🎊🎊SCIAW: Chapter 423/425

Chapter 423: A Long Dream

When she thought of that outcome, Maki could no longer maintain the sorrowful look on her face.

"This… what should I do?"

Ren looked at Maki calmly, without any trace of sympathy, but offered suggestions in a timely and composed manner.

"Actually, as long as the Shijo family maintains its current relationship, everything should be fine. After all, there's a major difference between Kaguya and the Shinomiya family. I think Miss Shijo should know very well, Kaguya doesn't really want to bother with your family."

Ask her aunt for help?

That option did flash through Maki's mind, but it didn't last long.

She shook her head slightly.

"My parents have already tried that. I don't think they can accept such a choice."

"And even if my parents were willing to accept it, I doubt my aunt would."

"The Shijo family only has one option now, and that's to break through this predicament on our own."

The Shijo family's problems must be handled by the Shijo family.

Only the Shijo family can change its own fate.

"If that's the case, then there's only one path left for you."

"One?"

"Of course. For someone like you, the only way to change your family's fate is… through yourself, right?"

A single word surfaced in Maki's mind.

Marriage.

She paused for a moment, then nodded as if it were only natural.

"Yes. In this situation, there's very little I can do. If marriage can change things for the family, then it's the natural course."

Ren simply nodded in response.

"So, you've always been prepared for this?"

"Of course. As children of the Shijo family, we've always been prepared to sacrifice for the family's sake. It's the same for me, and for Mikado."

"Even if there's a boy you like?"

At that moment, memories of that boy flashed through Maki's mind. But in the next second, she nodded without hesitation.

"Yes. Even if I have a crush on someone, it doesn't change anything."

"When it comes to the boy I like, it's a one-sided feeling. He doesn't like me. He likes my friend."

"All I can do is give them my blessing."

"But I'm not like Nagisa. I have to shoulder the prosperity of my family. If marriage is a part of that responsibility, then I'll choose marriage without hesitation."

After hearing her words, Ren couldn't help but laugh.

"Haha… What a solid answer."

"As expected, you're a lot like Kaguya. The two of you have very similar personalities."

"Kaguya knew she had already enjoyed everything, so she couldn't reject the idea of marriage. And you're doing it for the future of your family."

"Different reasons, same decision."

"You two really are alike."

As Maki turned her head, the world around her suddenly became distorted. Her consciousness grew hazy and sleepy.

But before she completely lost consciousness, she heard a few words.

"Thank you for your answer, Miss Shijo."

"If you ever need help again, contact me. If it's something I can do, I'll give you the assistance you need."

The next second, Maki's eyes snapped open.

"!?"

She sat up abruptly, realizing she was back in her own room. Her luggage was there, and the satellite phone was placed on the bed.

Everything that had just happened felt like one long, vivid dream.

"…Amamiya Ren…"

She remembered the name and the entire conversation she had with him.

It was all clear in her mind, but as she regained full awareness, the memory of the conversation started to blur.

Maki quickly gathered herself, then reached for the satellite phone and dialed it.

"Mikado, something happened to me. There are things I can't fully remember. Please help me recall them."

While her memory was still fresh, she hurriedly recounted the entire conversation she had just had.

So, who was this person you spoke to?

"…Yes…"

When she tried to say his name, Maki was sure she remembered it clearly. But some parts were vague now.

Not only had the man's face become blurry, even his name was growing indistinct.

"…I don't remember."

"Could it have been drugs?"

"If it was, do you think I'd still be able to talk to you like this, brother?"

…True.

"It felt more like a dream. But that dream was so real."

After saying that, Maki paused for a moment.

"…Is the situation within our family really like I said in the dream?"

Their parents never thought that way. The family had been fighting for so many years, suppressed all that time, but the internal conflicts weren't so severe that the entire Shijo family would fall apart.

And this time, the 'test' wasn't something their parents decided alone. It was a discussion that involved the entire family. Everyone agreed on the conditions and compensation. The goal was to assess the true condition of the Shinomiya family.

Also, the Shijo family's situation wasn't so dire that they'd need to form an alliance out of desperation.

After hearing his sister's words, the Emperor on the other end fell silent for a moment, then helped clarify things.

"You were there when we talked about these matters, so why did your memory go fuzzy?"

This feels more like the effects of a hallucinogen. I'll send someone to pick you up at the Tokyo port and get you examined immediately.

Sister, don't leave your room until you disembark. Also, don't eat anything onboard. I'm worried someone may have used hallucinogens.

"…Alright."

After ending the call, Mikado on the other end didn't relax at all. On the contrary, his expression darkened.

"…Who was it?"

He clenched his teeth as he spoke.

The last thing he wanted was for his sister to get hurt. But judging from what happened, it was clear she had run into something abnormal.

He believed every word his sister said about the dream. He knew she wasn't the type to say such things lightly—especially not when marriage was involved.

He firmly believed it wasn't just a simple dream.

Now, he had to figure out who was behind the attack on his sister.

"…Kaguya…"

For a brief moment, suspicion flashed in his eyes—but he quickly suppressed it.

"No. Kaguya wouldn't attack someone like my sister who poses no threat. And she definitely wouldn't use such underhanded means just to vent her anger."

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Vester 1 for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉

Chapter 424: Departure

In the hall, Ren slowly opened his eyes.

They were clearly two very different kinds of people from Kaguya, with differing perspectives on many things, and yet—
Their actions were strikingly similar.

They really are relatives.

This outcome was truly interesting.

Being able to pull someone directly into a dream, to converse with the dreamer within that dream, and extract a great deal of information from them… The extraordinary ability of Nightmare was indeed like a long dream. It could even erase the dreamer's memory of the event afterward.

Of course, Ren knew that part of Maki's memory had remained intact, which caused her to retain a fragment of the dream upon waking.

But this kind of memory had its limits.

Even so, Maki was a truly admirable girl. Despite the limited window, she still managed to pass on the contents of the dream to someone else.

She was even more competent than Ren had imagined.

As for the risk of others learning about the contents of that dream, it wasn't a big issue.

The crucial part of the memory was still hidden. That portion would only resurface once Maki fulfilled the necessary conditions.

By that time, she would likely have already become a believer.

No problem.

Ren adjusted his condition slightly.

Then once again appeared before the others.

"How was it?"

Kaguya asked immediately with a hint of curiosity.

"Miss Shijo gave the same answer you did. Though unlike you, who made the decision based on personal resolve, she chose on behalf of her family."

"And she exceeded my expectations."

"Even with some control exerted over her, she still managed to tell her brother what happened in the dream while barely conscious."

Kaguya hadn't expected that, even under Ren's influence, Maki could retain partial memory. That she was even able to contact her brother, Shijo Mikado, and relay part of the dream—that came as a surprise.

"…Mikado?"

The memories from Kaguya's childhood slowly surfaced.

She had met Mikado when she was young, but only for a short while.

Even now, after all these years, she still wasn't sure how much he had grown since then.

"Is that alright?"

"Yeah, don't worry too much. I've always had a grasp of what Maki remembers post-dream. She's already forgotten most of the conversation in the haze. Her memory is under restriction. There won't be any problems."

After all, Ren wasn't someone who liked trouble.

Memory-related issues had to be tightly controlled. Otherwise, they'd just cause unnecessary complications.

At least, not yet.

Before reaching the level of Demigod, exposing oneself too early would be a foolish decision.

Woooo—!

Suddenly, the cruise ship's horn sounded.

It was the signal that the ship was about to depart. It served as both an external alert and an internal notice.

The ship soon began to move, and those on board could feel the gradual motion.

At the same time, the doors at the entrance to the hall began to close after the last few people entered.

The police had blocked the entrance both inside and out to prevent Kaito Kid from sneaking in.

After the two previous incidents, the police were convinced that Kid had already infiltrated the group. This time, they were more determined than ever to capture him.

But Kid wouldn't appear unless he was certain he wouldn't be caught.

As a Phantom Thief, knowing when to advance and when to retreat was essential. Charging forward recklessly would only bring ruin. He wouldn't be able to maintain his identity for long that way.

The last few ladies who walked into the hall looked around, observing the situation.

"There are barely any familiar faces. Just a bunch of strangers."

Asakaze Risa took note of the people invited to the party.

"Honestly, most people don't care about these kinds of banquets. And with the way the Suzuki Zaibatsu handled things this time, most would rather watch it all play out on the news tomorrow."

Miki Hanabishi said it bluntly.

And it was true. After all, this time the Suzuki Zaibatsu had directly accepted Kid's provocation.

"There was a big commotion on the cruise ship while we were checking in."

Izumi Segawa touched her chin thoughtfully, recalling the disruption she'd noticed earlier as they boarded.

"This means the thief has already made his move."

Risa immediately deduced the situation. She glanced around the hall.

"There was such a fuss outside, but it's so quiet in here. The thief must be in hiding."

"Not hiding."

A familiar voice interrupted their conversation.

The three of them turned around instinctively—and saw Kasumi Aika standing there in a pink and purple kimono.

"The thief already entered the hall and blended in with the crowd. But for some reason, he chose to retreat."

"Retreat?"

The three looked surprised at the idea that Kaito Kid had backed off.

"There was a cloud of smoke earlier. That was probably his doing."

"But to me, it looked like he chose to surrender."

Kasumi gave her explanation calmly.

"Though I don't know why he gave up, I'd guess it was all orchestrated between the police and the Suzukis."

At the same time, she was certain the Suzuki Zaibatsu wouldn't be embarrassed this time.

Not because of their own strength—but because of the group of extraordinary individuals currently present at the venue.

As long as they were here, whatever advantage Kid may have had would likely come to nothing.

"I can't imagine Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki taking on a world-famous thief without a solid plan."

"Besides, I don't think the police are completely helpless either."

"True."

The three nodded, agreeing with Kasumi's analysis.

They didn't believe two high-profile businesspeople would act so recklessly.

For businessmen, making a move without a solid chance of success was a losing proposition.

As they acknowledged her point, their eyes naturally drifted to Kasumi.

"Aika, you look great today."

Miki noticed that Kasumi looked unusually radiant today, not at all like her usual frail, delicate self.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Vester 1 for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉

Chapter 425: Just Ask Hina

As a frail beauty who had been on leave from Hakuo Academy for years, Kasumi Aika's poor health was well known throughout the school.

Even during her rare appearances in class, she always looked pale and sickly, her lips devoid of color, and her movements light and unsteady. She gave the impression that she could collapse at any moment, which worried everyone around her.

But today, she gave off a completely different impression.

Her sickly aura had vanished. Her complexion was rosy and healthy, nothing like the fragile look she usually had.

"Mm."

When she heard the comment, Kasumi Aika's lips curved into a bright smile.

If there was anything she was most pleased about over the past two weeks, it was undoubtedly the improvement in her health.

"My body has undergone some adjustments recently. It's a lot better than before."

"Eh~?"

Miki Hanabishi was surprised. After taking a closer look at her, she nodded in agreement.

"You really do look much better. Otherwise, you wouldn't normally attend a banquet like this."

They all knew it wasn't that Kasumi Aika didn't want to attend these events—it was that her body simply couldn't handle it.

Her title of "frail beauty" wasn't because of her long absences, but because her health had been notoriously poor.

"But you really are optimistic about Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki. I thought with your personality, you'd be more on the thief's side."

Izumi Segawa and Risa Asakaze nodded in agreement.

They all knew the vice president of the student council had a mischievous streak—especially her love for watching others make fools of themselves.

Kasumi Aika narrowed her eyes at that comment.

"So, in your eyes, I'm that kind of person?"

The three nodded without thinking. But the moment they did, their bodies trembled.

Kasumi Aika's expression had darkened, and she suddenly pulled out a small notebook and pen from behind her back.

"April 19th, the three student council members thought I was a shady woman. I will remember this clearly."

"…"

A chill ran down their spines as they watched her seriously jot down the note.

Isn't this proof that she is a shady woman?

Who keeps a notebook just to record petty slights from classmates?

So this is the infamous "revenge notebook."

Of course, none of them dared say that out loud. If they did, their names would be highlighted, underlined, and probably written in red multiple times.

Miki swallowed nervously and quickly changed the subject.

"Aika, isn't Sakuya here today?"

At the mention of Sakuya, Kasumi Aika paused her writing.

"She's here."

She pointed in a certain direction. Sure enough, a girl in a blue dress was standing there.

"Miss Sakuya and I came together. But she went to greet Miss Nagi and the others first."

"Oh~"

Risa's eyes lit up, and she leaned in closer.

"Aika-san, so you already know the secret about that boy?"

Kasumi Aika's smile faded just a little as she gave Risa a sideways glance.

"Risa, I don't mind you digging into other people's secrets, but let me remind you, some things are best left untouched."

A knowing smirk appeared on Risa's face.

"So you do know."

She had suspected for a while now that Kasumi Aika was in the loop.

"I do know a little. After all, I've known Sakuya for a long time. She doesn't think I'm the type to gossip, so she doesn't mind sharing a thing or two."

Risa wasn't surprised.

She had already guessed that most people at the birthday party knew the truth, especially those who had transferred out of Hakuo or were particularly close to those involved.

The ones truly in the dark were probably those still attending Hakuo.

Aika definitely hadn't known during the last banquet.

But Kasumi Aika definitely knew now.

"So, it's a secret that you can't tell us?"

Kasumi Aika didn't deny it.

"I can't. Because a secret is only a secret when few people know it."

"Risa, Miki, Izumi—you three aren't exactly known for keeping secrets."

"Especially Izumi."

Her eyes locked directly onto Izumi Segawa, whose face twisted in disbelief.

"Eh? Why me? Why not Risa or Miki!?"

Izumi was stunned, and immediately began protesting on behalf of herself while pointing to the others.

But her two so-called friends had already distanced themselves.

"Izumi, please don't lump us in with you."

Risa covered half her face with one hand and pointed at Izumi with the other, as if just being associated with her was shameful.

"That's right. Izumi has the loosest lips. Risa and I only spill the tea when we feel like it. Izumi leaks stuff without even realizing it."

Miki backed her up with no hesitation.

She and Risa at least chose what to leak. Izumi, on the other hand, had no filter.

There was a world of difference between intentional and unintentional leaking.

She and Risa were not idiots like Izumi.

"Hey!!"

Izumi's eyes widened as if truly hurt by their betrayal.

But neither of them paid her reaction any mind. After all, this was just a typical day for Izumi.

Aika's improved condition… could it be related to that secret?

Miki was beginning to suspect it more and more.

Her guess might not be too far off.

Risa, on the other hand, was more daring. She was already convinced there was a connection.

But they both still remembered Kasumi Aika's warning.

Even with their curiosity, they couldn't just ignore what she said.

The two exchanged a glance, a wordless agreement forming between them.

"Let's ask Hina!" [x2]

They both said it in perfect unison, then laughed aloud.

As expected, when you're unsure of what to do—just ask Hina.

(To be continued.)