The car started to move.
Laplace Corporation owned a hotel, a restaurant, and a caf in Tokyo.
None of them were bought for profit.
They were used as venues for negotiations.
This particular meeting was at the Laplace caf.
Once there, Yukima Azuma got out of the car first.
He walked over to Sayuri's door, opened it politely, and even extended a hand to assist her.
As Sayuri stepped out and saw Yukima Azuma shielding her head with his hand, she suddenly understood something.
"No wonder your harem hasn't killed each other yet."
Even for a senior like her, Yukima Azuma went to such lengths.
So in daily life, with the girls who were actually his lovers, this brat must be even more considerate.
Add to that Yukima Azuma's handsome face
Sayuri felt that, if in her youth, the man she'd met had been Yukima Azuma
She might have secretly allowed him to open a harem too.
( )~
As long as one could feel enough love, then to a certain extent, the issue of possessiveness could be overlooked.
Yukima Azuma really wanted to throw out a sarcastic remark.
Now he somewhat regretted sticking his face in close back then to declare he was going to start a harem to Sayuri.
Now this senior of his was honestly starting to lose the dignity of old age.
...
The two of them stepped into the caf.
Yukima Azuma took out a special membership card.
The staff immediately led them to a private room inside.
He gently knocked twice on the door to the private room.
When he pushed it open, he saw Hayasaka Nao already seated inside, waiting.
She was sipping coffee at the moment.
Seeing Yukima Azuma arrive, she simply gave a small nod as a greeting.
But when she saw Sayuri entering with him, she was slightly taken aback.
Likewise, Sayuri was also stunned upon seeing Hayasaka Nao.
Neither had expected to see each other here.
As members of the upper class
Sayuri was the head of the Sawamura family, and Hayasaka Nao a senior official of the Shinomiya household.
They had encountered each other a few times at evening parties.
They both knew the other had ties to Yukima Azuma.
However, Sayuri didn't know why Yukima Azuma was bringing Hayasaka Nao to meet those old men.
And Hayasaka Nao didn't understand why, if Yukima Azuma had told her to stay in Japan for some thing she don't know, he was bringing Sayuri along.
Yukima Azuma pulled out a chair beside him and gestured for Sayuri to sit.
Then he also took his seat next to her.
Waiting until both women's expressions returned to normal
He finally opened his mouth to speak:
"You two probably already know each other, so I don't need to introduce you."
"The reason I asked both of you here today is mainly to discuss something."
"It's about the upcoming election for members of Japan's National Diet this spring."
Upon hearing that, Sayuri immediately understood.
So this was what it was about.
Laplace Corporation was preparing to step into Japan's political arena.
Honestly, it was only a matter of time.
In Japan, the basic unspoken rule lies with the prestigious families.
Generally speaking, once money reaches a certain level, political manipulation inevitably follows.
Within the main bloodlines of the Four Great Conglomerates, there are all kinds of ministers and Diet members.
Take the Yukinoshita family, for exampleMrs. Yukinoshita herself is a representative of Chiba Prefecture.
Back when she was young, Sayuri had also done similar work.
It's really only families like the Hinatsurus, who don't participate in politics.
Across all of Japan, that's as rare as a phoenix feather or a unicorn's horn.
However, Sayuri was a bit curiouswhy did Yukima Azuma choose Hayasaka Nao?
As for Hayasaka Nao, her feelings at the moment were even more complicated.
She knew a bit more about the inside story than Sayuri did.
After all, Sayuri had retired and lived in seclusion for many years now.
Her information channels were a bit outdated.
Even though Hayasaka Nao had been exiled to Wall Street, she was hardly better off
But she was still a senior figure in the Shinomiya family.
As for the news that the Shinomiya family's eldest son, Shinomiya Oko, would be running for a seat in the National Diet this year
She had heard at least some whispers.
And she instantly understood Yukima Azuma's intent.
If the topic was already election
Then indeed, there was no need for her to return to Wall Street.
More precisely, there was no need to return to the Shinomiya household at all.
Even so, after thinking for a bit, Hayasaka Nao chose to remain silent.
In this matter, no matter how she looked at it, following Yukima Azuma's arrangements was the best option.
Besides, she already had a personal grudge against Shinomiya Oko.
Yukima Azuma nodded and continued:
"This year, Laplace Corporation intends to push someone into the National Diet."
"The candidate I'm prioritizing is Hayasaka Nao hereafter all, Nao-nee's capabilities have already been proven."
"As for campaign funding, Laplace Corporation still has some reserves."
"The biggest rival in this election will most likely be Shinomiya Oko of the Shinomiya family."
Hearing that, Sayuri raised her eyebrows.
So this was what it was about.
A maid stabbing her master in the back.
Even though Hayasaka Nao wasn't Shinomiya Oko's personal servant
No matter how you looked at it, this was an entertaining twist.
"The Sawamura family can lend a hand."
Sayuri immediately stated her stance: "As it happens, I have an appointment tonight with some old men from the noble families."
"If you're running for office, it's a good chance to negotiate some benefits."
"I think the results could be quite promising."
This time, those who had sought to meet Yukima Azuma through Sayuri
Were merely greedy for the revenue of Laplace Corporation.
Wanting to see if they could grab a piece of the pie.
People like that were the easiest to lure with promises of profitperfect sources of campaign funds.
Especially since this time, it wasn't Yukima Azuma who had approached them
But rather, they were the ones coming to curry favor with Yukima Azuma.
The tables had turned, negotiations were now far more favorable, and a great deal of effort could be saved.
"I don't have a problem staying in Japan either."
Hayasaka Nao spoke up at that moment, but she asked with a hint of doubt:
"But if I leave Wall Street, then who's going to take over at Laplace headquarters?"
If Hayasaka Nao didn't return to Wall Street
The supervisory and control functions at Laplace HQ would be severely weakened.
Unless Yukima Azuma could find someone with equal capabilities and, more importantly, someone trustworthy.
But someone on Hayasaka Nao's level was extremely hard to come by.
Otherwise, Yukima Azuma wouldn't have her take on the pressure of stabbing Shinomiya Oko in the back in the first place.
As for the Diet seat, Laplace Corporation could push up just about anyone.
But if they pushed up a useless puppetor pushed up Hayasaka Nao
The results would be worlds apart.
Yukima Azuma, hearing her concern, simply shook his head slightly.
"There's no need for anyone to take over."
Upon hearing that, Hayasaka Nao furrowed her brows.
Over at headquarters, there was so much money it gave people headaches.
Without someone in charge, in less than half a year, something was bound to go wrong.
But before she could even ask, Yukima Azuma continued:
"Very soon, headquarters over there will be nothing more than an empty shell. Meanwhile, things over here are about to start burning money."
At that, Hayasaka Nao froze slightly.
She honestly couldn't imaginejust what on earth was Yukima Azuma planning to do, that it would require burning through money at that level.
Chapter 272: Now That Youre Here, Dont Even Think About Escaping!
Chapter 272: Now That You're Here, Don't Even Think About Escaping!
Thinking about the cash flow at headquarters, Hayasaka Nao opened her mouth to speak but held back.
She really wanted to askjust what was Yukima Azuma planning to do with that much money?
This truly was like dancing on the edge of a blade.
A single misstep, and no matter how massive Laplace had become, it could vanish without a trace.
But thinking about it more carefully
Ever since Laplace was founded, every step of its development
Could basically be described as a dance on the knife's edge.
And Yukima Azuma's "Waltz on the Blade" had always been flawless.
That was exactly why Laplace could rise from nothing to become the feared Laplace Demon as foretold.
Back in their startup days, with no money and no resources, Hayasaka Nao had greatly admired Yukima Azuma's decisiveness.
Ironically, now that Laplace had grown, she had become more cautious.
Realizing that, Hayasaka Nao couldn't help but reflect on the difference between herself and Yukima Azuma.
Original intentions really were easily changed by time and circumstance.
Yukima Azuma had no idea what was going on in Hayasaka Nao's mind.
Seeing her stay silent, he took it as silent agreement.
He then shifted to discussing tonight's banquet.
Truthfully, it wasn't anything complicated.
Just a straightforward exchange of money and interests.
Laplace had the money, and the people they were going to meet tonight could provide various political conveniences for the campaign.
...
After giving a brief rundown of the evening
Hayasaka Nao nodded lightly, indicating she understood.
Then she stood up and headed to the restroom.
She needed to compose herself a bit and touch up her makeup
To prepare for the evening party.
When dealing with different types of people, Hayasaka Nao would wear different masks.
As the mother of the "hundred-faced maid" Hayasaka Ai
Hayasaka Nao's ability to "speak human to humans, and ghost to ghosts" was even more impressive.
When Hayasaka Nao left the private room
Only Yukima Azuma and Sayuri were left.
Yukima Azuma leisurely sipped his coffee
Not thinking about the party tonight.
Instead, he was musing about where to go during spring break.
Originally, he had made plans with Yukino to visit Hokkaido again this winter
But after the unexpected incident in Hawaii
Yukino had clearly been avoiding beaches and similar places.
Even though Yukino had never said it out loud
Yukima Azuma could sense it.
So maybe the travel destination should change.
Though they called it "spring break," it was still technically winter
So where would be a good place to go?
How about a hot spring trip?
Yukima Azuma considered that.
At that moment, Sayuri, who was watching his expression
Suddenly asked:
"She's part of your harem too, huh?"
( ® ®)
She chose the perfect moment to ask
Right when Yukima Azuma was distracted by his daydreams.
Any reaction now would be the most genuine.
Yukima Azuma was mid-sip
And upon hearing that, he immediately spat out his coffee.
"Cough cough..." He coughed lightly while grabbing a napkin to wipe his mouth.
He looked at Sayuri, his mouth twitching slightly:
"You know her, don't you? She already has a kid, alright?"
Sayuri nodded.
Umu, looks like probably not.
Come to think of it, this boy does have a history of being into older women
But the age gap this time really was pushing it a bit far.
Yukima Azuma, of course, had no idea what Sayuri was thinking
If he did, he'd probably snap back instantly:
"I'm not into older women! It's just that the people I happen to like are older!"
( )
Although being an "onee-san lover" wasn't exactly some shameful kink
Yukima Azuma was certain that he honestly didn't have that kind of preference.
He liked Yukino and Utaha simply because they were Yukino and Utaha.
"Then I guess you're aiming for her daughter, huh?"
(_ )
Sayuri struck again, switching angles as she thought of another possibility.
"I'm not! I didn't! Don't say nonsense!"
( Д )*
Yukima Azuma instantly went into triple denial mode.
Sayuri narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
...
Evening party.
Coincidentally, the banquet hall chosen was somewhere Yukima Azuma was very familiar with
It was the very place where he used to work as a server and first met Haruno.
Though calling it "coincidence" wasn't quite accurate.
After all, in central Tokyo, there were only a handful of venues classy enough to host upper-class events.
Choosing this place was well within the realm of possibility.
Sayuri, acting as the intermediary, introduced the two parties to each other.
What surprised Yukima Azuma was
Among the attendees, there were actually a few major figures present.
Among them was a Diet member with the surname Kobayashi.
A seasoned politician who had been active for many years, wielding no small amount of power in the political sphere.
Who would've thought someone like that would come in person?
Yukima Azuma briefly felt a flicker of doubt, but then
He suddenly remembered the current circumstances.
And sighedthe collapse of the economic bubble truly had a massive impact on the Land of the Cherry Blossoms.
After the bubble burst, the market was left desolate and depleted.
For prestigious families and other zaibatsu conglomerates, this was the darkest period imaginable.
But in contrastit became an opportunity for Yukima Azuma to rise.
The people who came to the party were mostly from the political world.
As for the elite families of Japan, hardly any showed up.
Which was understandablelike other financial giants, the old noble houses had inherited wealth and didn't lack money.
The negotiations went smoothly.
Laplace sacrificed a portion of its profits in exchange for a considerable amount of political capital.
By the time the banquet ended, both sides seemed thoroughly satisfied.
During the party, Sayuri had a few glasses of red wine
And soon after pretended to be tipsy, leaning her body against Yukima Azuma.
( -`. '— )/
Even though the Sawamura family had made a political comeback thanks to Yukima Azuma
Sayuri still intentionally stayed at the periphery of the power game.
She had no intention of stepping into the spotlight.
Even though she was more than capable, she still feared that her silly daughter wouldn't be able to handle such a heavy legacy in the future.
