Don't use Type-Moon references in Oregairu!

Could this guy be a lolicon? (scratch that)

Could it be that this guy is actually just treating this as a childish game?

Kiyokazu Yukinoshita frowned slightly. Her opinion of Fujimaru Ritsuka plummeted, and she began to suspect that he was just a pretty face with no substance. She felt like an experienced driver who saw a beautiful cover, downloaded it, and then lost his erection – a feeling of utter frustration.

The seating in the private room was a long table, typical of European dining. Fujimaru Ritsuka sat in the middle, with Yukino and Abi on either side of him, while Sawamura and her daughter, along with Yukinoshita Kiyokata, sat opposite him.

Although they were still speaking politely, Yukino, as the daughter, noticed the change in her mother's eyes. While the waiter brought in the dishes, she whispered to Fujimaru Ritsuka, "Stop fooling around. Didn't you notice my mother's expression?"

While happily cutting up tender pink veal steaks for Abby, Fujimaru Ritsuka quietly replied, "No, it's just to give them a break to eat something, since they might not have an appetite in a little while."

Without waiting for Yukino's reply, he raised his glass of grape juice and toasted the two adults opposite him: "I wonder how you two feel about the food? The pan-fried veal and braised Arctic cod at this French restaurant are both signature dishes."

Qingfang took a sip of the low-alcohol champagne and didn't say anything. She didn't eat much; she just made a gesture.

Sawamura Sayuri clinked glasses with a cheerful smile, a mischievous grin spreading across her youthful face: "It's quite nice. I didn't expect Mr. Fujimaru to know about this restaurant in the port area. But the prices here are quite high, it's really too much for you."

"It's not a problem. After all, the bounty offered by the Special Affairs Bureau is quite high. Chaldea has the ability to treat everyone to a simple meal."

Qingfang watched them sing and dance with a polite smile.

—Young people, suddenly receiving a large sum of money, naturally have the mentality of getting rich overnight, right? [Trying to say that I don't need your investment from Xue Shixia's family]? But this level of demonstration is a bit too simplistic.

Sawamura Sayuri blinked, her expression somewhat ambiguous—"Your gesture won't fool the politician next door. He's a prefectural assemblyman, after all, a veteran who's seen it all."

Kiyoka didn't seem impatient. After all, he was used to dealing with all sorts of people in the business and political worlds. Fujimaru Ritsuka's methods were quite naive.

Looking at the two adults in front of her, whose inner thoughts were filled with countless emotions, Fujimaru Ritsuka really wanted to sigh deeply in front of them: I just want you to have a proper meal.

Well, I feel like if this isn't resolved soon, no one will enjoy their meal, not even Eriri, the reserved type who's been acting as a mascot and hasn't said a word.

Abby, without a care in the world, ate happily.

He rang the bell, summoning the waiters and signaling them not to come in and disturb him.

Yukinoshita Kiyokata watched coldly, knowing that the real show was about to begin, and wondered how he would start.

But then, she completely lost the ability to speak.

Fujimaru Ritsuka patted Abigail and whispered, "It's time for the performance. Let's do it as we agreed before."

"Ah."

Abigail tore off the bandage that had been covering her forehead, revealing the keyhole and the eyes inside.

Two cats appeared out of thin air from her shadow. Their harmless, lazy appearance vanished instantly, and their heads blossomed like calyxes, transforming into petal-like, alien creatures.

"—"

Fujimaru Ritsuka: "This is what I wanted to tell both of you."

Who understands what you're talking about?

61. He always kept his two wives firmly under his control.

What the human eye sees is the reflection of light. So what happens if this light is distorted?

The real world recedes further and further away in Kiyokazu's eyes, and the true world collapses completely in his mind.

Colors mutated into bizarre shapes, everything stretched and then transformed into light, twisting into endless vortexes around the singularity in the room. Within these vortexes was the innocent little girl, her forehead eye a bottomless abyss, drawing everyone to fall into it. Two terrifying monsters, their heads blooming like strange flower petals, hovered beside her like faithful servants, guarding their great master.

Amidst that terrifying scene of vibrant colors and distorted shapes, a pair of fair hands suddenly appeared.

They were stroking the two bizarre black aliens. The monster, whose fur was etched with grooves resembling human brains, seemed to resist, but the terrifying being in the form of a girl merely gave a soft rebuke and then became docile and still. The alien creatures seemed like endearing little secrets; in the endless abyss of terror, those hands shone with a warm light, a color unique to humanity, allowing these few ordinary people to catch their breath.

"It seems to have startled the two ladies a bit, but please note that this is the true face of the world."

As the sound rang out, Sayuri Sawamura and Kiyoshi Yukinoshita were finally able to recognize the presence of Ritsuka Fujimaru, who was standing next to that dangerous being, leisurely petting a cat.

Kiyokata Yukinoshita was breathing heavily, leaning back in her chair, her whole body drenched in sweat as if she were soaked in water. She looked to the side with lingering fear, and Sayuri Sawamura also had a sense of relief at having escaped unscathed.

So it wasn't just targeting me.

Yukinoshita Kiyokata felt a subtle sense of smug satisfaction, but she still insisted on speaking her mind: "Fujimaru...you want to...force...a surrender by force..."

She spoke haltingly, and although she no longer held the same contempt for the boy in front of her and had lost her superior position, she was slowly growing annoyed.

"Where did you get that idea, Mrs. Yukinoshita... I just wanted you to experience a world that exists beyond reality." Fujimaru Ritsuka had no such intention; he wasn't going to use force to coerce Yukinoshita Kiyokata or Sawamura Sayuri.

He held up Noshu and paced in front of the two ladies. Their eyes involuntarily followed him, as if a lovesick woman had seen... cough cough, as if a cat had seen catnip, and then they shook their heads in fear and looked away.

Fujimaru Ritsuka calmly said, "Please, ladies, imagine what people who only know how to use horses to move carriages would think when they first see a steam train."

Under the thoughtful gazes of the two ladies, he continued in an incredibly seductive tone: "Demons, devils, monsters... those who don't know the truth might have these ideas that we find ridiculous. However, you all probably have similar views on supernatural forces now."

"Compared to real-world military force, supernatural power doesn't seem to be much superior. And the status of most extraordinary individuals in society is suppressed by the government, which probably makes you people who belong to the upper echelons of society think that it's nothing special."

"At most, you just think [the future is promising], right?" Fujimaru Ritsuka looked at the two ladies meaningfully, revealing their true feelings. "But when you truly experience it, you should also realize that the existence of supernatural abilities is more dangerous and more profound."

"The little girl you overlook possesses such immense power, and what is the true nature of that terrifying abyss in London, beneath the surface? You don't care about the upheaval that is about to engulf human society. You think you can control those of us with decisive power? Forgive my bluntness, but you are far too narrow-minded."

The speech, though not particularly sophisticated, was powerful and resonated in the quiet room even after it ended.

Kiyokata Yukinoshita took a deep breath; she had indeed underestimated the boy, Ritsuka Fujimaru.

Before he demonstrated that power, her long, unimpressive speech would have been met with disdain.

However, those who wield power always have a strong backbone, while Yukinoshita Kiyokata is the one who cannot. All she can do is submit to him, but that doesn't mean she should lie on the ground exposing her belly and begging for a reward.

"Then why don't we cooperate with established organizations like Meiji Shrine?" Kiyokata Yukinoshita tried to lower the price.

“Because you can’t do it.” Fujimaru Ritsuka, like a brute, ruthlessly tore off the magnificent robes of a fallen nobleman, revealing his shabby undergarments. “The organizations are basically formed. The old ones have their own territories and financial accounts, and they can also cooperate by leveraging the connections accumulated over generations. Only Chaldea, a new organization composed of successors, will accept your investment.”

Fujimaru Ritsuka frankly stated, “We are a small group, we have no channels to obtain information about other strange things, we have no connections to gain the trust of other ordinary people, and we have no funds or manpower to carry out our activities—all of these require time to accumulate, but I do not want to spend time waiting and accumulating, so the Yukinoshita family and the Sawamura family provided me with my first pot of gold. Then we began a sincere cooperation.”

"Including personnel training?" Yukinoshita Kiyokata frowned and asked tentatively.

“Of course. Among supernatural beings, the strong have more say; numbers aren’t the most important thing. I’m sure you already understand that, Madam.” Fujimaru Ritsuka smiled and patted Abigail, who was obediently pressing the bandage back onto her forehead. “Among humans, we are among the top one or two in terms of combat strength. Our goal is simple: clear out Chiba City’s territory, make it an invincible rear base, and then begin the exploration of the Spirit Tomb Albion. On this basis, there’s nothing we can’t discuss with the Yukinoshita and Sawamura families, except for the issue of dominance.”

Kiyokazu looked at him with a complicated expression, understanding his intention—anything could be discussed, but only if I gave it to you. Don't try to push your luck or stand above me and issue orders.

But this is an excellent condition.

She reached out and grasped Fujimaru Ritsuka's hand: "So, when will we begin cooperation regarding investment, staffing, and so on?"

"Let's discuss the details with you, Mrs. Sawamura, and Ms. Yang Nai."

Kiyokata Yukinoshita: ...Are you asking me to sell all my daughters?

62. When fighting your own people, fight them even more fiercely.

"Is this good for them?" Yukino Yukinoshita watched the two adults slowly leave the private room, especially her mother, who gave her a special look before leaving.

So, all this time, I was just the deliveryman escorting Abigail here? I didn't serve any purpose at all.

Yukino felt relieved—she didn't have to speak up against her mother, whom she was always afraid of, for the sake of Chaldea, and she even saw her mother being suppressed. She had to admit, there was a subtle sense of pleasure in it.

So even that stern and seemingly all-powerful mother has moments like this.

Fujimaru Ritsuka couldn't read minds, so he couldn't know what Yukino was thinking. He comforted Yukino, "Don't worry, I've already told Abby to control her breathing. This kind of contact won't affect Mrs. Yukinoshita and Mrs. Sawamura."

However, they probably didn't have much of an appetite, so everyone said they should eat something to fill their stomachs.

"Besides, all we want is to maintain control of the Chaldea organization. We'll handle what needs to be done and how it's done. The Yukinoshita and Sawamura families will provide funding, channels, and personnel to successfully convert their accumulated assets and expand their influence. Isn't that a win-win situation?"

"Pah!" Yukino Yukinoshita spat inwardly. "They've taken all the initiative. Whether it's the personnel they've trained or the influence they've expanded, Chaldea will definitely benefit first. This win-win situation means we win twice, right?"

Subtly, Yukino Yukinoshita unconsciously prefixed Chaldea with "we".

Fujimaru Ritsuka chuckled awkwardly. He could tell that Yukino had figured out the crux of the problem, but the girl didn't seem to have any negative emotions. On the contrary, she seemed to be smiling broadly.

As for the reactions of Yukinoshita Kiyokazu and Sawamura Sayuri? Well, of course, he wouldn't make things too difficult for them. After all, they are good allies for future cooperation, and the benefits will definitely be shared. However, the one who will preside over the sharing of benefits is Chaldea, and he cannot relinquish the dominant position.

Besides, didn't I leave the details of the negotiation to Yang Nai? For the sake of her family, she should leave some room for maneuver, right?

Fujimaru Ritsuka stretched and stopped worrying about these things. Most of the miscellaneous tasks in the future would definitely be handled by Haruno, and he only needed to keep an eye on his team.

How can we maintain good team relationships? Besides building rapport, material support is also essential. So he waved his hand and said, "Abby probably hasn't eaten enough yet, right? I saw that Yukinoshita was so nervous just now that she didn't seem like she could eat properly. Let's add some more!"

Abigail raised her hands and cheered, "Then I'll also have this sea salt cheesecake, and this dream pancake."

"I was still thinking about food... Bring me some red wine braised lamb chops and crème brûlée too, I'll have some with you guys." Yukino Yukinoshita hesitated for a moment, then decided to have something nice to eat as well.

While they were enjoying their meal, Yukinoshita Haruno received a message from Fujimaru Ritsuka.

She looked at the email on her phone, which outlined the general direction of the deal, and couldn't help but show an expression of seeing a fat sheep: "As expected of Fujimaru, he's got the two heads of the two families sorted out. Well then, I should think about how to get more concessions from them within their bottom line."

Take out a prepared document and start doodling. She decided to give Fujimaru Ritsuka a good surprise. After all, although the Yukinoshita family is good, it's not her turn to take charge yet. But Fujimaru Ritsuka personally said that she would hand over the future administration of Chaldea to her.

"Hmph hmph hmph hmph... Now, I'm going to teach those old codgers in the Yukinoshita family what cruelty is."

She let out a strange laugh, like an old witch brewing a potion in a fairy tale. Even Yukinoshita Kiyokata, who was riding home in a car far away, couldn't help but shudder and had a bad feeling.

-------------------------------------

Saturday, April 5.

After their conversation with Kiyokata Yukinoshita and Sayuri Sawamura, Ritsuka Fujimaru and Yukino Yukinoshita enjoyed a leisurely ten-plus days. During the day, they attended classes as usual, enjoying their daily school life. Every weekend, they would drag Yukinoshita, Yuihama, and Abigail to Tokyo to go shopping with Utaha Kasumigaoka, ostensibly for team building.

Yang Nai occasionally reports on the progress, but mostly it's just:

"The location has been confirmed and renovations are underway."

"The negotiations with the Yukinoshita family have made good progress and are expected to be completed soon."

"Mrs. Sawamura was very cooperative and even introduced me to some people in Tokyo."

"We're about to have our cake and eat it too."

Apart from the last piece of news being a bit concerning, everything else was fine.

However, Fujimaru Ritsuka did not interfere with Haruno's work. He believed in trusting those he employed and not employing those he distrusted, and that professional matters should be left to professionals. He told Haruno that he would not interfere too much unless the issues exceeded his established standards.

Although he didn't know how much enthusiasm this decision inspired in Yona, leading to such a wail from the Yukino family's negotiators.

In short, you should take a good rest for a while.

Fujimaru Ritsuka rested her chin on her hand, watching the six people in front of her happily driving bumper cars and bickering with each other.

Today, Abigail heard about the amusement park and took everyone to Tokyo Disneyland for a pleasant holiday.

As an aside, Tokyo Disneyland is not located in Tokyo, but in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture.

They are now in groups of two, driving bumper cars, and using a meal they cooked as the prize to start the first Chaldea Old Driver Contest.