...
"How has Miss Hoshimi Miyabi been lately?"
Noticing someone else walking toward Zane alongside her, Rina glanced over curiously. Recognizing Hoshimi Miyabi, she greeted her warmly.
Having come to attend the meeting, Rina naturally knew the details—Hoshimi Miyabi was representing the Hoshimi family this time. That was why she addressed her as Miss Hoshimi Miyabi rather than Section Chief Miyabi.
Ellen beside her also cast a puzzled glance. Neither of them knew what kind of relationship Zane and Hoshimi Miyabi had; Ellen even suspected that Hoshimi Miyabi might have come to cause trouble.
"Ah, the two from Victoria Housekeeping."
Hoshimi Miyabi nodded politely in acknowledgment, her inner thoughts mirroring theirs. Her gaze lingered briefly on Ellen.
Victoria Housekeeping represented that mayor, yet it seemed they were on good terms with Zane? Could it be that the mayor was actually on Zane's side as well...?
Hoshimi Miyabi was representing the Hoshimi family this time, but originally, someone else had been chosen. However, after her firm insistence, Hoshimi Souichirou finally allowed her to serve as the family's representative.
And the reason she had pushed so hard for it was—Zane.
She didn't know whether Zane himself would come this time or if he had chosen a representative, but one thing was certain: whoever represented his side, this meeting was bound to involve some trouble. If she represented the Hoshimi family, she could at least help.
After all, Zane was a "secret member" of Section 6. As the Section Chief, she felt obligated to offer some support.
Of course, this wasn't just personal sentiment. From any perspective, cooperating with Zane was immensely beneficial for humanity. Hoshimi Miyabi understood that perfectly.
For humans, the existence of Fire Pickers was unique—especially given that they possessed intelligence. The uncertainty surrounding them was immense. One wrong step could lead to unpredictable consequences.
But Hoshimi Miyabi knew Zane. She understood him, and she trusted him completely—especially after realizing certain truths through the Demon Blade.
Normally, she followed the principle of "use force when possible," preferring to resolve matters through combat. Yet this time, she had to step forward as a bridge of communication—for Zane's sake and for humanity's.
"The spokesperson for the Fire Pickers... Pleased to meet you."
Hoshimi Miyabi approached Zane and spoke softly. Today, she wasn't dressed in her usual combat attire but in an elegant, graceful outfit. After all, she was representing the Hoshimi family, not Section 6.
Looking at her, Zane raised an eyebrow. Hoshimi Miyabi gave a playful wink, a faint smile on her face.
The Section Chief he knew was always meticulous and composed. This radiant, lively expression—he was seeing it for the first time.
"The eldest daughter of the Hoshimi family. Pleased to meet you."
Zane spoke softly, as though they were mere acquaintances meeting for the first time.
As Hoshimi Miyabi and Zane exchanged greetings, everyone in the hall instinctively turned their gaze toward them.
They were all curious to see what kind of sparks would fly between the powerful young lady of the Hoshimi family and the enigmatic Masked Fool.
If memory served them right, Hoshimi Miyabi and the Masked Fool had once faced off in midair during the banquet incident—their relationship didn't seem friendly at all.
"Those two..."
Ellen's footsteps faltered slightly as she watched them greet each other, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Earlier, Hoshimi Miyabi hadn't shown any hostility, and now she appeared downright friendly—completely unexpected.
That meant they weren't strangers. Hoshimi Miyabi must be Zane's "old flame," without a doubt.
Realizing this, Ellen relaxed. Beside her, Rina smiled and walked over to the pair.
"Your Excellency the Fool."
Rina lifted her skirt hem in a graceful curtsy. Having already greeted Hoshimi Miyabi earlier, she didn't need to repeat it now.
"Greetings to the two representatives of Victoria Housekeeping."
Zane smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. After a brief exchange, Hoshimi Miyabi began introducing him to representatives of factions allied with the Hoshimi family.
"This is Uncle Kexius..."
As Hoshimi Miyabi guided Zane through the hall, Rina and Ellen—still standing in place—exchanged glances, quickly understanding her intentions.
"This young lady is quite clever..."
Ellen tapped her toe lightly. Knowing how to use her family's influence to ease tensions was indeed fitting.
From that alone, Ellen's earlier suspicions were confirmed—Zane really did have a good relationship with Miss Hoshimi Miyabi.
"We should go help too."
Rina spoke softly, then stepped toward Zane and Hoshimi Miyabi. Her footsteps landed softly but firmly; out of respect for the occasion, the head maid refrained from gliding as she usually did.
"Hmm? Victoria Housekeeping doesn't seem to have much influence here..."
Ellen muttered in confusion but still followed.
"True, Victoria Housekeeping isn't the best fit for this place. But we represent the mayor, remember~"
Rina turned back with a light laugh, and Ellen immediately understood.
Before long, thanks to the combined efforts of Ellen, Rina, and Hoshimi Miyabi, the atmosphere in the hall began to relax, growing far more harmonious than before.
"Mr. Masked Fool truly possesses a witty and humorous nature..."
In one corner of the hall, a scholar representing the White Star Institute chatted with Zane, while Hoshimi Miyabi exchanged polite compliments with another representative nearby.
As the eldest daughter of the Hoshimi family, Miyabi was far from a battle maniac. Influenced by her mother, she handled social situations with grace and ease.
...