Valerius stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Here's the truth, Kanzaki-kun. It doesn't matter if she's in your harem or not. What matters is that she's a piece on the board. A talented, influential, beautiful piece. And if I take her, I don't just gain her. I gain leverage over you."
"You don't have leverage over me."
"Don't I?" Valerius's smile turned cruel. "Let's say you walk away tonight. Let's say you let her fall completely under my influence. Do you know happens next?
Akira didn't respond.
"I'll tell you. She becomes my spokesperson. My protégé. She uses her reputation and her influence to legitimize everything I do. And when the SPIU comes for you, when the Silver Hand closes in, when your little harem starts falling apart... who do you think they'll believe?"
Akira tightened his fist, trying to hold himself back.
