Shiryl joined the feast again. I

abe b

It's been a few days since Ly recovered from that incident. Viola was also present, but unlike last time, she received a separate invitation, so she didn't show up as Shelly's companion.

Inabe looked at Shirley and Viola and smiled meaningfully.

Well, I'm really glad we were able to meet again. Sorry for the trouble last time and thank you for your help.

Shirley smiled, as if she was hiding something.

Viola smiled confidently and joined in.

I don't really remember what we did, but since you say that, that means we can expect some kind of thanks, right?

Of course. I've done all the preparations, and we can talk about that later.

Shiryl knew that Inabe had acquired many Old World Terminals from a secret deal with Akira, as she was directly involved in that deal. After all, Inabe made this request to Viola through Shirley. So basically, I

Abe asked She

yl，She

yl then asks Viola, and Viola asks Aki

a。 From this connection, Aki

A finally went to see I

abe。 This is a deal that was made through multiple indirect contacts. So she thinks Inabe is cautious here.

Viola also sent incomplete information to Udajima while processing the deal with Inabe. She knows that Utajima and Inabe don't have a good relationship, so she peddles information to both of them to convince them that they are winners. The reason why Utajima was able to see through Inabe's tricks back then was mainly because of the information he got from Viola.

There is nothing good in dealing with a fool. If he's that incompetent, then Viola might as well use him to get another client. That's what she thought, and when Utajima brought those relics to the appraisal company's union to investigate, she thought that this was the end of Inabe's end. That's when something completely unexpected happened.

[Not only this time, but also the incident in the slum city. I wonder why Aki

A always had trouble with my perfect plan. Well, Inabe seems to think that everything is in my plan, so I think I'll act like it really is. And judging by his attitude, it doesn't seem that he holds a grudge because he gave information to Udajima. So I guess that should be fine. ]

I

Abe believes that what happened to Udajima at the time was the result of his insurance working as intended.

But judging by the results, Utajima lost. And, it seems, it was his own mistake that lost the argument. Now one of his competitors basically self-destructed, which gave I

abe a good forward momentum.

Inabe can't rule out the possibility that Viola deliberately manipulated the information in order to make Shirley look good, which might allow the girl to make more money. At the same time, Shiryl is also indirectly telling him that she can cut off the rice at any time if she wants to. The incident in Utajima may have been a bribe and a warning to him, at least that's what Inabe thought.

[Shirley basically takes Akira and Viola with her.] According to some of the reports I received. She has enough power to rule the slum city. I always thought that all of her actions were from Viola, but there's a good chance it wasn't, it came from Shirley herself. Her antique shop is doing well, and the profits are enough to increase my own profit margins. There's nothing to lose from connecting with her, but I need to be careful. ]

In that brief exchange, the misunderstanding became more and more serious. The two talked amicably as they tried to extract information from each other. From that point of view, what they were doing was exactly what the other participants of that banquet were doing.

Cher!

Katsuya, we're meeting again, uh

Shiryl smiled happily at first, but then, her face immediately changed, revealing a distressed expression. Katsuya was also very happy to see Sheryl, but now that he saw Sheryl's expression, his expression was a little confused. Finally, he noticed that Inabe was also there, and frowned with a serious face.

Moments later, Mizuha, Yumina, and Airi also appeared. Everyone reacted differently to this scene. Mizuha was a little flustered, and Nozomi Katsu didn't do anything rude to Inabe. Yumi

A sighs in exasperation, thinking that Katsuya has committed it again, and Ai

I glanced at She

yl glanced at it and raised his vigilance.

Oh, we meet again. Sorry for what happened last time.

Katsuya was a little surprised, he didn't expect Inabe to say that at all.

Oh, I didn't expect it at all. Ah, is it because we brought some relics to you last time? And what is it? Information terminals in the old world? Those things are expensive, right?

Katsuya smiled proudly, but Inabate didn't care at all and replied with a smile.

Katsuya pursed his lips, but before he could say anything, Inabe continued to say something that made Katsuya flustered.

But even then, if you're really close to Shirley, that's a different story. I don't want to stand on the SHE either

The bad side of yls. So I apologize for accusing you of trying to attack Shirley last time. It's just, I've heard how you are, you know. So, if you could explain it to me at the time, that would be great, or was I wrong?

Uh, ah, well, I'm not that close to Cher

Inabe heard Katsuya's vague answer and looked confused.

Is that so? I thought that was the last conversation we had. Have you known her for a long time?

N-Not exactly, it's just, how many times have we met, including this time, will it be four times?

I

ABE didn't expect this number to be so low. Even the victory he said was a little surprised.

Well, you can't simply measure your relationship by how many times you've met, right?

Yes – that's right!

Gram also nodded deeply.

Inabe had intended to slightly raise Shirley's reputation while angering Katsuya, hoping to involve Katsuya in his plans. But Inabbe didn't expect what he had just heard. So, he began to think.

[Anyway, the last time was only the third time, right?] They were already so close after 3 meetings? Is it because he's so fast or because of She

yl so good? I can't tell]

Inabe glanced at everyone present before speaking.

Well, what can I say. It is not right to hinder the next generation of leaders. Should I leave you alone?

Katsuya nodded subconsciously, but Shui Yu next to him interjected in a panic.

No, intergenerational communication is just as important. Also, we are the ones who intrude into your conversation, so please don't mind us. We would be more than happy to join if allowed.

I get it, and I'll accept that offer.

Shui Yu breathed a sigh of relief. If Katsu didn't leave a bad impression either, then it would be important to have the opportunity to introduce him to the officials of the chengguan. Although Viola was terrible in the field, Mizuha was still very happy with the result so far. Seeing this, Katsuya next to her looked at her suspiciously.

As they continued to talk, the flow of conversation naturally divided them into two groups, young and dumb. The friends talked about their future prospects for exploring the ruins, while the youngsters talked about their recent experiences as hunters.

Katsuya spoke passionately about his experience, and Shirley listened carefully to his story with her usual smile. Yumi

A joins their conversation from time to time as she says to She

The relationship between yl and Katsuya is a little troubled.

After the incident in the slum city that year, Katsuya, who had been in a slum for a long time, suddenly cheered up and returned to his normal self, and Yumina was really happy for him. When he bowed his head and apologized for worrying them, he said that instead of worrying about each other, it would be better to laugh together like compatriots. That smile was so bright that Yumina felt like she was going to fall in love with Katsuya again. But when she asks what changed his mood, Katsuya says that he met Shirley by coincidence and talked to her. When Yumina heard this, the jealousy and other dark emotions in her heart could not be suppressed.

Yumina sighed that Katsu didn't say anything to her for the reason. She questioned whether she was unworthy of him. The jealousy and doubts in her heart eventually made her disgusted with herself and hurt herself even more.

Yumi

A looked at She

yl, comparing himself to her. In order not to hurt Derrankham's reputation, and to be able to attend that feast, Yumina wore a beautiful and expensive dress. However, because she was not used to it, she looked a little awkward in dressing.

In contrast, Shirley wears a tailor-made dress that has been modified just for her, not just as an ornament, but also as a negotiating weapon. What's more, Shiryl herself has the ability to further improve, making her undoubtedly charming.

Yumi

Awkwardness with other girls is a unique feature of the new young man. Other people's perceptions of them won't change because of this. But it is undeniable that the aura emanating from the veterans there is completely different from theirs.

Yumi

A swears that she will stay with Katsuya to protect him from his excesses. But Katsuya used his talent as a hunter to solve his problems in the rising ranks. In terms of skills, even as a hunter's companion, Yumina struggles to maintain her position next to Katsuya. She was able to participate in this feast not because people recognized her skills, but because Mizuha listened to Katsuya's selfish request.

Yumi

A was drawn by her emotions and sent to She

YL asked.

By the way, is there any particular reason why you participated in this feast? Came here because of D

a

Kams' connection, or rather, we came here as Katsuya's companions.

When Inabe heard this, he immediately interjected.

Ah, about that, I'm the one who invited her. So, I guess you could say she's here because she's connected to me.

Indeed, I know that I am not qualified to attend this banquet, so I am here because of the kindness of Inabe-sama.

Katsuya and his party were taken aback. According to what is known before attending a banquet, the location of the person attending the banquet is determined by the person who invited them. And the invitation of someone in the chengguan represents a fairly high position.

In order to win over Katsuya, Inabe continued to praise Shirley.

Shirley might one day join the side and be the one to make the invitation, you know. But a hunter can only be a hunter. The hunter will never be the one to give the invitation. That's why I call you a simple hunter. I'm not doing this to discredit you or anything. If you want to change your profession from looking for relics to sell to us, to being more actively involved in these kinds of things, you can always call me.

Shui Ye smiled faintly and said with a smile.

Inabe-sama, I'm glad that a drunk hunter is reliable, but it's a problem if we snatch it away.

Oh, I'm sorry. You see, we have been short of skilled people in city management. So I just can't help it. Well, in any case, it is not uncommon to compete for skilled hunters. If from D

a

You guys at KAM don't want to lose great hunters, and I suggest you give them something special.

Of course we do.

Katsuya and She

YL all grew up in their respective fields. Yumi

A wonders if she will show up to fit into that position and achieve such an achievement. She knew she couldn't defeat Shiryl in this matter. Even though she spoke happily as usual, the thought in her head was holding her back.

After a few small talks, Mizuha felt that it was time to leave. Since they had come on behalf of Derrankham, they still had to meet the others at that feast. So they have limited time, and they can't stay there for too long.

Katsuya understood what Mizuha meant, and smiled regretfully. But then, remembering something, he took out an ornament from his pocket and shyly handed it to Shirley.

Ah, by the way, this trinket was found during an expedition to the ruins. Like a souvenir, if you think it's okay, please take it, right? Thanks also for listening to my question last time.

The relics of the old world still retain their brilliance, as if the long years have not withered in the slightest. But with today's technology, it is actually possible to make such jewelry, in fact, such jewelry is not uncommon. So from that point of view, it's not that expensive relic.

Shiryl stared at the trinket and shook her head.

Thank you, but I had to decline.

Katsuya was flustered, but he didn't expect Shirley to accept it.

Ah, uh, maybe you find it unpleasant?

Shiryl shook her head again and said with a smile.

You can laugh at me if I'm too self-conscious about it, but if I accept it, I'm sure you'll try to find something better for me next time. This means that you will force yourself to face unnecessary dangers. That's it, I can't accept it.

Shirley's serious expression softened a little, and her smile grew sweeter instead.

You should put these efforts on your own safety. Make sure you come back alive. For me, the best souvenir is the one that brings you back alive and with more stories.

Since the girls around him accepted his gifts, Shirley was impressed when she rejected his gifts. In order to match that strong impression, Katsuya said firmly with a smile.

I got it, I'll bring more stories next time.

I'll be looking forward to it.

Then they say goodbye before leaving. But after Katsuya and the others left, Mizuha stayed for a moment. Then she nervously asks Shirley a question.

Shirley Sand: Here we go again? So, uh, what's your relationship with Viola, if you can? Well, actually, I've worked with Viola for a while in the past, but this is the first time I've heard of you, so

We are business partners, no more, no less.

Shirley replied almost instantly, and Viola immediately interjected.

Oh, yes? Here, I think there's more, you know?

Still smiling, Shirley looked at Viola, her gaze a few degrees colder than just now.

I'm basically keeping you alive until you're no longer useful to me, is that enough now?

Ahem, it's scary I'll do everything I can to make sure I'm always useful to you, boss.

Mizuha is surprised by Shirley's attitude towards Viola, who is there to answer.

Boss?

Yes, I'm basically working for Cher right now. She's right above me right now.

Looking at Shirley and Viola smiling at each other, her brows furrowed slightly.

See you twice. Then I'll take my leave first, please forgive me.

Before leaving, Mizuha bowed slightly. Although it was clear that Shirley was a master, she was still not sure if dealing with Shirley was more dangerous than profitable. She didn't know if to warn Katsuya to stay away from Shirley or encourage him.

Inabe looked at the water plume that had left their area, a look that understood what she was thinking.

However, it should be okay to accept that gift, right? Not accepting it does make a bigger impression on Katsuya, but honestly, I think it will make a better impression if you happily accept it, you know.

I didn't do it to impress him, just an excuse not to accept that kind of gift.

Any questions? Honestly, I don't think there's anything wrong with accepting that gift.

Some people get offended when you don't use the gifts they give you. Sometimes, this is even more true for non-expensive gifts that can be obtained without much effort, and it still applies even if you say you lost it or sold it by mistake. So in the end, if I accept this, I have to keep using it whether I really want it or not. I just want to avoid that.

Inabe smiled bitterly.

I get it, sometimes lying is the right choice, hehe.

As she spoke, Sherlis's smile carried a hint of foreboding.

I'm not lying. I'm more than relict to receive stories and information. So it's a fact. By the way, judging by his words, all the credit for bringing the terminal of the old world seems to have gone to him, well. Can you really, Inabe-sama?

Feeling that Shirley was blaming her decision, Inabe smiled wryly.

Oops, too strict with you. Even Yanagisawa is interested in the relics brought back by the hunters, and I believe that no one dares to question it. If you say it's not a good choice, I have no reason to deny it. But in terms of results, we are getting better results without causing any problems. Or am I wrong?

Inabbe, who misunderstood something there, indirectly laughed and said that no one would dare to criticize them even if that mistake came from Viola, or if it was actually Shellyl herself. Shirley replied with a smile, agreeing.

Well, it's true that we didn't have any trouble at all.

Truth be told, Shirley was just asking if Inabe could give credit to someone else, and he was the one who bought those expensive relics with his own money through a secret deal. But from Inab's answer, she gets more information that she doesn't know, which makes her realize that Inab has misunderstood. So she had no reason to correct it.

Viola more or less understood what Shellyl and Inabis were thinking, and she smiled.

Inabe suddenly remembered their secret deal and asked Shirley a question.

By the way, what is it about Akira, the hunter who came to the venue? I heard that you also have him as your support. For a young hunter like him, he's more or less as strong as Katsu, you know. So what's your relationship with that Akira?

It's a pair.

I get it.

Shirley wanted to answer as casually as possible, but as a chengguan staff member who had negotiated many times, Inabe did not let Shirley change her attitude a little.

This is nothing more than a brave front, and hopefully it is not wrong. Inabbe noticed this from Shirley's mouth, and he was surprised.

[That's how she and Katsu, who has only met a few times, so I think Aki.]

The same goes for A, but she tries to get Aki

Is there a difficulty? I thought Shirley could easily manipulate someone like Akira, but I guess that's not the case, huh. ]

In that feast of intrigue among the attendees, Inab, Shirley, and Viola blend perfectly with the rest of the participants.