Chapter 731 Two Esteemed Guests
Chapter 731 Two Esteemed Guests
Day Seventy-Seven…
~~*****~~
[ At Sawada Clan Branch Headquarters… ]
Tatsumi heard the news that Jane and Mr. Hiroshi were currently at the main headquarters. He was helping the third branch leader in the preparation of the venue. A large hall would serve as the banquet hall for tonight's gathering.
The tables were now set. Only invited guests were able to join them. But the banquet would be recorded live so that other members who were staying in the other branches would be able to watch and join the gathering.
The majority of those in attendance comprised high-ranking officials from the Sawada Clan. A reserved private room awaited the distinguished VIP guests—representatives of both the Red Dragon Mafia and King Stallion Mafia.
These guests, however, would not be partaking in the main banquet. Instead, the members of the Red Dragon and King Stallion Mafia would be stationed in the private room, where they could watch the banquet unfold on a wide-screen monitor. Following the formal announcement, Jane would make her way to the private room to meet the leaders of the two mafias.
Alexander and Vincent assumed they would be greeted by Mr. Hiroshi in that room. Unbeknownst to them, Jane would accompany her father, taking charge of the negotiations with the two mafia leaders. The unexpected twist added an element of surprise to the upcoming encounter, revealing that Jane would be the key figure in the discussions. Besides, she had something to settle with those two.
It did not take long when Vincent and Alexander together with their two trusted subordinates arrived at the Sawada Clan Branch Headquarters.
"Welcome, our esteemed guests," Mr. Aoki, the third branch leader, greeted them with courtesy. Tatsumi joined him, only to be taken aback by the presence of the two masked men – both adorned with porcelain masks concealing their identities.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Tatsumi whispered to Mr. Aoki, "Who are they?" He had no inkling that such influential figures had been invited to their branch headquarters.
"The Dragon Lord and the King," Mr. Aoki declared, introducing the two mysterious men.
Tatsumi's jaws dropped at the revelation. "What?! Why are they invited to my engagement party?" he exclaimed, his frustration evident.
"Engagement party?" Vincent muttered in confusion. He turned to Alexander, shooting him a questioning gaze. However, Alexander could only shrug his shoulders, equally clueless about the unexpected turn of events.
"I'll guide you to your room. The party will start in an hour. You can wait there. The godfather is not yet around. But I'll inform him that both of you have arrived." Mr. Aoki was attentive to their two important visitors.
"We would appreciate that," Alexander responded.
Mr. Aoki guided them to the private room. Alexander, Vincent, Jack, and Speed followed him. Since Phoenix was still recuperating at the hospital, Vincent brought Speed with him while Alexander brought Jack. Their elite bodyguards were waiting outside since they were not allowed to enter the banquet hall and the private room.
"Everything is ready. You should go and change. Our godfather and Lady Jane are en route, accompanied by other branch leaders," urged Han Yi, the fifth branch leader, prompting Tatsumi to switch into his suit. Han Yi was the youngest branch leader among the eight leaders. Tatsumi pursed his lips as he placed his right arm on his chest. He looked nervous and tensed.
"What's wrong?" Han Yi tapped Tatsumi's shoulder.
"My heart races every time you mention my lady's name. I still find it hard to believe that our godfather wants me to marry her. It's like a dream come true," Tatsumi confessed with a dreamy expression in his eyes, the excitement evident in his voice.
Han Yi chuckled softly. "I haven't had the pleasure of seeing her yet. Is she really that stunning?"
"The word 'stunning' is an understatement. Her beauty is ethereal!" Tatsumi replied with pride, a sparkle in his eyes as he spoke about the enchanting qualities of Lady Jane. His admiration for her transcended the boundaries of conventional compliments, emphasizing the almost otherworldly nature of her beauty.
"Now, I'm intrigued. Hmm. You're one lucky guy. I suppose you've outshone us all, emerging as the next Clan Leader," Han Yi's voice carried a tinge of envy, but beneath it, there was genuine happiness for Tatsumi. After all, Tatsumi was like a brother to him, and Han Yi couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for his friend's achievements.
"By the way, have you seen my sister?" Han Yi was referring to Hanabi. Though they were not blood-related, Hanabi was raised by Han Yi's parents. "She's with Lady Jane. Sigh. That woman… I hope she can be as supportive as you. But your troublesome sister doesn't approve of me being our Lady Jane's husband. I still hate her! Hmmp."
Han Yi could only laugh at his last remarks. He wasn't surprised because he was used to seeing the Hanabi and Tatsumi banter a lot. "If you two could just get along, I might have considered asking you to marry my sister. But knowing you two, your house would probably turn into a daily battleground. Hahaha!" Han Yi playfully teased Tatsumi.
Tatsumi couldn't help but react to Han Yi's teasing words. Playfully, he punched Han Yi's shoulder upon hearing the suggestion. "No! No! Hanabi and I could never be together. We are sworn enemies!" he exclaimed, his tone carrying a mix of amusement and mock seriousness.
Han Yi laughed in response to Tatsumi's vehement denial. "Oh, come on, Tatsumi! Enemies or not, sometimes love blossoms in the most unexpected places. Imagine the dramatic romance between the two of you. It would be like a tale for the ages!"
Tatsumi rolled his eyes at Han Yi's theatrical description. "In your dreams, Han Yi. The only battles we'll be having are in the training grounds, not in the confines of matrimony!" The banter between the two friends continued, a lighthearted exchange that added a touch of humor to the anticipation of the impending engagement party. Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"I only like Lady Jane. She's the woman for me! Don't match me with your sister. Don't jinx my engagement. Okay!" Tatsumi punched Han Yi once again.
"Alright. I'll stop teasing you. At least, you are no longer nervous. Now… you have to change your clothes now. You are the star of tonight's gathering." Han Yi pushed him to leave the venue.
*****
Meanwhile, inside the private room, Alexander and Vincent already settled down together with Speed and Jack. Jack was very silent because he was not in a good mood. His mind was still bothered by Kathleen.
"King, is it really okay that we didn't bring weapons? This is our enemy's territory. They can shoot us anytime." Speed expressed her concern, doubting Sawada Clan's motive. "You should have stayed behind. You seldom attend this kind of meeting to avoid the potential enemy's trap. Why are you being careless today?" Speed began to question Vincent's action.
"If Phoenix is here, he won't allow you to be here," she added. She was just showing her concern for their leader's safety.
Even Alexander was puzzled because Vincent came in person.
"I must meet the Godfather. My presence will be the proof of my sincerity. I will not waste this potential alliance with him," Vincent replied, hiding his true motive. The truth was he just wanted to build rapport with Jane's father.
"Do you think Godfather will join forces with us to destroy the Syphiruz Mafia?" Alexander also joined the conversation. He tried his best to conceal his resentment toward Vincent.
"I'm not sure either. That's precisely why I'm here. I want to understand why he summoned us," Vincent admitted, a sense of uncertainty clouding his thoughts regarding Mr. Hiroshi's intentions for bringing them together.
"Oh, the man we encountered earlier. He's the one I was chasing after—the one responsible for the attacks on our bases in Country R, searching for you," Speed recalled, referring to Tatsumi. "But it seems like he doesn't recognize me."
"Maybe it's on Godfather's orders. He might want to uncover my identity," Vincent speculated.
"Oh my. I've got a bad feeling about this, my King. We should leave now while we still can," Speed expressed, her anxiety palpable as she considered the implications of the gathering.
"You don't have to worry. I've already taken some precautionary measures. Nothing bad will happen to us here," Alexander reassured her, attempting to alleviate Speed's concerns.