Two hours later.
The BMW driven by Atsuki came to a stop on the roadside. Not far away, a few men in suits and several women dressed in maid uniforms were approaching. Judging by the crests embroidered on their clothes, they were clearly sent by the Izumi family to greet them.
Before heading to the airport, Atsuki had originally planned to call the Izumi family's butler to confirm their arrival time. However, the Sakayanagi family head said there was no need. Atsuki had been puzzled—after all, Shoujin Sakayanagi was not someone who would neglect proper etiquette.
Though the Izumi and Sakayanagi families shared a good private relationship, they had long been fierce rivals in the business world. Even with their constant competition, neither side had ever shown the other disrespect.
In fact, because of the relationship between Kotomi Izumi and Arisu Sakayanagi, both families had agreed to temporarily set aside their rivalry and collaborate for a while—creating a carefree environment for the two girls' relationship to develop.
If Kotomi Izumi and Arisu Sakayanagi were to truly marry someday, the two families that once competed against each other would instantly become in-laws.
From that perspective, cooperation between the two great houses was far more beneficial than a constant tug-of-war of money and sabotage in the corporate world.
Competition or cooperation—whichever brings more profit depends entirely on the circumstances.
For smaller families, competition might be better; small fish eating shrimp, so to speak.
But for the Izumi and Sakayanagi families, things were different. Both were massive conglomerates entrenched deeply in Japan. In open competition, neither could gain the upper hand quickly, and both would only waste unnecessary resources. Rather than that, it was wiser to cease hostilities and turn the children's engagement into an opportunity for alliance.
Both the Izumi and Sakayanagi families now hoped that Kotomi Izumi and Arisu Sakayanagi could truly end up together—even if they were both girls.
That was also why, when Arisu expressed her wish to visit the Izumi family and the Hishinaga family alone, her grandfather, Shoujin Sakayanagi, immediately agreed.
After all, it was rare for his granddaughter to fall in love—and with the Izumi family's young lady, no less. As a doting grandfather, how could he not lend his full support?
The reason he told Atsuki not to call the Izumi butler beforehand was this:
"The Izumi family's network spans the entire world. It's no exaggeration to say that if they wish, you could open a bottle of cola in the Arctic, and within seconds they'd know whether it was Coca-Cola or Pepsi—and how much force you used to twist the cap.
"From the very moment your plane lands at Haneda, every one of your actions is already under the Izumi family's watch. So why bother calling ahead? In fact, calling in advance might make it seem like you're underestimating their intelligence network."
After hearing that, Atsuki had refrained from calling—and now, it seemed Shoujin Sakayanagi had been right. The Izumi family had already sent people to welcome them.
"From this point on, we'll be on the Izumi family's private grounds. Only vehicles belonging to the Izumi family or those with the family head's permission are allowed beyond this point. I've prepared a wheelchair in advance—please, Miss Arisu, have a seat and I'll push you from here."
Unbuckling her seatbelt, Atsuki turned to the young lady sitting in the back.
"Alright," Arisu replied softly, nodding as she let Atsuki help her out of the car.
"Good day. I'm Atsuki, head maid of the Sakayanagi family. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Atsuki extended her hand to the elderly man leading the group. He looked to be in his sixties, dressed in a perfectly tailored black-and-white suit with silver trim along the collar—his demeanor calm and refined.
Atsuki knew who he was. This was Eimaya Hidetsu, the current butler of the Izumi family. When Yakken Izumi became family head, Eimaya had also assumed the role of chief butler, serving faithfully for many years as one of Yakken's most trusted aides.
"Welcome," Eimaya said politely, shaking Atsuki's hand before bowing along with the other servants and maids toward Arisu.
"Welcome, Miss Arisu Sakayanagi, to the Izumi residence. Please forgive us for not greeting you sooner. The family head and lady are already waiting for you."
"Thank you," Arisu replied with a gentle smile. "Then, let's go."
Arisu Sakayanagi offered a perfectly formal bow in return, and after finishing, she calmly supported herself with her cane, preparing to sit down in the wheelchair.
She had come to Kotomi Izumi's family home to formally propose. Every detail of etiquette had to be performed flawlessly.
Although she could not walk like a normal person, Arisu Sakayanagi had always been strong-willed. Since childhood, she had learned all the manners and decorum befitting the young lady of the Sakayanagi family.
"Walking all the way there might be inconvenient for you, Miss Sakayanagi," Eimaya Hidetsu said respectfully. "The family head instructed us not only to welcome you but also to inform you that you may take a car directly to the residence."
"Please thank the Izumi family head for his kindness. When we meet shortly, I'll express my gratitude in person," Arisu replied with grace.
Atsuki bowed beside her.
Eimaya Hidetsu's Mercedes S-Class led the way, with Atsuki following slowly behind in the BMW. Together, the small convoy made its way toward the distant Izumi family estate.
"Are you nervous, my lady?" Atsuki asked with concern. She knew her mistress well—Arisu would not lose composure easily. Moreover, in terms of wealth and status, the Sakayanagi and Izumi families were nearly equal, existing in a state of balance.
Of course, that was only for now.
Recently, the entire upper class had begun to sense the Izumi family's ambition—to devour all of Tokyo.
If the Izumi family truly succeeded in swallowing Tokyo whole, not even bones left behind, then both the aristocracy and the great conglomerates would face an earth-shattering power shift.
The once threefold balance of Japan's major financial groups would crumble, leaving the Izumi family as the sole dominant power.
Those families who had chosen early to side with the Izumi family would, as the saying goes, rise to glory alongside them—their social standing and influence soaring to unprecedented heights.
"What's there to be nervous about?" Arisu said with a confident smile. "I've met the Izumi family head and his wife several times before. To me, they're like a kind grandfather and grandmother. If I were to get nervous over something like this, could I still call myself the daughter of the Sakayanagi family? And how could I ever claim the right to marry Kotomi and protect her for the rest of our lives?"
Her tone carried absolute confidence—no trace of hesitation or fear.
Through the car window, the grand estate came into view.
That was the Izumi residence.
In truth, they had already entered Izumi territory the moment they turned at the last intersection.
"If anyone with ill intent were to trespass onto Izumi land, I imagine from that intersection onward there'd be countless anti-materiel sniper rifles aimed at their heads. Then—bang!" Arisu said with a soft laugh.
She was in high spirits—because this was the moment she had long awaited: the chance to formally propose. As long as the Izumi and Hishinaga families gave their approval, she would finally be able to openly express her feelings to Kotomi Izumi and propose to her!
When that day came, even Megumi Kato and the others would be powerless to stop it. They could only watch helplessly as the girl they loved became Arisu's wife—without any room for protest.
After all, when the Izumi, Hishinaga, and Sakayanagi families all acknowledged the engagement, who would dare oppose it?
Arisu's gaze softened as she looked at the photo of Kotomi Izumi on her phone, her voice tender and full of emotion.
"Kotomi, please wait for me a little longer. Soon, I'll be able to marry you—fair and square.
"Even if you haven't remembered who I am, that's alright. In truth, I don't want you to recall the fire from our childhood.
"I'll make you fall in love with me again. Back then, you risked your life to save me from the flames, suffering burns all over your body. This time, it's my turn to protect you. From now on, through every storm, I'll be your shield.
"You're mine—and no one will ever take you away from me."
...
A short while later.
Ahead of them, Eimaya Hidetsu's Mercedes S-Class began to slow down. Understanding immediately, Atsuki eased her foot off the accelerator, guiding the BMW V12 Shadow Edition to a gradual stop.
They had arrived at the Izumi family's parking grounds.
Even from afar, the estate was magnificent. Up close, its grandeur was overwhelming.
The architectural style of the Izumi residence was distinctly Japanese, every tile and beam crafted with the care and precision of a master designer.
Passing through the grand gate and stepping into the estate, Arisu and Atsuki made their way down a wide corridor. As they crossed a courtyard, Arisu noticed the numerous paintings adorning the walls—each depicting tigers and leopards, fierce and majestic, their sharp gazes seeming to meet those of anyone who passed. It gave the unnerving impression of being watched by a vast, dominating presence.
Guests with weaker nerves would likely lower their heads when walking through that courtyard, afraid that even the sound of their footsteps might awaken the beasts in the paintings.
Beyond that courtyard lay the reception hall where Yakken Izumi usually met visitors.
Stepping onto the tatami mats and entering the room, Arisu found herself in a spacious chamber adorned with elegant paintings—not the ferocious tiger and leopard scrolls from before, but delicate ink works filled with tranquility and grace.
There, seated at the head of the room, was Yakken Izumi, waiting calmly. Beside him sat Harumari Izumi, her face adorned with a warm, welcoming smile.
Eimaya Hidetsu stood by the entrance and bowed respectfully. "Master, Madam, Miss Sakayanagi has arrived."
"Thank you for your efforts," Yakken Izumi said quietly. His gaze held neither threat nor intimidation. Most of the time, his eyes were as calm and detached as they were now.
Yet even such a serene gaze carried a heavy, invisible pressure—an authority that made people instinctively straighten their posture.
Eimaya bowed once more before turning toward Atsuki and saying courteously, "Ms. Atsuki, please come with me to the lounge. We've prepared tea and refreshments for you. I hope they suit your taste."
Atsuki nodded in understanding. She offered a deep bow to Yakken Izumi and Harumari Izumi, then quietly followed Eimaya out of the room.
For a moment, silence filled the large hall. Only three people remained within it—Yakken Izumi, Harumari Izumi, and Arisu Sakayanagi.
—
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