Chapter 352: Go Back and Work for a While Longer

At the Shinomiya family's main estate in Kyoto, a group of middle-aged men in suits sat inside a traditional Japanese-style room. Leading them was a bald man with a cold gaze.

"Ai Hayasaka's been exposed by Takamine Rinji."

"A decade undercover, and not even Kaguya noticed—but Rinji, an outsider, saw right through her."

"Could Ai Hayasaka be a traitor?"

"Impossible…"

"Then how did Rinji figure it out? Had he known for years?"

"We should investigate the main house. It's possible someone inside has ties to Rinji."

"That's even more unlikely. If someone had been planted here, they wouldn't suddenly be exposed like this—it must've just been discovered."

The suited men spoke back and forth, but the bald man in the center remained silent, his expression dark.

This was Shinomiya Oko, the eldest son of Shinomiya Gan'an, and the one most likely to inherit leadership of the Shinomiya family.

After a pause, he spoke. "Gentlemen, regardless of whether this counts as betrayal, Ai Hayasaka can no longer feed us intel. And Rinji is watching us closely now."

"Will he move against us right away?"

"I don't think so," said Shinomiya Oko. "Based on his actions four years ago, Takamine Rinji is ruthless and insane, but not reckless. He'll wait until he finds a replacement company or institution to take over our assets before making a move."

Four years ago, Rinji had destroyed a number of Shinomiya businesses, resulting in heavy casualties. Yet those assets were swiftly scooped up—undoubtedly arranged by Rinji.

"Many parties want to take down the Shinomiya family, even elements within the government," Oko said. "The only reason Rinji hasn't acted is because we hold a near-monopoly over Japan's key industries. Replacing us isn't so easy."

"So, we're safe for now?"

"Not necessarily. There's still one way to break the Shinomiya monopoly over Japan's economy."

"…"

Everyone fell silent at Oko next words.

The remaining option was… to wage war.

It wasn't far-fetched. Though IW had shifted its business model, its main assets were still advanced weaponry.

In other words, IW could start a war anytime.

"Don't forget how they became so powerful. How many countries have collapsed because of IW?"

"So, Rinji may already be considering that route?"

"Not necessarily. He may have backed down back then because someone higher up stopped him," Oko said. "Probably because IW has businesses in Japan too, and direct confrontation wouldn't benefit them either."

"Then what do we do now?"

"At present, we know too little about Rinji," one of the men said. "If we could send someone to Tokyo to investigate—but…"

But Rinji had already warned them: anyone from the main house stepping into Tokyo would be seen as a provocation.

That cut off a major intelligence channel and forced them to abandon much of their Tokyo holdings—a huge loss for the Shinomiya conglomerate.

"Don't try to go head-to-head with Rinji. He can't be judged by normal logic. If we go about things the usual way, we'll pay dearly."

"Should we bring Kaguya back to the main estate, at least to keep her under watch?"

"Absolutely not. Rinji knows Ai Hayasaka, so he surely knows Kaguya too. Taking action without his approval is asking for trouble."

The men resumed their debate, and Oko's expression grew darker.

Rinji had always been a major threat to the Shinomiya family. But he wasn't the only one Oko had to worry about.

Externally, the rival Shijo family was expanding overseas and could strike at any time. Internally, he had to guard against his two younger brothers vying for the family headship.

Internal strife and external threats—that was Shinomiya Oko's reality.

"For now, forget Rinji, but keep tabs on Kaguya," Oko said.

What he feared most was if his nominal sister had a relationship with Rinji. Then she'd become another competitor for the family headship.

Ordinarily, he wouldn't care—but if Rinji got involved, he'd have to take it seriously.

"But... our people are banned from Tokyo," someone said. "The last man we sent came back as a charred corpse. This time…"

"There's still one person left," said Oko.

"Huh?"

"Ai Hayasaka's mother—Nao Hayasaka."

"Eh?"

"She was scheduled to go to Tokyo next month anyway. She's the perfect choice to gather intel. Judging from today's call, she and Ai seem close. She's our safest option."

"…That could work."

---

"…"

Rinji sat at the dining table, mind in chaos.

He hadn't expected that his actions would get Hayasaka fired from the top. Once a professional maid for the Shinomiya family, she was now a free agent.

Though realistically, she was at an age where being a student should've been enough.

He'd offered to call Shinomiya Oko and have the dismissal reversed, but Hayasaka refused. In her words, now that she was free, she didn't want to be dragged back into that toxic world.

"So what now? Should I rehire her myself?" Rinji muttered, deep in thought.

It was his impulsiveness that got her fired. She might be free now, but she'd also lost her income.

"Yeah… I should rehire Hayasaka."

From the bathroom behind him came the sound of running water.

While Rinji was brooding, Hayasaka had gone off to shower with a noticeably lighter heart.

Click.

The bathroom door opened. Hayasaka stepped out with damp hair, wrapped in a towel.

"Rinji, where's the hair dryer?"

"Third drawer down on the left side of the counter when you enter the bathroom… Oh, and by the way, Hayasaka, I've made a decision."

"Hmm?"

"To compensate for your dismissal, I'm planning to hire you directly."

"Eh?"

Hayasaka was momentarily stunned, but soon smiled.

"Okay. So what's my job? Your exclusive personal maid?"

"No… Didn't you say you're still worried about Shinomiya? So I'll cover the expenses and send you back to work with her for a while."

"…"