doesn't allow me to travel using any other mode of transport, for safety purposes. While I understand his reasons, it does get tiring and a little isolating.
After Erik and Katsuto-san won the last Newcomers Division Event, [First-High School] claimed the trophy with a grand total of 650 points, 200 points more when compared to second place. The award ceremony was later organized for every registered participant to attend and claim their prize.
Mari, Katsuto and I, we were bestowed with the title, "Triumvirate" by the populace attending the event whereas Erik was bestowed the title "The Invulnerable King".
Today, after three-weeks since the event ended, it was finally Mari's birthday! It was time to enjoy and relax.
Anyway, pushing aside the unnecessary thoughts, I made my way towards Mari.
There she was, the birthday girl, waving her hand in my direction. She seemed so excited, so was I. Not often did I get to let go of my "Noble Lady" persona and be...myself.
Being the daughter of the Saegusa Clan Head was hard, meeting all kinds of people who want nothing more than to use you for their profit.
At least I know for a fact that none of my friends want to take advantage of me, knowing a few genuine people was like a cup of hot chocolate-milk on a freezing cold night.
"Where were you all this time!? You are always late!..." (Mari)
"I am really sorry, Mari. I got caught in some clan matters that I had to deal with first…" (Mayumi)
I couldn't help it; father had ordered me to negotiate with some businessmen who wanted to open up a few restaurants in the Bilui-District, under Saegusa Clan banner. Figuring out the details and fees took much more time than I expected.
"Humph...!" (Mari)
"Now now Mari, forgive Mayumi...she did have a valid reason didn't she?" (Nao)
Look left, I saw Naotsugu-san standing near Mari. Both he and Mari were wearing red-coloured clothing, a fancy way to show off their status as couples.
"Hello Naotsugu-san, I wonder what surprises you have planned for our birthday girl..." (Mayumi)
"Uh…? Ah yes, indeed…" (Nao)
Looking at the nervous face Naotsugu-san was making, I could more or less guess that he screwed up somehow, now that I think about it, he really isn't good when it comes to making plans for events.
"How much time will it take Erik and Suzune to get the goddamn ice-cream, Humph!..." (Mari)
"Mari is such a mood…!" (Nao)
"Shut up Nao…!" (Mari)
"Hahaha..." (Nao)
To tell the truth, I really envied the relationship Mari and Naotsugu-san had, now don't get me wrong, I am very happy for my friend but I wish I too had someone special.
"You guys were thinking about me and here I am..." (Erik)
I woke up from my thoughts, hearing 'his' voice immediately attracted my attention. I turned my head towards the store entrance, in front of which we were standing and talking.
There he was...the poison, I can't stop sipping on. The more I see this man, the more I feel myself sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss.
Erik Saltzman, no matter what I do, I just can't get him out of my head and...heart. The attraction I feel towards him was like a drug, I just can't have enough of it.
Wearing a simple yet elegant blue suit, he walks towards us. He seems to be holding a paper bag in his left hand, probably the ice-cream that Mari had been screaming for, for a couple of minutes. Suzune-san was also with him, wearing a beautiful green dress which magnified the gracefulness of the willow-like beauty.
She was holding a similar paper-bag, containing few bottles of water just in case anyone got thirsty.
"Bout time you decided to show up, Humph…!" (Mari)
Mari snorted in mock anger, she was well aware of the long line of incredible individuals wanting to eat ice-cream.
"Here, eat ice-cream and be happy…" (Erik)
Mari sneered at Erik's poor attempt at coaxing and took the ice-cream, one of herself and one for Naotsugu. I smiled seeing Mari act like a spoiled brat, even Suzune had a smile on her stoic face.
"Looks like Mayumi has also arrived, we should go to the theatre now, and the movie will begin soon..." (Erik)
He looked at my direction, with that damned calm expression over his face.
Why doesn't he show any other expression on his face!?
I especially wore my favourite dress, just so that he would finally give me his attention but here he was, cold and rigid as always!
Humph! I swear, one of these days, I WILL break your composure...!
Or maybe Erik is ga-…..
"By the way, you are looking gorgeous tonight, Mayumi...!" (Erik)
Oh, you flatter me, Erik...
"Thank you, Erik..." (Mayumi)
I tried keeping calm but I am sure the blush on my face gave it away, I unconsciously averted my eyes away from his face, my heart was beating frantically loud.
Damn it! I feel so vulnerable in front of him, and I both Hate and Love it!
"The theatre is a block away, we can walk towards it..." (Suzune)
Suzune was the one who booked the tickets for everyone since the theatre was at walking distance from our current position, we decided to walk.
"Say, Nao didn't you say Erika was also going to come with you?" (Mari)
Yeah, even I was thinking, where is that little devil?
Chiba Erika was Naotsugu-san's younger sister, in two years; she too would be attending the [First-High School]. Erika was a loveable little devil who loved to tease Mari whenever she got the chance.
"Yeah, she is already at the theatre..." (Nao)
"I asked Elder brother to drop her directly at the theatre, let's go…" (Nao)
"Ok..." (Mari)
"So, Erik...you are starting a new branch company targeted on upgrading C.A.Ds technology?" (Naotsugu)
Now, this got my attention, I remembered reading about this in the [Tokyo Daily]. Apparently, Erik had called a press conference last week to announce the creation of his new branch company, [Dream Chaser Technology].
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(A week ago)
Click!
Click!
Click!
The shuttering of the camera was the dominant sound in the press-conference; few individuals could be seen sitting in front of the press while the latter scrutinized their every little movement.
"Mr.Saltzman, what is the reason behind the formation of this new company, [Dream Chaser Technology]?" (Reporter)
Erik looked towards the reporter sitting in the second row, mentally nodding at the rather straight forward question the latter asked.
Motioning towards the white screen beside him, Erik started the projector. The rather simple device projected a rather organized presentation of the white screen as multiple bar charts and processed data appeared on the screen.
"A very good question, every year thousands of C.A.Ds are ordered by multiple magicians all over the world, newer versions of the pre-existing models are being realized every year..."
"Unfortunately, other than minor adjustments and calibration, these C.A.Ds don't provide magicians with any practical improvement with their magic and casting..."
"The reason I created this new branch company, is because I want to develop a new generation of C.A.Ds, 10% faster casting, 75% better resonance, 15% smooth psion injection and last but not the least, 45% resistance to frequency disruption."
Erik switched off the projector using the controller within his hand, establishing the reason behind his recent decision of forming a new branch company from scratch.
Immediately as he expected, the reporters went nuts after hearing the absurd amount of possibilities Erik's new C.A.D design could offer once it is finally finalized.
"Mr.Saltzm---How exactly---aware of the consequences?---Is your stateme---How do you pla---What kind on Techn---it's revolutionary!---your decision goo---What is the political opinion on this matter?"
"One-by-One everyone, let's not forget that we all are civilized people…"
"What do you think about the growing tension between normal people and magician? Where do you see yourself in this situation?" (Reporter)
"I am a businessman, not a politician so it doesn't really concern me though I find it rather annoying indeed..."
"Most of the highly specialized or dangerous sections of our society require the presence magicians to work effectively, so improving the technology which is a major factor in these sectors will be very beneficial for the future of technology, collectively..."
"Not to mention even if I don't it, someone else will surely do it in the future since technology can't stagnate, so why not me?"
"What do you think, is making a better C.A.D going to be good or bad? Considering the destructive capabilities magicians already possess..." (Reporter)
"In fact, C.A.Ds is similar to a gun, the modern-day guns are better than their predecessors, a gun can either save lives or take it, depends on the one wielding it..."
"Mr.Saltzman, this company is founded by you but why do the charts show that you own only 60% of the shares?" (Reporter)
"Excellent observation! Yes, I own only 60% on the [Dream Chaser Technology], the development of this new technology will be supervised by four essential individuals, one being me of course..."
"The 40% shares will be divided into three more individuals who I will personally choose to be on this project, I have few individuals on my list but nothing is absolutely finalized yet…"
"With the essential questions answered, it's the time of end this press-conference, Thank you all for taking some time off your schedule to attend this press-conference…"
"Mr.Saltzman just one las-"
"Mr.Saltz-"
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"Yes, you are correct Naotsugu-san. It's been a hectic week after that press-conference, this project of mine is quite special so I have been investing a lot of time in it..." (Erik)
"You must be quite tired, handling arguably the biggest business empire in the world. Not to mention you are also a member of the [Student Council]..." (Naotsugu)
"It is exhausting indeed but I have capable individuals backing me up on every turn..." (Erik)
"That's so nice!..." (Mari)
"Indeed, plus Mari's birthday meet-up is a great opportunity for me to relax and have fun..." (Erik)
"You bet!..." (Mari)
I am so dumb! Argh…! I always complain about him not giving me attention but how can I forget who he is! Erik Saltzman, a person who is probably as busy as my father and still takes out time to spend with his friends.
How can I be so selfish! I am so sorry Erik!
I will make it up to you I promise!
"I can help you relax, Erik!..."
*Everyone stops walking*
What the fuck did I just do!?...
I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I just spoke whatever came in my mind without even realizing that what I just said could easily be misunderstood!
I closed shut my eyes with my face facing the ground beneath.
My face was literally burning due to the shame I was feeling right now, I have been walking behind him all this time and now I don't even have the guts to look at him.
*Sound of steps*
He moved towards me and I prepared for the worst, my eyes still tightly shut!
*Tap*
"Hey, Mayumi are you okay? You have been standing in the same place for quite some time now…"
I felt his hand on my shoulder, firmly holding it. Judging from the source of the sound, he was standing beside me. I slowly gathered the courage to open my eyes and looked at him…
There he was, standing beside me.
Concern... all over his face?
I couldn't understand what was happening, I expected him to be angry...maybe even be disgusted with me after hearing the words I used!
But he only had genuine concern on his face...
Confused at what I was seeing, I looked around....
Mari, Naotsugu and Suzune, were all standing some distance away from their initial positions.
Did I just imagine saying 'that' in front of everyone?
It does look like so...…?
Thank God! It was just my imagination!....
"I-I am a-alright, Erik. Let's go..." (Mayumi)
"Hmm….ok" (Erik)
I quickly moved forward, trying to hide my face from Erik as I made my way towards the others.
Phew!
"I might just take you up on that offer..."
My heart skipped a beat, as I digested the meaning behind his words.
Considering his height, he must have leaned forward to reach my ear.
Hearing his dangerously adductive voice, my legs turned weak...
I felt his breath brush against my right earlobe, sending shivers down my spine...
Feeling him so close to me, I suddenly felt butterflies within my stomach...
Feeling his gaze on me, those chartreuse phosphorescent eyes!... I dared not turn around to face him...
There was only one thing going through my mind right now.
He heard! He fucking heard everything I said!...
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