Over his pants, she tugged him slowly pinching his cock, and drawing it out with curling fingers stroking his rod, and forcing his full length out while looking him dead in the eye.
On the outline of his trousers, a swelling bulge long and fat began to rise. Her small hands worked up and down the shaft stroking him fervently, feeling it thicken. In between strokes, she paused to rub on the tip, and gasped when it throbbed wildly against her palm.
In a fluid graceful movement, she swung her wide hips and slid out of the car seat.
Standing before him, her hands went to the side of her thighs, as she slowly lifted up her dress from her feet, to her knees, all the way up till her thick white thighs burned into Ryuji's eyes. To the ground.
Quietly, she dropped to her knees, and slipped between Ryuji's legs.
Then, using her left hand, she curled her fingers around the shaft holding it upwards and lowered her tongue onto him.
Her wet tongue slapped against his big balls.
Flattening it against his scrotum, she licked his low hanging testesfrom top to bottom. She coiled her tongue around each ball tastefully savoring the rich organic taste of his groin as she simultaneously stroked the tip of his cock rubbing the circumference dedicatedly between her thumb and forefinger.
Hayasaka's mouth opened fully.
Her long pink tongue lapped up his balls and drew them into her mouth with a loud sloppy suck. His dick responded automatically thickening in her hand. Cushioning his balls in a warm tomb of her saliva, she tugged on his rod stroking and stroking, focusing on his tip till his full length screamed into her hand.
Ahh~ Slurp Slurp Slurp
From the tip of her tongue, all the way back nearing the back of her throat, both balls slammed against the walls of her mouth rolling back and forth across in slippery luscious slurps. Her lips closed in on his sackdrawing the membrane of his sack stretching it out in a long suck.
Her mouth retracted, and Ryuji's penis throbbed.
Still on her knees with her gown raised all the way to her pale thighs, and her round pumpy ass jutting behind her like a well sculpted piece of art, Hayasaka pulled her two hands together gripping the first half of his cock in her left and grasping the base in a tight clasp with her right.
Hayasaka's masterful hands weren't just stroking him she was milking him.
Having stimulated his organ by sucking his low-hanging big balls, she focused on his cock now twirling in unpredictable circular squeezespaying full attention to each swelling rubbing and sliding up and down massaging him till she physically felt the surge rapidly rising from the base of his cock.
"It felt like she has been trained all her life just to do this."
Hiding her tongue she let her lips take in the first inch of his throbbing tip.
Mwuah~
Kissing it in noisy wet kisses she focused on the hole, literally sucking it like it was a mega fat straw trying to draw out his semen from the base of his balls.
Like a demoness, she uncurled her tongue, and tickled his hole in wicked steady vibrations moistening the tip as her lips bobbed up and down the cap.
"Fuckkk...," he moaned aloud.
Her saliva in rich generous trickles dribbled down from her mouth, onto his dick cap. It slithered all the way down snaking in between the tight squeezes lubricating her strokes.
"Slurp slurp slurp~" Hayasaka worked his long shaft with both her hands tirelessly pumping his organ up and down while sucking just the tip with just the right amount of delicateness.
From the different training she had undertaken, Hayasaka had developed a unique blow job style. Naturally, the objective was to get them to cum.
But within the shortest time possible.
So, she grew to understand the male organ. She knew each valve she recognized with staggering accuracy, each pulsation what they meant, and the timelines they told.
She knew that the tip was the key. She knew that with enough jerking and stimulation, the pleasure was always proportional to the release.
She tightened her grip on his cock sliding up and down in frantic urgent strokes letting the electrifying tingle explode through out his organ. From his glands his semen began to surge upwards as if being pulled up by a powerful reverse-gravitational pull.
She was expanding her flexible insides and also contracting with every slippery suck, tightening her mouth and throat for the smooth ride of his cock.
His engorged penis began to swell even more.
Not from deliberate enhancement.
But from the coming semen.
From the base of his cock, with each tightening of her grip, and with each curling suck of her tongue, Ryuji's orgasm began to build up. Gradually, it screamed through his rod in hot pleasurable slicing waves cruising through his urethra, and engorging each pulsing vein.
His hands reached out to hold her head in place.
"Gawk~ Gawk~ Aghhh~"
Hayasaka struggled to catch her breath.
Tears streaming from her eyes.
With his dick fully submerged inside her mouth, she simply held it in. The insides of Hayasaka's rubber-like jaws tightened and contracted repeatedly on their own milking him purely.
Then thick cum out violently wheezing out of his hardened cock blasting straight into the back of her throat and splattered there like paint on the wall.
Ahhhhn~
Her throat convulsed around his shaft, swallowing every drop with a mix of desperation and delight. The sensation of his hot, sticky release filling her mouth and throat sent shivers down her spine. She could feel the warmth spreading through her, a primal satisfaction that made her own core throb in response.
Ryuji's emptied himself into her willing mouth. Each pulse of his cock sent another wave of cum into her, and she swallowed it all, her throat working in perfect harmony with his release.
Her lips, slick with saliva and his essence, continued to massage the sensitive head of his cock, ensuring not a single drop was wasted.
---
As he scanned the list again, Ryuji noticed the Suzuki family listed at the top. He raised an eyebrow.
The Suzuki family from that high-society, mystery-solving world?
The eldest daughter's already married, and the second daughter, Sonoko, is known for her "hidden beauty," supposedly restrained by that headband of hers.
And if the Suzuki family is attending, then that infamous "kid detective," the harbinger of death himself, might make an appearance as well.
I wonder if he's still an adult or if he's in his shrunken state by now.
Hmm. I am a bit curious.
After all, he has that uncanny trait, wherever he goes, trouble follows, with death often lurking around the corner.
I wonder if that strange effect would still work in this bizarre world.
If he didn't have the main character's plot armor, given his knack for running into danger, he'd have probably met a tragic end by now.
"Has he not arrived yet?"
The Suzuki family, a powerhouse in the world of business and technology, holds a similar status to the Shinomiya family in this world. However, there's a notable difference between them: while the Shinomiya family has many heirs and constant competition, the Suzuki family doesn't face such internal strife.
With the eldest daughter married off, only the youngest, Sonoko, remains. Anyone with a bit of insight could see that the Suzuki family wasn't planning to marry Sonoko off—instead, they'd likely bring in a husband who could join the family and support their legacy.
Sonoko Suzuki was feeling restless. If this were just a typical birthday party, anyone from her family could have attended as a representative, without it being such a big deal. But this time was different.
Not only was Sonoko present, but her mother, Tomoko Suzuki, had come along as well.
"Let's wait a bit longer," Tomoko said, noticing her daughter's impatience.
Seeing her daughter's lack of composure, Tomoko sighed internally. Despite her age, Sonoko still hadn't learned the patience required to take over the family one day. How could she entrust the entire Suzuki empire to her?
"You watched the live broadcast, didn't you? You should understand, this may no longer be a world where business empires dominate, but one where sorcerers hold real power," Tomoko explained, her voice serious.
As one of the most powerful families, the Suzukis were aware of the existence of sorcerers, but they'd never realized that sorcerers possessed such overwhelming strength. This was nothing like the so-called "sorcerers" they'd seen before.
"Yes, yes, I know!" Sonoko replied, rolling her eyes, clearly bored by her mother's lecture.
Tomoko resisted the urge to scold her. After all, Sonoko was her only daughter, and she was still young. There was plenty of time to guide her into becoming a fitting successor.
"Oh, if only Ran and Makoto could be here!" Sonoko sighed, lamenting to herself. She hated formal gatherings like this; they were always so dull.
Tomoko didn't comment on Ran, whom she found to be polite and decent enough, but her opinion of Makoto Kyogoku was less favorable.
Makoto was known as a karate champion, someone with reflexes quick enough to dodge bullets. Impressive as that was to the average person, it didn't mean much to someone like Tomoko, who saw him as little more than a brawler.
Especially now, with the rise of sorcerers, martial prowess alone was nothing. How could a mere fighter like Makoto compare to a sorcerer?
"Sonoko, you haven't... done anything serious with Makoto, right?" Tomoko asked, frowning slightly.
"Huh?" Sonoko looked confused for a moment. When she realized what her mother was implying, her face flushed. "Of course not! Makoto and I just started dating! I'm not that easy!" she protested, genuinely embarrassed.
Tomoko felt a bit relieved at this. She hadn't doubted Sonoko's innocence, but it was good to hear her confirm it. Her expression softened.
"Good. Just remember, Makoto Kyogoku is, after all, just an ordinary person," Tomoko cautioned. "He might just be interested in you because of the Suzuki family's power."
Like any mother in her position, Tomoko had her reservations. Her daughter, though kind, wasn't necessarily someone who'd turn heads with beauty alone. Makoto's interest, she suspected, had more to do with Sonoko's family status.
"Who says that's true?" Sonoko pouted, a bit annoyed. "Makoto isn't that kind of person!"
It seemed nobody would have expected that the Suzuki family's younger heiress could be so lovestruck.
Tomoko sighed again, feeling a mix of amusement and frustration. Perhaps she'd sheltered Sonoko too much from the real world.
"Just be careful, dear. Don't do anything you might regret," she advised gently.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Sonoko grumbled, though she knew her mother's words came from a place of care.
Meanwhile, standing quietly behind the two was a woman with long blue hair and an effortlessly composed demeanor: Mei Mei.
"Apologies if our family drama has entertained you, Miss Mei Mei," Tomoko said, noticing her presence. Knowing Mei Mei's status as a top sorcerer, Tomoko spoke with genuine respect.
"Not at all," Mei Mei replied, shrugging slightly. "I just didn't expect the second daughter of the Suzuki family to be so... straightforward."
Sonoko bristled slightly at the subtle implication of being called naive, but when she saw it was Mei Mei, she bit back her retort. She knew her place well enough not to antagonize a person her own father would respect.
Tomoko smiled, acknowledging the unspoken dynamic. "In any case, we're grateful for your company, Miss Mei Mei. We hadn't expected you to accept our invitation."
"Oh, don't thank me too soon," Mei Mei replied lazily, lifting her wine glass. "I'm not here because of your family, after all."
Mei Mei's interest lay solely in the presence of Ryuji. The Suzuki family's invitation had simply provided her with a convenient excuse. She was well aware that Tomoko likely hoped to gain her favor, but Mei Mei couldn't have cared less. To her, sorcerers and the elite of society inhabited entirely different realms.
Tomoko's smile faltered slightly at Mei Mei's bluntness, but she recovered quickly, maintaining her polite facade. "Even so, we're honored to have you here."
Meanwhile, in another part of the mansion, Kaguya Shinomiya was preparing for the event.
"Wow, Kaguya-chan! You look gorgeous!" Chika Fujiwara exclaimed, her face lighting up as she watched her friend, now dressed elegantly for the occasion.
Kaguya nodded in acknowledgment, though her usual stoic expression softened. While Chika could be a bit of a handful, Kaguya appreciated her enthusiasm. That said, seeing Chika jump around excitedly causing certain... assets to bounce made Kaguya's mood darken slightly. She looked down at herself, trying not to feel a pang of envy.
"Kaguya-chan?" Chika asked, noticing her friend's sudden silence.
"Ahem! Nothing," Kaguya replied, clearing her throat as she tried to suppress her earlier thoughts.
"Oh, by the way!" Chika suddenly remembered. "I heard that the sorcerer from the recent live broadcast, Ryuji, is going to be here. Is that true?"
Kaguya, feeling no need to hide the truth from Chika, simply nodded.
Encouraged, Chika leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I also heard from my father that this banquet is more than just a birthday party… it's a setup for you and Mr. Ryuji to get acquainted. Is that true?"
Kaguya blushed, caught off guard by the blunt question. After a moment, she nodded, her tone measured. "Yes. My father arranged it."
Chika's eyes widened. "Does that mean Kaguya-chan might be getting married soon?"
"Not so fast!" Kaguya's calm demeanor nearly cracked. "They'll want us to get to know each other first. It's not like I'm getting married tomorrow!"
But in her heart, she knew that if Ryuji gave his consent, her father would likely arrange the wedding sooner rather than later. After all, this was a rare opportunity to secure an alliance with someone as powerful as him.
As she thought about it, Kaguya's mind drifted back to her brief interactions with Ryuji—the strong, confident presence he exuded. For a moment, she felt a sense of admiration and awe.
Meanwhile, in the luxurious car on the way to the event, Ryuji observed Hayasaka Ai as she poured him a drink with practiced elegance. He couldn't help but notice the way she seemed unusually attentive.
"So, now that we're being honest," Ryuji began, his tone light, "who put you up to this?"
Hayasaka, unfazed, smiled slyly. "Can't a girl be interested in someone as remarkable as Mr. Ryuji?"
Ryuji chuckled, seeing through her facade. "Come on. Kaguya's too innocent to plan something like this."
Hayasaka's smile didn't waver. "Believe what you like, Mr. Ryuji," she said, tilting her head slightly. "After all, who wouldn't want to make a good impression on someone with your... unique talents?"
Ryuji smirked, not fully buying it but willing to play along.
"Let's just take things as they are!"
Since Ai didn't want to elaborate, Ryuji decided not to press further.
He leaned back, satisfied. After all, he was the one benefiting from the situation, so there was no loss on his end.
"…"
Ai fell silent, looking at Ryuji with a hesitant expression. No matter how things had unfolded, this was the first man she'd had such close, personal contact with.
After a long pause, she finally whispered, "My parents are being threatened."
Ryuji didn't respond, simply watching Ai as she knelt before him, waiting for her to continue.
Understanding his silence as a prompt, Ai began to explain. She recounted the story of Oko Shinomiya—the person who had essentially handed her over to be a spy, placing her under constant pressure and control. Ai didn't know if she could fully trust Ryuji, but what choice did she have? If she didn't trust him, was she doomed to remain a pawn her entire life?
If she gave in once, there would be a second and third time. Ai didn't want to keep living like that.
"I see," Ryuji replied, nodding thoughtfully after hearing her story.
In truth, he'd already known from watching the anime that Ai was sent by Oko to monitor Kaguya. The glittering facade of the powerful Shinomiya family clearly hid a darker, more ruthless side.
Only the heartless could survive in such elite circles; any softness had long been weeded out.
Ai lowered her head, silent.
Ryuji reached over, gently lifting her chin. "So, what do you want? Revenge? Or do you want to break free from Oko's control?"
Ai looked into Ryuji's eyes, sensing a strength and confidence within him. But his question left her uncertain, her expression confused.
"It seems you don't even know what you want," he commented. "After all, you're still just a girl, barely older than Kaguya. Maybe you're smarter and more mature, but deep down…"
Ryuji released her chin and leaned back with a casual shrug. "I'm not going to do anything for you."
Ai opened her mouth to protest, but she realized she didn't even know what to ask for. After all, Ryuji had no real reason to help her. She felt a pang of bitterness at the thought.
"But," he continued, his tone softening."
"I'll give you the power to change your own fate."
"…?"
Ai blinked, not entirely understanding what he meant. Before she could question him further, Ryuji raised his hand and touched her forehead.
In an instant, Ai felt an unfamiliar energy coursing through her body—a strange, intense sensation that made her feel stronger.
"This is cursed energy," he explained. "Get familiar with this feeling, but remember, I won't help you manifest it again in the future."
"Cursed energy?" Ai's eyes widened. She knew what cursed energy was and what it represented. Somehow, she had just become… a sorcerer?
How could that be possible?
Ryuji withdrew his hand, and Ai could still feel the newfound power pulsing within her. It was no illusion—she really had gained cursed energy.
"Isn't it said that ordinary people aren't capable of becoming sorcerers?"
The Shinomiya family had done their research after discovering the existence of cursed energy, even buying up various methods for sensing it. But no matter what they tried, it never worked. They didn't have the talent, so they couldn't learn it.
Ai had tried before, but it had been hopeless. So why could she do it now?
"It's because of my technique," Ryuji said calmly.
"Your… technique?"
Seeing her confusion, he decided to explain a bit. "Every sorcerer can awaken a unique technique, like a special ability. My technique allows me to give ordinary people the chance to become sorcerers."
The intricate details weren't necessary to go into, and frankly, he doubted she'd understand all of it anyway.
"…!"
Ai was sharp enough to grasp the significance immediately. If word got out about Ryuji's ability, he would have a target on his back. After all, in a world like theirs, who wouldn't want the chance to wield cursed energy?
"I understand," she said seriously. "I won't tell anyone about this."
Ryuji chuckled, reaching out to lift her chin again. "You're smarter than I thought. Good. Intelligence will keep you alive."
Suddenly, a notification appeared in his vision.
"Target contacted: Ai Hayasaka. Golden Entry unlocked. Do you wish to load it?"
An entry? Had she also awakened a technique?
As Ryuji wondered about this unexpected development, Ai murmured, "I… I feel like I have some kind of new ability."
She raised her hands, and with a look of concentration, a small knife materialized between her palms.
"Cursed Construct?"
Ryuji was genuinely surprised. Awakening a technique was supposed to be incredibly difficult for someone who had gained cursed energy later in life. Yet here she was, already capable of creating objects.
Could it be because she was a heroine and had some kind of protagonist's aura?
As Ai held up the knife, her expression paled, and her strength faded. Just as she was about to collapse, Ryuji caught her, using his RCT to restore her energy.
Although her strength returned, Ai didn't make any move to get up from his embrace. She leaned into him, comfortable and at ease.
Ryuji didn't mind at all.
He casually explained, "Cursed Construct is a technique that lets you create anything by using cursed energy. Your cursed energy is weak for now, so making a knife is about your limit. But once you grow stronger, you'll be able to create almost anything."
Of course, it wasn't that simple. Advanced creations required an understanding of the object's structure. A knife was easy, but something like a plane or a tank would require precise knowledge of every part.
Fortunately, Ai was intelligent. She could probably learn to create complex objects if she put her mind to it.
Ryuji recalled two other known users of the construction technique: Maki Zenin's twin sister, Mai Zenin, whose ability was limited to making bullets due to the twin curse, and a sorcerer from a thousand years ago, an infatuated admirer of Sukuna, the king of curses.
He didn't expect Ai to awaken such a rare ability.
Just as Ryuji was about to check if the golden entry he unlocked from Ai was indeed this construction technique, he suddenly felt Ai's small hand moving restlessly.
"…?"
He looked down, only to see Ai smiling playfully up at him.
"We still have a bit of a drive left. Would it be alright if we… went further?"
If her approach before had been calculated, now it was genuine. Ai simply wanted to offer herself to him, purely because the man in front of her was Ryuji.
"Alright," he replied with a smile.
Reject her? Of course not. Ryuji was never one to refuse such a gift.
Half an hour later, the car rolled to a stop.
Ryuji stepped out, closing the door behind him, and noticed the female driver's surprised expression.
Wasn't Hayasaka Ai supposed to be with him? Why wasn't she getting out of the car?
"She's a bit tired and needs some rest," he explained smoothly.
"I understand." The driver nodded knowingly. She didn't ask further, choosing to stay outside to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed.
Ryuji smiled, appreciating her discretion. The people in the Shinomiya family were well-trained, after all.
He glanced toward the mansion in the distance, then walked leisurely toward it.
"Golden Entry: Cursed Construct!"
Only then did Ryuji have a chance to examine the entry he'd unlocked. Just as he'd expected, it was the construction technique.
"Load it."
Construction was a versatile ability, something he could see himself using often. It was well worth keeping around.
"[Talent entry system]
Host: Ryuji Hoshino
Bloodline: Human
Loaded entries: Soul Devouring [Red], Yin-Yang Eyes [Gold], Presence Concealment [Gold],Tranquility [Gold], Reverse Cursed Technique [Gold], Monster Attracting Physique [Gold], Third Dimension, Dreamwalker [Gold], Physical Strengthening [Gold], Cursed Speech [Gold], Shadow Manipulation [Gold], Malevolent Shrine [Gold], Blackbird Manipulation [Gold], Idle Transfiguration [Gold], Anti-Gravity System [Gold], Horizon of the Captivating Skandha [Gold], Binding Technique [Gold], Curse Script [Gold], Ink Incarnation [Gold], Infinite Void [Gold], Cursed Construct [Gold], Iron Fist [Purple], Combat Intuition [Purple].
Points: 80,120!"
"Not bad," Ryuji mused, pleased with his character panel.
After a brief glance, he closed the menu.
As he approached the manor, he noticed the security around the estate. There would be no foolish misunderstandings here—Ryuji was, after all, the main guest of the evening, invited by Gan'an Shinomiya himself.
"Mr. Ryuji!"
The security guards recognized him immediately, bowing in respect.
They all bowed and greeted him with respect.
Ryuji just nodded slightly and continued toward the entrance of the mansion.
Inside, the banquet was already lively, despite the main guests not having arrived yet. The hall was filled with affluent guests, some engaging in polite conversation, while others tried to make new connections.
Those from smaller families were especially eager to curry favor, keenly aware of how alliances could shift fortunes.
"I didn't expect our Yukinoshita family to be so popular," Haruno commented with a smirk as she looked at a business card someone had handed her.
She understood why, though. Ever since her younger sister Yukino had become a sorcerer, people suddenly treated the Yukinoshita family with newfound respect.
Their family's business had also seen smoother operations as a result. Obstacles that had once caused them endless trouble now seemed to disappear on their own, thanks to Yukino's reputation.
"This is only natural," said Fumino, their mother, who was attending the event in place of Yukino, who had opted to stay home, disliking such gatherings.
Fumino carried herself with an air of arrogance, basking in the prestige Yukino's powers had brought them.
"Our Yukinoshita family has finally risen to prominence."
"Don't forget, Mom," Haruno teased with a laugh, "Yukino's relationship with you isn't exactly warm."
"…"
Fumino's self-satisfied expression faltered, but she quickly regained her composure. "No matter what, I am still her mother."
"This can never be changed!"
"Tsk tsk!" Haruno clicked her tongue twice but didn't argue further.
"..." Fumino looked somewhat helpless.
If she'd put in more effort to build a better relationship with Yukino in the past, maybe things wouldn't be this strained now. But things had reached this point, so what more could she say?
"I will find a way to bring Yukino back into the Yukinoshita family!"
"I think it's better to let Yukino live her life freely," Haruno responded casually. "Let her do what she wants; dragging her back into the Yukinoshita family would only make things worse."
"How could you say that? She's..." Fumino started to protest, but Haruno cut her off before she could finish.
"Don't you get it, Mom? Times have changed. Yukino's only still around because of her last bit of dignity. Don't forget—she's now an accomplished sorcerer."
Haruno could understand her mother's ambitions to elevate the Yukinoshita family's standing. Now that there was an opportunity, of course, Fumino wouldn't want to let it slip. But in this era, what's the point of being at the top? Even the Shinomiya family, despite their wealth and influence, were now bending over backward to curry favor with Ryuji.
"..."
After a moment of silence, Fumino sighed. "Maybe I really am out of touch with this era."
Haruno didn't reply, but she thought that if her mother could adjust her mindset a little and not be so rigid, it would actually be a good thing.
"Why isn't he here yet? I should've just stayed at school and kept studying," Erina Nakiri grumbled nearby.
As the possessor of the God's Tongue, Erina had an intense dedication to culinary excellence. Even though she understood the significance of sorcerers and the changing world, her only real passion was to become a great chef.
On the other hand, her cousin Alice Nakiri couldn't help but laugh. "You're really something, Erina. Only you would still be thinking about cooking at a time like this."
"Hmph! That's why your cooking skills can't compare to mine," Erina shot back, not holding back in the slightest. Sharp-tongued and prideful as ever, she treated everyone equally with her bluntness.
"Tsk." Alice pouted, clearly annoyed by the jab.
"Alright, alright," their grandfather, Senzaemon Nakiri, stepped in to mediate.
"Enough arguing, both of you. It's already this late—just wait a little longer."
Going back now would not only offend the Shinomiya family but also likely Ryuji himself. As the head of the Nakiri family and Totsuki Academy, Senzaemon had no shortage of connections and resources. However, he was also aware of the times. With the rise of sorcerers, it was crucial to keep up or risk becoming obsolete. That was the only reason he'd brought his granddaughters here tonight.
"I understand," Erina finally conceded. Although arrogant, she wasn't foolish.
Alice wanted to say something else, but just then, the atmosphere in the banquet hall shifted, growing noticeably quieter.
"...Huh?" She glanced around, quickly realizing that everyone's attention had turned toward the main entrance of the hall.
"Is he here?" She pieced it together immediately and looked over as well.
Around the hall, other prominent figures, like members of the Suzuki family, had also turned their gaze in the same direction.
Ryuji stepped into the banquet hall with a calm smile, unfazed by the countless eyes on him. For the guests who had come specifically to see him, his presence alone was enough to command silence.
The air was thick with respect, admiration, and a hint of fear. No one had forgotten the massacre of the Black Dog family that had taken place not long ago.
"Long time no see, Ryuji-kun!" Mei Mei approached him with a smirk, clearly pleased to see him.
"You're here too?" Ryuji replied, slightly surprised.
"Yeah." Mei Mei nodded, giving him a pointed look. "Well, since you never come find me, I figured I'd have to come to you."
"..." Ryuji had to admit he hadn't reached out to Mei Mei since they last parted. It wasn't out of any ill will—he just hadn't had a reason to.
"Haha, better be quick then," he joked. "Who knows, I might get swept away by someone else's charms."
"Think you can handle it?" she retorted, eyebrow raised.
"No way."
They both laughed, sharing a mutual understanding. Mei Mei knew what kind of person Ryuji was. She also understood that no woman could truly capture and control him. Having a fleeting romance was one thing, but expecting more was unrealistic.
Before they could continue their conversation, Suzuki Tomoko approached with her daughter, Sonoko, in tow. Holding a glass of champagne, Tomoko greeted him warmly. "You must be Mr. Ryuji. Truly a talent beyond his years."
"H-Hello," Sonoko stammered, raising her glass in a nervous toast. Despite her initial nonchalance, Sonoko felt a bit overwhelmed in the presence of someone as powerful as Ryuji. Even her father had stressed that she must show him respect, emphasizing that if Ryuji wanted, he could easily bring the Suzuki family to ruin.
Ryuji chuckled lightly at her nervousness. "Relax, I don't bite."
"...Who are they?" He turned to Mei Mei, genuinely curious about the two women.
"Oh, them?" Mei Mei shrugged. "The Suzuki family—big money. They're why I'm here, actually."
It didn't take much to understand that the Suzuki family had probably hired Mei Mei for security. They certainly seemed wealthy enough to afford her services.
"There aren't many sorcerers who love money as much as you do," Ryuji commented with a grin.
"Well, the world's a cold place. Money is something I can rely on," Mei Mei replied without shame.
It was true. Sorcerers often had their own personal goals and pursuits. But few were as openly motivated by money as Mei Mei.
"But, you know," she added, her eyes gleaming with interest as she looked at Ryuji, "if you're ever up for it, we could make a good team."
Ryuji laughed, amused by her bluntness.
At that moment, Shinomiya Gan'an, head of the Shinomiya family, made his way over. He wore a benevolent smile as he approached Ryuji. "It's been too long, Mr. Ryuji."
"Good to see you, Mr. Shinomiya," Ryuji replied politely, keeping his tone respectful but reserved. He was curious to see what Gan'an was planning.
"Please, just call me Gan'an," he said, his smile widening. Despite being significantly older, Gan'an knew better than to act superior here.
"For what happened before, I owe you my gratitude," he continued. "Thanks to you, our family avoided a major disaster. Since then, my daughter has looked up to you. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you here tonight."
The daughter Gan'an referred to was, of course, Kaguya Shinomiya. The meaning behind his words was clear to anyone paying attention: he hoped to connect his daughter to Ryuji, perhaps even romantically, in order to secure an alliance.
"You're too kind," Ryuji replied with a polite smile, playing along. It wasn't hard to see through the pretense, but there was no harm in indulging him for now.
At that moment, Kaguya entered the hall, having received the signal from her father. Following close behind her was Chika Fujiwara, her face alight with curiosity and excitement.
"Has Hayasaka not come back yet?" Kaguya wondered, noticing her maid's absence. But she wasn't particularly concerned.
"Kaguya, Kaguya!" Chika tugged at her sleeve impatiently, practically bouncing with excitement. She was eager to see Ryuji up close, and Kaguya had no choice but to go along.
As Kaguya made her way through the hall, dressed in an elegant gown, the guests around them quieted down, all eyes turning to the Shinomiya heiress. Every movement, every gesture, reflected her strict training in etiquette, giving her the appearance of a modern-day princess.
Even Ryuji had to admit, she looked stunning. Despite his usual indifference, he found himself appreciating her beauty for a brief moment.
Gan'an, who had been watching closely, noted the faint change in Ryuji's expression and relaxed slightly. He'd been worried that Ryuji might show no interest in Kaguya, but now he felt more confident about his plan.
But Ryuji was not the type to be swayed by appearances alone. After that brief moment, he resumed his usual demeanor, looking away as if he'd seen enough.
"Father," Kaguya greeted, her tone respectful as she approached.
Gan'an smiled, visibly proud of his daughter. Despite her status as an illegitimate child, he had always valued her and had given her every opportunity to succeed within the family.
"Let me introduce you," he said, turning to Ryuji. "This is Mr. Ryuji, our esteemed guest."