CH 9.3

The Shiratori residence is really a big place.

Unlike the other times, I entered through the main gate.

I pressed the intercom next to the gate, which is twice as tall as I am.

『We have been waiting for you, Nanba Kazu-sama. Please wait while we send someone to pick you up.』

I heard a polite female voice on the intercom and waited for a while.

The gate opened automatically and a black car was waiting on the other side.

I thought I would be taken somewhere but the destination was inside the gate.

They said that given the distance to the main residence, driving is necessary.

How far is it then?

-0-

The reception room we were taken to was so spacious that it could have easily accommodated an ordinary family’s apartment.

In the center of the room was a long horizontal table with 10 chairs.

The furnishing along the walls was also stylish.

Although the place looks like a rich man’s room, it did not have the smell of a rich man’s room.

I don’t know if they have a coordinator but the owner has good taste.

「Sorry to keep you waiting. I’m glad you came.」

Yui’s father showed up with a sullen voice.

It’s Saturday but he’s dressed in a suit.

I don’t think it was to welcome me.

Is he always dressed like this even at home? Or do rich people never have holidays?

Or maybe both.

「Let me introduce myself once again. I am Yui’s father, Shiratori Tetsugan.」

「Nanba Kazu desu」

I stood up from the chair and greeted him but I almost said, “Your name’s very hard”.

TN: Yui’s father’s name is 鉄岩. 鉄(iron) 岩(stone)

As his name suggests, Tetsugan has a stout body but not a mass of muscles like a bodybuilder.

Perhaps it is better to call it a nice and lean body build.

Tetsugan sat down in front of me.

I sat down on the chair again.

We both sit in the center of the long side of the table which is a good distance for talking.

I wondered what I would do if we were forced to sit at the opposite ends of the table.

I’m afraid I would have to raise my voice quite loudly to be heard as that’s what happens in anime.

「Alright, I’m a busy man so let’s get right down to business.」

Tetsugan drank tea from an expensive looking cup and continued, looking me in the eye.

「I’ll get straight to the point, where did you get your power?」

「What power?」

I didn’t really mean to play dumb.

My purpose is to gauge how much they know about my power.

「The power you use when you hunt variants around with Yui. Did someone gave you a divine object?」

I see. As expected, they don’t know much.

「I’m not sure where. I was doing some muscle training and it just manifested on its own.」

「Looks like you’re not planning to answer」

I shrug my shoulders.

「Then, let me change the question. In the near future, the Nordic organization will launch a major operation. I want you to be part of it.」

「That’s not a question but a request.」

「I don’t mind if you take it that way.」

「What’s the operation?」

「I can’t talk about it until you agree to do it.」

「Then, I won’t do it.」

「Is that so? What if I say that if you can play an active role in the mission, I won’t mind allowing you to associate with Yui?」

「If she’s so precious to you, how can you use her as a bargaining chip so easily?」

「Because it’s not a simple operation.」

In other words, if I am strong enough to play an active role there, he thought that it would be beneficial to get in touch with me.

He’s the type who wouldn’t even mind Yui dying so he’s actually being generous here.

The operation is probably very dangerous and he’s certain that I’m going to die.

「You’re trying to say that you’re sure I want to go out with Yui.」

「Aren’t you? I’m a parent but I don’t think there exists a high school boy who wouldn’t want to go out with that girl. 」

While that may be true, not many parents would be able to say that.

I don’t want to answer that question so let’s change the subject.

「You think I need permission from a father who doesn’t care about his daughter?」

「I find that disturbing. I’m just making sure that I’m using her to the fullest and most efficient way.」

This guy……he knows how say bullsh*t.

「You don’t have to listen to that man!」

Yui jumped in.

She’s as furious as a fire.

「Calm down」

I controlled Yui and glared calmly at Tetsugan.

「I don’t like the fact that you’re using my relationship with Yui as a bargaining chip but……I’m willing to take that job. However, I have a condition.」

「Hou……?」

Tetsugan narrowed his eyes with interest.