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Chapter 26 — office gone berserk
Sayaka and Hirauka stepped into the office, but the atmosphere hit them like a wave. Every employee standing in the lobby looked tense, their eyes heavy with worry.
Sayaka: “What happened, everyone? Is everything okay?”
One of the employees stepped forward, hesitating.
Employee: “No, ma’am… things aren’t okay. Our share value dropped nearly seventy percent. People are saying we were doing business with an international criminal.”
Sayaka froze.
Sayaka: “What!? Why wasn’t I told earlier? Call the media immediately! I need to clear this up—now.”
Employee: “Yes, ma’am.”
Sayaka rubbed her forehead, visibly frustrated.
Sayaka: “I can’t believe I overlooked something this big…”
Hirauka (calmly): “Don’t panic. We’ll sort this out. You’ve already called the media, so let’s handle the fallout.”
She nodded and sank into her chair, rubbing her temples.
Sayaka: “How could I be so stupid? Dad would’ve never made a mistake like this.”
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Hirauka: “Sayaka… mistakes are proof we’re human. If humans never made mistakes, who would? And trust me—your father’s company is in the most righteous hands. I’d bet on that.”
Her eyes softened.
Sayaka: “Thank you… I really needed that.”
A knock interrupted them.
Employee: “Ma’am, the media has arrived.”
Sayaka: “Alright. I’m coming.”
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Media Conference
Cameras clicked incessantly as Sayaka stepped into the press room. Microphones pushed forward; reporters shouted questions.
Reporters:
“Sayaka ma’am, what happened on the island?”
“Why were you dealing with a criminal?”
“Did you knowingly sell shares to a smuggler?”
Sayaka raised her hand, calm and composed.
Sayaka:
“I am Sayaka Shiba, CEO of Shiba Group of Industries. I am here to address these accusations directly.
Yes, rumors claim I knowingly associated with a criminal. But think—why would I risk the trust my father built? Why would I personally hand him to the police if I were involved?
I’ve worked in this industry for ten years. My reputation is earned. And if I truly wanted to work with criminals, I wouldn’t do it in a way that destroys my own image.
As for Williams Johnson, the American dealer… I did not know he was a smuggler. He was a major shareholder, and yes, profits influenced the decision. Anyone could have made that mistake.
But the rumors are wrong. Completely wrong.
No further questions.”
She turned and walked out. Silence filled the room; several reporters looked ashamed.
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Back in the Cabin — Evening
Hirauka entered Sayaka’s cabin.
Hirauka: “I’m heading home. Don’t dwell on the conference—it’ll work itself out.”
Sayaka: “You really think so?”
Hirauka: “I do. Bye.”
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Next Morning
Hirauka walked downstairs, heavy-hearted. Sanae was preparing breakfast; she smiled but softened at the sight of him.
He hugged her tightly.
Hirauka: “Mom… that day came again.”
Sanae stroked his hair gently.
Sanae: “I know, my son. But don’t hold onto it too much. Go get ready. Your office is waiting.”
Hirauka: “I love you, Mom.”
Sanae: “I love you too.”
After breakfast, Hirauka teleported to the office. Sayaka was already waiting at the entrance.
Sayaka: “Hirauka! You were right. Everything recovered overnight. We’re back in profit!”
His face remained serious.
Hirauka: “That’s… good.”
Sayaka (frowning): “You don’t seem happy. What happened?”
Hirauka: “Nothing.”
She stepped closer.
Sayaka: “You trust me, right?”
Hirauka: “More than I trust myself. But this… this is something I can’t talk about.”
Sayaka: “Why? What happened? Why are you upset?”
Hirauka: “Sayaka… please. Just leave me alone for today.”
She paused, then nodded.
Sayaka: “Alright… if that’s what you need.”
Hirauka began walking forward—then a voice echoed inside his mind, deep and commanding.
Voice (divine, echoing): “Hirauka. Another raid awaits.”
Hirauka clenched his fists.
Hirauka: “I didn’t want this… not today.”
Sayaka: “What happened?”
Hirauka: “A raid.”
Sayaka: “Then let’s go.”
Without another word, they both stepped into Sayaka’s cabin—and vanished, teleporting toward the unknown threat.
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