Hayasaka nodded slightly, it was a standard move.
Expose the situation early to prevent disaster.
Once news of the land's appreciation spreads and draws the attention of various conglomerates, the government likely won't be able to carry out the original plan so easily.
The Hatamoto clan is done for.
Hayasaka was certain of it.
She knew the Hatamoto family had staked everything on this one piece of land, they couldn't afford to lose.
If this gamble failed, not only would the family's position as a conglomerates crumble, but they might even fall into an irreversible decline.
But Hayasaka Ai had no interest in the future of the Hatamoto clan.
Her only mission was to protect Kaguya.
If the Hatamoto clan tried anything foolish during this return trip, she wouldn't hesitate to personally send out the order to annihilate them.
"Amamiya-san, are you really not going to warn them?"
"…"
Ren fell silent for a moment, collecting himself.
"I'd like to, but will they listen?"
Just thinking that they might not believe it is enough to discourage him from speaking up.
But… if even one person out of the whole bunch listened, maybe some things could change.
"Hayasaka, you've seen what the Hatamoto family is like."
"If I tell them the pillar of their family is going to die, do you think they'll set off fireworks to celebrate?"
Hayasaka Ai believed that those who were purely profit-driven definitely would.
Most large families didn't have anything resembling real familial affection, she knew this better than anyone.
Because the Shinomiya family was just like that.
"Where is Natsue Hatamoto?"
"She's Gozo Hatamoto's favorite granddaughter, right?"
Ren fell silent again, then turned to look at Hayasaka Ai.
"Hayasaka, do you think I should tell her?"
"I think it's worth a try."
Hayasaka voiced her thoughts without hesitation.
"This is just like the nature of people you explained to us in the beginning, Amamiya-san."
"…"
Ren was briefly taken aback, then smiled.
Human nature—he had just been talking about it, and now the words were being turned back on him.
"Heh… I've really been taught a lesson. But you're right, Hayasaka-san."
"I taught you well, and it really would be hypocritical of me not to act on it myself."
"Besides, this entire story revolves around human nature, maybe this is a good test before I move up."
"Respect people's right to choose, which means we have to give them the right to make that choice."
"Forget the others. Just one person is enough. Giving her the right to choose is enough."
"But doesn't that make me the bad guy?"
"Yes. From her perspective, you'll be an awful, terrible villain."
Hayasaka Ai's response made Ren smile even wider.
"Ah… I'm a social recluse, so being disliked really bothers me."
"But it's fine."
Even if he ended up being the bad guy, it would still be a fresh experience.
"Let's wait and see how the news plays out."
"Understood."
Hayasaka crossed her hands in front of her abdomen and gave a polite bow.
"I know of a quiet room that's perfect for a conversation."
"Alright. Thanks, Hayasaka-san."
"No problem."
The room Hayasaka mentioned was indeed very quiet. It was more like a private lounge, with a table, some tea, and a large bed.
The doors were specially made with excellent soundproofing.
It was pretty obvious what this room was usually used for.
Ren glanced around helplessly.
"Does this room really look appropriate for the situation?"
"Hayasaka, are you seriously planning to make Shinomiya faint in this kind of room?"
She wouldn't faint anymore, Ren had built up more tolerance but she'd definitely be too embarrassed to say a word.
Fortunately, for now, it was just being used as a conversation room.
Knock knock knock!
A few moments after the knock, the door opened.
"Come in."
Hayasaka Ai entered first, followed by Natsue Hatamoto.
She wore a light, ocean-blue dress. It wasn't particularly eye-catching, but Amamiya Ren's sharp eyes noticed it was probably custom-made.
"Excuse me, what did you want to speak with me about?"
Natsue Hatamoto looked confused and uneasy at being called here alone, especially after noticing the bed in the room.
Ren noticed her gaze and waved his hand casually.
"Hayasaka, don't leave. I don't want Miss Hatamoto thinking I'm going to do something to her."
"Understood. Amamiya-san, you're exactly right."
"That's not what I meant!"
Just that one comment was enough to expose Natsue Hatamoto's frail and helpless demeanor, giving Amamiya Ren a headache as he glanced at Hayasaka Ai.
Things were complicated enough, and this girl had to make everything more tense.
"Miss Hatamoto, please have a seat."
"To be honest, I'm not sure you'll believe what I'm about to tell you."
That sentence piqued Natsue Hatamoto's curiosity.
Would she believe it?
Driven by curiosity, she couldn't help but ask:
"May I ask… what's going on with my grandfather?"
Ren looked deeply at her, then got straight to the point.
"It's about your grandfather. He's already set foot on the road to death."
Natsue Hatamoto's expression changed. She froze on the spot, panic written all over her face.
But in addition to the fear, she grew more suspicious of the boy in front of her—her guard rising beyond just surface-level wariness.
"Wait! How do you know something's happened to my grandfather!?"
Ren expected this reaction.
"Of course, I learned about your grandfather through certain means."
Then, he pointed at Hayasaka behind him.
"The maid behind you is actually a top-tier lady. Her status is far above yours."
"Also, this ship is Shinomiya's. Do you really think we'd let your group on board without investigating everything thoroughly?"
That explanation was enough to make Natsue Hatamoto slightly more convinced.
Not because she trusted him, but because her grandfather had explained to her before that the Shinomiya family represented wealth and power. They had no reason to target the Hatamoto family, they weren't even in the same league.
And if they said they'd investigated everything… it made sense.
She didn't believe the Shinomiya family would ever allow unvetted guests on board.
(To be continued.)