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Felső világ Restaurant
Lucian addressed Nik and Yaz with a warning tone. "You can invite your sister. There's no problem, but make sure she doesn't do anything foolish," he cautioned, mentally hoping that she wouldn't become a liability, as he dislikes anyone that causes chaos and trouble from misplaced morality.
Nik and Yaz exchanged glances, acutely aware of the grim fate awaiting those who indiscreetly unveiled the supernatural realm.
"My sister isn't fond of creating trouble; she knows better than to be reckless," Nik reassured, crossing her arms confidently. She still thought about her sister's college boyfriend and realized she might have to intervene if necessary. 'Looks like I'm going to have to force her to break up if I have too.' Nik resolved silently.
Nik was ready to be hated by Aneesha if needed.
Lucian just nodded towards the siblings but their conversation was interrupted by the ringing of Kim Yoo-ri's phone.
"It's them. They're probably here," Kim Yoo-ri said, glancing at the caller ID. Before she could answer Jinx's call, it abruptly ended, causing her to frown.
"What happened?" Kim Yoo-ri murmured, attempting to call back but receiving no answer.
"Don't worry, they're here," Raizo said, pointing toward Jinx and Mitsuki, who were walking towards them, looking around the supernatural restaurant, observing the different kinds of supernatural creatures.
Kim Yoo-ri breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, standing up from her seat to walk towards them. "How did you two get in?" she inquired Jinx.
"Your friend here should be a supernatural creature or an Awakened Human," Jinx remarked, giving Mitsuki's shoulder a casual pat before heading to the table, leaving the two of them.
Kim Yoo-ri gave Mitsuki a questioning look.
"Well, I'm not sure either, but I saw the elevator," Mitsuki said softly to Kim Yoo-ri.
"Then let's figure it out later, but for now, you need to meet him," Kim Yoo-ri said, holding Mitsuki's arm and pulling her to the table. "This is the boss," she whispered in Mitsuki's ear before nudging her towards Lucian.
Mitsuki froze, feeling Kim Yoo-ri's breath against her skin. But before she could think straight, she soon found herself face-to-face with Lucian as he extended his hand.
"Lucian Ozunu," Lucian introduced himself with a warm smile, studying Mitsuki with interest.
Mitsuki's eyes widened as she saw Lucian's face. She hurriedly shook his hand.
"Yamato Mitsuki," Mitsuki responded, bowing her head slightly and stealing another glance at him. 'He's so young,' she thought, surprise thinking Whoever had created the Arasaka Company technology should have been a middle-aged man or older, but Lucian was too young.
"I think you already guessed why I called you here," Lucian said, turning to Jinx, who had already sat down beside Raizo. As he let go of Mitsuki's hand.
"I've got a rough understanding," Jinx said, her eyes roaming the restaurant filled with supernatural beings.
"Good," Lucian acknowledged, settling back down as Kim Yoo-ri directed Mitsuki to a seat. "This is Jinx from the Arashikage Clan. She'll be assisting us on our mission," Lucian introduced Jinx to Selene and the siblings. He gestured towards Mitsuki, smiling, "Since you both arrived together, you probably know each other."
"Yes, I've known about the Arashikage Clan since joining the company," Mitsuki affirmed, handing Lucian her tablet. While she recalled the influence of the Arashikage Clan who was the reason behind the Japanese government's silence when she joined Arasaka.
"Are the satellite launches proceeding without issue?" Lucian inquired, examining the data.
"There are no problems," Mitsuki answered, nodding with confidence.
"And the other materials that I ordered have been delivered?" Lucian asked, continuing to read the information.
"The materials have been delivered, even the extra ones you discreetly ordered," Mitsuki responded with a frown, feeling as though she were being tested.
Lucian nodded, satisfied with Mitsuki's answers. He placed the tablet on the table, having already understood everything in the report.
"Kim Yoo-ri said you wanted to know more about the supernatural world," Lucian asked, now looking directly into Mitsuki's eyes.
"Yes... I always thought the world was made up of logic and reason, even calculations. But when I saw the supernatural world, I realized I needed to know more about this world..." Mitsuki said, staring at Lucian. 'Is he a supernatural creature as well?' Mitsuki thought, feeling herself being drawn to Lucian's handsome features, like a normal person would be. But that was the problem; she wasn't a normal person so she won't just fall for anyone based on their looks.
"And she's either a supernatural creature or an Awakened Human," Kim Yoo-ri interjected, "She saw the elevator."
Lucian raised an eyebrow in surprise, glancing at Kim Yoo-ri before turning back to Mitsuki. He stared at her with narrowed eyes. "Kim Yoo-ri said you can be trusted...," his eyes then began to change, his irises glowing silver. "But from the information I got, you always wanted to pay back the government," Lucian added, his tone becoming cold a hint of warning.
When Mitsuki saw the look in Lucian's eyes, she felt she couldn't lie to him. He would figure out that she was being dishonest.
"I can't divulge my reasons, but I have a commitment to remain loyal to Arasaka," Mitsuki affirmed, smiling tenderly at Kim Yoo-ri, who squeezed her hand supportively.
"As for the government, yes, I plan to repay them for what they've done for me," Mitsuki said, her eyes shining brightly. She turned back around to face Lucian, holding Kim Yoo-ri's hand tighter.
"Would you rather work with a person who knows to be grateful or an ungrateful person who forgets everything someone has done for them?" Mitsuki asked seriously, finding the courage to look directly into Lucian's eyes.
Lucian paused, assessing Mitsuki before glancing at Kim Yoo-ri. "Then let's find a way to pay them back, shall we?" he said, pouring Mitsuki a glass of wine.
"After all, Arasaka takes care of its own," Lucian said with a slight smile as he poured himself a glass as well.
"And regarding the information about the supernatural world, I'm sure Yoo-ri would be delighted to fill you in," Lucian added with a teasing smile, noticing their connection.
Now Lucian was aware of why Kim Yoo-ri withheld certain details, but he was pleased as he knew that Mitsuki was someone who would go to great lengths for the ones she loved.
"Since Yoo-ri trusts you, from now on you'll be the one handling Arasaka," Lucian declared, raising his wineglass toward Mitsuki with amusement as she froze.
"Congratulations, you're now the CEO."
"I..." Mitsuki opened her mouth, not knowing what to say. She was lost for words, unable to keep up with what was happening. First, she was being questioned, then doubted. And suddenly, from a secretary she became the CEO.
Mitsuki looked around and saw everyone's reaction. It was as if it was normal.
"From secretary to CEO in a heartbeat, impressive," Jinx remarked, observing the dynamics at play.
Kim Yoo-ri chuckled at Mitsuki's bewilderment.
"Congratulations," Raizo said seriously, nodding toward Mitsuki.
Even Selene gave a quiet nod, while Nik and Yaz congratulated Mitsuki for her promotion.
"Wait... hold on a minute," Mitsuki insisted, releasing Kim Yoo-ri's hand and gesturing incredulously at herself. She looked at Lucian in shock.
"Just like that, I've become the CEO?" Mitsuki pointed at herself in disbelief. "When you were still doubting and questioning my loyalty? she said, before looking at everyone.
"And you guys think it's normal as well?"
"Don't look at me, kid. In the two years I've known him, I couldn't figure him out," Jinx said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Well, when I figured out you were trustworthy, I just continued with the right decision for the future of the company," Lucian explained as he sipped his wine.
"Right decision?! We just met five minutes ago!" Mitsuki exclaimed, leaning toward Lucian in disbelief. "What are you planning? This isn't normal," she said, observing Lucian, hoping for answers.
"Calm down," Kim Yoo-ri whispered, gently pulling Mitsuki's arm.
"It's the right choice. Kim Yoo-ri is resigning, and since you're the one helping her run the company by her side, you deserve a reward, don't you?" Lucian said, putting down his wineglass on the table. But he saw that Mitsuki still didn't believe him, so he continued.
"And after you become CEO, the Japanese government would make it easy for us to do business, and at the same time, you can pay them back what you owe," Lucian said, noticing that Mitsuki was beginning to accept what was happening.
Mitsuki accepted it. After all, the Japanese government wouldn't like a top-rising company with a foreign CEO in their country. But she still struggled to accept that she became a CEO just like that.
"The most crucial reason is—you're human," Lucian stated, his gaze firm.
"Human?" Mitsuki echoed, sensing implications about Kim Yoo-ri's identity.
"No sane person would let a supernatural being control a major corporation," Lucian explained. "You can confirm this with her," he said, nodding toward Jinx.
"He's right," Jinx said, nodding in agreement. "Certain organizations already know about Kim Yoo-ri's true nature, but as long as Arasaka's influence grows, others won't accept it." she said, as she understands how the world works.
After all, major companies in the world are controlled by humans, and people wouldn't like it if a company owned by a supernatural creature suddenly surpassed them. Even governments wouldn't like it.
"Although she's an Awakened Human, nonetheless, she's a human," Jinx emphasized, regarding Mitsuki seriously.
Mitsuki sighed, feeling that was most likely the reason she was chosen as CEO. She turned to Kim Yoo-ri.
"Are you really going to resign?" Mitsuki asked with worry. She felt Kim Yoo-ri was going to disappear. Although she joined Arasaka for the truth of the world, she stayed because of her attraction to Kim Yoo-ri.
"We both know I'm not meant for that kind of job," Kim Yoo-ri said with a wry smile, patting Mitsuki's hand comfortingly.
"But..." Mitsuki started to say, feeling a wave of sadness, but before she could finish, Kim Yoo-ri cut her off.
"I'll still be here," Kim Yoo-ri said, giving Mitsuki a reassuring smile. "You can ask anything, but you're in charge of everything now, okay, I trust you," Kim Yoo-ri said, holding Mitsuki's hand tightly, her eyes filled with trust and confidence.
Lucian remained silent, observing the scene with interest. When he noticed Raizo frowning, his gaze fixed on something behind Lucian.
Turning around, Lucian saw a commotion erupting among the diners in the restaurant. Though he couldn't hear the specifics, their agitation was evident.
"Turn it off," Lucian ordered. Raizo complied, placing his hand on the crystal globe at the center of their table. Instantly, everyone started to hear sounds of shouting and cursing that filled the entire restaurant.
"Grimm!" a supernatural creature exclaimed in fear.
"You guys don't belong!" a Blutbad snarled aggressively.
"Hunter, you've still got the guts to come here!" a Gelumcaedus shouted, baring its teeth menacingly.
Lucian frowned as the crowd grew rowdier, forming a circle around a particular group. His eyes narrowed upon recognizing a familiar figure among them—Scarlett. 'So, it's you who deleted the video,' he thought, realizing it might have been the Joes who had tampered with the airport security footage.
"Selene, you, Nik, and Yaz should leave first," Lucian instructed, glancing at Selene. Their eyes met briefly before Selene rose, followed closely by Nik and Yaz.
Lucian didn't want them to be seen with a vampire, a vampire not afraid of the sun at that. it will make their group look suspicious and be targeted by others. Although he didn't know why Scarlett followed Jinx and Mitsuki here, he was pretty sure it was connected from Marcus attack.
Lucian then turned to Kim Yoo-ri, giving her a silent cue to proceed.
"I've already made reservations at the Kimpton Hotel. You can wait for us there," Kim Yoo-ri said, her gaze lingering on Lucian and Selene. She was wary of Lucian's apparent closeness with the vampire.
Selene nodded in acknowledgment, giving Kim Yoo-ri a brief, scrutinizing look before leading Nik and Yaz through the crowd. The three maneuvered past the rowdy assembly and made their way out of the chaotic scene.
•-----•-----•-----•-----•
"Can you make a way?" Marie asked calmly, her gaze fixed on the supernatural creatures blocking their path.
"If we don't, would you cut off our heads?" Gelumcaedus asked sarcastically, his fellow Gelumcaedus stepping forward aggressively towards Marie.
"Are you going to kill us?" Marie asked, her expression blank as she scanned the faces of those standing in their way.
The supernatural creatures looked at each other. Although they wanted to fight the Grimms and hunters, it would become a problem if they tried to kill them, as there were Awakened Humans in the restaurant, not just those in front of them.
"If not, then step aside," Marie said coldly, seeing their reaction. She didn't want to waste time, with nonsense fights.
As the supernatural creatures hesitated, before stepping aside, Scarlett was about to walk towards Lucian's table when a Gorgon wearing a butler uniform stopped them.
"I'm afraid I have to stop you."
"Why?" Scarlett asked, frowning. Marie's face darkened. She knew from his outfit that the Gorgon was an employee, and they were troublesome to deal with.
The Gorgon gave everyone in their group a look before flashing a friendly smile. "You don't have any reservations."
Scarlett and the others froze. Although they could fight the diners, they couldn't fight the employees. The employees were in the right, and with so many people watching, they knew they couldn't threaten them as they had done to the other employees before.
"They're with us," Jinx said, walking towards the Gorgon. Hearing that, the Gorgon gave Lucian and Kim Yoo-ri a look. When he saw them nod, he bowed to Scarlett and the others, making way for them.
"What are you doing?" Jinx asked, smiling as Scarlett walked beside her. But what Jinx really wanted to ask if she was following them.
"I was investigating things when I saw you at the airport," Scarlett said with a wry smile as they walked toward Lucian's table.
"So, are you guys here to join the hunt?" Scarlett asked, her eyes on Jinx, though her question was actually aimed at Lucian.
"Yes, after all, the Arashikage clan is eager to assist in times of need," Jinx replied, flashing a professional smile.
"I thought so as well," Scarlett said calmly, settling into the seat next to Lucian. Marie and Abraham took seats vacated by Nik and Yaz, while Chris grabbed a chair from another table. His gaze soon settled on Kim Yoo-ri, the Gumiho in their midst.
"I should introduce everyone. This woman is a Grimm, Marie Kessler, and this is Abraham Setrakian, and finally, Chris Argent," Scarlett introduced the trio to Jinx, naming each one in turn.
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END OF CHAPTER
Extra Chapter for 200 Power Stones
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UPCOMING CHAPTERS SPOILERS:
Chapter 101: Information, Chapter 102: Temptations, Chapter 103: A intense bath R18, Chapter 104: Wryness R18, Chapter 105: Mitsuki's Powers, Chapter 106: Getting Ready, Chapter 107: Getting Ready(2), Chapter 108: Corvinus Castle, Chapter 109: Corvinus Castle, Chapter 110: A Hybrids Fall, Chapter 111: I told you so, Chapter 112: It's You, Chapter 113: Continuation, Chapter 114: William's Prison, Chapter 115: William's Prison(2), Chapter 116: William's Prison(3), Chapter 117: Death ofthe Twins, Chapter 118: I Fucking Knew It, Chapter 119: I Fucking Knew It(2), Chapter 120: The Last Fight, Chapter 121: The Last Fight(2), Chapter 122: A Swear to a God, Chapter 123: The end of William Corvinus, Chapter 124: Aftermath, Chapter 125: Aftermath(2), Chapter 126: Kim Yoo-ri & Mitsuki Back in Japan , Chapter 127: Trouble in Japan, Chapter 128: Trouble in Japan(2)
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