Maruyama Akira. Souma Hisato. Takeda Osamu. Seto Saburo.
All these four men were among the powerful figures in the country even though only Takeda Osamu and Souma Hisato who stood in the same level as Fuse Family. Between them, Takeda Family and Souma Family had connections with either the police or judges.
Maruyama Akira befriended the mob boss who had based himself in the prefecture where Tsubaki had lived before. Souma Hisato and Seto Saburo were trailing someone around the prefecture in secret, they were being careful and almost left no trace. Takeda Osamu was involved in a dispute with a neighbouring town next to Tsubaki's regarding a development project.
Ren dialed Akashi's number. "Cross Takeda off the list."
Beep!
Akashi, who was still holding his phone could only sigh. More burden was added to his shoulders and brain.
It's okay! A full sponsored vacation is coming!
Ren threw himself on the soft bed. He wanted to forget about the heavy matters for a short while. He needed to replenish his energy before started to lead the war against his enemies.
The next morning.
As their plan to meet Chairman Kitaoji was interrupted yesterday, once again Tsubaki and Mr. Goto heading to the elder's villa. She was still tired but she needed to drag herself off the bed since Mr. Goto had successfully contacting the elder's assistant.
"How come his assistant is willing to convey our message to the chairman?" Tsubaki was still couldn't believe their luck. After all, their previous attempts were all fruitless.
"Apparently the chairman caught him red-handed when he tried to refuse me last night. I could hear the chairman scolding the assistant."
He must be scolded badly. He deserved it for following another person's order instead of his direct superior.
"How's your brother?" Mr. Goto recalled the phone call that Tsubaki received yesterday. "Was he sick?"
"No." Tsubaki stared outside the window, her mind was still filled with yesterday's events. "The hospital found a suitable donour for him and the surgery was scheduled in three days."
"What? Congratulations!" Mr. Goto exclaimed in excitement. "It's such a good news. So, is everything settled? I mean, the documents, fee, all those stuffs."
"Yes. There's no problem." Thanks to a certain someone.
Their ride was smooth and finally they arrived at the villa. Chairman Kitaoji's assistant came to escort them inside. He lowered his head when he met them, might be feeling ashamed for what he had done. The old man was waiting for them in the living room.
"How are you doing, Chairman Kitaoji?" Both Tsubaki and Mr. Goto properly greeted him with a bow. "We're sorry for disturbing your time here."
"It's nothing to be sorry about. Please sit." The elder gave them a warm smile before knitting his brows. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "I know that my grandson has made things difficult for you. Let me apologise in his behalf."
"Please don't be, Mr. Chairman." Tsubaki smiled, trying to lift up his unnecessary guilt. "You're not responsible for one's decision."
"But, still..." The old man sighed. His gaze landed on Tsubaki. "I've heard what the ignorant fool had tried to make you do, Miss Hanada."
The old man had gotten hold of the information regarding their crisis as well as his grandson attempt in forcing her to marry him. Tsubaki didn't say anything as a maid had entered with refreshments. Three cups of black tea and a plate of walnut biscuits were placed on the table. The maid left, didn't intend to linger around.
"I'll put a stop to whatever he's planning." Chairman Kitaoji looked determined. "You don't have to be bothered by him again, Miss Hanada. And of course I'd retract his orders to increase the rent."
Her eyes lit up in delight. She turned to look at Mr. Goto. He too was overjoyed. They didn't even have to tell Old Master Kitaoji about their problem and he had already given them the best solution.
"Thank you, Chairman Kitaoji!" Tsubaki bowed. Her heart felt lighter as the problems had been solved. "We really, really appreciate your help."
The old man smiled. "If only Masaru was a good man, I would like to have you as my granddaughter-in-law."
Although he didn't know the young lady inside out, but his old eyes couldn't be deceived. She was a good child who could be a good mother and wife.
"It's my honour to hear that." Tsubaki smiled bashfully.
It flattered her when someone of Old Master Kitaoji's caliber had taken a liking to her. But even though Kitaoji Masaru was a good man, which was far from reality, she couldn't possibly have him as her suitor.
She was already married.
"Heh! Have her as your granddaughter-in-law? Old man, you've been deceived by her good girl act."
The sarcastic remark brought their attention to the man walking inside the living room. Kitaoji Masaru sneered and threw an insulting glare to Tsubaki.
"You think you could hide from me the fact that you're a rich man's kept woman?"
Tsubaki's eyes turned icy.