Shinguya Tetsu walked confidently, his blond hair flowing, exuding an air of pride and nobility, into the banquet hall of the Chenghai Miracle Cruise.
The two maids who had been waiting respectfully bowed and then simultaneously opened the doors, allowing the golden light to flow slowly...
The grand celestial dome with intricate reliefs, the sparkling crystal chandeliers adorned with diamonds, and the round tables adorned with sumptuous dishes...
The opulent and luxurious atmosphere of the upper echelons was on full display at this banquet.
The guests engaged in lively conversations, and they all nodded in recognition and respect as Shinguya Tetsu approached, representing one of the top corporations in Z country and one of the leading corporations in East E region. Their meeting was an event that drew attention due to the status of these corporate giants.
Successful individuals like Shinguya Tetsu always managed to attract various opportunities - collaborations, gifts, even arranged marriages.
But unfortunately, Shinguya Tetsu, the winner of life, didn't quite fulfill the third point - that was the consensus among the guests who had experienced his company before.
There was no other reason, just the fact that he...
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'll cover all the expenses for today's event!" Shinguya Tetsu snapped his fingers, instantly creating an energetic atmosphere, which was met with a wave of applause.
It wasn't because he was offering to pay, but because of his position. The applause was a sign of everyone's approval.
An excellent and successful person always encounters various opportunities - collaborations, gifts, unions...
However, Luorou, being an ordinary person amidst this grand scene, could only pretend to be an insignificant bystander.
And indeed, she was an insignificant bystander, completely unnoticed...
Alister, on the other hand, exuded the aura of a high-profile individual. But he had just a trace of that aura, not much, just a bit...
So, he was discussed for a brief while by some guests but soon overlooked.
"Hello, Himizuki-sama, it's another incredible encounter with you," Shinguya Tetsu said, maintaining an air of self-assuredness and nobility, as he approached the table.
Himizuki propped up her chin and put away her book on "A Thousand Ways to Train Your Dog." She cast a sidelong glance at the latecomers.
Her gray plush coat draped over her shoulders, concealing her exquisite figure, making her look like a crowned princess.
Black blouse, black skirt, black knee-high stockings, round-toed ladies' shoes...
Only her overlapping legs, the glimpse of fair skin between her skirt and stockings, preserved Himizuki's last remnants of girlish charm.
"Here at last?" Himizuki's tone sounded as if she had been waiting for a while.
"Sorry for the delay." Luorou felt like she had done something wrong.
Before the head of her own conglomerate, Luorou still appeared like an angel, only now with a touch of nervousness.
Ji Yi stood quietly by, not saying a word. She bowed slightly to Himizuki and then motioned that she would be discussing matters with other guests.
Himizuki gestured for her to go ahead.
Alister also didn't have much to say. He surveyed the spectacular scene for a second and then greeted Himizuki and Ji Yi with a "Good evening."
"Take your seats here," Himizuki said, her voice calm. "I allow you to sit here."
"...Thank you," Alister replied, unable to find a reason to refuse.
After all, this table, aside from Ji Yi who had left, had only Himizuki and Luorou, and him as the lone male.
Feeling a bit helpless, Alister accepted the reality that there was nowhere else to go.
...
...
As Shinguya Tetsu approached, all eyes in the room seemed to converge on him and the number one table, where Himizuki sat. The meeting of the representatives of the top corporations in Z country and East E region attracted attention.
Because of the status of these corporate giants, the most anticipated focus of this banquet was the interaction between Himizuki and Shinguya Tetsu.
Luorou, being an ordinary person, had to pretend that she was insignificant amidst such a grand event.
In fact, she was indeed insignificant, and no one paid her any mind...
And the composed and calm Alister possessed a sense of presence fitting a high-ranking individual, but not too much, just a trace...
Thus, he was discussed briefly by some guests before being dismissed.
"Hey there, Himizuki-sama, we meet again in an inexplicable way."
Shinguya Tetsu carried an air of arrogance and superiority, tilting his head back and making a handsome gesture as he approached Himizuki's table.
His status as the 77th ranked A-class player shone brilliantly, a constant reminder of his top-tier player identity.
"This kind of flirting is nauseating, just as I said last time," Himizuki remarked.
"Ah, but isn't that part of my charm? Clearly, women in the third dimension just can't understand it..." Shinguya Tetsu responded dismissively, more reflective than affected.
He chuckled and then explained with a deep tone, "Rest assured, Himizuki-sama, I have no interest in you. Please remember that."
"That's good to hear," Himizuki responded, her attention still on her book.
"Why though?!" Shinguya Tetsu's expression displayed genuine disbelief, even outrage. He then made an exaggerated, half-kneeling pose, as if proposing to thin air, expressing his dissatisfaction: "Himizuki-sama, if only the world held a single beautiful thing, it would undoubtedly be the two-dimensional world!"
His demeanor seemed heartbroken, evoking the sympathy of countless girls around the world.
At that moment, the background seemed to be filled with roses and holy light, numerous cute two-dimensional characters strolling through time, brushing past Shinguya Tetsu.
Meow~ Master~
This illusion — Shinguya Tetsu's acting skills were enough to evoke such associations.
"Nobody's perfect, and nothing is given for free in this world. I understand that," Shinguya Tetsu said, clenching his fist and pressing it to his forehead as he contemplated, like a work of art.
Nevertheless!
"I'm willing to trade two-thirds of my wealth for you to become a three-dimensional ambassador for my wife," Shinguya Tetsu proposed earnestly, exuding a genuine air of respect, hoping for approval.
"Get lost," Himizuki responded plainly.
"Why?!"
Shinguya Tetsu expressed disbelief, a puzzled expression crossing his face. He made an exaggerated gesture of half-kneeling as if proposing to thin air. From the depths of his heart, he expressed his dissatisfaction: "Himizuki-sama, if the world held only one beautiful thing, then undoubtedly, it would be the two-dimensional world!"
He seemed deeply moved, arousing sympathy from countless girls.
Following this, he looked toward Alister, seeking approval and asked, "What about you, sir? I believe you wouldn't want the world of two-dimensions to fall into decline, right?"
"...," Alister was speechless.
It seemed Shinguya Tetsu was truly passionate about two-dimensional worlds. At this banquet, he was willing to throw away his dignity...
Alister noticed the puzzled glances from the crowd.
Himizuki furrowed her eyebrows. Her A-class player aura was apparent. She didn't sympathize with Shinguya Tetsu at all.
The president of the Ji Clan Group, with an icy tone, said, "Don't beat around the bush. My patience is running out."
As she spoke, Himizuki's expression returned to its usual state of indifference.
"Ah, the world is cold and heartless. The world's treasures are fated to be this way," Shinguya Tetsu lamented, stumbling as if about to cough up blood.
Following that, he looked at Alister, in search of affirmation, and earnestly inquired, "This gentleman, I presume you wouldn't want the world of two dimensions to meet this fate, right?"
"...," Alister remained speechless.
It seemed that Shinguya Tetsu's love for the two-dimensional world was genuine. At this banquet, he was willing to put aside his dignity...
Alister could sense the astonished gazes directed at them.
Himizuki's brows furrowed even more, her A-class player aura radiating. She didn't show any sympathy for Shinguya Tetsu.
The next moment, the president of the Ji Clan Group declared coldly, "Enough with the beating around the bush. My patience is running thin."
As her words fell, it was as if turning the pages of a book; Shinguya Tetsu resumed his air of arrogance.
He sighed, sat down casually, and then subtly glanced at Alister.
"He's one of us," Himizuki reminded.
"Is that so..."
A moment later.
Shinguya Tetsu, like a nobleman, snapped his fingers casually, and a golden field of exquisite luxury was erected.
The space around table number one was isolated, shielded from the banquet, protected from prying eyes.
"Field of Vision Obstruction."
Amid the lively music, Shinguya Tetsu spoke seriously:
"I've invited you here today to discuss the issue of the huge debt from the Countermeasures Department. We have found out that..."
He seemed somewhat helpless, gazing into Himizuki's crimson eyes, and confessed:
"...it was intentional."
The economic collapse of the East E faction, the disappeared Countermeasures Department head, Fujitani Nisuke's debts...
A series of truths that couldn't be revealed to the public seemed to emerge...