For Toru, this was just a minor incident.
However, for most of the people present, this was by no means something insignificant. It was information worth cherishing.
Immediately, the atmosphere shifted. The dignitaries became even more enthusiastic.
Previously, these executives and zaibatsu heads had only been polite to Toru out of respect for the Fujiwara family. Secretly, they were amazed at his good fortune, but they still maintained a somewhat scrutinizing attitude.
Now, they were clearly more cautious in front of him. Even their smiles looked forced, and their bows were noticeably deeper.
Although they still didn't know Toru's true identity, they no longer dared to underestimate him after seeing how Sakai treated him.
A kind, refined-looking man approached Toru and Old Master Fujiwara, bringing along his two daughters. His manner was polite and scholarly, like a university professor, leaving a good impression.
"I wish you a long life, sir. These are characters written by a famous calligrapher, just a small token of respect."
The man handed over a calligraphy scroll with the characters for "May you live ten thousand years," complete with a seal in the corner.
For a family like the Fujiwara, giving expensive gifts would seem too vulgar. Calligraphy and paintings, especially contemporary rather than antique, showed much more thoughtfulness.
Old Master Fujiwara laughed heartily. "Suzuki, you're too considerate. Some of our family's businesses still rely on your support."
The Fujiwara family was wealthy but still trailed behind the top-tier conglomerates. This was because their main focus was politics, not financial gain.
"Toru, this is Shiro Suzuki, chairman of the Suzuki Group. You should get to know him."
The old man introduced the head of the Suzuki zaibatsu to Toru.
Shiro Suzuki shook Toru's hand with a smile and said, "This is my eldest daughter, Ayako, and this is my youngest daughter, Sonoko."
"One is in college, the other in high school. After watching that video, they both admire you a lot. Especially Sonoko, she's practically your fan."
"I can't believe it myself," Shiro chuckled. Right on cue, Sonoko jumped forward, completely ignoring the usual distance between men and women. She grabbed Toru's hand excitedly and said,
"Wow, it really is Fujiwara-sama! You're so much more handsome than in the video! Please give me your autograph!"
Sonoko quickly began searching through her kimono for paper and pen.
Toru sighed inwardly. This girl really lived up to her reputation. Even Shiro, standing beside her, covered his forehead in embarrassment.
Toru's mind flicked through the intel on Sonoko.
If you asked what Sonoko's biggest hobby was, it would definitely be handsome men. The reason she liked him so much was simply because he looked too good in the video.
Toru didn't mock her for that. There was nothing wrong with men liking beautiful women and women liking handsome men.
Besides, even though Sonoko had a crush on good-looking guys, her personal life was completely clean. She wasn't the type to fool around.
Especially since her admiration felt so sincere, even Toru felt a bit flattered being treated like this by a rich and pretty girl.
Sonoko soon realized in embarrassment that she didn't have anywhere to keep things in her kimono, and she hadn't brought a handbag. Naturally, she had no paper or pen.
Toru smiled gently and said, "I know you, Ms. Suzuki."
"You know me?"
Hearing that, Sonoko's eyes lit up.
"I previously had a case handled by lawyer Eri Kisaki, and I met her daughter, Ms. Mouri. She mentioned you to me."
Did Ran really mention Sonoko? Toru didn't remember, but that didn't matter. Saying that would only help close the distance between them.
Sonoko pouted, "Ran is such a pain. She met someone this handsome and didn't even tell me. Is she trying to keep you all to herself?"
Then she smiled. "Fujiwara-sama, wait right here. I'll go get some paper and pen."
Toru stopped her. "I'm not a celebrity. No need for an autograph. Ms. Suzuki, if you have time after I return to Tokyo, would you like to go out together? We can invite Ms. Mouri too."
The moment she heard she could go out with Toru, Sonoko gave up on the autograph. She quickly pulled out her phone.
"Fujiwara-sama, let's exchange Line!"
Even if paper and pen weren't on hand, smartphones were a must-have in modern society.
Sonoko leaned in close. Toru took out his phone and exchanged Line contacts with her. Seeing her excited expression, he felt like she might faint from happiness at any moment.
Shiro watched the scene with amusement but didn't stop her. On the contrary, he felt it was a good thing. It brought their family closer to Toru, and he doted on his daughters enough not to interfere as long as they didn't cross any lines.
Among all the major families, the Suzuki family was known for being the most harmonious.
Haibara stood quietly nearby in a small kimono. Because she was still a child, no one paid her much attention.
She didn't interfere with Toru's socializing.
But watching Sonoko being so clingy made her inwardly irritated. The girl was practically leaning her whole body against him.
Does she not know where she is? This isn't some fan event.
Haibara crossed her arms and tapped her foot on the floor. No matter how annoyed she felt, given her current status, she had no right to stop it.
On the other side, Hayasaka, dressed in a sleek women's suit, stood beside Kaguya and whispered, "Kaguya-sama, that's your fiancé. Are you really just going to watch like this?"
"The Suzuki family is on par with the Shinomiya family. You and that Sonoko are about the same age. Aren't you worried she might steal him?"
Kaguya's expression was calm and frosty, like a porcelain doll. She replied coldly, "If I go over now, the Fujiwara family might think I'm jealous. That's not in the Shinomiya family's interest."
Hayasaka rubbed her temples. "That's true, but you can't just stand there like a statue. Do something."
She was deeply frustrated by Kaguya's mindset, which was always focused on family interests and political gains.
They were officially master and servant, but in truth, they were as close as sisters.
That's why Hayasaka sincerely wanted Kaguya to be happy.
If you do nothing, people will think you're weak. In the end, you'll just watch as your fiancé is surrounded by other women, and you won't be able to stop it.
Kaguya didn't respond to Hayasaka's heartfelt words. She stood there quietly, her expression unchanged, but a faint unease was beginning to rise within her.
Nearby, Oko stood with his younger brother Seiryū, whispering, "Toru is more impressive than I expected."
After seeing Sakai bow and scrape, then watching the sudden shift in how guests treated Toru, Oko was secretly thrilled.
If we can get Toru under our control, then not only the Fujiwara family, but the forces behind him could be ours to use.
Seiryū asked cautiously, "Brother, what if Toru is hard to control?"
Oko sneered. "I joined the Shinomiya Group when I was twenty. I'm thirty-eight now. The things I've seen in these eighteen years are far more than that brat has ever dealt with."
"I've been through everything. He's just a university student. You really think he can outplay me?"
"Seiryū, you've still got a problem with your mindset. If we let Toru develop freely, he might become a threat."
"That's why we need to act now, before he grows wings. Make him listen to me. Do you think I can't handle a college student?"
Seiryū quickly flattered him. "Brother is wise and farsighted. You're absolutely right. Toru is just a student. With you around, you can definitely take him down."
Oko nodded in satisfaction.
Whether it was a banquet, a dance, or a birthday party, in the end, these were all social occasions.
The gathering of elites across Japan to celebrate the Fujiwara Master's birthday was one goal. The bigger purpose was networking.
These officials and business giants either gathered in small groups or sought out people they knew but hadn't had a chance to speak to.
In this kind of setting, actual business wouldn't be negotiated. The key was to establish connections, paving the way for private talks later.
A mother and her two daughters stood nearby, all dressed in elegant kimonos. Although all three were beautiful, no one paid much attention.
People were instead wondering, which family are they from? How did they even qualify to attend the Fujiwara Master's birthday banquet?
Lady Yukinoshita looked at the crowd of dignitaries.
Among them were governors, zaibatsu leaders, and various high-level officials.
People like them wouldn't normally associate with provincial families like the Yukinoshitas from Chiba.
But today, she had a chance.
Her younger sister was Fujiwara Yoshitaka's wife. They had been invited again to this grand birthday celebration.
This created the illusion that the Fujiwara family placed great importance on the Yukinoshitas. Based on that misunderstanding, she could squeeze into this elite circle.
Lady Yukinoshita had come precisely for that.
She pulled at Haruno beside her and whispered, "Haruno, you and I know a few people here."
Haruno gave a small nod. Neither she nor her mother paid any attention to Yukino. They both smiled as they stepped forward to greet people.
Yukino gritted her teeth as she watched. The hall was lively, despite lacking alcohol. Everyone was pretending, exchanging fake smiles, saying things they didn't mean.
Even her own sister and mother were like that. They were even worse.
At that moment, Yukino felt a strange sense of superiority, as if she were the only one sober in a room full of drunks.
"Yukino, do you think all their words are fake? That their actions and smiles are all shameful?"
Toru suddenly appeared next to Yukino, speaking with a faint smile.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)