"Director Samuel, you're truly well-informed. Indeed, my institute lacks the expertise for effective superpower development. That's why I'm seeking your assistance, an expert in Academy City's esper programs."
"Not simple… this attitude… no… is anything impossible for this man? No wonder he brought me and Hayasaka along today… but just who is this boy to warrant such deference?"
By now, Shinomiya Kaguya had fully grasped her father's intentions. She had long known this day would come, but she hadn't expected it to arrive so soon—or in such a manner. Why, exactly? What kind of status or value did this boy possess to make Shinomiya Ganan go to such lengths?
After all, when her older brother, Shinomiya Oko, was arranged for a marriage alliance with the Universal Enterprises, one of the other four major conglomerates, the process wasn't nearly this rushed or forced.
Though the Shinomiya Group was one of the four major conglomerates, its foundation was shallower compared to the other three. In terms of international influence, it lagged behind groups like Samuel's, which wielded significant "ability."
The reason it was counted among the "Big Four" was largely because the public—ordinary people—focused on tangible, everyday commodities: money.
Thus, the Shinomiya Group, with its vast wealth, earned its place as one of the four.
But that didn't mean it should be underestimated. Money was a form of power, and when a behemoth like the Shinomiya Group moved, its influence could disrupt international affairs.
Still, compared to the other three, it was half a step behind, and alliances with it were considered "fitting matches."
So why, Kaguya wondered, would her father lower himself to practically give her away?
She couldn't comprehend it. Though brilliant, her lack of experience limited her understanding.
Samuel and Shinomiya Ganan, however, knew the reasons all too well.
Let's break it down. The four major conglomerates stood at the pinnacle of international influence, just below the "Big Five" powers and Academy City.
The Prometheus Group, led by Samuel, was on par with the Shinomiya Group in status. But as a member of Academy City's governing council and head of Judgment—equivalent to a police superintendent—Samuel's standing was effectively half a step above the Shinomiya Group, aligning him with the other three conglomerates.
Yet, that alone wouldn't explain this situation.
Two additional factors tipped the scales.
First, Samuel was the "chairman," the head of his enterprise—not a mere heir, but the "king" himself, unlike the previous marriage alliance.
Second, Samuel was a Level 5 esper, representing the pinnacle of individual power in the known world. It was said a Level 5 could destroy a small nation. While not a major power, this status was profoundly significant.
These two factors combined prompted Shinomiya Ganan to take this step.
Trading a daughter meant for marriage alliances, a servant girl, and a bit of pride for this connection was, for a capitalist like Shinomiya Ganan, practically a no-cost deal.
Samuel fell into a brief silence.
Even with Firewall isolating the bulk of his processing, his remaining computational capacity churned rapidly, analyzing the pros and cons. After countless simulations, the verdict was: not bad.
Not bad didn't mean good—it simply meant no harm would come from this.
If there was no downside, would Samuel refuse two beautiful girls offered to him?
No matter how rational he was, Samuel was still a man. And these girls were the "waifus" he'd fantasized about in his past life. Accepting them was only natural.
"Hahaha… Since Chairman Shinomiya trusts me so much, I won't let you down. I'll do my utmost to help your daughter awaken her superpowers and guide her training."
"Then I leave it in your hands. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave!"
Shinomiya Ganan stood with an enthusiastic smile, then turned to Shinomiya Kaguya and Hayasaka Ai. "Kaguya, Ai, you must (he emphasized) follow Director Samuel's instructions!"
"…Yes, Father."
Kaguya watched as her father essentially handed her over to Samuel. But what could she do? As a member of the Shinomiya family, her upbringing had taught her this was her duty, one she could only accept.
"Yes, Chairman."
If even the Shinomiya princess was in this position, Hayasaka Ai, a mere servant, had even less power to refuse.
"Don't worry, Ai. Your father is a talented man. It's about time his position was elevated."
At the end, Shinomiya Ganan added this pointed remark.
Hayasaka Ai's body stiffened, then she nodded, as if resigning herself to her fate.
"Rest assured, I'll take good care of the two young ladies. Shall I arrange for someone to see you out?"
"No need, no need. My driver's waiting downstairs. I must be off."
With that, Shinomiya Ganan hurriedly left. Samuel didn't bother to see him out, merely watching him go.
Taking the main seat, Samuel's gaze settled on the two beautiful girls left in his care.
Shinomiya Kaguya's face was a mask of ice, her eyes as lifeless as a corpse's, betraying no emotion. Yet the subtle movements of her fingers revealed her underlying tension.
Hayasaka Ai, on the other hand, wore her nervousness openly.
Her hands fidgeted nervously in front of her, and she instinctively lowered her head to avoid Samuel's gaze, the epitome of restlessness.
"Still the ice queen, huh?"
"So different from that versatile maid I remember. Too green!"
Samuel studied the two, and to be honest, he could do anything he wanted with them right now—even mold them into whatever he desired. But… there was Dolores was no need.
"Hm?"
Samuel felt a gentle touch on his shoulders. Hayasaka Ai was skillfully massaging them.
As a "subordinate," she was acutely aware of her role and what was expected of her.
"Heh."
Samuel chuckled lightly, then said, "Ladies, do you want to change your fate of being at others' mercy? Well… here's your chance. Get ready to awaken your own Personal Reality!"