Chapter 42

"Why!?"

It seems that Hime really doesn't understand why I refused.

"Why? The substitute bracelet can be sold at the store for 15 million yen, right? I'm already losing 5 million yen just from that."

"Oh, if you had kept it, it would have been divided among the four of us, and the company would have taken a fee. In that case, you would have received at most 3 million yen. If you think about it that way, you would be gaining 7 million yen. Hime will also claim ownership, but I can handle that with my influence. Of course, even if I fail to obtain the ownership of the substitute bracelet from Hime, it's not your responsibility, so I will pay the contract money as promised. You just need to nod to my offer. With that, you will get 10 million yen, and with our Oshino Hotels & Resorts as your backing, I will make you a full-fledged explorer. It's not a bad deal, is it?"

The way she said this without hesitation shows that she understands the market value and worth of the substitute bracelet.

She probably sees me as just a lucky guy who happened to get the substitute bracelet, so her thinking that 10 million yen is enough is understandable.

Moreover, the contract money is just that, while the backing is the main point.

Being backed by Oshino Hotels & Resorts—anyone with a normal sense of value would jump at the chance.

She probably only sees me as just a college friend of Hime.

Hime sighed and countered.

"I'm already your backing. I've completed the contract as a full member of the EPO corporation and have given you sufficient compensation. Your help is unnecessary. Besides, Taira has no intention of going to you at all."

I nodded in agreement.

I'd rather work solo than under a spoiled princess.

Then, Hime pointed at Hime.

"Taiga is a talent capable of aiming for the world. If you want to poach him from me, you'll have to come at me with the resolve for a full-scale war!"

Hime, you value me that much.

I feel a warmth in my chest.

"Will you not give in, Hime?"

"No, I won't."

"Hmph! I'm going, Ako."

"Hmm. Miss Hime, Miss Ichino, thank you for taking the time today."

The two of them left.

I thought she would push further, but it seems Hime also wanted to avoid a conflict with Hime.

Then, only Hime and I were left in the room.

"What's the harm in giving one? You could get another ten tomorrow, right?"

"Why would that happen?"

"It's your sister, right?"

"She is my sister, but also my rival."

Hime took a sip of the orange juice in her glass and continued.

"When we got the EPO corporation's approval, Hime was the first to file an objection. The EPO corporation is still in its early stages, and there are limits to the number of companies that can be approved. In such a situation, both Oshino Resort Group and Oshino Hotels & Resorts, which are under the same GDC group, cannot both be approved by the EPO corporation. Because our 'Tensho Muso' is approved as an EPO corporation, Hime's 'Tengara Muteki' has been rejected."

...Wait, hold on, this is an important part of the conversation, but Hime's party name is 'Tengara Muteki'? Not 'Tensho Muteki', but 'Tengara Muteki'?

These sisters have the same word sense.

Actually, I think there was a novel with a similar name.

That's why I can't focus on the conversation.

"Are you asking me to show mercy to someone who is harassing us?"

"I understand your feelings, but if you reject her demands, the harassment will intensify, won't it? If you give her the substitute bracelet with the mindset of creating a big favor, it might be better. After all, you can gather several more in just one day tomorrow."

I laughed and continued.

"If I offer it, Hime will get carried away and make more demands, but you can prevent her from getting too cocky and wrap up the negotiation with a big favor. We need to remove any stumbling blocks to achieve our dream of 'Tensho Muso'."

"Haha, you're one of the few who can call Hime a pebble. But you're right, it's not a bad idea. Well, I'm going to take another bath. Taiga, do you want to join me?"

"The family bath time is over, right?"

"My room's bath is free, though."

"Thanks for the offer, but I have coffee milk and a massage chair waiting for me after the hot spring."

"You're so old-fashioned."

"Leave me alone."

I said that and returned to my room.

I don't know how the conversation between Hime and Hime will go.

I'm not even sure if they will have a conversation.

I was curious, but it's a family matter.

Before going to the hot spring, I took my phone and called my brother.

"What's up?"

"Nothing in particular, just wanted to talk to you. Is it okay now?"

"What, suddenly? Sure, it's fine. I actually wanted to talk to you too."

"Really? What about?"

"I was going to tell Dad and Mom, but—"

My brother created a serious atmosphere and started talking.

I was taken aback by what he said.

It turns out my brother is getting married, and it's a shotgun wedding.

I didn't expect to hear this in a casual call.

***

The next morning, Hime didn't show up for breakfast.

I thought she might still be sleeping, so I called her as part of the morning wake-up call and was told to eat first as she would be a bit late.

"So, my brother is getting married."

"Congratulations. I haven't seen your brother in a long time."

"Congratulations. When is the wedding?"

"I'm not sure. He wants to get married before the baby shows, but if that's not possible, he said they'll wait until after the birth."

By the way, I heard that my black card makes the Oshino Group's hotel fees almost free. Will the wedding expenses be free too?

No, it's only free for the party members, so a wedding with dozens of guests is probably not possible.

More importantly, I'm going to have a nephew or niece.

It's a touching thought.

Just as we finished eating, Hime arrived.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"You're late. What were you doing?"

"I was receiving this. Here, Taiga."

Hime handed me a square box.

What is this?

She said it was okay to open it, so I did, and inside was a sword.

"It's a return for the substitute bracelet. She didn't want to owe me, so she gave it to me. I thought it was a big favor, but the sword is good, and I was planning to buy one anyway, so you should use it, Taiga."

Hime said this, but she looked relieved, as if a burden had been lifted.

Maybe we're getting along a little better.

Well, it's the second day of the training camp.

Let's do our best today.

Next chapter: 'Milk's Frustration'

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