Chapter 163

The light of the dazzling chandelier hanging in the main hall is blinding.

It would have been nice to create a slightly more subtle atmosphere, but I don’t understand what benefit can be gained by turning the lights up so bright as to expose people’s true faces.

At best, it’s a matter of being able to act confidently in a well-lit space? I doubt the prominent individuals attending such an event would engage in cheap makeup or obvious cosmetic enhancements to that extent.

In the center is a small fountain surrounded by ample finger foods that are easy to grab and eat.

On one wall, there’s a mini bar filled with all shapes of glasses and colorful bottles.

…To be honest, calling it a mini bar in a personal villa is a stretch, considering its size and the frequency with which guests use it; it’s not much different from an ordinary bar.

Nevertheless, the soft carpet beneath is quite accommodating, allowing plenty of people to come and go without disrupting the atmosphere.

Lastly, the scent that pierces my nostrils is… honestly a bit dizzying.

I think the subtle floral fragrance permeating the venue is rather pleasant. If it’s from a diffuser, I’d want to get one myself, but since it mixes with the various perfumes and scents of the many guests, it becomes a bad smell.

“Director! I have no intention of exchanging pleasantries, but at least here’s my business card…!!”

“If you have any plans for new drug trials or fair division of labor, please consider us at Biomass Pharmaceuticals!”

“…If you’re looking for some ‘special play’ that’s difficult with your partner, feel free to approach me anytime before the party ends.”

“Oh my….”

I haven’t even stepped into the conference room yet, and already this strange situation unfolds.

There are people shoving glossy paper business cards at me without warning, others loudly proclaiming their company name in an effort to leave an impression, and a woman throwing subtle glances as if operating some kind of escort business.

There are even situations where someone isn’t sending spam emails but indiscriminately broadcasting their digital business card via surrounding cyberware.

Is it because my senses are heightened?

The naked ambition and desires glaring behind smiling faces are so blatant that it’s almost too difficult to look at them directly.

Should I call them a swarm? If this is the kind of scene one sees every time they step outside, it’s no wonder that those in power become rather cynical. It makes sense that various bigshots have taken an interest in the protagonist and Helena.

“If you’re interested in my business idea, could you spare just ten minutes….”

“May I ask just one thing about the fierce internal turmoil in Paradise? Of course, processed as a commentary from an anonymous senior executive….”

I ignored the increasingly prickling nose and ears and took a glance around at the crowd gathering.

Even though it’s a modified version, attending such a Western-style party in a traditional Japanese outfit is rather too individualistic, I thought, but seeing these people made me realize that while they can group by the value of what they’re wearing, they don’t discriminate based on fashion sense.

Perhaps personal colors are what suit someone well?

I know that displaying a strong impression outwardly and being useful is important, but I feel like it’s a bit over the top.

A woman in a red evening dress with bright red hair, a man with a depersonalizing tattoo on his chest, and other such individuals made me feel as though their presence marked them just like paint splatters haphazardly scattered across a canvas.

Oh, now that I think about it, Horatio also had some kind of matching style, didn’t he? I teased him for being a ‘human cabbage’ despite his advanced look, so he must feel a bit aggrieved.

I should ask him about it next time we meet. What are the benefits of looking that conspicuous, after all?

Anyway, most were busy holding wine or champagne glasses handed out by the wandering waitstaff, while some were gripping whiskey or brandy bottles with one hand and thrusting business cards with the other, busy gesturing.

It was as if eliciting even the slightest response from the esteemed director would mean success.

“…?”

It was then that I noticed something strange.

Could the Edamatsu Amagi I know really endure this display without reacting?

Of course, with so many eyes around, there’s no way they would do something insane like throw someone into a biodegradation chamber, but surely someone competent would have ended this farce earlier if they weren’t bothered and if there were any useful talents available, right?

Once that thought crossed my mind, I turned to look at Show.

It seemed as though he viewed only one person in this vicinity as an “equal human,” staring down at me with a fervor.

Uh… sure, there were suddenly a lot of people crowding in who brushed against me, but if it bothered him he should just say something instead of glaring down at me threateningly….

“…Shall I clear a path? Anastasia?”

“No….”

Why? What’s wrong? Isn’t it my right to do as I please? Hey, you numbskull.

In that moment, various words almost reached my throat, but I barely managed to swallow them.

I nodded quietly, hoping that the phrase “clear a path” didn’t imply dance with knives.

“Director Amagi! Just one word, please… Wack!?”

With a loud pop, a black arm burst out from behind us, creating a strong gust of wind that pushed the crowd back a step. All the business cards that were indiscriminately thrust forward were snatched up in an instant and clutched between fingers.

However, what would have been a remarkable feat for an ordinary person, or would earn a round of applause from a performer, was simply the rightful action expected of this guy once given permission.

“…I will not intervene in the courteous presentation of business cards, but any further disrespectful behavior is something I cannot overlook, so I hope you understand.”

“”…””

Gripping my heart.

At the low, constraining tone that gripped my insides, the fools who had rushed in only just regained their senses.

The blade and shield of Enema, a real executioner tracker. And despite the commotion, busy surveying only their partner, the executive director, who seemed to regard the situation as not worth their time.

In this world, some men can push through forcefully, while others are peculiar varieties that push back the harder they’re shoved.

… How terrifying must the resistance be from a Mega Corp power player?

“Ahem…!”

Those who had come to understand the situation coughed lightly and bowed their heads, creating a path. No, it wasn’t just a path; they dispersed to find suitable counterparts for socializing, aligning with the concept of a social gathering, like a swarm of bees.

“Ha….”

This is truly absurd.

I deeply felt the need to elevate Mega Corp’s status by two levels.

I was aware of the notion that it is the business above all businesses, but perhaps because the sensations from my gaming days lingered, I lack a certain awareness of the countless small and medium enterprises mentioned in Neo Haven. They are just as much members of the upper class; I should be more cautious.

On the other hand, I worried if this would further tarnish the perverted young master’s image. Fortunately, that was a needless worry.

Smartly and slyly, the genuinely capable individuals seemed to want nothing to do with the low-class crowd and were leisurely waiting for our group to break down the wall and depart.

…Ha, they really are something.

“Ah! Is it alright to suddenly meet someone as hard to come by as you, Director!? I wonder if I might be struck by lightning tomorrow! I’m Pete Morgan, the news director for the Memorial Times!”

“…I am Edamatsu Amagi, Executive Director of Enema Corporation. I’ve heard you’re quite an engaging person.”

With every word spoken, his bright red curly beard swayed.

Commonly called a dwarf beard? A jolly man with a generous build and similarly bushy eyebrows or facial hair burst into a cheerful laugh.

Clearly, Show couldn’t ignore the news director of Neo Haven’s leading broadcasting station and reluctantly returned the polite greeting.

For someone like Kasane, who owns parts of a few real estate properties scattered throughout, along with some minor lines for producing psychoactive drugs, Show seemed to regard even her with significant caution.

The invitation list I had obtained didn’t clearly include him… It seemed he had come as an entourage for someone else or perhaps for a light field survey.

In the actual source material, I never even had the chance to meet this character, who was merely mentioned in articles and showed up as a quest requester with a name and picture.

Though it seemed excessive, the prefixes stuck to his name and his cheerful demeanor didn’t come across as craven at all.

Just as a person’s status can shape them, speeches from someone with an assured position carry weight. Simply revealing one’s position amounts to a warning of the potential disaster that could ensue if relations sour.

“By the way… is the person next to you perhaps your future spouse? Or are you still in a de facto relationship? The term ‘Eastern couple’ automatically comes to mind…?”

Despite the quite powerful title of news director, he immediately picked up on Show’s lukewarm reaction and shifted his focus toward me.

Perhaps I seemed relatively naive compared to the motives behind his inquiries? Well, it doesn’t matter.

Today, I am like a decorative flower, a fool unaware of the subject matter; had I mistaken the authority of my tiger-partner, I might have rambled on carelessly impressed by it. No, all I need to do is show a troubled expression while smiling.

Emphasizing that I am just a miserable citizen hesitantly speaking with him will suffice.

That should make it acceptable to view me as just a woman brought along for appearances.

And since there’s nobody here who would fall for such obvious lip service, Morgan, the director, should depart as soon as his interest wanes….

“Really, does it look that way?”

Bang!!

I quickly kicked Show’s foot as he seemed intent on prolonging the conversation with a wide smile.

I tried to move just my foot in a way that wouldn’t be detected by the person facing us, but honestly, I didn’t care if the director noticed; I was just suspicious that he might be forgetting the plan, so I made my move.

How dare he use me as a shield…! I need to sneak away later! I thought I was just supposed to make a subtle impression as an attendee?! Or did he think acting this way would make it seem convincing??

No matter how you look at it, isn’t it inappropriate to throw juiciness for gossip at a top-tier broadcasting news director?

“…I am, just a researcher who has received permission to accompany as a reward for my work performance. I’d feel terrible if my undeserved attention caused inconvenience.”

“Haah…?”

Unable to avoid my interjection, he tilted his head and made a sound, as if pondering.

Good, I think I just maneuvered it like water flowing smoothly.

Even omitting the mutual introductions seemed fine, and it became awkward to extend pointless chatter, so now I would truly step back.

“Wow… You’re saying there’s a delightful romance story between an executive from Enema Corporation and their direct subordinate researcher…? Even the trendy internet junk fiction doesn’t come close to such provocative sweetness…! Oh, excuse me! I didn’t mean to talk about this too loudly!”

“Please refrain from disclosing this to the public. I’m only here today due to unavoidable circumstances.”

“Wait, what does that even mean… Director? Director! Why are you leaving with that knowing smile…!!”

Unable to shout “Hey!”, I let out a groan instead; he didn’t seem to take that as a deterrent and simply crossed the hall.

I was about to hassle Show for not flatly denying the director’s absurd words, but lost the opportunity to grab the departing subject of the conversation.

Regardless of how a fabricated love line got distorted, it’s fortunate that unless the embargo on the executive director was lifted, that nonsense wouldn’t spread through the network.

But really, after I’ve gone through all this trouble to maintain an innocent Japanese girl act for the plan, to be caught in such ridiculous slander by a crazy reporter at the last moment? My luck is extraordinary…!

…Ha, let’s stop fleeing from reality.

Just as I’d attend each group gradually like handling overdue tasks and customers, eventually it would end; the time is finally approaching.

It’s all right. The two from Exatech, whose corporate tendencies and specialties are practically opposite, show no signs of approaching us as if it were a mere formality.

Of course, they weren’t uninterested; they were likely maintaining a safe distance to avoid any scandal—but judging by their visible physical modifications, even at this distance, I could imagine the heartbeat felt like a palpable barrier, leaving it merely a defensive stance.

Ultimately, all that was left was my ragged spirit, a business card handed by some advertising agency wanting to film a natural beauty concept in an era rife with illegal surgeries and body modifications, and two figures from Heylong, who continued to watch the unfolding situation.

“Hmmm….”

“……”

Dressed in old PLA uniforms, they sought to enhance their black dragon image.

Instead of damp primary colors, the background was stark black with bright red patterns added to the military uniforms worn by the Asian man and woman as they approached without further delay.

If Enema was in a future-oriented black and white aesthetic, they were somewhat obsessively marked in black and red.

I remembered there were parts of the user base that oddly cheered, “Wow! SS! Schutzstaffel!!” but in this world, they resembled a successor to China, so I just thought I was matching the symbolic colors.

Ironically, there’s a German firm called Paradise, isn’t there? Perhaps no one showed up here because the headquarters is far away.

“…Lieutenant General Liang Tianyu from the Qing Gang. I hear the Enema supervisory board does similar work as our Ministry of Security. Is there a problem?”

‘If not, I will introduce you to Lieutenant Min, who’s currently advancing through the ranks…’ A middle-aged man trailed off as we faced each other.

The crimes political surgery involves for Kasane Amagi prepared by Kajun likely include “conspiracy treason through confidential leaks,” but there have been allegations regarding illegally inflating the production volume of medicines and leaking them to Heylong.

That’s the evidence I need to uncover.

So, if someone from Heylong attends a party like this, it’s appropriate to presume that it’s about 99% related to collusion.

Considering whether it’s alright to stay here or if I should pull away, I tested the waters with an audacious response. Regardless of the truth of their answers, even a whiff of something suspicious or awkward would allow a quick exit.

What a funny situation; perhaps it’s because this world of net hackers is rampant that if you avoid leaving evidence during on-site capture, you might still get a chance to make a comeback or something.

In any case, they subtly revealed their intents.

Interpreting what reached my ears, it seemed to imply,

‘Hey, if the top brass treating our little joke has really turned serious, we’ll just take our fun and leave; handle the rest yourselves.’

…Was the scale of the transaction smaller than I thought? Or was Show’s presence simply too daunting for them?

Their clean exit certainly made it seem like the picture isn’t right; while I contemplated this, the capable one who had been silent until now moved.

“Dǎrǎo yīxià! It’s an honor to meet General Tian, renowned for the Black Dragon Eight Strong! With Lieutenant Min from the Heylong’s 226th class standing next to you, I’m not sure where to place myself. I’ll thoroughly explain to you, as the direct secretary ‘delegated with full authority’ by the executive director.”

“What? Huh?? Oh, sure. If the conversation is going to be long, it would be fine to find a spot.”

Along with a handshake, he purveyed knowledge of Chinese that was presumably learned without my knowledge; Kajun purposely grinned and began the guided tour.

He smoothly led the two into the independent lounge area set up inside the hall, a subject that was clearly not appropriate for open discussion.

Perhaps because of the detailed personal information involving Show and the sneaky details provided by that slippery guy, Kajun, who was not normally someone in this position, took the lead and left the hall.

“…Wow.”

“Hm, sometimes you disappoint. But you’re doing a decent job proving your worth.”

Now that I think about it… our mischievous Mr. K, despite being part of Enema’s secretariat, has some serious connections spread across various circles that can almost be controlled like appendages.

It’s likely he approached others to facilitate deals or secretly wield influence by finding weaknesses whenever a gap appeared.

This time around, we did agree that if obstacles arose, he would take care of clearing them first… but surely he isn’t hinting at trying to funnel Kasane’s influence to themselves since she’s now on a sinking ship, right?

Ugh, it feels like no matter how I think about it, I’m just puffing up that guy’s ego, isn’t it?

Though late regrets flooded in, I shook my head vigorously to clear them away.

Regrets would serve no purpose, and in any case, we had arrived.

Not as a guest, but as a host, finally meeting my target and sacrifice.

While she wasn’t the one actively traversing the hall and engaging with others, perhaps in her eyes, it must have seemed like an interloper casually rummaging through her event.

“…Tsk!”

Even with the display of her clicking tongue, there was an air of dignity about her.

As I passed by all the attendees, I noticed a woman standing with a frown in front of the terrace I had seen earlier.

Kasane Amagi, sadly destined to face dire consequences today.