'Hm? Isn't that Yukinoshita Yukino? She's also at this banquet? And what's with that cold stare? As if I owe her a huge sum of money or committed an unforgivable crime.'
Ren observed the crowd in the bustling hall, his gaze inadvertently falling on Yukino's figure standing somewhat on the periphery.
'Does that girl even have brains? The stereotype of big-breasted girls being brainless clearly doesn't apply to her, considering her chest isn't even a B-cup.'
'Here I am, clearly one of the most important people at this banquet, being hosted by one of the four largest conglomerates, yet she still dares to show her dislike so openly? Can't she at least pretend to be a little hypocritical like her older sister, who keeps smiling and sucking up to everyone? What a weird girl.'
Being antagonized for no apparent reason, Ren felt a slight annoyance at the blatant hostility in Yukino's gaze towards him.
"Gan'an-san, have you ever heard of the Yukinoshita Family?" Ren asked casually, his gaze momentarily flicking back towards Yukino.
Gan'an seemed to think for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly before he shook his head.
"The Yukinoshita Family? Forgive me, Ren-sama. This is the first time I've heard of them."
Clearly, the Yukinoshita Family was just a locally influential power in Chiba City. It was no wonder that Gan'an, who dealt with tycoons and national-level figures, wasn't familiar with the name. He felt a slight curiosity as to why Ren suddenly mentioned that family name.
'Could Ren-sama have a specific plan regarding the Yukinoshita Family?'
In his calculating mind, only two possibilities came to mind: crushing the Yukinoshita Family into pieces or making them prosperous and powerful under his patronage.
"Crush all their business lines. Make the Yukinoshita Family fall into the abyss of the lower middle class. Let their youngest daughter experience for herself that without the support and power of her family all this time, that girl is nothing more than a slightly intelligent and slightly cute young woman."
Ren's tone was indifferent as he uttered the command.
"Yes, Ren-sama. In less than a week, the Yukinoshita Family will no longer be the rulers of Chiba City." Gan'an replied with an obedient nod, without questioning the reasons behind the order in the slightest.
Hearing the conversation, Godou, who had a gentle heart, felt a pang of sympathy. He looked at Ren with a worried expression.
"Ren, don't you think your actions are a bit excessive? Just because that girl looked at you rudely, you want to destroy her entire family's life? Isn't that too cruel? Maybe there's a misunderstanding. You should reconsider your intentions."
"Godou, don't judge others solely based on their outward appearance. That girl goes to the same school as me. Of course, I wouldn't do something so trivial just because of her rude gaze. The real reason is that that girl is truly annoying."
Ren then continued, telling the naive Godou about Yukino's personality.
"You know, Godou, she's the type of person who always feels she's the highest and the most correct. She treats others as if they are inferior to her. In fact, she doesn't have a single friend because her tongue is sharper than a samurai sword and her words always pierce other people's feelings."
"If you ask her if she has any friends, she'll start arguing about the definition of 'friend' just to cover up the sad fact that no one can stand being around her. Well, except for a few masochists who like being insulted by pretty girls."
Pausing for a moment, Ren looked at Godou while shrugging. "To deal with evil people... you need someone equally evil."
"Uhhh... I don't think you're an evil person, Ren. You're just... a little extreme. Well, as long as you don't physically endanger them, I guess it's okay to let them experience a little economic hardship."
Although he felt a little disapproval, Godou didn't fully defend Yukino, especially after hearing how annoying the girl was. He still didn't fully understand Ren's true dark side.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
On the other side of the bustling hall, Yukino was completely unaware that her reckless attitude would bring disaster not only to herself but also to her entire family.
She continued to stare at Ren with a cold and disgusted gaze, oblivious to the danger lurking behind the man's calmness.
"That rude man keeps staring at me. Can his eyes only see beautiful women? If so, he should just donate those worthless eyes of his to someone else who needs them more."
Yukino didn't even bother trying to establish relationships with the important figures present at the banquet. She completely left the role of small talk and sucking up to her older sister, Haruno.
After all, for Yukino, putting on a mask of friendliness and being hypocritical for profit was a disgusting act that went against her principles.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
*🎶🎵🎼!* *🎶🎵🎼!* *🎶🎵🎼!*
The melodious strains of classical music echoed throughout the banquet hall, beautifully played by a small orchestra placed in the corner of the room.
"Let's go, Godou. It's our turn to shine."
Suddenly speaking, Ren patted Godou's shoulder. Then, he stood up and left his seat.
"Huh?"
Without waiting for Godou's reply, Ren gracefully walked towards Masha and Alya, who were socializing. He extended his hand to Masha with a charming smile.
"Madam, would you do me the honor of a dance?"
With a bright smile that mirrored Ren's, Masha took his hand.
"Of course, Ren-kun. With pleasure."
Ren gently guided Masha to the center of the dance floor, which was beginning to fill with other couples. The music flowed sweetly as they began to move, their bodies swaying to the romantic rhythm.
No matter how dense Godou was in romantic matters, it was impossible for him not to understand after seeing the direct example in front of him. Moreover, he caught the hopeful gazes of Erica and Liliana directed at him.
"Haaa... I can't dance."
Letting out a long sigh, Godou finally stood up from his seat. A little awkwardly, he extended his hand towards Erica.
"Erica... Would you dance with me?"
"Ara, Godou finally dares to take the initiative? Of course, with pleasure. Let's show everyone here that your performance isn't any worse than King Ren's."
Erica took Godou's hand enthusiastically. They moved to the center of the dance floor. The soft music accompanied their movements, which, although a little stiff at first, slowly began to synchronize.
Erica occasionally teased Godou, whispering little flirtations that made the young man's face turn even redder.
Meanwhile, Liliana could only watch Godou and Erica leave with a slightly disappointed expression.
"This isn't your first time dancing, is it?" Masha asked, looking up at Ren with a small smile as their bodies moved to the rhythm of the music.
"Yup. Dancing is one of the basic skills taught to people in high society." Ren replied casually, his hand firmly holding Masha's waist, without the slightest hint of awkwardness.
*🎶🎵🎼!* *🎶🎵🎼!* *🎶🎵🎼!*
Their movements on the dance floor looked smooth and flawless, as if they had been dancing together for years. Their steps were perfectly synchronized, following the music with breathtaking elegance. Masha moved lightly under Ren's guidance, occasionally casting admiring glances at the man's handsome face.
"Godou, you stepped on my foot."
"Sorry."
A contrasting scene unfolded with Godou and Erica on the other side of the dance floor.
Godou looked a little stiff and awkward, occasionally stepping on Erica's feet unintentionally, making the girl giggle.
Despite that, Erica patiently guided him. Godou tried hard to follow the rhythm, occasionally glancing at Ren for inspiration, but in the end, he could only smile resignedly at his own clumsiness.
On the other hand, Erica seemed to enjoy every moment, even Godou's small mistakes became part of their fun.