"Hmph." Un'yo snorted softly, retaining a sliver of wariness toward Yuto before turning his attention to Hayasaka.
"Hayasaka, have you considered the matter I spoke of before?"
"My apologies, Un'yo-sama. I have no intention of considering that matter for the time being."
"You can't avoid things forever, Hayasaka. The best solution is to think it through and decide sooner rather than later."
Yuto listened to the conversation between Un'yo and Hayasaka.
Though he couldn't understand the words, the pained expression on Hayasaka's face told him it was nothing good.
Hayasaka didn't reply to Un'yo, whose expression showed no anger.
Instead, a few traces of a cold, sinister smile appeared in his hawk-like eyes.
"Since you have a guest today, I won't disturb you any further." Un'yo glanced at Yuto, his gaze filled with scrutiny and speculation, but he avoided meeting his eyes again.
"Amano, let's go."
Un'yo barked an order to Amano Yakumo beside him and headed for the door.
As the two men brushed past Yuto, Un'yo turned his head slightly to look at him, just as Yuto happened to glance back.
A hint of amusement flickered in Yuto's eyes, making Un'yo feel mocked.
After the two had left, Yuto looked at Hayasaka, who stood frozen in place, a slightly surprised expression on his face.
"Hayasaka-san, are you all right?" Yuto spoke softly.
At his words, her shoulders trembled as if she had snapped back to reality.
The moment she turned her head, Yuto wondered if he was hallucinating.
He had just seen her vulnerable side...
...
Outside the Shinomiya Mansion.
Shinomiya Un'yo and Amano Yakumo had just settled into the car. Un'yo sat in the back of the stretched luxury vehicle.
He retrieved a bottle of alcohol from the car's mini-fridge and poured himself a glass.
He swirled the glass, the amber liquid spinning with the motion.
His mood was unsettled.
His plan for the day had been far more ambitious than simply exchanging a few words with Hayasaka.
He had intended to take further steps, but Yuto's presence had thwarted him.
Still, it wasn't a complete loss. Now, his interest was piqued by Yuto.
"Amano, that man from earlier... Investigate him thoroughly. I want his file by the end of the day."
"Yes, sir."
"Drive."
The engine roared to life.
As the car pulled away from the Shinomiya Mansion, Un'yo took a sip of his drink.
His gaze fell upon the sprawling estate, and a mocking sneer flashed in his hawk-like eyes.
'Big Brother, I've discovered your arrangements... Hmph... How cruel... Big Brother... Kaguya, my foolish little sister, I wonder what you'll look like when you learn the truth. It must be a beautiful sight. Hayasaka, your identity... how much longer can you hide it...'
...
"Boss, I'm so sorry for dragging you into this."
Watching Hayasaka bow in apology, her face etched with anxiety and guilt, Kamisaka Yuto felt a little puzzled.
'Am I really dragged in already?'
Yuto didn't think he'd done anything wrong.
All he'd done was smile!
Hayasaka straightened up, her eyes filled with regret and conflict. After a moment of internal hesitation, she sighed.
"Boss, they were after me. Seeing you by my side, Un'yo-sama will definitely investigate you, given his personality. He'll most likely approach you to ask about me or Kaguya-sama."
Although Hayasaka Ai didn't explain why Shinomiya Un'yo was after her, Yuto could understand.
Perhaps every prominent family was plagued by such internal schemes and betrayals.
When Hayasaka mentioned that Shinomiya Un'yo would investigate him, Yuto considered it for a moment.
He was all alone in the world now, he had nothing to fear.
This was the classic case of "the barefoot man fears not the one in shoes."
Besides, no matter how powerful the Shinomiya Family was, they were still just ordinary people.
If they really caused trouble, he'd just unleash Tohru on them.
Although Tohru was usually soft, cute, and a bit ditzy, she was still a Great Dragon at her core.
As an employee, it was only natural for her to help her boss solve problems.
"Don't worry, it's nothing," Yuto reassured Hayasaka, but she couldn't seem to relax.
"Sigh... this was my mistake. I'll explain everything to Kaguya-sama when she returns." Hayasaka lowered her head, looking dejected and ashamed.
Yuto knew that no amount of explanation would ease her mind. So, he decided to change the subject.
"Is Kaguya-san not home?"
"No, she's at her Kyudo class right now. She'll be back in a little while."
Kyudo, the art of Japanese archery, had long been considered a noble sport in this country.
Though it had gradually become more accessible to the common people, many children from prominent families still treated it as a required course.
It was precisely because Kaguya wasn't home that Hayasaka had brought Yuto here.
Otherwise, it would've caused extra complications. But she never expected Shinomiya Un'yo to show up at this exact time.
"In that case, why don't you show me to the kitchen first?"
Yuto hadn't forgotten the reason Hayasaka brought him here.
Hearing his words, Hayasaka nodded and began to lead the way.
Perhaps due to the recent incident, her attitude toward Yuto had softened considerably.
Yuto followed her into the kitchen.
The moment he stepped inside, he couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Even after expanding his own small restaurant, its kitchen couldn't compare to the sheer size of this one.
It was practically as large as an ordinary family's entire home.
Gleaming silver cookware of all kinds filled the space—from Eastern to Western, common to rare, no utensil was missing.
"Hayasaka-sama."
The chefs in the kitchen all greeted her with respect.
Yuto finally saw other staff members in this grand mansion.
Since arriving, he had only seen Hayasaka. The idea of such a huge estate having only one maid seemed unbelievable.
"You're all dismissed for today. Someone else will be preparing Kaguya-sama meal. Your wages for today will be paid in full, with no deductions."
After Hayasaka made this announcement, the chefs' expressions varied—some looked relieved, others worried, and a few seemed resentful.
Observing their faces, Yuto could roughly guess what each of them was thinking.
"You may leave."
Hayasaka's expression was calm.
Her naturally cool face made her placid look seem almost cold and indifferent.
None of the chefs dared to speak.
Even those who felt resentful obediently filed out.
This was only natural.
They were merely hired chefs, they wouldn't dare voice any objections to Hayasaka.
She represented Lady Kaguya, and Lady Kaguya's family name was Shinomiya.
"Boss, please."
Once the kitchen was empty, Hayasaka gestured for Yuto to proceed.
Yuto offered a slight smile and walked over to the stove.
He didn't recognize the brand, but one look told him it was expensive.
The various kitchen knives were exquisitely crafted—beautiful enough to be considered works of art, not just tools for cooking.
To one side stood a massive walk-in freezer.
After getting Hayasaka's permission, Yuto pulled open the freezer door.
Unlike the reach-in freezer at his small restaurant, this one was large enough to walk inside and select ingredients.
It contained everything imaginable: from seafood to pork, beef, and lamb, to a vast array of vegetables.
Yuto couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
This didn't mean he lacked composure; any chef would be thrilled by such a sight.
Of course, perhaps with the exception of a young lady like Erina.
"Isn't it a bit early to start cooking now?" Yuto asked Hayasaka, looking slightly puzzled.
It was just past noon, an unusual time for a meal.
"No, Kaguya-sama always eats after her archery practice."
Hayasaka's explanation cleared up Yuto's confusion.
"Alright. What should I make?"
"Please feel free to create whatever you wish."
Hayasaka's simple words momentarily stunned Yuto, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded calmly.
This kind of situation wouldn't faze him.
He surveyed the luxurious, high-end kitchen equipment and the nearby walk-in freezer, overflowing with every ingredient imaginable.
At this moment, he felt that preparing a simple dish would be out of place.
'Considering Kaguya just finished archery practice... She must be exhausted. A meal after strenuous exercise...'
Yuto's eyes lit up.
He knew exactly what to make next.
---------
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