(A/N:-The upcoming 3-4 chapters will be in the same format, if you guys don't like it then I will go back to the normal format.)
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"Well, you should catch up with Minoru, Kyouko." (Major Kazama)
"Yes, Sir!" (Kyouko)
The army veteran nodded towards his lieutenant before walking away from the pair of siblings, giving them space to talk.
Major Kazama had to talk with Elder Retsu and see if he could gain any information regarding the young Saltzman.
He wouldn't actively search for information regarding Erik just in case the young Saltzman takes offence, he would rather not be on odd terms with him.
'I hope Elder Retsu can give me some answers, Mr.Saltzman Jr. Makes me uneasy due to some reason.' (Major Kazama)
——>>>
(Kyouko POV)
I look at the receding figure of Major Kazama, he left us to attend to other guests, giving me some time to talk with my little brother, Minoru.
I turned to face Minoru who seemed a little lost, for the past few minutes, he has been staring at the empty space in front of him, seemingly lost in thoughts.
I have never seen him space out like that, honestly, he has beginning to worry me.
Minoru was a talented individual who rarely lost his composure, grandfather has personally groomed him into the fine man he was today.
I don't know what he was talking about with Mr.Saltzman but he wasn't snapping out of it.
"Minoru? Snap out of it!..." (Kyouko)
I decided to call him out so that he snaps out of his thoughts and talk to me about what was troubling him.
"Nee-san? I-I apologize, I was.....thinking about something." (Minoru)
I know that Minoru and I also want to know what is worrying my little brother, I must look after my brother.
"What did you and Mr.Saltzman Jr. talk about? Your mind is all over the place..." (Kyouko)
Hearing my question, my little brother just shook his head and replied in a lost tone.
"I can't speak of it, Nee-san. Grandfather and Mr.Saltzman Jr. have specifically told me not to, not until everything is finalized." (Minoru)
Huh? Something you can't even tell me!?
Minoru had never hidden anything from me, his big sister but now he states that he isn't allowed to talk?
What is going on here?
"You know that I wouldn't tell a third soul right?" (Kyouko)
Of course, I will keep our talk between us. He is my baby brother, I wouldn't do anything that would get him in trouble.
"I don't care if I get in trouble or not, the thing is I don't want to put Nee-san in.....danger." (Minoru)
What does he mean by that? He knows that I am in 101-battalion, even so, he says that I may be in danger!?
"Minoru.....What is going on?" (Kyouko)
I turned serious, I wasn't liking how Minoru was behaving. Something wrong was happening and my little brother seems to be.....afraid?
——>>>
(Minoru POV)
I may be a bit paranoid but I rather not risk Nee-san's safety. If Mr.Saltzman can heal me, something which seemed impossible then he surely can do more.
Even my grandfather told me not to offend him.
"Let's drop this topic, Nee-san. I need a drink, do you want one?" (Minoru)
——>>>
(Kyouko POV)
I shook my head, looking at the receding figure of my brother I couldn't help but turn towards 'his' direction.
There he was, holding a glass filled with wine in his dominant hand.
I gotta say, he is charismatic for sure.
Well, its not really that surprising considering he is first and foremost a businessman who also happens to be very handsome.
I cautiously observed Mr.Saltzman Jr. from some distance; he seemed to be conversing with Juumonji Katsuto at the moment.
Just looking at his demeanour and personality, I can confidently say that he is planning something, even my little brother refuses to tell me anything.
Grandfather went as far as forbidding Minoru from speaking about whatever it is.
Now, normally I wouldn't come in between whatever plans grandfather is involved in but this also involves my little brother.
I can't let it go without knowing for sure that Minoru is safe.
I wonder if I can hear in the conversation he is having by using lip-reading.
It wouldn't hurt to give it a try, now would it?
I narrowed my eyes and focused on his lips, trying to make out the words coming out of his mouth.
You may think why don't I just use a spell, well doing so is not possible in a room full of talented Magicians and I need to be sneaky about it.
Hmm...what is he saying?
'If you have questions then come join in on the conversation, there is no need to hide.'
What!? The hell is going on!?
'I know you want answers, your concern for your little brother is appreciable.'
H-He isn't talking to me, right?
I averted my eyes from his lips and looked up towards his face, h-his head was tilted sideways, looking straight in my direction with an amused smile.
His chartreuse phosphorescent eyes were glowing with a slight twinkle, sending a shiver down my spine.
Like a deer caught in the headlights, I froze.
It felt like paralysis slowly spreading throughout my body, I thought of looking away but I didn't avert my eyes, no....rather I couldn't avert my eyes.
I kept looking at him, feeling helpless.
He smiled and broke the eye contact before turning his head in Juumonji's direction.
As soon as he looked away, I felt strength returning to my body as I broke free from my paralysis.
Huff!
Taking deep breaths I tried to calm down by frantically beating heart, once again remembering the suffocating feeling I broke into a cold sweat.
He is dangerous, extremely dangerous.
I don't think he used any kind of magic, just pure psychological pressure. Now I understand why Minoru is so adamant about not telling me anything.
He and Grandfather are dealing with a monster!
I steady raised my head once again to take a look, he was standing near the corner with his back facing me, the weird thing was that Juumonji Katsuto, who latter had been talking to, was nowhere to be found.
I looked around to search for him but after a couple of glances, I gave up.
I clearly understood what he wanted.
He had just now invited me to have a conversation with him, regarding Minoru's involvement in his and my grandfather's plans.
Very well then, I wouldn't back down, I am after all Minoru's elder sister and a member of 101-battalion.
I will also use this opportunity to gather as much information I possibly can.
——>>>
(Erik POV)
Fujibayashi Kyouko is a smart woman, exactly the type I prefer to work with.
To test her resolve and abilities, I just used a mild [Outer-Systematic Magic] to pressure her.
Unsurprisingly she held on without any problem, a unique woman indeed.
Now if I remember correctly, I should have two quests that I can finish presently.
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→Additional quests (Part-5):-Heal Minoru's body condition.
(Reward:-[Fujibayashi Kyouko helper slot])
→Side Mission (Part-3):-Infiltrate Kudou mansion and copy Kudou Minoru's [Boosted Elemental Sight].
(Reward:-[Boosted Elemental Sight])
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Someone as resourceful as Kyouko will be very helpful in keeping an eye of Tatsuya and other organizations.
"Mr.Saltzman, I have a few questions, I want some answers, I hope you can help me...." (Kyouko)
I turned toward her with a calm smile.
"Of course, anything for you, Ms.Fujibayashi...."
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