Within two kilometers of the inn, there was only one café. A quick map search was enough.
This was a school trip, not free travel. Students had to apply with teachers to leave. So Kaguya and Hayasaka changed into casual clothes, avoided patrolling teachers, and slipped out.
Before leaving, they asked classmates to cover for them during room checks.
Stepping into the cold night air, the two girls walked toward the café.
"Hayasaka, you said the one who texted me is someone I've seen before?"
"Yes, at Rinji's house."
"At Rinji's house? Then it must've been when I switched identities with him… you mean?"
"Exactly the one you're thinking of."
As they talked, a café with a lit sign appeared.
Inside was a quaint yet elegant atmosphere. Warm lighting added a cozy feel.
A vintage phonograph played classical music, and besides the barista, only a few scattered guests sat inside.
At a small round table in the center sat a middle-aged man sipping coffee. When he saw them, he waved them over.
The moment Kaguya saw him, she confirmed her guess.
It was Wilson, the international financial giant, and an elder member of IW.
Unlike his warm attitude when she had impersonated Rinji, Wilson now wore a cold face and sharp eyes, just like the image from her childhood.
"Mr. Wilson, were you the one who called me here?"
"Yes."
He nodded, then, upon seeing Hayasaka, his cold expression softened into a smile.
"Ah, it's the young madam. Didn't expect you here too."
"I thought Kaguya-san might be nervous, so I came along. I hope that's not a problem," Hayasaka said.
"Of course not. In fact, though I hadn't planned on troubling the young madam with this, I'm very glad you're here."
Listening to their exchange, Kaguya didn't know what to say.
This man, someone even her brothers had to bow to, respectfully called Hayasaka "young madam."
Her former attendant and maid now stood above her.
The world really had changed fast.
Wilson snapped his fingers, and the barista brought over two menus.
Handing them over, Wilson asked, "What would you like?"
Kaguya: "Tea."
Hayasaka: "Coffee."
In ten minutes, a cup of tea and a coffee were served.
From the fragrance alone, Kaguya could tell the tea leaves were top grade, brewed with masterful technique. Hard to believe such a small café served this quality.
But Kaguya wasn't here for tea.
"Mr. Wilson, were you the one who texted me?"
"Yes. There are things I need to discuss with you." He sipped his coffee.
"You said it was about the Shinomiya family…"
"Correct. This matter was an order from the young master before he left. He instructed me to come to Kyoto to oversee you completing something."
"An order from Rinji?"
Kaguya turned her head toward Hayasaka, but Hayasaka only shook her head to show she knew nothing.
Wilson continued, "According to the young master's wishes, he hopes that you can completely transfer the family business into her own name during this trip to Kyoto."
"Eh?"
"Before that, I will assist you in taking over the Shinomiya family industries, and IW will take a share of it," Wilson said. "That's basically the matter."
She had known this day would come, but she didn't expect it to arrive during this school trip.
She had to personally face the main house and negotiate.
This time, without Rinji stepping in for her, Kaguya herself had to confront her elder brother.
For her, it was pressure.
"Must it be now?"
"Yes, this matter shouldn't be delayed. If dragged on, IW will take full control over the Shinomiya business," Wilson said calmly. "I don't know exactly what the scene would look like then, but the young master sent me here precisely to avoid that outcome."
Wilson's implication was clear.
If Kaguya refused to inherit the industries, IW would step in forcefully, and that meant stripping the Shinomiya family of its industries by the simplest and most brutal means.
"The Shinomiya zaibatsu controls Japan's economic lifelines and influences its politics from the shadows. If things escalate, the people of this country won't have it easy. But if you, Shinomiya, handle this matter, the impact can be minimized," Wilson said with a smile. "After all, you're a legitimate heir."
"How much industry do I need to take? Is it what my brother promised before…"
"All of it."
"Ah?"
"There's nothing to be surprised about," Wilson said. "The young master doesn't want bloodshed within the Shinomiya family, but the condition is that you completely take control. Under your control, the Shinomiya family won't be IW's enemy."
Taking all the Shinomiya industries and completely controlling the family—this was a hell-level difficulty for a young lady once cast aside by her family, especially with no Rinji this time.
"…What if I fail?"
"Then, unfortunately, we'll shut down all trade routes connected to the Shinomiya family and buy out their industries to destroy them completely."
Wilson said it as if it were nothing, but cold sweat ran down Kaguya's back.
"And everyone connected to the main house, from direct line to cadres, will go on IW's blacklist. Simply put, none of them will be spared."
"…Does Rinji agree to this?"
"If he didn't, why would the young master send me to pressure you?"
Looking at the hesitant Kaguya, Wilson said, "Personally, I dislike the evasive way politicians speak, so let me be frank. Our organization's policy toward enemies or potential enemies is elimination. As for the Shinomiya family, they're nothing more than a disobedient stray dog. Letting them jump around for four years was already a miracle. This needs to end."