Then, Gan'an escorted Ren and his entourage towards the main table that had been specially prepared. The table was situated in the most strategic position, allowing both Kings and their companions to view the entire banquet hall.
Gan'an didn't need to give a long speech or make any formal announcements. Ren's presence by his side was enough for many of those present to understand the shifting landscape of power in Japan. The Shinomiya Family now had an invaluable protective umbrella.
From this day forward, it was certain that no one would dare to interfere with the Shinomiya Family's business expansion unless they had the support of equal power.
However, how was that possible? Japan producing two Campiones in one era was an extraordinary anomaly. And now, these two Campiones seemed to be forging a friendship. It was highly unlikely that the Eighth King would ruin his relationship with the Seventh King just over mundane business matters, right?
In essence, with Ren's presence on their side, the Shinomiya Family was as good as having two Campiones supporting them, a very secure and advantageous position.
Although every invited guest present was an important figure and VIP in ordinary society, they didn't dare to directly approach Ren and Godou. So, they approached the women accompanying the two Kings, hoping to establish a relationship with Ren or Godou.
On one side, Erica and Liliana were immediately surrounded by businessmen and socialites.
"Good night, Young Lady. I am Tanaka Ichirou from Tanaka Construction Company. It is truly an honor to be here, at such a memorable event. Kusanagi-sama's presence certainly adds to the prestige of this occasion. If there is anything else we can assist with in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us."
A middle-aged man with a thin mustache, speaking respectfully, bowed slightly.
"I am Suzuki Hana from Suzuki Trading. The Shinomiya Family certainly has excellent taste. If either of you or Kusanagi-sama require anything related to our trade network, please feel free to contact us at any time."
An elegant woman in a blue dress smiled politely.
On the other side, Masha and Alya, standing near Ren, also didn't escape attention.
"I am Yamamoto Ken from Yamamoto Technology Company. What a wonderful evening. Rokuhara-sama's presence here is truly inspiring for us in the business world. If there are any latest technological developments that might interest Rokuhara-sama, we would be happy to share information."
A young man with glasses spoke nervously to Masha.
Then, a middle-aged woman adorned with many jewels approached Alya.
"Young Lady, it is truly an honor. I am Ito Nana from Ito Holdings. A very elegant event. If you or Rokuhara-sama require anything related to investments or business development in various sectors, we would be very happy to discuss further."
Meanwhile, Godou unceremoniously devoured the luxurious sushi served before him.
"Wow! Expensive sushi is really different! So fresh! The fish meat is tender, and the rice is just right… So delicious! Ren, why aren't you eating? It's really good, you know!"
Ren, who had been merely sipping his wine, shook his head gently.
"I can't get used to food like this, Godou. Raw fish… Humans mastered fire for a reason, didn't they? Why not just cook the food?"
Hearing Ren's comment, Gan'an pointed towards a buffet table filled with various dishes that looked appetizing.
"Ren-sama, please do not worry. We have also prepared various dishes cooked by the very famous alumni chefs of Totsuki Academy. The taste is guaranteed to be exceptionally delicious. Please try them later."
Ren nodded politely. "Thank you for the suggestion, Gan'an-san. I will try them later. I am not very hungry at the moment."
"What's wrong, Godou?"
He noticed Godou's pensive expression as he observed the guests' interactions.
"I don't know, Ren. I'm just not used to seeing upper-class people socializing like this. People of lower status try so hard to flatter those of higher status. How to put it… it feels unequal, even though we are all human beings."
Hearing Godou's complaint, Gan'an shook his head gently.
'Such a naive thought. Of course, there are levels and hierarchies in society. That is an unavoidable reality. Power, wealth, and influence determine a person's position.'
Even though he thought so, Gan'an couldn't possibly say such a thing directly to Godou.
As for Ren, he was more blunt because his position as a Campione was equal to Godou's.
"You are a kind person, Godou. No wonder you didn't want your school life to change after becoming a Campione."
Not understanding, Godou frowned. "What do you mean?"
Playing with the wine glass in his hand, Ren explained wisely.
"School is a time-limited utopia. Its only rule is to force everyone to the same level. In school, everyone wears the same uniform, has the same hairstyle, and eats the same cafeteria food."
"That creates the illusion that everyone is equal. However, after graduation, the differences between people will become clear. For most people, those who come from different worlds will never meet again."
"That…"
Opening his mouth, wanting to refute Ren's view, but Godou couldn't find the right words to counter it.
"Listen, Godou. Men speak with reason, women speak with emotion. Don't let their emotions affect your judgment." Ren said, patting Godou's shoulder.
Not wanting to continue a topic that made him uncomfortable, Godou quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, Ren… do you know the right answer when a woman asks that cliché question? You know, 'Who is prettier, me or her?'"
"Erica must have said that recently, right?"
Godou nodded with a slightly sour face, confirming Ren's guess.
"Girls… they really love to ask questions like that, making guys feel trapped. So, what was your answer, Godou?"
"I… I praised both Erica and Liliana as equally beautiful."
Ren wasn't surprised to hear that standard answer from Godou.
"A safe answer. Many men would say the same thing. If it were me, I would ask the woman a counter-question. 'Are you asking about the past, the present, or the future?' When the woman answers, 'Of course, the present,' then she has already fallen into the trap."
Pausing for a moment, Ren built suspense.
"Next, I would say, 'In that case, it doesn't matter. Right now, if I had to rank all the girls I've ever met, you would definitely be number one'."
"And when the woman asks with a curious tone, 'Then, who is in second place?' I would answer casually, 'You from a minute ago.' The woman would definitely be confused and question what kind of answer that is, 'There's no difference between me from a minute ago and the current me…'"
With a faint smile, Ren concluded his explanation.
"That's what she thinks. And you are guaranteed to pass that question with a decisive victory."
Frowning, Godou tried to digest Ren's complicated explanation.
"Umm… I don't really understand your train of thought, Ren. But it sounds impressive. Are you some kind of romance expert?"
Beside them, Gan'an, who had been silently listening all along, smiled in admiration.
"What a brilliant solution, Ren-sama!" he exclaimed. "Your thinking is truly beyond expectation. I believe not many men could escape such a difficult question with such an irrefutable answer. You truly have a talent for dealing with women."