Chapter 223: Guests
9:20 a.m.
Akikawa Kyousuke and Misaki Itakura took the train to Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward.
There were still three days left until the official start of the exhibition.
As an invited guest, Akikawa Kyousuke came ahead of time because he wanted to meet the other guests who would also participate in the interviews for this event.
Since Akikawa Kyousuke was more of a secondary participant during the interviews, he didn't need to rehearse weeks in advance like the main guest or presenter.
He wasn't required to memorize extensive professional knowledge.
All he needed to do was arrive three days before the official start, familiarize himself with the interview process, and maintain the agreed-upon persona.
---
Misaki Itakura guided Akikawa Kyousuke to the International Exhibition Hall and brought him to the pre-arranged meeting point designated by the organizers.
To make a good impression as artists, Misaki Itakura and Akikawa Kyousuke arrived more than thirty minutes early.
She introduced Kyousuke to the organizers and made formal introductions.
Before leaving, she sternly reminded him:
"Mr. Akikawa, although this work is entirely unrelated to the entertainment industry, you must remember to maintain a good demeanor.
Also, I've heard that Mr. Takashi Tsukino, the new department head of the Tsukino Foundation, will also be participating in the interviews as a guest.
The Tsukino Foundation is the organizer of this exhibition, and Mr. Tsukino Takashi is the future successor of the Foundation. Whatever you do, do not offend him!"
"Understood."
Akikawa Kyousuke replied to Misaki Itakura's instructions with brief and concise words.
After giving her reminders, Misaki Itakura left the Tokyo International Exhibition Center.
---
Not long after, a staff member approached and handed an album to Akikawa.
"Mr. Akikawa, here are the photos and descriptions of all the exhibits featured in this event.
Please note that any content marked in red as [Confidential] in the earlier pages must be kept strictly confidential.
Absolutely no information should be disclosed to anyone until the final exhibition is unveiled."
Seeing Akikawa Kyousuke nod in acknowledgment, the staff member added:
"The meeting time is at 10 a.m. The other guests should start arriving soon.
You can browse through the album for now to familiarize yourself with the exhibit contents."
---
After the staff left, Akikawa Kyousuke opened the album on the table.
The first exhibit in the album was a ruby called [Crimson Shadow Heart].
Based on the photo for reference, this gem was about the size of half an egg.
The cut of the gemstone was extremely intricate, and its weight was estimated to be several dozen carats.
The outer edge of the stone had a deep red hue that gradually transitioned into a purplish halo toward the center.
The colors formed a natural gradient from the outer edge inward, creating a rich, layered appearance.
Through the smooth, transparent surface of the gemstone, one could clearly see the natural fire effect within.
Even the photographs in the album captured its brilliance, as though it were burning under the light.
---
It was evident that this was one of the centerpiece exhibits of the event, as Misaki Itakura had mentioned earlier.
It was also one of the items the staff had instructed Akikawa Kyousuke to keep secret.
"They only verbally told me not to leak any information, but they didn't ask me to sign a confidentiality agreement or anything like that.
It seems that the official reveal is imminent, and this jewel will soon be made public."
Akikawa Kyousuke stared at the album image of the gem, instantly recognizing its immense value, and silently pondered to himself.
---
At that moment, the door to the room opened again.
Akikawa Kyousuke looked up to see a young woman, seemingly a college student, wearing rimless glasses and exuding an artistic air.
After entering, she quickly noticed Kyousuke looking at her, and a confused, surprised expression appeared on her intellectual features.
---
Kyousuke stood up and introduced himself.
"This is our first meeting. I'm Akikawa Kyousuke, an artist from Wonderful. I'm here as a guest for this exhibition."
"Oh, oh! So that's it!"
"My name is Rin Seto. I'm a third-year student at Sophia University majoring in art history, and I've also been invited to this event."
---
The student, Rin Seto, introduced herself to Akikawa Kyousuke.
"It seems the Tsukino Foundation has really invited guests from all walks of life this time. I hope this exhibition will inspire more people to take an interest in art history."
Perhaps noticing that Kyousuke was close in age to her, Rin began speaking to him in a casual tone.
---
She saw the album Kyousuke was holding, opened to the page on the Crimson Shadow Heart, and continued:
"Mr. Akikawa, are you also drawn to this gem?
Even though I haven't seen the actual piece yet, I'm sure it'll be even more stunning than the photos!
Isn't it amazing that such beautiful gemstones can form naturally in this world?"
"It truly is remarkable," Kyousuke replied with a soft sigh.
---
As the two chatted, the door opened again.
This time, a woman who appeared to be in her late twenties entered the room.
Although Kyousuke didn't recognize her, her professional attire and elegant dress made it easy to guess that she was the host for this exhibition's interviews.
Rin Seto's subsequent introduction confirmed Kyousuke's speculation.
"Her name is Harina Nakamura, and she's the host for these interviews.
Miss Nakamura specializes in hosting programs and events related to history and art, so she's highly professional."
---
Shortly after, the other guests who had participated in earlier rehearsals began arriving.
Through mutual introductions, Kyousuke also learned the name and identity of the next guest.
---
The main guest for the exhibition interviews was Professor Kenichi Matsumoto, an expert in Showa-era history and various historical and cultural heritages.
---
As the clock hands approached ten, the final guest finally arrived.
This was a man with striking short blond hair, a healthy tan complexion, and stunningly handsome features.
Through Rin Seto's introduction, Kyousuke learned the man's identity:
Toru Amuro.
A man with years of experience working at a luxury jewelry store in Ginza, Tokyo.
---
(End of Chapter)