Late at night, after arranging for someone to send Ren home, the entire Fujiwara family gathered again.
"It seems our family's future direction needs to change," General Shota said with a sigh.
"It is necessary to make changes," Kenichi agreed. "Although our family has always advanced steadily, not seizing such an opportunity would be a mistake in judgment. Especially an opportunity this stable—are we really willing to pass it up?"
Shota thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, failing to seize such a chance would be a great mistake."
"Fortunately, our granddaughter has already boarded a big ship."
Shota looked affectionately at his granddaughter. Her luck had been remarkable. After transferring schools, she managed to form a relationship with a future god.
Because of this connection, the Fujiwara family would almost certainly rise to the heavens under her lead.
"This is true. Our granddaughter is incredible," Kenichi added with pride.
Their current opportunity was entirely thanks to her involvement.
"Oh dear~ I just followed Kaguya. Who would have thought Ren was the one behind her?"
Chika, praised by both her grandfather and father, showed a proud smile.
Their praise wasn't misplaced. The advantageous position Fujiwara held now was entirely due to Chika's connection. Without her, they would never have such an opportunity.
"Maho, next, you need to focus on the new city," Shota said seriously to his daughter-in-law.
"The location of the land will be somewhat remote, but such places aren't rare in Japan, especially in some coastal mountain regions."
Indeed, many of those areas were sparsely populated. Most of Japan's population was concentrated in large central cities, leaving many coastal or mountainous towns nearly abandoned.
In the past, small towns had thrived there, but as time passed, the younger generations left for the big cities, and the towns became deserted.
Some coastal towns were so desolate that even ghosts wouldn't want to stay.
Before his retirement, Shota had held a high-ranking position in the ruling circle, and he was familiar with such situations.
Even those in power were reluctant to manage these towns.
Because there was no profit.
Without residents, money could not circulate. No matter how much one invested, it would only be wasted resources.
Maintaining a city required a large budget, and for uninhabited areas, such spending was meaningless.
There were even cases where entire districts could be sold cheaply.
"Maho, remember to negotiate with the Suzuki Zaibatsu. Sell those useless lands to them under the pretext of building a film city," Shota instructed.
"Sell those lands cheaply."
"If the surrounding areas are all similar plots, then package them together. Do it quietly. Such a transaction won't draw much attention."
"Even if the government notices, they'll be glad to see the Zaibatsu handle those worthless lands."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "However, do not let our Fujiwara family directly participate. It could attract unnecessary attention and trouble."
Shota understood the principle well: success thrives in secrecy, failure comes from exposure.
"I understand," Maho replied calmly.
The Fujiwara name carried great influence. If they took the lead, the transaction might proceed more smoothly, but it would also be far easier for others to notice.
If, however, other officials or corporations completed the transaction with the Suzuki Zaibatsu, it would not only draw less scrutiny but also leave Fujiwara clear of suspicion.
Maho knew this matter needed to be settled quickly.
Time passed, and it was soon noon the next day.
Friday noon was still class time at Teitan High School. Meanwhile, at the Suzuki Zaibatsu headquarters, a guest had arrived—Fujiwara Maho.
Upon hearing who it was, Suzuki Ayako immediately understood her purpose.
She formally received Maho, and when the two women met, they instantly noticed something unusual about each other.
"Miss Suzuki..."
"Miss Fujiwara..."
They spoke simultaneously, paused, then both uttered the same word.
"Spectator."
At once, the two, despite their significant age difference, both smiled knowingly.
"So that's what it is," Maho said, her smile calm and composed.
"Indeed, handling the affairs of Suzuki requires such an ability. It helps with everything."
"The same applies to diplomacy," Maho replied. "A diplomat's work benefits greatly from the power to perceive others."
Ayako nodded. "It seems your visit concerns the film city."
"Mm."
Maho didn't deny it. Since they were both Spectators, she could speak directly.
"Yesterday, Ren was invited to our home, and we discussed some important matters," she said, then continued, "One of them was about the film city."
"As for the land, I assume Suzuki Zaibatsu is struggling to secure approval?"
"Indeed," Ayako admitted with a sigh. "Even if our family wishes to proceed, it's not that simple. The film city is clearly meant to be the future city for the extraordinary. It would be best not to let the ruling circle interfere too much. But even on paper, it still needs considerable approval and preparation."
"It's actually not that complicated," Maho said, shaking her head slightly. She opened her briefcase and took out a folder.
"Please take a look, Miss Suzuki."
"This is…!?"
The documents described a vast area large enough to build a new city, connecting several long-abandoned coastal towns.
It explained that these towns had been deserted for decades.
Each one was situated near the coast, with mountainous terrain surrounding it, making development difficult.
Transportation was inconvenient, and although there were usable ports, the towns lacked significant resources. After decades of population loss, these towns had been removed from national development plans.
However, this very lack of people and resources made Ayako's eyes light up.
Developing such an area would be difficult, but once completed, it would be perfect for their new city.
"It's quite suitable, isn't it?"
"Hmm, although the development cost is high, these towns are ideal and match my expectations perfectly," Ayako said after a pause. "There aren't many such areas, and it's even rarer to find several connected towns like this."
Maho nodded. "Indeed. These areas are recorded by the government, but few are willing to develop them. The effort and reward are disproportionate. Building proper roads alone would require blasting through mountains. It's not considered worth the cost."
"That's why the land prices are so low."
"Then these lands..." Ayako pointed at the map in the documents.
"These lands are for sale, of course," Maho said. "But Miss Suzuki will have to find them herself. Fujiwara draws too much attention."
Once Ayako entered her observer mode, she immediately understood the implication and nodded.
"Alright. I'll find them as soon as possible."
"Then I'll congratulate you in advance," Maho said with a smile.
"Not at all, I should be thanking you instead."
The two women stood and exchanged a knowing smile before shaking hands.
Some things didn't need to be spoken aloud. Observation was enough.
(To be continued.)