"Gan'an-sama, Rokuhara-sama wishes to speak with you."
"..."
For a moment, there was no response.
On the other end of the phone, Gan'an Shinomiya froze upon hearing Hayasaka's words.
'Damn it… Could it be that not only has the mission failed, but the Shinomiya family's conspiracy has angered the King?'
The thought sent a chill down his spine. If true, the Shinomiya family would face an unprecedented crisis—they could vanish overnight.
But as the head of the family, he couldn't afford to panic. Quickly, he steadied his breathing and spoke in a respectful tone.
"It is an honor to speak with you, King. I apologize for not being able to meet you in person."
Meanwhile, Hayasaka stared at his phone in disbelief. In all his life, this was the first time he had heard Gan'an speak in such a submissive position.
Across the table, Ren remained relaxed.
"I don't like beating around the bush. Shinomiya Gan'an, you wish to offer your loyalty, correct?" His voice was calm, but there was an invisible pressure in his words.
"..."
Gan'an held his breath.
"Ah, don't misunderstand. I don't look down on families from the secular world. Previously, the Historical Compilation Committee also approached me with the same intention as you. But I rejected their loyalty. Do you know why?" Ren asked with a faint smile.
"Please enlighten me, King." Gan'an asked nervously.
"It's simple. The Historical Compilation Committee is a group of hypocrites."
Pausing briefly, Ren savored the last bite of his parfait.
"You see, many nations and organizations wish to serve Campione and receive their protection. After all, there are too many wolves and too little meat, and whoever can cling to the Campione's thigh the fastest will reap the most benefits."
"..."
Gan'an remained silent, listening intently. Hayasaka gazed at Ren with thoughtful eyes.
"Unfortunately, the Historical Compilation Committee overestimates itself. Aside from empty promises like 'loyalty,' they offer no real benefits. Instead, they want to manipulate me into handling their problems. If it weren't for Susanoo backing their organization, I would have already leveled their headquarters." Ren sighed lightly.
"Susanoo?!"
A surprised exclamation came from the two listeners. However, their focus was different.
Gan'an was shocked because he hadn't known that the legendary god of Takamagahara was the true supporter of the Historical Compilation Committee. Meanwhile, Hayasaka was stunned. The name Susanoo-no-Mikoto—one of the most powerful and famous gods in Japanese mythology—actually existed!
'If this were before, I would have considered this discussion absurd.' Hayasaka thought, suppressing her shock.
There was a brief pause before Gan'an's voice came through the speaker again. This time, his tone was much more serious.
"As proof of my family's commitment, I am willing to hand over half of the Shinomiya family's shares to the King. From today onward, we pledge our full support and will become your followers."
"..."
The room fell silent. Hayasaka could even hear her own heartbeat.
'Half of the Shinomiya family's shares?!' Hayasaka couldn't contain her inner reaction. She had underestimated the value of a Campione's favor.
If it weren't for her exceptional self-control, she would have exclaimed loudly, drawing the attention of other customers in the café.
Ren raised an eyebrow, looking at the phone on the table with an intrigued expression.
"That's quite a bold move, Gan'an."
Half of the Shinomiya family's shares? That wasn't just a large sum of money—it also meant relinquishing the influence and power built over decades. For a family as influential as theirs, this was a drastic change—from an independent dynasty with high status to a group openly declaring loyalty to a single individual.
However, Ren's response was unexpected.
"I don't need half of the Shinomiya family's shares."
Gan'an held his breath.
"As long as you can fulfill two of my demands, I will accept the Shinomiya family as part of my faction."
Gan'an's heart skipped a beat. Even his wealth couldn't sway Ren's heart. If money wasn't enough, then what did this young Campione want?
Still, it was better to hear him out before jumping to conclusions.
"What are the two demands, King?"
"Relax, I'm not unreasonable. These are even easier than handing over the Shinomiya family's shares. First, I want an unlimited black card. From now on, all expenses I incur will be covered by the Shinomiya family."
"That's easy. I agree." Gan'an sighed in relief.
Of course, "unlimited" wasn't truly without limits. However, given the Shinomiya family's wealth, even if Ren spent extravagantly every day, it would take a very long time to bankrupt them.
"As for the second..." Ren narrowed his eyes, then grinned. "I want Hayasaka Ai."
"Huh?"
As soon as her name was mentioned, Hayasaka turned to Ren with a questioning expression.
'Wait... is he in love with me? Or... does he want my body?'
She wasn't narcissistic, but she was aware of her beauty. Many men had confessed to her, drawn by her charm. But Ren... he didn't seem lustful toward her.
Meanwhile, Gan'an didn't hesitate.
"Of course, if the King desires her, I will hand her over."
As Hayasaka had expected. Even after years of serving the Shinomiya family, she was still a servant. If her master wanted to give her to someone else, she had no right to refuse.
However, Ren's next words made her even more uncomfortable.
"Listen to me first." Ren's eyes met Hayasaka's. There was a playful smile on his face, but his gaze was like that of a predator. "If you give Hayasaka Ai to me, I don't want her working for anyone else. She must become my secretary and live by my side. In short, her life belongs to me."
"...!!!"
Instantly, Hayasaka's body trembled.
'This feels like a deal with the devil.'
"Very well, I will hand her over. I will personally explain this to her family. From today onward, Hayasaka belongs to the King." Gan'an didn't even blink and immediately agreed, as if afraid Ren would retract his words.
Hayasaka clenched her fists on her lap, feeling a disappointment and sadness that was hard to put into words.
'So this is what it feels like to be sold...'
But she couldn't argue. Her family depended on the Shinomiya family, and now, the Shinomiya family depended on Ren.
In a single day, her life had completely changed.
The conversation ended.
Gan'an had accepted Ren's terms without hesitation. The unlimited black card would be delivered tomorrow, and as an additional benefit, he was granted permission to use Rokuhara Ren's name as a deterrent.
From today onward, nothing could stop the Shinomiya family's business expansion—even the other three conglomerates would think twice before obstructing them.
Hayasaka stared at her now-dark phone screen. The conversation that had just taken place... felt like a real-life nightmare.
Meanwhile, Ren stood up from his seat.
"Let's go."
"...Where?"
Hayasaka's gaze was dull as she looked at him.
Ren glanced at her, then smiled faintly.
"A love hotel."
"I understand."
No surprise, no protest.
Hayasaka had anticipated this happening sooner or later. After all, from now on, she belonged to Ren—no longer a servant of Shinomiya Kaguya, but this man's property.
So, she stood up, straightened her uniform skirt, and followed Ren to the cashier.
After paying the bill, they left the café, walking side by side toward the love hotel.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The love hotel room was designed with dim lighting, creating a soft, intimate atmosphere.
On the ceiling, faint pink LED lights illuminated the room, while the walls were adorned with elegant textured wallpaper. The bed was large, with maroon satin sheets, surrounded by thin curtains that could be closed for added privacy.
A large mirror was attached to the wall, creating the illusion of a more spacious room.
Near the bed, a control panel was available to adjust the lights, music, and even the room temperature with a single touch. A large TV screen was mounted on the wall opposite the bed, displaying a variety of entertainment options.
Ren sat on the bed, leaning back against the pillows.
He took out his phone and sent a message to Itsuki, informing her that he wouldn't be coming home tonight.
It didn't take long for a reply to come.
Itsuki:
Ren read the message without much reaction. However, before he could reply, the sound of the bathroom door opening caught his attention.
Hayasaka stepped out.
Her body was still damp, wrapped only in a white towel that reached her thighs. Her skin was slightly flushed from the hot steam of the shower, and her damp blonde hair clung to her shoulders.
"I've finished showering." Her voice sounded slightly nervous.
Ren shifted his gaze to her, observing her for a moment before standing up from the bed.
Without rushing to enjoy the girl in front of him, he simply walked past her and headed to the bathroom.
As the door closed behind Ren, Hayasaka let out a soft sigh. Her hands reflexively gripped the towel wrapped around her body tightly.
*THUMP!* *THUMP!* *THUMP!*
Sitting on the bed, Hayasaka could hear her heart pounding loudly.
Her hands unconsciously clenched the sheets, trying to distract herself from her nervousness.
'My first experience... isn't anything like I imagined.'
She sighed, lowering her head. Since childhood, she knew her life wasn't her own. Born into a family of servants serving the Shinomiya family, her fate had been decided from the start.
However, in her imagination, at least this night should have happened in a more romantic way.
A dinner at a fancy restaurant, accompanied by the soft flicker of candlelight. A slow dance to the melody of classical music, then spending the night with the man she loved...
Not like this.
'But... do I even have the right to complain?'
The sound of running water from the bathroom could still be heard. Hayasaka bit her lip, staring at her reflection in the large mirror across the bed.
Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opened, and Ren stepped out, wearing a bathrobe. He walked leisurely, then sat beside Hayasaka on the edge of the bed.
Hayasaka looked uneasy, her hands clasped tightly on her lap, and her eyes slightly avoiding Ren's gaze. A faint blush still adorned her cheeks, contrasting with her usually calm expression.
"Have you had any experience?"
"N-No... This is my first time."
"Then let me lead. You just need to go with the flow."
"U-Um..."
Hayasaka knew Ren wasn't an amateur like her. It was mentioned in reports that the man had already impregnated two women.
Ren looked at her with calm yet firm eyes. "Then let's start with a kiss."
Without giving her a chance to respond, Ren leaned in and gently cupped her chin. Hayasaka's breath hitched, her eyes widening as their lips met.
"...!!!"
Her face heated up, her mind going blank for a moment. She had prepared for this, but still—feeling someone's lips on hers was a new experience.
However, what surprised her more was how she didn't feel the urge to resist. On the contrary, the warm sensation enveloping her made her body stiffen for just a moment, before slowly softening.
'So this is what a kiss feels like…'
Ren wasn't in a hurry. His pressure was gentle, not forceful, as if giving her time to adjust. His tongue slowly swept across her lips, waiting for permission to go further.
Hayasaka hesitated for a moment, but then, whether due to the atmosphere or an impulse she didn't understand, she slightly parted her lips.
Ren immediately took the opportunity. With skilled movements, he deepened their kiss, creating a more intimate connection.
Their lips moved in harmony, merging in a rhythm that grew warmer. The sensation was foreign to Hayasaka, but not unpleasant. Instead, she felt immersed in the atmosphere created by the man before her.
She went with the flow, as Ren had said earlier.
When they finally parted, Hayasaka was breathless, her face completely flushed. A thin bridge of saliva formed between their lips before eventually breaking.
"Haah... Haah... Haah..."
Her breathing was still ragged, her mind blank for a moment, lost in the lingering sensation of the kiss.
Ren touched her cheek, gently lifting her chin, making her look directly into his eyes.
"Ai, it's time for the main course." His voice was low and deep.
Hayasaka swallowed hard, her heart beating faster than ever. In a near-whisper, she finally spoke, "Please… this is my first time... At least, use a condom."
Ren raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "A condom? What's that? I don't know."
Before Hayasaka could say more, her body was easily pushed onto the bed. Her eyes widened for a moment, but then slowly lost focus, her body trembling slightly as she felt Ren's touch grow deeper.
"Ah~"
The dim light cast faint shadows on the wall, depicting two figures gradually merging. Ragged breaths filled the air, accompanied by stifled moans that sounded intermittent.
Time seemed to slow. The pristine white sheets were gradually stained with a faint red hue, a sign of something that could never be undone. Hayasaka closed her eyes, biting her lip, feeling a wave of mixed emotions—pain, warmth, and something she couldn't explain.
Meanwhile, outside the window, the night continued, with no one knowing what was happening inside that room.