...
"What is this…"
Ellen blinked in confusion. Why did it feel like the young lady of the Hoshimi family had suddenly changed her attitude toward Zane?
It was as if… she had developed a touch of possessiveness?
Watching Hoshimi Miyabi switch Zane's identity tag with the one belonging to the person seated beside her, Ellen's lips twitched involuntarily. Fortunately, everyone nearby was affiliated with the Hoshimi family—otherwise, such an unauthorized seat swap might have caused another dispute.
Shaking her head, Ellen dismissed the odd thought and followed Rina toward their assigned seats.
Moments later, as everyone settled down in an orderly manner, the meeting officially began. Presided over by a senior officer of the Falkenhayn Mercenary Troupe, the discussion turned to the "Final Plan."
Naturally, the primary focus was on the ideas and proposals presented by Zane, representing the "Fire Pickers."
Perhaps it was thanks to the earlier efforts of Victoria Housekeeping and Hoshimi Miyabi, combined with Zane's lighthearted self-promotion, that the expected arguments and hidden conflicts failed to materialize. While there were still some disagreements, they were deliberately contained, and no major disputes arose.
Everyone understood the gravity of the situation—and the kind of attitude they should maintain when dealing with Zane.
The talks proceeded smoothly. Under the officer's guidance and with Zane's input, the framework for cooperation and parts of the plan gradually took shape.
By the time it ended, everything remained calm and orderly.
Everyone seemed satisfied. Beyond their shared goal of confronting the great catastrophe, the exchange of interests had gone surprisingly well.
After the meeting concluded, many delegates hurried off. The matters discussed were indeed critical, but Zane and Hoshimi Miyabi remained composed. Knowing the truth, they weren't overwhelmed by the influx of information.
"Zane, where are you headed next?"
Standing by the entrance of the hall, Hoshimi Miyabi gathered her belongings and handed them to the Hoshimi family steward at her side before turning to ask.
"Why?"
Zane didn't answer directly and instead replied with a question of his own.
"Nothing... I was just asking casually."
Hoshimi Miyabi opened her mouth as if to say more, then stopped herself and spoke softly instead.
Noticing the subtle change in her expression, Zane paused briefly, then smiled faintly.
"Don't overthink it. What I'm about to do next just happens to be... a bit of a secret."
He raised his hand and gave Hoshimi Miyabi a light tap on the head before turning toward Rina and Ellen, who were waiting nearby.
Hoshimi Miyabi remained standing there, a little dazed, watching his back as he walked away.
"Why do I feel like... he's treating me like a child?"
Murmuring to herself, Hoshimi Miyabi shook her head, pushing down the odd feeling in her chest as she watched Zane leave with the two from Victoria Housekeeping.
A secret, huh... what could it be?
Her brows furrowed slightly. During the meeting earlier, Zane had indeed seemed to hold something back.
"Miss, shall we wait for anyone else?"
The butler's voice came from beside her. After a brief pause, Hoshimi Miyabi replied,
"No need. Let's go."
"When we return, I'll need to report the meeting's details to Father."
Turning away, Hoshimi Miyabi walked toward the exit. The gray-haired butler lingered for a moment, glancing toward the direction where Zane had left.
The young mistress had something to tell the family head—he should probably remind him as well.
Then again, perhaps he was overthinking it. Judging by the previous banquet incident, the two seemed to share a mutual respect between rivals.
After all, the young mistress had always desired a worthy opponent who could push her to improve.
The butler turned and followed Hoshimi Miyabi out, setting aside his thoughts.
The young mistress had grown up now; perhaps it was best to let her handle such matters herself.
Just like that little secret from before—helping her mother keep it from the family head had, in the end, proven to be the better choice.
...
"The elders are waiting over here—they've been expecting you for some time."
Rina led Zane into a side chamber connected to the main hall. Since it was located further in the back, they encountered hardly anyone on the way.
"You're not coming with me?"
Zane looked at Rina and asked.
Rina shook her head with a small, polite smile.
"Mr. Zane, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to join you."
The meaning was clear: this was not a matter for Victoria Housekeeping to be involved in.
Ellen, who had wanted to follow out of curiosity, fell silent after hearing Rina's words, suppressing her questions.
Zane nodded. Once Rina and Ellen had left, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Warm light fell softly across his figure. Only a few people were present in the side hall—the senior officer who had presided over the meeting, Shin, Tyce—back to his normal self but still pale—the woman in the wheelchair, and the mysterious Mayor.
Zane's gaze swept across them. He knew who they were—after all, he was the one who had gathered them here.
Their eyes turned toward him as a hush fell over the room. Zane's expression remained calm as he walked, step by step, to the center of the chamber.
Surveying the different faces and their varied reactions, he smiled faintly.
"All right, everyone's here, I see."
"Now, it's time to begin the real meeting."
A faint light flickered in his icy eyes, his tone relaxed.
"Let's discuss one thing."
He paused for a moment, his smile deepening.
"How exactly... do you plan to kill me?"
The words dropped into the still air of the chamber, echoing in every listener's ears—
—and within each of their hearts, a storm began to rise.