As a result, the dogs from the Koyama neighborhood won in less than five minutes. They did it without my special help.
“Well, you're a hero,” I patted Idzivaru and then straightened up. “Well done! For showing courage and recklessness, the cat clan Idzivaru is rewarded with two pounds of fish. Get your reward in the morning. And now go back to your barracks.”
As if they had heard and, most importantly, understood me, the canine army gathered in one large crowd and trotted back. Only Idzivaru stayed near, settling down next to me.
The next morning Idzivaru, as usual, was sitting on my fence with an indecently pleased look on his face. Don't ask how I understood this because I can’t answer that. The reason for this contentment, most likely was... She was ten steps away from the cat, rubbing her cheek.
“Did you get it, redhead?” I asked Mizuki.
“I just wanted to pat him,” she said, hurt. “And he scratched my hand and cheek.”
“You should stop pestering him.”
“Well, I won't! The girl muttered. He will be pet, squeezed, and kissed. This is war!” She sent her hand with an extended index finger in the direction of the cat, who yawned at her indifferently.
Not only Rydon, but also Aniko was waiting for me by the school gates. I had no idea what she wanted. She greeted me, smiled, and walked with us to the main building. She invited me to dinner over the long recess. I'd been expecting something like that, and finally, it happened.
The question is, why did she, not Rydon, invite me? Does it mean something? For example, the invitation could be more official coming from Aniko.
The invitation was extended at the entrance to the cafeteria, where the girl was waiting for me. Rydon went to the table, leaving me alone with the blonde. In his defense I must say that he only left after Aniko gave him a mean eye.
Most likely, he doesn't know either that I'm being invited to his house. What do they want from me, for God's sake? It is clear that they want to establish good relations, but such a close relation? Inviting to family dinners and events is too much, in my opinion. Only if they are chasing some goal. What could that goal be?
“I'm very pleased with your invitation, beautiful,” I said, switching to a friendly tone, since we were alone. As long as we didn't scream, we wouldn’t attract too much attention. “But I still can't figure things out, and I have a lot on my plate right now. My days are literally mapped out in five-minute increments.”
I was not lying. If necessary, I really could find something to do for every minute of the day.
“That’s a pity,” the girl looked a little dispirited. “I hope you get everything sorted out soon. But, Shinji-kun,” she said, making a stern face,” you must learn to manage your time. Otherwise, you'll never have a girlfriend.”
What did she mean by that? If she were an ordinary girl, I would understand... I mean, if not for this strange situation with the Okhayashi clan, I would have understood. And so... I guess I'm just winding myself up and looking for a secret meaning where it does not exist. Oh gosh, I am a fool. The part about a girlfriend has no hidden message. It's simply meant to be laughed off or to quickly smooth out the first part of the phrase, so I won’t think that she's pushing me. After all, Aniko is a wise girl. And she is right. Sometimes, some things need to be postponed, for the sake of newly emerged business. A lunch with the head of a clan, no matter which one, is one of such cases. I truly am an arrogant bastard, who dares ignore such invitations. Additionally, knowing that Okhayashi will not leave me alone, refusing just doesn't make sense. Although it's possible, but it could be even worse.
“Hmm, you might be right,” I said thoughtfully.
“Rydon and I would be pleased if you came to have dinner with us. Not to mention Ami. My parents like you too.”
That's good that they like me. Where would I find time for this dinner? Today... I can do it today. I have no special plans. It would be nice, of course, to sort out in advance how to deal with the new fighters, who are not even here yet and who may not appear. This could wait though. I should have enough time before dinner. Anyway, I cannot do it in one day. On Tuesday, as Svyatov said to me last night, I'm going to have a conversation with Berkutov, after which he will decide whether he will send people to me or not. The problem is that he arrives in the evening. On Wednesday, I have dinner with the head of the Aketi clan. And on Thursday, another one with Schmidt's nephew. He has a lot of things for me, but mostly ammunition for the MIAs. On Friday, I wanted to visit Yamashita. It'll be purely a reconnaissance raid. I'll start at the hotel and finish at his home. At the same time, I can decide whether I should finish it myself or involve other people. If there is an opportunity, I will choose the second option. After all, such attacks need to be as damaging as possible. But if everything ends up being too complicated, I will be satisfied with the first option.
“Well, why not?” I cracked my neck and sighed. “Would today be better? All days up until Friday are full for me. The weekend too.”
“We'll be waiting for you tonight at eight,” the girl smiled, taking my hand. “Come on, Ami had a hand in making today's bento.”
After coming home after school, I decided not to go anywhere. I never had any time off. Just a few hours would be good enough. Although, the time it took to get to the Okhayashis, plus I needed to get ready... So, I could take a nap for the two or two and a half hours that I had. But I thought that would be a waste of time.
Okay, I'll go get some work done. Taro is quite good at getting things done at home. Why can't I?
The dinner at the Okhayashis was the same as last time: the same room, the same tables, the same ambiance. Even the same people sat at my table. In general, there was only one interesting moment at that dinner. It was when the younger Okhayashis and I were sitting on the veranda, sipping tea and enjoying Japanese sweets. The youngest Okhayashi was also with us. The youngest son of the head of the clan, Hiroshi, was a funny guy. Like a chameleon, he acted according to the situation he was in. At the dinner, he stoically tolerated the mothers' baby talk, and with us, he was cheerful and boisterous. At the same time, his behavior at his sister's birthday party clearly showed that he was capable of behaving according to his environment and surroundings.
Technically, this was normal for an aristocratic child, but the changes in his behavior were similar to someone flipping the switch. You have to admit, for an eight-year-old, it was very unusual. With one flick, he was a child, spouting fun and action. With another flick, he was the true son of the head of the clan. He could switch not only based on who was around at the moment—adults, peers, mothers, groups of people or individuals, friends, acquaintances or strangers of different ages—but also based on the situation. In short, this eight-year-old was either a genius with the consciousness of an adult or the craziest person I'd ever met in this world. Even Mizuki was not as good. But just in case, it was always better to be friends with a person like him. Staying away was even better.
So, sitting on the veranda, we drank tea and played cards. Sean came shortly before the end of the game, watching how poor Aniko couldn't win for the umpteenth time.
“That's weird,” grumbled the losing girl.
I'll tell you what, the grumbling Okhayashi Aniko was the dearest sight.
“It's all normal,” laughed Rydon, getting an angry look from the eldest sister. “If you won, that'd be weird.”
“Well,” Sean said, standing slightly away. “It's not that bad. In rare cases, she also wins.”
“Brother!” Exclaimed Aniko indignantly.
We need to play cards with her more often.
“Shinji and I won seven times in a row!” Hiroshi shouted, raising his hands.
There was nothing to be proud of, really. I don't know about the boy, but I had good cards. I just got lucky.
“You're a super player, Hiro-chan,” Sean smiled.
“Yes! I'm a super-duper player!”
“All right, all right,” said Sean, chuckling. “Unf
ortunately, it's time for you and Ami to get ready for bed.”
“Can we stay up a little longer?” Ami started begging.
“Plea-ea-ease,” the boy tuned in.
“Hiroshi,” Sean's voice sounded cooler.
Flick.
“Yes, brother,” Hiroshi said, very quickly. “Let's go. Come on, Ami.”
“Hiro-cha...”
“Ami.”
“Yes, I'm coming, I'm coming,” she replied, pouting.
This is an eight-year-old boy and a twelve-year-old girl. Four years difference. In childhood, this difference is pretty significant. It's kind of creepy.
“Well,” said Sean, when his brother and sister were out of sight, “do you want to play another one?”
It was so damn interesting to watch Aniko. After losing three times in a row, now she looked like a person who just realized that she lost for the fourth time, but who still didn’t want to give up. I really wanted to help her win at least once. I wanted to see how she’d look if she did.
“Shinji-kun,” Sean said, watching Aniko shuffle the deck, “what do you think about going to the hot springs with our family?”
Well-well. What an offer. This is just ridiculous. He is offering a commoner, regardless of my prospects, to go on vacation together with the main family of the Great Clan. Sloppy job, Okhayashi-san. I don't know what you want to achieve, but after such a proposal, I will be twice as cautious and circumspect.
“I think it'd be great,” I nodded. “Unfortunately, I have no time. Absolutely none. I don't foresee having any over the next three weeks.”
“You know, Shinji-kun, a manager needs to be able to find time for leisure. Otherwise, he can make a lot of mistakes from being fatigued.”
“I know. Sean-san, I know that very well.”
It became very silent in the room. Silence, as is known, can speak louder than words.
“So, should we get away sometime during the weekend?” Rydon broke the silence.
“I'm sorry, Ray. This weekend is going to be busier than ever. Spending one day on leisure is okay, but I can't do two.”
“There's gotta be light at the end of the tunnel,” Aniko said. “We can go to the hot springs in a month. That'll be even better. It will be warmer already.”
Hmm, funny. It seems that they are not going to leave me alone. In that case...
“Maybe even earlier, Aniko,” I told her. “I was thinking of taking a break from work as everything settles.”
Oddly enough, it's almost true. I need to rest. So why not go to the hot springs, even though I'd have to deal with the Okhayashis. The important thing is to discuss this issue with Koyama. After all, this also concerns them. To some degree.
“Great,” the girl smiled. “Then, let us know as soon as you take care of your business.”
“Excuse me?” I besieged her, pulling on a friendly smile.
She's a clever girl, but, nevertheless, she is still learning. In fact, I am a stranger to them, and she tells me to report about what is going on with my business. If it were Ray, I'd be okay with it, but I don't have such a close relationship with Aniko. In my world, this phrase is quite innocent, and even in this one, it does not mean much. However, this situation and the environment give it a double meaning. If I was a cleaner or something insignificant, that would be one thing, but she’s talking to the owner of a rather big company that deals with such big issues that they are outside of her understanding. Etiquette aside, why on earth is she demanding something from me in such a tone?
“I'm sorry,” the girl practically whispered, lowering her eyes. At least she understood her mistake right away.
“Shinji-kun, she didn't mean anything by that,” intervened Sean, grinning. “She likes you, so her response was a bit hasty”
“Brother!” Aniko exclaimed indignantly. “Do not say such embarrassing things.”
Well, Sean, you're right, let's laugh it off.
“Oh, that's what's going on,” I drawled.
“Shinji!”
“My older sister has grown up so fast,” Rydon said, wiping off a non-existent tear.
“What's up with you, guys? You're such perverts!” The girl jumped up and proudly walked away with an indignant expression on her face, adjusting her yukata.
In my opinion, that was what the female population of Japan said when they simply had nothing else to say. Before walking into the house, the princess of the clan turned around and pointed at us.
“Cheaters!” And she disappeared into the house.
“Every time she loses,” Sean said, shaking his head, “it all ends the same. Well, all right. Do not take offense at her, Shinji, she really does like you and was hasty with that statement...”
“Don't worry, Sean-san, I understand. I apologize for snapping.”
The heir to the clan nodded and resumed the interrupted topic.
“So, you don't mind joining us on our vacation to the hot springs?” He said half-questioningly.
“Absolutely not,” I lied, trying not to wince.
Aversion of lies is another quality of warlocks. It's especially hard for Absolutes, although, not critical. I just should have come up with another way of saying it.
“Great,” another smile from him.
In general, the Okhayashis love to smile. There was some irony in it if you did not understand.
“In that case, we'll wait for you to be done with your business and go on vacation together.”
***
“We are almost there, boss,” I heard Svyatov's voice on the phone. “If you have time, we can come in right now.”
So Berkutov doesn't even want to take a break after driving? Get a beer, relax?
“Yes, I'm free now, come in.”
Putting the phone on the table, I shivered. Amazingly, I was even a little nervous. Why you ask? Because of Svyatov. He wound himself up so much that I was getting anxious, too. So what if the negotiations ended up being unsuccessful? We'd survive, that’s what.
The man who came with Alexei was impressive. The expression “war dog” came to mind. He was about forty years old, with a weather-beaten, wrinkled face. His look was always squinted as if he was facing the wind. He was dressed in a black business suit that looked like a jacket on a goat, despite the biased opinion that a military man can rock any civilian clothes.
“Oh, good afternoon, Euge-Euge,” I greeted him in Russian, closing my paperwork drawer. “Please sit down. Alexei, would you tell someone to bring us some tea. And...” I looked at the guest with a questioning look.
“Coffee,” answered Berkutov.
“And coffee.”
Nodding, Svyatov left the office.
“I've heard of your age, but I didn't think that you were so... small.”
I almost frowned.
It is clear that he's provoking me, but why so rude? Who's being hired here, after all? I'm talking about at least a bit of politeness. Okay, enough grumbling. We should finally sit down. Eight years in Japan have made me completely wild. He wasn't that rude. It was quite reasonable.
“Let's first find out what we want from each other,” I said, ignoring his words. To some extent, that could be seen as rudeness, too.
“Sure,” he fell silent.
Does he want me to start?
“Hm. Well,” I rubbed the bridge of my nose, taking a seat behind my desk. “I need loyal people. Those who swear their allegiance to me when I get my Coat of Arms,” let him take it as a fat hint. “I need fighters, technicians in the broadest sense of the word, logisticians, drivers, secretaries—anyone I can trust. Believe me, a steady flow of work is guaranteed,” I corrected myself, “Maybe not right away, but I'll take care of them for the time being.”
Now it was my turn to keep silent.
Let's see what he answers.
His answer was a pack of cigarettes that he pulled from his pocket.
“Do you mind?” Well, that's better.
“Go ahead,” I pushed the ashtray towar
ds him.
He lit his cigarette. Letting out the smoke from his mouth into the ceiling, he fell deep into thought.
“You know,” he began, at last, “it's pretty hard to put into words what I want to get from you.”
“Especially so I don’t want to demonstrate it to you right away?“ I grinned.
“Something like that,” he smiled. “Did Svyatov tell you about the situation with the remnants of my clan?”
“A little bit. Close to nothing. I heard a little bit from him about the clan itself.”
“Heh. Just like everywhere else. People who used to think of each other like family, try to forget the past when things get tough. But the former comrades and their destiny dig up old wounds. That's why everyone has forgotten each other. Nobody looks back and tries not to think about the future. But it’s rather difficult to forget about what used to bind us together. This is a social part of the problem, and there is also a financial one. Too many have not been able to find a job in the new world. I don't know about the bloodline, but the hopelessness is what prevails among the commoners. I don't speak for everyone. Many of them have settled quite well. But those, who could not... They are mostly civilians. The wives of the killed fighters are especially unfortunate. Eh, I don't know how to express it. The rest of the clan is screwed. Just screwed. I want those, who decide to take the risk to feel behind their backs... not strength, no. It is our task to give you strength. Fidelity? Well, of course. Team spirit? M-yes, I've been trying to find the right words to say to you during my flight here, but I guess I was unsuccessful.”
“I understand you, Mr. Berkutov.”
“Do you?” He asked skeptically.
Of course, I do. I've been part of the warlock corps for so many years, and then, damn it, I quit. I can't tell him about it, though.
“Yes,” I replied with a grin, as if I was hinting at some secret I couldn't reveal. “I have a very vivid imagination.”
“And what will you say to my words, using your imagination?”
Losing Masks Page 27
