Chapter 71: The Foundation's Breakthrough!

Meanwhile, Kaguya pulled Hayasaka Ai into the Shinomiya family's car.

"Kaguya-sama, it was our failure to protect you. I apologize for the distress we caused."

The security captain responsible for Kaguya was anxiously apologizing. Her whereabouts had been leaked, putting her in danger, and he bore undeniable responsibility.

Luckily, Kaguya was unharmed.

Otherwise, his career as a bodyguard would have been over. Even now, he remained uneasy, unsure how the lady would punish him.

After all, this Kaguya was known for her ruthless nature.

However—

"No harm done. You may leave."

Kaguya responded curtly.

The security captain was stunned for a long moment before leaving in confusion.

Today's Kaguya-sama… seemed to be in an unusually good mood?

Meanwhile, inside the car, Kaguya and Hayasaka Ai sat side by side, their expressions strange.

"My lady… are you alright?"

Hayasaka Ai asked suspiciously.

She couldn't shake the feeling that her lady's panicked retreat earlier was a bit odd.

Kaguya glanced at Hayasaka Ai, feeling a bit guilty. There was no way she could admit that she had felt her heart racing and face heating up because of her "boyfriend"!

Kaguya chose to change the subject. "How did he do it?"

Since she had been blindfolded, she hadn't seen Haruto's battle.

Hayasaka Ai answered without hesitation,

"That man has immense combat prowess. He brutally killed the leader of those people. The sheer brutality of his methods terrified the rest, so they fled."

This excuse was plausible enough to cover up Haruto's abnormality.

Hayasaka Ai emphasized the word brutal twice. She hoped it would make her lady cautious and stay away from that scummy president.

"I see… he's amazing." Kaguya muttered, blushing as she lowered her head.

Hayasaka Ai: ?

Hayasaka really wanted to ask her lady what that shy demeanor was all about.

My lady, why are you acting like a lovestruck maiden?!

Hayasaka Ai internally screamed but still tried to warn her. "My lady, that man is dangerous."

"But… didn't he save us?"

Kaguya instinctively defended Haruto.

Hayasaka Ai was completely dumbfounded. Her lady was beyond saving.

Might as well let the world burn!

"By the way, my lady, could you explain what you meant earlier… about me meeting that person and falling in love?"

Hayasaka Ai Wants to find the reason for her social death. Hearing this, Kaguya had a strange expression.

"Isn't it obvious? You disobeyed my orders for that man! Hayasaka, you wouldn't have done this before!" Even disregarding your own safety, you insisted on staying behind to fight alongside that man. This is completely irrational! It must be because of so-called love that your judgment has changed!"

As Kaguya spoke, she felt like she was beginning to understand Hayasaka's feelings a little.

Love... truly is a strange thing.

Hayasaka Ai: !?

What do you mean for that man?

I did all this for you, my lady! The light in Hayasaka Ai's eyes dimmed as she murmured,

"My lady, saying such heartless things will bring divine retribution!"

Meanwhile, Kaguya's mind was in turmoil.

"Could it be… I'm developing feelings for that man!?"

"But thinking about it, his looks, his abilities, his skills are indeed…"

"Ahhh! What am I even thinking!?"

"But… he's Hayasaka's 'boyfriend'…"

"How could I think like this!?"

Caught in these bizarre thoughts, the light also faded from Kaguya's eyes.

Today's battle… was a defeat for both Shinomiya Kaguya and Hayasaka Ai!

On the other side, Haruto, carrying bags full of items, finally managed to hail a cab by the roadside. By the time he returned to his apartment, it was already quite late.

However, as he pushed open the door, the aroma of food filled his senses.

"Welcome home, big brother."

"Welcome back, bro."

"Welcome… home."

Seated at the dining table were three girls, greeting Haruto.

On the table, the food was still warm.

Clearly, the three of them had been waiting for him to return so they could eat together. Seeing this warm scene, Haruto couldn't help but smile.

"You don't have to wait for me."

Hearing this, the three exchanged glances.

"If big brother isn't here, food just doesn't taste as good,"

Nao declared with conviction.

Though it sounded unreliable, Annie and Shiro both nodded in agreement.

Haruto chuckled and shook his head.

"Brother, what did you buy?"

Shiro's gaze landed on the pile of shopping bags in Haruto hands. Haruto handed a few to Shiro and placed another bag on the table.

"These are clothes I bought for Shiro, and I also got some desserts, let's eat together."

Nao widened her blue eyes and eagerly looked at Haruto.

"Gifts? Big brother, what about me? Where's mine?"

Annie also looked at him expectantly.

Haruto turned to the two.

"I just happened to buy some clothes for Bai on the way. Nao, why do you think I bought a gift for you?"

Hearing this, Nao lowered her head in disappointment.

However, before she could sulk for long, a small box was placed in front of her.

Nao: !

It was a light purple MP3 player.

She snatched it up immediately, her eyes sparkling.

"Wow! Big brother, how did you know I wanted this?!"

Haruto smiled.

Since they lived together, he had often seen Nao sitting alone in a corner, listening to music with her earphones.

So, on this trip, he decided to buy her this gift.

Then, Haruto picked up the last package beside him.

Another small box was handed to Annie.

Ani reached out to take it, her eyes flickering with a hint of nervousness. When she opened the box, inside was a delicate hairpin and a redwood comb.

Unexpected, yet it made perfect sense.

Annie's thoughts drifted back to the past.

It was as if the young man before her was the same one who had carefully combed her hair back then, the same one who had opened the door to her heart.

"I really like it,"

Annie held the comb and hairpin tightly in her hands and looked at Haruto, speaking with sincerity.

Haruto nodded.

"As long as you like it."

The atmosphere at the dining table was harmonious.

Warm, like a real family.

Or rather… wasn't this already a family?

"Big brother, the foundation's research has made a breakthrough,"

Nao suddenly said.

Haruto raised an eyebrow.

"In what area?"

The foundation was currently working on several major research projects.

Including Ark Reactor technology, the development and application of Icefall Stone, Ghoul gene transfer…

And a whole list of studies on anomalous entities.

"It's in the field of bioengineering. Ever since Minori joined, they finally achieved a breakthrough. There's already a prototype of a biological armor, but I don't know the details."

Haruto was delighted upon hearing this.

A breakthrough in bioengineering was highly practical.

Especially since they had already created a prototype of the biological armor, mass production could quickly enhance the foundation's military strength.

This was great news!